Rayla's Newborn Portraits at the UW Arboretum

Rayla and her mom and dad had a beautiful golden hour family photo session at the UW Arboretum

This session made me tear up as I was editing (sure, it was in part because I’m a crier, but it’s also because I’ve known Erik & Maria, Rayla’s parents, for forever, and am SO FREAKING HAPPY for them and their new little family)! The light was everything we could have hoped for as we captured these beautiful family moments too, which I’m thrilled about!

Welcome to Earth, Rayla! You couldn’t have sweeter or more wonderful parents! Enjoy these adorable family photos, friends!

—Sam

Family Portraits at the UW Arboretum

Cam, Freya, and their parents had a lovely family portrait session on a hot spring day at the arboretum

I was a little worried the weather was going to turn south but the day turned out so beautifully! Cam was an adorable little ham, and Freya just was not sure about me until we started blowing raspberries (which like, fair enough) and then we got on swimmingly! It is one of the honors of my life to document family moments for couples whose weddings we’ve photographed, and it was so fun to see Cam again and get to meet little Freya!

Enjoy these sweet family moments!

—Sam

Emily + Sam: A Willy Street Engagement Session

Emily + Sam had a beautiful early spring day for their engagement session!

I was worried the weather wasn’t going to pan out with how all over the place it’s been lately, but we lucked out, and the day was absolutely perfect! Enjoy these sweet photos of this awesome couple, and help me wish them a big congrats for their upcoming wedding in 2024!

—Sam

Luci's Two Year Portraits at the UW Arboretum

Luci’s two year portraits were so fun!

Luci is an adorable kiddo, and had a great time running around the arboretum with her parents, Kris + Lesley! Kris warned me that Luci isn’t quick to warm up to people (not uncommon for kids her age who are pandemic babies), but after a few serious looks at the beginning of the session, Luci softened up and now we’re buds, so I can’t wait for the next set of family portraits for this super sweet family!

-Sam

River + Aaron: A Spring Time UW Arboretum Engagement Session

River and their partner Aaron were hoping for spring flowers, and the UW Arboretum delivered up pure spring time gorgeousness!

We played around in some of my favorite areas of the Arboretum, including the evergreen area, and by all the blooming trees and bushes closer to the visitor center, River + Aaron tied for Rock, Paper, Scissors, and we practiced some badass middle-school dance moves. All in all, a perfect engagement session on a perfect day!

Congrats to River + Aaron on their engagement!

-Sam

Chloe + Moose Couples Photos At Westmorland Park

Chloe + Moose had a couples session with their dogs, Tia and Toast, to celebrate their elopement, and then we finished the evening at Westmorland Park

These two chose to elope, and are planning to have a small celebration in September with friends and family, but wanted to do a couples session to celebrate their marriage! You know you’re having a good session when at least one of you is singing Aerosmith’s “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”. (Okay, it was me, but I wasn’t the one who brought it up this time!) I can’t wait for their September wedding celebration, but in the meantime, enjoy the photos of these two (and their doggos) and help me wish them a big congratulations!

-Sam

Malia + Eric: An Intimate Wedding Celebration at the UW Arboretum

Malia + Eric had to postpone their wedding several times due to COVID, and eventually decided to have a small, intimate ceremony in 2021, and then a couples portrait session in their wedding attire this year

The UW Arboretum is one of my all time favorite places for photos, and with the gorgeous greenery, brilliant skies, and beautiful flowers, it did not disappoint, but even the arboretum was no match for how sharp Malia + Eric looked in their wedding attire! We had a great time walking around the arboretum taking photos and enjoying such a lovely spring day.

Congrats to Malia + Eric, and enjoy the photos of this lovely couple!

-Sam

Kristen + Jacob: A Springtime Engagement Session in Monona, WI

Kristen + Jacob had their engagement session all over some special places to them in Monona

We started off at the Jade Monkey for beers and games, and then onto San Damiano park on the lake in Monona, which was absolutely stunning with spring flowers and a gorgeous sunset!

We can’t wait for the wedding in August. Enjoy these fun engagement photos in the meantime!

-Sam

Jena + Nick: A Golden Hour Engagement Session

Jena + Nick wanted to celebrate their upcoming wedding with an engagement session at the beautiful UW Arboretum

And my goodness was it a gorgeous day!

A big, hearty congratulations to Jena + Nick!

-Sam

Shake Rag Alley Family Portraits in Mineral Point, Wisconsin

Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point, Wisconsin is a magical place for family photos

When Kat mentioned Shake Rag Alley, and said how magical a place it was, my first thought was “I could use some more magic in my life, I’m in!”

Kat was not wrong, it’s a freaking magical place and was so sunny and gorgeous when we were there on Mother’s Day weekend! It was awesome to see how big the girls have gotten since the last time we did family photos (check those out here!) The girls also got to make fairy houses after the portrait session!

Enjoy these fun family photos, and if you get the chance, go check out Shake Rag Alley sometime!

-Sam

Spring Family Portraits on the Farm

These family portraits took place on a lovely spring day with perfect weather!

We got to feed adorable baby goats, play tag, and blow on dandelions during this family’s portrait session. It was so lovely to see these kiddos run around and to see their parents play right along with them! Also check out some of the cutest goofy faces ever!

Many thanks to Michelle + Jon for inviting me to come spend time with you and your family!

-Sam

Family Portraits on the Rooftop at MMoCA

A rainy day forecast led to some beautiful rooftop portraits at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art

When the weather is iffy, Madison offers some fun indoor or mixed-use spaces for photos, such as the Madison Central Library, the Overture Center, and one of my faves, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (which boasts both indoor and outdoor spaces in case there’s a break in the rain).

Enjoy these fun extended family photos!

-Sam