It’s that time of year again – the time for my family to get together to take our Christmas card photo… also commonly referred to as Jonas’s birthday. :-) Last weekend he celebrated his FOURTH BIRTHDAY!!! Here are a few facts about Jonas:

He loves shirts with numbers on them.

He believes cheesecake is the best kind of birthday cake.

He loves playing with his train set and anything having to do with Thomas.

He can read Blue Hat, Green Hat all by himself.

He loves the number 4. :-)

Here is his ‘superman’ pose. :-)

His real/laughing smile on the left, his cheesy/picture smile on the right.

With his new sock puppet, Arrrgyle the pirate.

And of COURSE there are photos of Isaac to show you! He turned one a month ago. Here are a few of his favorite things:

He loves his pacifier.

He likes to ‘read’ books, just like his big brother.

He loves playing in the dirt.

Running is his favorite.

Give this boy some rocks to play with and he is one happy camper!!

Isaac loves cake, too. :-)

Me and my nephews in our pjs!

I am so excited to update the picture frames around my apartment!!!

For two years I have been waiting sooo patiently for Alan + Paige to get married. Paige and I used to have coffee dates all the time when I lived in Brookings, and the first coffee date after her left hand was being weighed down by a beautiful diamond ring, she asked me to be her wedding photographer. “Of course!!” I responded with absolutely no hesitation!

Over the next few coffee dates, we talked about her wedding plans, how the colors would be peacock greens and blues, how she really wanted some fancy new shoes, but would have to elope (with their parents and me, of course) to be able to afford them. And then was the coffee date when she had a picture to show me. Of her amazing Manolo Blahniks from Alan.

When I finally got to meet Alan at their engagement session, I knew he was perfect for Paige. Not only does he support her love for shoes, he supports her. From the gifts they exchanged at the beginning of the day, to the glances they shared during the ceremony, the way he carried her across the baseball field, and the way he held her during their first dance as husband and wife, I knew Alan was the perfect one to protect Paige forever. Duane, your daughter is in great hands. :-)

I just love it when mothers are right there helping their daughters get ready. :-)

Paige gave Alan a cross on a chain and a book that she filled in with stories about them. He read a few stories aloud and I had to keep myself busy by taking pictures so I wouldn’t cry!

Alan gave Paige a beautiful bracelet – that her mom had known about for some time. :-)

I know I’ve said it before, and I’m going to say it again – isn’t my friend BEAUTIFUL?!

I LOVE that Paige wore her veil over her face…

… because it made this moment so spectacular!!

p.s. This is also their first look. :-)

I also love photographing at St. Thomas More in Brookings because I love capturing the parents’ expressions!

Alan – thank you for having wonderful ideas. :-)

How can you be an SDSU couple and NOT take pictures by the Campanile? It simply isn’t possible. :-)

During the typical ‘shoe shot’ I said “okay, now show me happy feet!” Alan couldn’t keep from dancing. :-)

The Old Sanctuary was decorated so beautifully with peacock feathers and lush greens.

Ten points to whoever can guess what song all these ladies are dancing to!!

ceremony | St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Brookings, SD

reception | Old Sanctuary, Brookings, SD

wedding gown | Allure Bridals

bride’s shoes | Manolo Blahnik

bridesmaid dresses | Bill Levkoff

groom + groomsmen outfits | TIp Top Tux

flowers | HyVee Floral

hair + makeup | friends of the bride

mini pies + caterer | MarketPlace Grille, Inwood, Iowa

dj | Ben Wise, Sound Co., Sioux City, Iowa

Alan + Paige – I love you guys. Thanks SO MUCH for having me be a part of your wedding. And now that you’re not so busy planning your wedding, lets have more coffee dates, okay?! :-)

The days are getting cooler and shorter and the leaves are already starting to turn colors. Although we’re almost 3/4 through 2011 I am just now half-way through my 2011 weddings. The next two months are going to be CRAZY busy for me, traveling for weddings, engagements and holidays. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Here’s what I’ve been enjoying THIS month:

1. Chubby Chipmunk truffles from Deadwood, SD – a nice little surprise from Lance. :-)

2. Manolo Blahnik wedding shoes – I have been waiting TWO YEARS for Alan + Paige to get married so I could photograph her sheos. :-)

3. Peppermint Hot Cocoa – I had my first hot chocolate of the season last week. Bring on the colder weather, I’ve got a stockpile of hot cocoa mix!!

4. prints – I’m usually a solid color kind of girl, but lately I’ve been enjoying some new printed dresses and scarves from Target. With some solid colored cardigans, of course!!

“If you want my number, you’ll have to find it on your own.” Terra was playing ‘hard to get’ because Oprah said you shouldn’t just give a guy your number – if they really want to call you, they’ll figure out how to get your digits.

Except it turns out her number wasn’t that hard for Ryan to get. Especially since their friends (who happen to be married to each other) set them up on the date. Ryan called his friend and asked his wife (Terra’s friend) for her number.

After six years of hunting, fishing, and moving to different cities together, they’re finally tying the knot this October here in the beautiful Black Hills!!

p.s. If you’re a hunter and you go to Cabela’s often, you might recognize Ryan – his friend does product photography for different equipment and Ryan is oftentimes his model! Plus, Terra is such a natural in front of the camera. So it’s official, folks – my clients are professional models! ;-)

Mike + Emily are one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met. It’s obvious how in love they are. Photographing them was such a treat, and I can’t wait for their wedding next year!!

They met in the dorms at SDSU when Mike was helping a friend move in. He didn’t know he would meet a new friend – one that he would spend the rest of his life with. They dated through college and talked about marriage – but it wouldn’t be until Emily graduated – and dreamed about their futures together.

Just a few days after Emily’s college graduation, Mike had a present for her. One that he had been hiding for a few months in the box spring under his mattress. Her birthday was the perfect opportunity for the special gift he was giving. A beautiful jewelry box with an even more beautiful and important piece of jewelry inside. A ring to symbolize the rest of their life together. :-)

Mike + Emily – you are such a wonderful couple, both inside and out! I had a great evening with you this weekend in Sioux Falls and you can believe I’ll be counting down the weekends until your wedding in Iowa!! :-)