Vivid memories,
effortlessly captured
About Whimsical Roots
For me, photography transcends boundaries. An amazing art form, yes. But so much more…
It’s an anchor that grounds our lived experience in vivid color and emotion. It’s a medium that uplifts our human spirit by reconnecting us with cherished memories. It’s a time machine that transports us back to meaningful moments with those who matter most.
And it’s a practice deeply rooted in the observation and celebration of beauty—one I’ve spent well over a decade perfecting.
When I ventured to Paris, France for a semester abroad 14 years ago, I had no idea that the photos I took there, with the camera I had then, would pave the way for the odyssey I’ve been on ever since. Photographing curious passersby, iconic architecture, and decadent desserts stirred my imagination, but upon my return to the States, I set my sights on capturing the honest essence of human relationships. In that pursuit, I discovered that weddings had it all: beautiful love stories, effervescent energy, gorgeous environments. My passion for documenting every aspect evolved to form the wedding photography style you see today.
Guided by the conviction that life's most precious treasures are the bonds we form and the experiences we create, together we’ll craft an effortless photography experience that leaves an indelible mark of joy—and results in radiant mementos that will be revered for generations to come.
And it’s a practice deeply rooted in the observation and celebration of beauty—one I’ve spent well over a decade perfecting.
When I ventured to Paris, France for a semester abroad 14 years ago, I had no idea that the photos I took there, with the camera I had then, would pave the way for the odyssey I’ve been on ever since. Photographing curious passersby, iconic architecture, and decadent desserts stirred my imagination, but upon my return to the States, I set my sights on capturing the honest essence of
human relationships. In that pursuit, I discovered that weddings had it all: beautiful love stories, effervescent energy, gorgeous environments. My passion for documenting every aspect evolved to form the wedding photography style you see today.
Guided by the conviction that life's most precious treasures are the bonds we form and the experiences we create, together we’ll craft an effortless photography experience that leaves an indelible mark of joy—and results in radiant mementos that will be revered for generations to come.
...an epicurean always innovating in the kitchen and seeking out tantalizing flavors.
...a lover of the outdoors and frequent hiker at Wisconsin state parks.
...a dreamer with nostalgic inclinations hunting for buried relics at local antique stores.
...an enthusiast of art expressed through music, writing, and live performance.
...a believer that the body is a temple best fueled by clean food and weight training.
“It was so easy for us to put our trust in her”
“We wanted photos that were natural looking and Andrea did just that. Interacting with Andrea was a dream and it felt like we clicked not just as photographer and client, but also as friends! She is so personable and kind. She helped us get comfortable and laughing in front of the camera, which resulted in hundreds of amazing photos. Andrea was super responsive and timely with getting back to us, and it was so easy for us to put our trust in her. We love Andrea and we recommend Whimsical Roots for any and all photography events!”
ashley & jason
Monona Terrace, Madison WI
travel through time with whimsical roots
spaces and places
That Have Inspired My Photographic Perspective
Born with boundless curiosity and imagination, I always knew that I would end up pioneering a path of my own. My parents instilled in me a sense of adventure along with an appreciation for exploration, quality food, and cultivating life experiences—so by the time I was 18, I had traveled to a dozen countries and was fluent in French. Since then, my affinity for getting lost in foreign countries trying to find the best local cuisine or sunset view has only accelerated.
Although my wings of whimsy are always ready to jetset and photograph an incredible destination wedding, I’m firmly rooted at home in the Milwaukee area. My husband and I own an old farmhouse and an 8-acre flower farm where we spend our time with our two pups (Timber & Rose) revitalizing the land, growing our own fruits and veggies, and—of course—cultivating copious amounts of flowers. When my hands are not covered in dirt or holding a camera, they’re most likely paging through a book, researching a vacation destination, or chopping garlic for our next delicious meal.
The 27 stamps in my passport tell a story—my story—rich with adventure, alluring landscapes, inspiring architecture, exotic cuisine, and encounters with incredible, unique souls from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
Here’s a peek at a few of the places that have had the greatest impact on my life.
“”
A memorable and once-in-a-lifetime trip
“We were so happy with the surprise proposal pictures, I had no reason to look for anyone else. We also chose Andrea because of her excitement and willingness to travel to Italy with us! She went out of her way to make the trip memorable and enjoyable. The photos turned out amazing. Her personality and attitude is so bubbly and infectious. Additionally, her willingness to explore and go on an adventure even when part of it was unknown…are traits that make her stand out as a person and from other photographers.”
zach & jordan
Surprise Proposal / Lake Como Portraits / Tuscany, Italy Elopement
to fully understand my story,
you have to understand Eden's
If I had to encapsulate my mission in a single phrase, it would be this: Transforming transitory moments into timeless treasures. She is why.
