C Family Fun

I love meeting new families!  What a fun session I had with the C Family.  This was their first time taking family photos, so I did not want to disappoint!  Lainey &  Gavin were so fun to work with - and they knew how to work the camera!!  They were up for anything and we had the most beautiful day in such a beautiful park!  Thanks for a fun session, B & D!!  I hope you enjoyed your first session experience!  xo, V

What a gorgeous family, no?

With such adorable kids!

I love these ones of Mommy!!

Diana + Wayne... My Brother's Hawaiian Wedding

I am still dreaming of our Hawaiian vacation from this past June... it had to be one of the best vacations I've ever had.  We had a fabulous time on the island of Kaua'i - my favorite Hawaiian island so far!  My kids had an amazing time and it was just great to spend time with my immediate family.


And the whole reason for going to Kaua'i?  My little brother's wedding.  I still can't believe my little bro is all growed up!  We couldn't be happier for Wayne and for our new family member Diana!  


Diana and Wayne have actually known each other for 7 years, but did not start dating until 2 years ago.  They are seriously the exact same person except one's a guy and one's a girl.  They are both 5th grade teachers (for rival schools in the same school district).  They both are workout fiends.  They both eat super duper healthy.   They both love travel, athletics, and yes, gangsta rap. They formed a (Xbox) "Rock Band" called SOL where Wayne was the singer and Diana was the drummer.  Yes, they are that nerdy... but I secretly wanted to be in the band.  Seriously though, they couldn't have been a better fit for each other.  I love seeing them together, how happy they are and how they are always talking.  I knew my brother was smitten and it was the sweetest thing (insert big sister gag here - we have a funny relationship).


Diana and Wayne decided to get married in Kaua'i because Diana had always wanted to get married near her grandparents house near the beach.  Her grandparents and dad grew up in Kaua'i and Diana spent a lot of summers there.  It was such a perfect place for them!


We first did some formal shots on Baby Beach... right near Diana's grandparent's backyard.  The ceremony and reception were at The Beach House near Poipu.  


Diana, you are such a beautiful bride!  You were so calm and so laid back.  I love that about you.  Wayne... I know we joke around a lot, but truly, you were the best little henchman a big sister boss could have.  I am so, so happy for you!!  Love you both!!

I love this photo... they are so happy.

This was right after the first look.  Wayne couldn't stop kissing Diana and checking her out.

The Ceremony

Wayne waiting for Diana to walk down the aisle.

I love how small and intimate their wedding was.  And that Wayne's friend from college, Sherman, was their officiant.

My 'lil bro shedding a tear.  :)

There were many tears after the ceremony.  I love this photo of Diana's father, my sister, and my mom in the background.

Love this one of my son, Aaron and Diana.  He LOVES his Auntie Diana.  And one of me and my siblings... and my little niece!

Right when the reception started, it started to pour!  Rain on your wedding day is good luck!  The best part was that the dancing started and everyone danced in the rain and was soaked!  It was so much fun!!  Congratulation Diana & Wayne!!  xoxo

Home with the D Family

Back in May or June, one of my best friend's husband messaged me asking if I could come back home to Minnesota for a weekend to celebrate H's big birthday.  Umm... how could I say no???  First, it has been 8 years since I've been home AND I haven't seen H in 3 years.  It was all a surprise and I couldn't wait!!!  I wish I had a shot of H's face when I walked into her house.  I have tears in my eyes thinking about it right now.  It was so much fun!!

M even got us Katy Perry concert tickets, but alas, the day I left, it was announced that she had to postpone that date due to sickness. :(  I missed out on Katy Perry, but it really didn't matter.  I got to spend almost 2.5 days with my best friend, meet her new daughter, and get to know Mabel better.  AND we toured Minneapolis which has changed so much since I left.  I miss it so much.  I miss the greenness, the openness, the friendliness, just character of it... it's amazing how much I forgot.  I will always remember these few days I spent with the D Family... I cannot wait to see them again next month when I go back with my family for a friend's wedding (which I will be photographing!).  Love and miss you, friend!!!  xoxo, V

I have to start off with this photo I took of Mabel in the Amber Room at the Guthrie Theater .  Such an amazing place! 

Mabel loves books and was reading everywhere we went.

 

But that was only 1 day we spent at the Guthrie.  Most of the was spent hanging out at home which was perfect!

Back to our day spent touring Minneapolis.  I took majority of the photos around the Guthrie.  Such a gorgeous location.
This view is from the cantilever at the Guthrie.  What you see is the reflection of the sky on the railing and the view of the beautiful Mississippi River and Stone Arch Bridge.

 

Here's Miss Mabel's reflection off that railing.

 

Back inside the Amber Room... 

 

I love Minneapolis' skyline.

 

 And a few family shots outside.  It was a hot, hot day!  Love and miss you guys!!  xo