Ramona's Newborn Portraits

Welcome to Earth, Ramona!

Earth is a little weird, but I think she’s gonna like it. :)

I was honored to be able to photograph Ramona’s newborn portraits on what would have been her due date. This little peanut was so sweet (which makes total sense given how great her parents are) and it was a joy to get to photograph this little family and celebrate with them!

If you’d like to see more of Erin + Matt, here are some of the fun adventures they’ve had! And here’s to many more!

—Sam

 
 

Giving Thanks

While Thanksgiving is problematic as a holiday, I do love spending time with family and being grateful for their presence

We were able to spend time with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and my SIL’s family for Thanksgiving this year, which was a bittersweet blessing as it’s the first year since my father-in-law passed away. We ate lots of good food and spent some nice time together in his honor, and I’m very grateful for the days spent with my father-in-law, and for the smaller family gathering this year.

Here’s to bittersweet joy, and small comforts like creamed corn casserole. 💜

—Sam

 
 

Elly + Kevin: A Chilly Golden Hour Elopement Session

Elly + Kevin got married in a tiny ceremony on October 30th

But unfortunately I was out of commission due to a surprise gallbladder removal (not the kind of surprise I’d typically want, but I’m all better now). We decided to do elopement portraits to celebrate their wedding once I was all healed up, and we visited both Lake Farm Park and the Lussier Family Heritage Center for their portraits. It was SOOOOO chilly but Elly + Kevin were troopers and we got some super fun and awesome photos and we got back into cars before anyone’s nose fell off, which I’m counting as a win.

Help me wish Elly + Kevin a big congrats, and enjoy the photos!

—Sam

 
 

Erin's Maternity Portraits

Erin + Matt (and their cat Sam) are expecting!

You might remember Erin + Matt from such weddings as this one. But it turns out, life didn’t stop after they got married (why does everyone think it does?) No, it just got cooler, and they’re now expecting a little kiddo in February!

Help me wish these two a big expectant congrats, and stay tuned for pictures of their kiddo once he or she decides to make an appearance early next year!

—Sam

 
 

Remy's Newborn Portraits

Remy and his family were too cute for words

This little kiddo was just over 3 weeks old when I arrived at his house to take photos to celebrate his arrival into the world! His sister Rylan, already being an excellent big sister, also got to show me her stuffed avocado which is just about the cutest thing ever (besides these two kiddos of course).

Congrats to Lily, Aaron, and Rylan on their new addition to the family! Welcome Remy!

—Sam

 
 

Joy + Dave: A Chic and Modern Wedding at the Palestrina

Dave + Joy met at a Roller Derby after-party, at the urging of a mutual friend

Their friend, Kristin (our first friend in Madison when Rob and I moved here), recommend to Joy that she meet Dave, and then proceeded to show a picture of Dave with a beer glass just about as tall as he is, which is no inconsiderable height. Joy was open to meeting and low and behold, they both ended up at the same roller derby after party at the Atomic Koi, and hit it off from there!

These two love cats, Minecraft, and each other most heartily, and it’s clear as day when you see them together. I love how excited they were during the first look. I love how even when things went sideways (as many things do on any given wedding day), they rolled with the changes (see my REO Speedwagon reference there?) and enjoyed the company of their closest friends and family, and each other. I also love how they picked their wedding date. 10/22 would have been Joy’s grandparents 70th wedding anniversary, so this was a lovely way to honor her grandma who passed away in 2017 and her grandpa, who was able to make it to the wedding and take a spin around the dance floor with Joy.

Joy + Dave’s wedding day was so beautiful, and filled with little thoughtful details! Check out the whiskey tasting station, the photo guest book station, and the message in a bottle station they setup!

Help me wish these two a big congratulations, and enjoy the photos of their amazing wedding day!

—Sam

Here are the vendors that helped make their wedding day awesome!

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Palestrina Event Center in Verona, WI

Officiant: Kelly Ignatoski

Hair & Makeup: Allure Artistry

Bridal Gown: Brandi's Bridal Galleria

Groom Tux: Men's Warehouse

Wedding Jewelry: Joy’s Wedding Band by Chalmer’s Jewelers | Joy’s Engagement Ring by EraGem | Dave’s Wedding Band by Larson Jewelers

Band: Hometown Sweethearts

Florist: Surroundings Events and Floral

Desserts: Cake by Madison Sourdough & Mini Bundt Cakes by Nothing Bundt Cakes

Catering: Blue Plate Catering

Wedding Coordinator: Copper Feather Events

Videographer: Ella Bella Productions

 
 

Gabi + Jacobi: A Glamorous and Joyful Outdoor Wedding in Sauk City

Jacobi + Gabi had a beautiful wedding day outside of Hahn House and The Vintage in Sauk City

I love the complimentary colors of their wedding dresses. and all of the wonderful touches that these two had as a part of their wedding day. It was an intimate celebration with family and close friends, with the outdoor ceremony taking place in between The Vintage in Sauk City and the Hahn House, and the reception following on the 2nd floor of the Vintage.

The wedding ceremony was also absolutely wonderful (and I cried at least twice). These two are so adorably in love, and I loved how they helped each other get ready, helped dry each other’s tears, and hugged their new in laws with gusto. It was a joy to celebrate with Gabi + Jacobi and their families!

Help me wish them a big congratulations!

—Sam

Here are the vendors that helped make their wedding day awesome!

Ceremony Venue: The Hahn House

Reception Venue: The Vintage Sauk City

 
 

Emily + Patrick: A Gorgeous Fall Engagement Session

Pope Farm Conservancy was bringing the Fall color this year!

Emily + Patrick’s engagement session was so fun! And chilly, but they were really good sports about it. I’m so excited about their wedding in June! Help me wish these two a big congratulations, and stay tuned for wedding photos!

—Sam

 
 

Aisa + Her Parents Take Fall Family Photos at Pope Farm Park!

Aisa, Ben, and Lindsey braved the cold (and boy was it cold) for Fall family portraits at the gorgeous Pope Farm Conservancy!

And while it may have been chilly, it was absolutely gorgeous! Though I love Pope Farm Park all year round, it’s particularly magical in the Fall. :)

Enjoy these sweet and colorful family photos!

—Sam

 
 

Fall Family Portraits at Pope Farm Park

It’s Grace’s last year in high school, so this year’s family portraits were particularly bittersweet

Though I’ve already told Grace she’ll probably need to come back for portraits every year still, since I’ve been taking Fall family portraits for Erin, Dan, Grace, Ben, and Isaac since 2016 if you can believe it! It’s awesome how much all the kids have changed, and how much they also all look the same (I think the same about my own kiddo all the time). These were beautiful family portraits against the stunning fall colored backdrop of the Pope Farm Conservancy, and even though it was cold as all get out, the family did a great job of keeping their spirits up and keeping warm!

Enjoy these fun family photos!

—Sam