So you may notice that a large number of my high school senior and engagement sessions are photographed in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. I love it.  And my clients must love it too because they will come all the way from Madison and La Crosse just to get their photos taken there.  It’s a lovely location for photos and there is always something new to be discovered.  Well, add this city to the list.  Diana and Matt chose to have their session in Matt’s hometown of Lansing, Iowa.

We started at the peak of Mt. Hosmer Park, then worked our way down to the historic downtown.  (As a side note, Lansing is one of Iowa’s newest Main Street program cities… quite an honor!  I used to work for Wisconsin’s Main Street program in Viroqua so believe me when I say it’s a big deal.  Anyway.  Back to Diana and Matt.)  Finally, we ended up down along the Mississippi River with views of the bridge and the usual river traffic, barges.  :)

And, can I just have it noted for the record… Diana and Matt were fantastic.  They were up for anything… sitting on the edge of a very high look-out, climbing down to the riverbank, or laying in the grass (while wearing a white shirt!)   Plus, Diana is the sister of one of my friends.  So, really, there’s no way that they couldn’t be awesome.  :)

Have I ever mentioned how awesome my clients are?  In the wedding industry, you hear so much about “bridezillas” and other random disasters.  I’m pretty happy to report that I don’t get that.  At all.  My clients rock.  Especially Tessa and Matt.  I was so excited to shoot their engagement session in Denver last month – my wanderlust was happy, my camera was happy to have new and exciting locations to photograph, and I was happy because Tessa and Matt are awesome.  We started out at Red Rocks Amphitheater.  Holy smokes.  It’s amazing.  Even the local resident hippies loved it.  :)

Yeah, I couldn’t resist snapping this photo as we made our way out of the parking lot.

Anyway.  Back on track.  Tessa and Matt.

Meet Calvin, the black lab.  I’d like to add that Matt’s last name is Klein.  So, please put that together.  Calvin.  Klein.  Bwahahahaha.  My sense of humor is corny enough that I think that’s awesome.  Don’t you?

After Red Rocks, we snapped a few photos out in the rain, then headed to a wine bar called The Wine Loft in downtown Denver. This place was fantastic; exposed brick, exposed ceilings, and a pretty delicious tapas menu. Of course, we enjoyed a cocktail… you know… for the sake of the photos. The staff was so nice – they even let us take a few photos in their wine cave!

Tessa and Matt, thanks for a great session!  So lovely to meet you; I’m really looking forward to your wedding!

Growing up, our home was filled with antiques and pieces of furniture that were built with incredible craftsmanship.  At the time, I didn’t understand why we didn’t replace our furniture more often.  After all, society tends to suggest that styles are always changing, and we should have the latest and greatest items.  But… now… I get it.  I totally get it.  Timeless pieces of furniture, built by artisans and craftsmen, will outlast you and I.  If we invest wisely, our grandchildren will one day marvel in the craftsmanship of a piece of furniture that is passed down to them.

The entire area surrounding Gays Mills is filled with artisans, artists, and people of incredible talents.  The longer I live here (6 years already), the more I am impressed with what I see going on around me.    I was thrilled to photograph the gorgeous furniture designs of Joseph Schwarte of Gays Mills.  Check out his website HERE.  He makes beautiful, solidly designed custom furniture.  

And now, meet Joe.  He didn’t plan on having his photo taken but I talked him into it.  :)  To find out more about commissioning a piece of custom furniture for your family, please visit his website.  You won’t  be disappointed.

Isn’t the bouquet amazing?  Sadie’s Couture Floral and Event Styling did such a good job on all the details!

The cathedral in St. Paul = wow.

Their reception was at the Hilton.  A.Mazing.  Instant Request was their DJ and also did their lighting.  Isn’t it amazing?  I can’t say enough about how much of a difference professional lighting makes at a reception.  As a side note, Instant Request also did the lighting at Nikki & John’s wedding in Shakopee, MN a couple weeks ago.  Love this company!

Liz changed into this dress mid-way through the reception.  Isn’t it amazing?  She surprised everyone with this pink Vera Wang puffy dress.  Over 200 yards of fabric went into this gown!

“Are you nervous?” I asked Tom while he was waiting to see Virginia for the first time.

“Rebecca, I have waited 36 years for her.”  Tom calmly said.  ”I’m ready.”

