Tresa and Elliot- Engaged

Tresa and Elliot are planning a July 3rd wedding. As the day gets closer, I can feel their excitement and see how much they cannot wait for the big day.

For their engagement session we visited Quarry Park. It was my first time visiting this park so I was eager to see what it had to offer. As we started to walk through the park, I found myself stumbling behind Tresa and Elliot and just soaking up the beauty of the park. There were numerous paths that lead up to different water filled quarries and gorgeous locations.

We scheduled their e session for sunset because Tresa and Elliot met years ago right around that same time in day. Here are some of my favorite images from the session. Please check out their slideshow on my website to see more!

Carrie and Jay- Married!!!!

Carrie and Jay tied the knot on May 16, 2009. It was bright and cheerful day that matched perfectly with their wedding plans. When I first arrived at the St. Paul College Club I was overtaken by the beauty of the location. It was quaint and charming. It was perfect.

I met Carrie in the bridal suite and I was almost brought to tears. I have known Carrie now for a little over a year and every time that we talk, jokes are made. But when I walked into the bridal suite, I saw a different side of Carrie. Sure she was still making everyone laugh, but this time she was dressed in an elegant dress that seemed to make her glow. She was stunning.

Shortly after my arrival Jay and Carrie saw each other for the first time that day. Quickly we rushed off to the garden were I snapped a few images of them enjoying their time together.

Right before the ceremony Carrie went into hiding and Jay talked with his loved ones. The children were asked to greet each of the guests as they walked into the club. They eagerly awaiting each guest and made them feel right at home.

As I was walking around the club, I stumbled upon Carrie's father taking a quite moment to reflect on the marriage of his daughter. Here he is sitting reading her wedding program.

The ceremony was nothing less than beautiful. The couple shared their vows and made a pledge to Jay's two daughters.

On the lighter side (pun intended), when it came time to light the unity candle, Carrie and Jay realized that a lighter was not there so Carrie said to the guests, "Gotta light?". Everyone laughed and amazingly, someone did have a light.

The laughter continued through the evening. The couple asked that guests share stories about Jay and Carrie during the dinner service. Stories were told about non-printable Packer tickets, keys that needed to be returned, and the love that the two of them have shown.

Once DJ started the music, the dance floor filled up. Everyone enjoyed dancing the night away.

The Rehnstrand Family

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting the Rehnstrand family. They recently added a little baby boy, Rylan to the family. When I first asked about Rylan, Wendy informed me that her husband's family has had all boys for the last 83 years. 83 years of boys! Can you imagine that? She told me that her husband and her didn't want to be the ones to ruin the tradition so they were thrilled to learn that they had their boy. Rylan has two big brothers, Nolan and Nathan.

After I arrived at their house I quickly learned how much Nolan and Nathan love their baby brother. They gave him kisses throughout the entire portrait session. Here are some of my favorite images from the portrait session.

Baby Claire Elizabeth Raivala

I would like to introduce my new daughter to everyone (yes, I am a proud Ma Ma). Her name is Claire Elizabeth Raivala and I am totally in love with her! She was born on March 24, 2009 at 9:51pm. She weighed 8 lbs 7 oz and measured 19 inches. Currently her favorite thing to do is to sleep and cuddle with me, her dad and her two protective big brothers.

I am doing well, however, I have noticed that I am a little bit slow at responding to my emails and voicemails from everyone. I promise that I will get back into the swing of things shortly and reply to everyone.

Have a great day- I know that I will.

Baby Ada and Family

Little Ada and her parents are so cute. I could tell from the moment I walked in the door that Ada was her parent's pride and joy.

Ada's grandmother created this colorful quilt just for her. I could tell that a lot of love and time went into the details of this quilt. I am sure that Ada will cherish it forever.

With all of the fun and excitement, Ada started to get sleepy so she was slowly rocked back in forth until her eyes closed.


Sweet dreams little one.

Sarah and Terry's Reception

Last August Sarah and Terry were married in an intimate ceremony. On Valentine's Day they celebrated their marriage amongst family and friends at the Carousell Works in Big Lake. The event center was decorated in red and white, very fitting for Valentine's Day, but the colors wore actually chosen long before the Valentine's reception was thought of.

Sarah and Terry's wedding was originally planned for October of 2008, but an unexpected twist in life change that. In late July 2008 Sarah was diagnosed with cancer so all of their wedding plans were adjusted. (you can read more about their wedding day here)

By the time Valentine's Day rolled around Sarah was officially in remission- cancer free. So not only were their family and friends celebrating their marriage, but also Sarah's health. It was a true celebration.


I have to admit that my eyes swelled up when Sarah and Terry first arrived at the reception. Both of them looked fabulous and were so happy. The whole room light up.
In memory of Sarah's father that passed away, some members of her family drank a Schlitz beer (his favorite).

The Orwoll Family

Recently the Orwoll family stopped by for an evening filled with lots of fun and bright flashes of light. The flash from my lights proved to be a bit much for the youngest gentleman. At one point he pretty much just had his eyes closed until the light stopped flashing. His mom and I could not help but to laugh a little bit because he was so cute. Here are some of my favorite images from that evening:

I just have to quickly say that I love this image. I think it is adorable how the little guy is just soaking up the moment and holding onto his Dad. Love it!!!
The tickle monster strikes again...




Doing his muscle pose.