Lynnea & Blaine - Engagement

There were so many reasons I couldn't wait for this engagement session.  First, because I'd finally meet Lynnea.  Who Blaine is crazy about.  And, knowing Blaine for the past few years, I was a little protective of who would become his future Mrs.  She couldn't be just anyone.  She had to be awesome.  And funny.  And beautiful.  And really funny.  And really, really awesome.

Secondly, it was my first outdoor session post dreary winter.  Hello sunshine and color and smiling faces.  Hallelujah!

And lastly, because I'm so happy for Blaine.  We met through work at my previous job at a small, practically unknown burrito joint known as a Chipotle.  We were both new to the market.  Me in HR, him in IT.  We had to stick together.  It's a crazy world out there.  He always impressed me with his sincerity, his ability to get a laugh, and just his general kindness to others.  Plus, he could fix my computer which frequently seemed to have issues...

"Blaine - my computer is freaking out.  I can't get it to do anything and the internet won't work"
"Rachelle, have you tried restarting it?"
"Uhhh... well... (sigh).  No."
"Why don't you do that first and call me back."

Everytime.

And nine times out of ten that's all it needed. Blasted.

So, Blaine deserved a great woman in his life.  Someone to match his character and charisma.  Someone to laugh at his jokes.  Within two seconds of meeting Lynnea it was easy to see Blaine's draw to her.  She is so full of joy and laughter!  And that gorgeous red hair - how incredible!  She and Blaine were comfortable and confident together.  And just plain happy. I have never laughed as hard during a session as I did with them.

Lynnea, you definitely passed the awesome test.  I am so happy for you both and can't wait to see you again in May!

Ashlee & Aaron - Engagement

I had to laugh.  Quickly after meeting Aaron and Ashlee, Aaron apologized and said his two least favorite things are having his picture taken and going to the dentist.  I told him we might be off to a rough start because taking photos is my gig, and in the in-between I work at a dental office.  We had a good chuckle about that.  What are the chances?  Aaron didn't have to worry long - give him a cup of coffee and a pair of running shoes and he is good to go.

Their engagement session took place during on an unbelievably piercing cold January afternoon.  Since a full outdoor shoot wasn't an option, we opted for a few indoor locations.  Union Station was the first stop, and we ended up enjoying it so much, we spent our whole time there.

Well... almost. When Ashlee originally emailed, she had one request.  And it was really quite a simple one.  Ever since she was a little girl, she has enjoyed the beauty of twinkling Christmas lights and wanted some photos at Crown Center with the adorned trees.  Absolutely!  How could I resist?  Every year when I journey back home, the family (and sometimes neighbors too) pile in the car and tour our small town's light displays.  We ooh and ahh over the nativity scenes and decorated lawns and rooftop ledges.

So after the indoor photos were taken and the sun was hanging low, we bundled up tight and prepared for arctic conditions.  Aaron and Ashlee were awesome - it was so crazy freezing cold, but they endured and kept smiling through the windchill and frigidity and frost nip.  Okay, so no one got frost bite.  But they could have.  I'm sure of it.  And Ashlee looked absolutely beautiful through it all - zero degrees was no match for this girl's smile.  She rocked the entire afternoon.

Thank you Ashlee and Aaron for the Union Station adventures and conquering the great (freezing) outdoors together.  I can't wait for your July wedding when it will be nice and sunny!

Robert & Christen - Wedding

A January 1st wedding - how wonderfully fitting.  A new year.  A new journey.  A new commitment to love and honor another soul for the rest of this short life.  A new place to call home.

If Christen stopped smiling - stopped absolutely glowing - for even one moment that Saturday, I didn't see it.  There was so much joy and love among the friends and family of Christen and Robert, guests couldn't help smiling either.  Children's laughter could be heard throughout the space, as they ran around the dance floor and entertained the adults with their funny moves.

Both Robert's best man and groomsman spoke about the bride and groom's journeys before finding each other.  They reflected on God's timing and how, ultimately, his providence is perfect. That was incredibly evident during their wedding day.  We don't really need to know his plan, just that it all works out in the end.  In a most beautiful way.

Cheers to 2011 and a very happy congratulations to Robert
and Christen!