My heart skipped a beat with the matter-of-fact way he said this.  The love that this couple shares is pretty inspiring. The way she looks at him, the way he says such sweet things to her… it’s the love that we all hope to find in our partner.

Virginia is not my first bride who wore Toms shoes.  But she is the first bride who wore them that is marrying a “Tom”.  And she’s the first bride who hand-painted her Toms.  Pretty fun, huh?  Virginia is crafty like that.

Vintage red convertible mustang on a wedding day?  Yes, please.  Yes yes yes.

Virginia and Tom were married in Vilonia, Arkansas, but we drove to Conway, AR for their couple portraits.  Oh, and let me explain the glasses.  :)  It was St. Patrick’s Day.  So they wove a few little shamrock themed items into their day.  No green beer though.  Sad face.

I believe the photo above is supposed to be Tom’s “sexy face”.  I’m not entirely sure it had the desired effect.  Virginia and I could barely keep a straight face.

Tom and Virginia, I wish you nothing but happiness and good things.  Thank you so much for bringing me down to Arkansas for your wedding.  :)

How cool are these next little albums?  They are purse-sized and come in sets of four.  Perfect for giving to grandparents, parents, and close friends!

I’d love to see you there!  P.S.  If we’ve never met and you are a “silent follower”, you are so very welcome to stop by!  I’d love to meet you.  :)

If you are on Facebook and plan on attending, could you please take a moment to RSVP on my grand opening event page HERE?  It’s appreciated so I know how much delicious tapas-style food to prepare!

What is a mini-session, you may ask?  Good question.  Basically, they are short sessions (around 25 minutes) that are great for an updated annual family photo, a nice alternative to the boring school photos of your kids, or just a good reason to document something special.  A full session is around 1 – 1.5 hours, so this is not meant to take the place of a full session, but it is a great option for those on a budget who want custom portraits.  New this year – I’m including a 12×12 or 11×14 canvas gallery wrap with each mini-session.  My regular price for one of these luxe gallery wraps is $150 so this is an incredible deal!

How adorable is Taylor?  Such a little fashionista.  She and her momma drove from Richland Center to Gays Mills for her portraits… we had great light and just explored behind my house.

Sigh.  Oh, so lovely.  When Amy asked me to photograph her and Nathan’s Las Vegas wedding, I immediately pictured a wedding chapel and Elvis.  And, honestly, I got kind of excited.  Then, she told me more.  It was going to be a beautiful wedding at the luxurious Red Rock Canyon Resort and hotel… nothing gaudy or silly about it.  Then I was even MORE excited.  :)  Let me tell you, this wedding did not disappoint.  It was truly lovely.  Amy & Nathan were so wonderful to work with, and their family/friends?  Well, let’s just say that two of them rented “Dumb and Dumber” tuxedos for a night on the town.  In a nutshell, there was not a dull moment during the entire wedding.

Jimmy Choo heels.  Love.

Amy and Nathan’s families both work in the cranberry business. So they shipped out their own cranberries to Las Vegas for use in the decorations and meal …  aren’t they stunning?

After the ceremony, the we all hopped on two limo buses.  The wedding party and I (plus Ben, my hubby/second shooter) went on a photo excursion and driving tour of the strip.  First stop?  The Las Vegas sign.  Notice Elvis in the purple velvet pantsuit to the right?  At first I removed him from the photo, but it was pretty funny to me.  So… I put him back in.  :)

“Love” image, attempt  #1: (below)

Love image attempt #2, below.  Much better.

I can’t say enough good things about the Red Rock Resort.  They were very accommodating, organized, and the presentation of the cake and cocktail hors d’oeuvres was amazing.

Amy told me there would be one or two dances in between dinner courses.  They had no way of knowing it would turn into a full-on dance party in the middle of their reception.  Suuuper fun!  Did I mention this group really enjoyed themselves?

Amy & Nathan, thank you so much for a lovely time, your fun wedding, and your graciousness while planning.  We’ve enjoyed getting to know you!

Photography: Studio Noveau
Venue: Red Rock Canyon Hotel and Resort

Spa/Salon: The Spa at Red Rock Canyon Resort

Limousine Service: Presidential Limousine

Dress: L’Atelier Couture

Shoes: Jimmy Choo