I had been photographing weddings and other important milestones for eight years when I experienced the transforming effects of grief. Photography had always been a meaningful career path for me but, in December 2021, when I experienced the stillbirth of my daughter, Eden, at 38 weeks pregnant, photography became so much more. In an instant, it became a lifeline and a healing balm for my heartbroken soul.
The true power and significance of photography became clear to me only after I endured this life-altering devastation. In the unexpected chaos of my stillbirth story, my husband and I were able to capture only a handful of pixelated cell phone images of our daughter. These are the only images that will live on in remembrance of her. There will never be more. This realization shook me to my core.
In the profound grief that followed, I found that using light to create photographs for others slowly but surely melted away the darkness that surrounded me.
Photography is one of those practices that elicits a convergence of the mind, body, and spirit—the holistic trifecta that impacts how we feel in our physical bodies and how we experience life. I've always appreciated the idea that it is an art form; one that frames the best moments, the ordinary moments, the moments that transport us to way-back-when, so that we can always remember who we are and who means the most to us. Navigating my profound grief with camera in hand led to an incredible realization: my purpose as a photographer is a sacred responsibility and privilege. Being called to preserve the fleeting beauty of life means so much more in the wake of tragic loss.
With this always, always on my mind, entering into moments when the stakes are high—when people are feeling vulnerable and raw with emotion—is where I shine. My sensitive nature and compassion for others have taken on new heights, allowing me to meet you where you are…no questions asked. My expansive capacity to feel results in genuine images that, like the most beautiful time machine, will transport you back to the lived emotions of your day.
It’s because of Eden that I have a new reverence for life and a faith in God that has filled me with a peace beyond all understanding. My entire perspective on life shifted when she was taken away.
Here’s what I know: Our very existence should always be celebrated.
For me, experiencing such a tremendous low has made even the most subtle high something to be treasured. Making time stand still during the most happy, joyful moments in your life is what I’m here to do—an artform intrinsically tied to my purpose. It would be my honor to share that with you.
I had been photographing weddings and other important milestones for eight years when I experienced the transforming effects of grief. Photography had always been a meaningful career path for me but, in December 2021, when I experienced the stillbirth of my daughter, Eden, at 38 weeks pregnant, photography became so much more. In an instant, it became a lifeline and a healing balm for my heartbroken soul.
The true power and significance of photography became clear to me only after I endured this life-altering devastation. In the unexpected chaos of my stillbirth story, my husband and I were able to capture only a handful of pixelated cell phone images of our daughter. These are the only images that will live on in remembrance of her. There will never be more. This realization shook me to my core.
In the profound grief that followed, I found that using light to create photographs for others slowly but surely melted away the darkness that surrounded me.
Photography is one of those practices that elicits a convergence of the mind, body, and spirit—the holistic trifecta that impacts how we feel in our physical bodies and how we experience life. I've always appreciated the idea that it is an art form; one that frames the best moments, the ordinary moments, the moments that transport us to way-back-when, so that we can always remember who we are and who means the most to us.
Navigating my profound grief with camera in hand led to an incredible realization: my purpose as a photographer is a sacred responsibility and privilege. Being called to preserve the fleeting beauty of life means so much more in the wake of tragic loss.
With this always, always on my mind, entering into moments when the stakes are high—when people are feeling vulnerable and raw with emotion—is where I shine. My sensitive nature and compassion for others have taken on new heights, allowing me to meet you where you are…no questions asked. My expansive capacity to feel results in genuine images that, like the most beautiful time machine, will transport you back to the lived emotions of your day.
It’s because of Eden that I have a new reverence for life and a faith in God that has filled me with a peace beyond all understanding. My entire perspective on life shifted when she was taken away.
Here’s what I know: Our very existence should always be celebrated.
For me, experiencing such a tremendous low has made even the most subtle high something to be treasured. Making time stand still during the most happy, joyful moments in your life is what I’m here to do—an artform intrinsically tied to my purpose. It would be my honor to share that with you.
morii
(moh-ree) // japanese-inspired
The desire to capture a fleeting moment—like trying to hold on to a feeling or an experience as it slips through your fingers.
*All words curated from The Book of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig
