whimsical roots journal

The Lake Michigan shoreline is peppered with beautiful locations throughout Wisconsin and Kohler-Andrae state park is one of the most gorgeous of them all. A natural gem providing the most perfect backdrop for capturing breathtaking moments of love and romance, Kohler-Andrae offers up a bit of everything for the adventurous couple looking for an exciting experience for their engagement photoshoot. With its sweeping sand dunes, pristine beaches, and lush coastal forests, this picturesque park inv

I’m so happy to share a few images from a wonderful wedding I was honored to photograph. Enter, Will & Marisa. This couple is a force to be reckoned with. They are funny, adventurous and intellectual. The jokes and banter flow freely and they are enthusiastic to chat about their latest travel plans or fresh found recipes they’ve been whipping up in the kitchen. I love working with couples who have a bit of an international flair and a zest for cooking up recipes with eclectic ingredients. I digr

It’s hard to believe that for the past ten years I’ve been collaborating with families to create moments that transform into tangible, beautiful memories. Being a family photographer is sometimes chaotic, and always a little bit of a mess, but the resulting images are worth it. Sessions are often led by the littlest people in the family and this methodology proves to be the best way to keep everyone in positive spirits. Pivoting and adapting are key, as is being willing to let go a little bit an

Nothing quite compares to the excitement a wedding photographer feels when they receive a new inquiry. Learning about the prospective clients, their love story, the venue, the wedding day vision and aesthetic are essential details to determine if we will be an exceptional match. When Maci inquired, she shared that she and her fiancé, Kyle, are planning a September wedding in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin at The Riviera. Her mood board and wedding aesthetic revealed that she was targeting a timeless, si

When Kelsey and Mike reached out to me with plans for an intimate wedding celebration at The Fitzgerald this past summer, my heart effectively leapt out of my chest! Milwaukee wedding photographers are blessed with an abundance of amazing historical mansions that serve as modern wedding venues & The Fitzgerald wedding venue is no exception. Originally built in 1874 for the Great Lakes Captain Robert Patrick Fitzgerald as his family’s private residence, it has since served as the College Women’s

I first had the opportunity to meet this beautiful family after they had entered and won a drawing at a bike blessing for childhood cancer…. I love to support local causes by donating gift certificates for sessions… since that first session years ago, I have had the pleasure of photographing their wedding, pregnancy and family photos. To say that documenting family stories is a passion is an understatement. It’s more of a vocation, a calling, something I’m simply put here on this earth to do

I’ve been thinking about legacy a lot lately. I’ve been contemplating what it means to build and nurture a family. What it means to be brought joyfully into this world. The adventure of creating life and stewarding another’s existence is not a small undertaking. The many biological chain reactions that need to perfectly occur in order to conceive a newborn baby is nothing short of miraculous.If you feel the same way, I’m sure you can see the importance of chronicling the beginning of your newbor

Both intimate weddings and elopements are on the rise and it’s no surprise as to why. The cost of a big wedding and the headache of planning deter couples who want to take an unconventional route and create a wedding experience totally unique to their relationship. For newly engaged couples wanting to create a “just the two of us” experience, electing to elope may be the perfect choice. The concept of eloping used to mean running away in secret in order to tie the knot, the modern idea of elopin

The Gardens Wedding Center is an absolute gem of a wedding venue, located in the heart of Washington County, Wisconsin. This historic property, originally established in 1844, boasts a multi-building complex that offers an array of backdrops to serve you on your wedding day. As a wedding photographer in the greater Milwaukee area, The Gardens Wedding Center is one of my absolute favorite venues. Beautifully manicured gardens bursting with vibrant perennials, flowering bushes and lush trees creat

As a seasoned family photographer in the greater Milwaukee area, I have learned the ins and outs of what makes for a great session experience. I’ve share a few of my top tips below!1) Choose a beautiful backdrop. Some of my favorites are locations that incorporate fields, trees, and beaches. Lapham Peak in Delafield is a lovely environment that features both fields and majestic tree lines. 2) Incorporate unique family elements into your session – inside jokes, games that you play at home, activi