A Harley kind of Love - Rockford Wedding Photographer

I went out with Sarah and Josh this last week to do one of her engagement sessions, they will be married in July of 2011. Josh has a few "Man toys" and they had asked if I would be willing to do a session or two with them including the motorcycle and the car. 

For our first session we went out to Beckmann Mill outside of Beloit, WI to make use of the nice buildings, and a little county side. They were a perfect couple to photograph, making my job very easy! I enjoyed my morning with the two of them, and ready to go out with the car next!

Enjoy your sneak peek!

For this one, I had asked them to climb onto the bike and ride pass me a few times. This was the very first picture, I love this. It would look so very neat printed large! (Hint hint)

The Gilg Family - Rockford Family Photographer

In January of 2010, I volunteered my time and covered a fundraiser for the RACH (Rockford Area Coalition for the Homeless). I donated a session for the auction, in which the Gilg Family won. 

We went out to play at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford, IL. We had fun and captured some great pictures of their beautiful family.

Enjoy your sneak peek!

Kevin & Erica - A Texan Wedding - Waco, Texas Photographer

At the beginning of this month, I traveled to Texas to be home with extended family and photograph my cousin, Erica's wedding. The weather was sunny and HOT - 108 degrees in the shade I'm sure.

Kevin & Erica had planned a full Texas themed wedding. Cowboy boots and all. Erica wore some pretty pink heels for the ceremony, then quickly traded for her boots for the reception. Erica was absolutely a stunning bride, and a complete natural to photograph. In between the ceremony and reception we were able to capture some portraits in the downtown area of McGregor. Some very cool buildings, colors, textures. How how I wish I could had them available all the time at home. 

The reception was beautiful in the Old Amsler Building in Crawford, Texas. Erica, family, and friends went all out decorating, and everything looked wonderful. To top it off with some Texas BBQ Brisket (which us northerners or yankees don't get here at home) which was delicious. After the speeches, the night was filled with dancing. Young and old!

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day! Best wishes to you both! Love you guys!

It wouldn't be a Texas wedding without a ring picture on some Cowboy Boots!

Two words - LOVE THESE!

Some heartfelt words in the speeches, complete with tears.

Some all out Country dancing! 

A picture to prove, the bridal party all ditched their heels along with Erica and went for the boots! The night was full of dancing. The young kids spun themselves around and the girls enjoyed the line dancing.

A Surprise Vow Renewal 25th Anniversary - Rockford Event Photographer

Several months ago I was contacted by Tiffany regarding covering her parents 25th Wedding Anniversary Party. This was an honor, as I grew up in Kishwaukee Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois where her dad, David McDaniel is the pastor.

She mentioned a few details and that they were planning on surprising their parents with a vow renewal ceremony. I was in awe, wondering how the children were going to pull this off, without someone spilling the beans. As far as Pastor & Tammy knew, they were having an open house celebrating their anniversary.

The party was held at the beautiful Briggs Mansion in Rockford. 

Tammy had her wedding dress on display in the Bride's room upstairs. It looks like it just fit right in!

Tammy's mother made the cake for them.

In order to set up for the ceremony, I was told to take them outside to take pictures of just the two of them. Not only was I taking pictures, but asking tons of questions about how Dave proposed, their wedding, where they went on a honeymoon. I was nervous just holding them outside.

Tiffany came out to bring them inside (and rescue me) and they both were surprised.

After 25 years, alongside their children, they renewed their vows.

Congratulations to Pastor David & Tammy on 25 years and a renewal! 

A Baptism Morning - Beloit Children's Photographer

I met with Rachel and family the morning before her baptism for a quick family session at Horase White Park in Beloit, WI. Rachel wasn't too accepting of smiling for the camera, more so gave me a look. We managed to catch some good ones.

Enjoy your sneak peek!

A beautiful morning spent at Klehm Arboretum - Rockford Family Photographer

   I really enjoyed spending the morning with Liz and all of her family.  We took in all the sites at Klehm Arboretum while photographing her gorgeous family and having a lot of fun. Snapped some great family photos and even got the family dogs in on the action!  Enjoy your sneak peak...

The whole crowd

Bring on the dogs...they were so good!

He really wanted to look at the fish and not me but he was a good sport for the camera.

Some water works!

"Footsies"

Photographed by Melissa

Some grand baby fun - Roscoe Children's Photographer

Last week had the opportunity to meet with Deb and her grand-babies. She just had a new arrival to the family, and the others were in town visiting. The older boys weren't exactly thrilled to be having their picture taken, but with some laughs from Grandma we caught a few.

Enjoy your sneak peek!

(Photographed by Tamra Mullranin)