Congratulations, Alissa (and Michael)!

There is something so beautiful about watching a girl grow and evolve into the woman she is destined to be.  To see her face obstacles, challenges and opportunities and come out the other side with a strong heart and willful spirit.

Such is the case with Alissa.  I met her during her high school tenure with the theatre program I was volunteering and saw her perform in multiple shows, photographing her as a performer and eventually a senior.  Then college life came and she was off on a grand adventure pursing a dream.

The greatest delight I have had in knowing Alissa all these years, is seeing her find a man deserving of her and loving of all the amazing talents and passions she possesses.  Michael is a fun and supportive man and seeing them during their engagement session, I know their upcoming wedding and marriage will be yet another wonderful journey in her life.

Congratulations, Alissa and Michael! 

Jacob : : Henry Sibley High School Class of 2015

This time of year is one of my most favorites.  Not because the weather is gorgeous and soon the fall colors will appear.  But, instead because the transition of summer to fall brings more and more seniors in front of my camera!

This past week, I had the delight of meeting Jacob - a football player, track participant and member of Business Professionals of America at Henry Sibley High School.  With so much on his plate as a student, I was excited when we were able to spend the evening visiting two of my most favorite Twin Cities locations - Hidden Falls Park in Saint Paul and the Minneapolis Warehouse District.

Like the diversity of our locations, Jacob brings a wonderful balance of activities to his life.  It will be exciting to see how his future unfolds before him and what his career path will be.

PS.  With this much charm and good looks, there is no doubt Jacob will lead a life full of wonderful people and adventures!

Hello Again, Julkowski Family!

I first met Dean and Teresa's gorgeous family in 2012 when they were nominated for a special session as part of my 'Pay It Forward' campaign. 

In addition to their biological son, they have adopted 13 children to create a loving and wonderfully diverse family.  After one family session and the celebration of four seniors that year, I was delighted to see I would get the opportunity to photograph them again this year!

A gorgeous day at Hidden Falls Park in Saint Paul, I delighted in seeing how they had all grown and changed.  Amazing to see how family continues to grow, but always remains the foundation of who we become.

To see their first session from 2012, visit this gallery!
To see more images from their recent 2014 session, visit this gallery!

Here are just a few of the individual shots we captured that day.  So much character and beauty!