There’s something so special about watching love stories ripple outward — one couple connecting to another, stories intertwining over the years. Vanessa and Brandon came to me through one of my past couples, whose engagement and reception I had the honor of photographing here in Cottage Grove. It’s such a gift to see those connections come full circle!

For their session, we met at Vermillion Falls Park in Hastings, and it was pure joy from start to finish. The waterfall roared in the background, the leaves hinted at fall color, and chatter filled every moment. These two are the kind of couple who can’t help but make each other smile — the kind of connection that’s real, contagious, and rooted in deep friendship.

Vanessa and Brandon met online (he messaged her first!), and it didn’t take long for them to realize they’d found something different. One of Vanessa’s favorite early details? The fact that Brandon was already a proud cat dad. Fast forward, and now they share a home filled with four cats — possibly five soon — joking that they’re well on their way to running a “cat sanctuary.”

This past July, they chose to marry at the courthouse — a beautiful decision to start their marriage focused on what truly matters: each other, not wedding debt. Their celebration was simple, intentional, and full of love — much like them.

​As we wrapped up the session, we talked about their shared love for humor and storytelling — they even recently went to see Nate Bargatze live together. Their joy, their connection, and their genuine hearts made this session one I won’t forget.

Congratulations, Vanessa and Brandon — your joy is contagious, and I’m so excited for this next season of your story.

There’s something so special about photographing families year after year — watching little ones grow, seasons change, and new milestones unfold. I’ve known this family since their youngest son was just a baby, capturing his newborn photos all those years ago. And now here we are — celebrating another incredible moment as Zach prepares to graduate from Prescott High School!

We met at Little Log House Pioneer Village in Hastings, MN, where the fall evening was golden and calm — the kind of light photographers dream of. We started with Zach’s senior portraits, capturing his easy smile and quiet confidence as the sun set behind us. He’s got a gift for music and teaching, and it’s already so clear that his heart for others will shape whatever he does next. Zach plans to study Music Education after graduation and is already pouring into the next generation through his local school’s music program.

After finishing senior portraits, we brought the whole family in for photos together — laughter, hugs, and a few silly moments sprinkled in. It’s always such a gift to photograph a family I’ve walked alongside through so many stages of life.

​Zach, I’m so excited for all that’s ahead. Praying that your passion for music, people, and Jesus continues to grow as you step into this next chapter.

What started as Fisher's senior session at Lake Rebecca Park in Hastings turned into something even more special — a full extended family photo session filled with laughter, sunshine, and love.

After capturing FIsher's portraits, the whole family gathered together — including the two newest little additions. The evening light was golden, filtering through the trees and bouncing off the water, setting the perfect scene for a night full of connection and joy.

The cousins absolutely stole the show. Between giggles and curious stares, they couldn’t help but keep their eyes on one another, clearly fascinated by the other “baby” in the room. As any photographer (or parent) knows, group photos with little ones can be a bit of organized chaos — and that’s part of what makes them so wonderful. Between keeping everyone’s attention, chasing soft light, and sneaking in those in-between moments, we captured the heart of what family really looks like: a blend of patience, joy, and love in motion.
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It’s always an honor to capture families like this one — documenting how everyone grows, changes, and gathers together through the years. Evenings like this remind me why I love what I do — real people, real connection, and memories that will only grow sweeter over time.

The Staum family’s session was one of those that proved a little flexibility goes a long way. We had originally planned to capture their photos at Fort Snelling, the place where they got married — such a meaningful full-circle idea! But when the weather just wouldn’t cooperate, we made a last-minute change and met instead at Union Depot in downtown St. Paul.

Union Depot turned out to be the perfect backdrop — its beautiful architecture, soft light, and shelter from the elements gave us everything we needed to make the session special. The kids started out a little shy (as many do), but that quickly faded once the umbrellas came out and we took a few playful photos outside. Before long, the laughter, movement, and sibling silliness took over — the best kind of energy to photograph.

By the end of the session, the Staum kids were full of giggles and confidence, showing off their personalities and the sweet relationships that make this family so special. Watching their connection unfold in front of the camera was such a joy — the kind of session that reminds me why I love documenting families through each season of life.
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Hopefully, these images will always bring them back to this chapter — the in-between of growing kids, laughter in the rain, and the beauty of just being together.

The Cross family’s session at Lake Rebecca Park in Hastings was one of those evenings that makes you pause and take it all in — the golden light filtering through the trees, the sound of laughter, and the quiet joy of family simply being together.
Elise and Jeff came with their three kids and it was so fun to see the personalities of each shine through. From giggles to twirls to playful sibling moments, they made the park come alive with their energy and connection.

Since we last saw each other, their family has been on an incredible adventure — traveling through Israel, exploring places like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and even seeing the Dead Sea Scrolls in person. Jeff teaches Old Testament History at the University of Minnesota, so this trip was more than sightseeing — it was walking through the pages of the stories he teaches, bringing history and faith to life.

As we walked along the trails and watched the sunlight reflect off the lake, we talked about the beauty of seeing the world through your kids’ eyes and how quickly the seasons seem to change — both in nature and in life.

This session felt like so much fun! I love all the giggles, all the playing, and all the specialness of relationship. I loved getting to capture this moment in time for the Cross family before another fall season passes by!