Once again, I'm breaking a wedding into multiple parts.  The reason...I just can't narrow it down any further!  These two are so adorable, the weather on their day was perfect and the clouds were just right.   Not to mention, the setting was gorgeous, as was the bride!

Sylia and Seth have a true-love kind of story.  Whenever I get to photograph a wedding for high school sweethearts, it makes me melt.  There is such a history...and such a wonderful comfort and understanding between the two individuals.  Seth knows how to make Sylia smile.  All it takes is a simple whisper, or a sweet kiss on the cheek and she is beaming.  

Sylia and Seth opted for the First Look.  We were blessed to be able to photograph this at Sylia's parents' home in Cannon Falls.  And what an amazing, beautiful home and lawn they had!  It was apparent that her dad had more than perfectly manicured the lawn for their day.  In fact, I don't know that I've ever seen such a beautiful lawn (and if you come over to my house, you'll find a miniature dirt racetrack in my back yard, which my two rambunctious dogs have decided to make...Stella, the frenchie has an acquired taste for hostas...and so, I just gave up on the yard...for now).

On the morning of their wedding day, it rained...leaving the grass lusciously green.

It's those moments...

those moments when the world is bustling around you and life is busy and constantly changing...

but you can find that calm and quiet within yourself and relish in the sweet serenity...

those are the moments you know what you want and can see your path clearly...

those are the moments for which you live...

~Noelle

On a rainy, misty day...this next post is perfect.  As I've said many times before, I love rain and cloudy skies.  There is something so romantic about them and they create the best lighting for portraits. 

Yesterday I posted part one of Jess and Mark's wedding, which you can find here.  Below you'll find the second half of their day...I hope they bring a little bit of sunshine into your day.

This wedding party was seriously so awesome.  They were willing to do just about anything for a good picture.  

After the ceremony, the sun decided to shine.

They met in a Target parking lot.  She had just found out her car was broken into.  He offered to help.  It was fate.  From that moment on, Mark and Jess were destined to be together.  

The two of them have a quiet, sincere kind of love.  They are so kind to each other and are truly caring.  For awhile they did the long distance thing, while they each attended school in different parts of the country.  After a time, Jess finished Dental school....(yes, she's a Dentist, and you can tell by her AMAZING smile and pearly whites) and she moved out to Chicago to be near Mark.  

The two of them opted for a longer First Look...which is my favorite!!  We had about an hour with the two of them to prance around Jessica's home town of Kerkhoven, Minnesota.  Population, 658...but it felt more like population, wedding party.  This town was quaint and quiet.  It was the perfect spot for a romantic wedding day.

Because Jess and Mark had a long First Look, I'm breaking their wedding into two parts, with Part Two following tomorrow!  

Jess and Mark, you two are awesome.  Thanks for being so fantastic on your wedding day.

Proof that rain can make for a beautiful setting...

Stay tuned for more...  Happy Monday!

Cassie and Curtis (Cassie's adorable husband) approached us nearly a year ago to do their pictures for a Christmas card.  At that point we had never met and did not know each other.  However, during the photoshoot it quickly became apparent that Cassie and I had a lot in common...including our love of food, great restaurants, travel and the need to crack a dumb joke about every 3 minutes or so.

After the photoshoot, we began hanging out...and then we went on a trip...and now...I may comfortably say...she is my best girlfriend.  I never thought I would have a best girlfriend.  I have always had great girlfriends...but never a BEST (yes I have lots of Besties...and Besties...you are all still my Besties!!). BUT...Cassie is my best of the best.  My ultimate girlfriend.  

Cassie and Curtis are expecting their first.  We call him Carlos.  Mostly because it is from the movie "The Hangover" but also because I can conveniently call them C3.  

I can't wait for my baby (sudo nephew/first born) to arrive. However, until then...here are my very favorite sneak peaks from their maternity session.

Cassie, I love you.