Minneapolis Photographer | 2013 Favorites

I know, I know. I should have done this right away in the New Year and now it's almost February. Oh, well. At least it's not June. Better late than never!

So for every session I have, there are always one or two images that stick out in my head for months after. Sometimes it's not the ones you would think. I wanted to highlight a few of those from 2013.

I feel like this first one needs a little explination. Last year I shot a wedding on my own. Now I have photographed many weddings as the second photographer (blog post on that soon to come), but this was the first time I was the lead photographer. I have plenty of images of the bride and groom and the wedding party where they all look stunning. (Not joking. Check out the blog post here.) But this image was by far my favorite. As a surprise to the groom,  during the reception the bride's family sat him down and performed a dance flash mob style. It. Was. Amazing. It started out slow with just a few relatives, but eventually everyone joined in. Even the bride's grandma who wasn't incredibly mobile, danced along with them.

  

Six-Month-Old Baby Photographer | Henry

Henry is growing! The first time I met met Henry was at his home for a session when he was about a month old and he is definitely different (see it here). This time we met at his grandma's farmhouse over Thanksgiving. At first he was very curious about the camera and mister serious. After a few tummy tickles from dad, that quickly changed! He was giggling and smiling and we were laughing right along with him. I mean, how can you not? 

Minnetonka Family Photographer | Gotreau Family

This was the most fun fall session! For one, this family is fantastic. We had a great time walking through a woodsy park near their home-one which they walk through almost every night after dinner. I love exploring and finding new beautiful parks and it's so fun being in a place where they are so at home!  You can tell this little guy loves the park too. He's such a happy baby! He probably should slow down this growing thing a little bit though. I took photos of him when he was just a few days old, which you can find here, and holy cow! He is so different! He has so much personality...Can't you just feel it in the images? I don't know about you, but it makes me want to laugh right along with him!

Minneapolis Family Photographer | Poganski Family

I had a great time meeting this family! They were warm and welcoming and those three boys were champs through the session.  In remembrance of their grandpa, they brought along $2 bills and some of his golf gear since he couldn't be with them. So heartfelt. Speaking of heartfelt, these two are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year...pretty awesome! So great to see a close, connected family like this one.  And they are funny! Can you find the kids photobombing the parents? Good stuff!

Minneapolis Family Photographer | O'Connell Family

So happy to welcome this new little red-headed boy! I know these two new parents well and it is so exciting to see them interact with their baby. They really have this parenting thing down! Dan and I have been friends since childhood, and it was very heart-warming to observe him simply looking at this little guy.  And those cheeks! Pretty sure he'll be getting Amy's dimples as he gets older. So stinkin' cute! Can't wait to watch him grow up and hopefully keep all that red hair!

Family Photographer | Vanderpool Family

Yep, my nephew and brother and sister-in-law. Always fun to see them, especially because we don't see them often enough! When back in Michigan, I couldn't help but take some images of my nephew. Of course I'm bias, but really....he. is. adorable. Check out those eyelashes. Wowzers! They go on for days. And he is quite the charmer too! A few times when I was playing with him and Uncle Matt came to play too, he told Matt, "Uncle Matt, go." Too funny!
Can't wait to see how this little man grows and changes as he gets older!

Minneapolis Family Photographer | Flo Family

This little man was the happiest guy for his session! He was having a blast in the studio laughing so hard at his parents. Such a little goof ball! Last year I took his photos just before the holidays and, wow, has he ever changed since then! He's taller, or longer depending on who you ask, and his hair has gotten so much longer.  It's amazing how such little time can go by, yet how different they look and act. Well, here he is in all of his nine months!

Wisconsin Family Photographer | Riek Family

I love this family! Getting together with them is always a guaranteed good time. That little man with his big blue eyes gets me. I am a little bias of course, since I am related, but man! Check out how handsome he is!

This was such a fun session at a park in the town where my cousin and I grew up. I really enjoyed going back there and playing in the park with her little guy.