Colin, Jacelyn and Girls :: Family

I have a huge soft spot for kids. My parents have always welcomed having kids around, from when we were little and had friends over to now when we bring our friend's kids around. I'm so thankful that they've brought us up with the appreciation for little people and everything they have to offer.

As if kids aren't cute enough with their little hands and button noses, they come with incredible senses of humour. Seriously, a funny kid does me in every single time. Well, I definitely had my work cut out for me when I met up with Colin, Jacelyn, Sophie and Solange. Those girls are hilarious. I had to work hard to stay focused and not just loose myself in Sophie's spontaneous dancing and Solange's laidback personality. 

Colin and Jacelyn, I am so thankful you guys decided to come out and spend a beautiful fall evening with Brandi and I. I was so excited to find out we were going to have the chance to work with you guys. You are so incredibly gentle and down to earth. And obviously your girls get their senses of humour from the two of you!

Oh and a special thank you to my friends Donna and Greg for allowing us to use their gorgeous property for our fun session!

Adam, Janice and Boys :: Family

The year after I graduated high school, I took a year off and worked at Boston Pizza here in St. Paul. I was the hostess with the mostess...or at least I thought so.

As anyone that has ever worked in the service industry knows, it's quite easy to remember the people that gave you a hard time and easy to forget the ones that were a pleasure to deal with. But in my case I remember one couple that would come in every so often and they were an absolute delight to serve. They were incredibly polite, undeniably adorable and clearly very much in love. The couple I'm speaking of is actually the couple that is featured in this post. :)

I've spoken of Janice before (and basically how much I adore her...totally not in a creepy stalker way...well, maybe...) when I was able to work with her and her two sons, Gavin and Brodie. You can check out that session here. When she asked if I'd be available to do a family session with the whole family, I was excited to say the least. 

Adam, Janice, Gavin and Brodie, you all have a zest for life that is admirable. The love that the four of you share is beautiful and honest. I can't tell you how thankful I am to have been able to see your relationship grow to what it has become. Your family is awesome!

Jessica & Patrick :: Married

Before I delve into this blog post, I have to admit something. Something maybe I'm not too proud of but it does have a happy ending so just go with it. 

When Jessica and Patrick first contacted me inquiring about a wedding booking, I looked for every excuse not to do it. You see, they were my very first inquiry and consequently my very first booking as well. I wasn't sure if I was prepared and capable to jump into weddings. I mean, they're kinda a big deal, you know? Don't get me wrong, I REALLY wanted to do it. My competitive juices were definitely flowing, but that little voice that comes up in those moments of doubt was definitely saying, "Whoa Amy. Let's bring those reigns in a bit...what we have going is good...let's not rock the boat here." I started to think, oh maybe I should wait another year. But then I realized I'll be saying the same thing next year...and the next...and the next. I just had to do it and not think about it.

Then when I was able to meet up with Jessica and Patrick, I asked how they had met. It turns out Jessica's aunt knew Patrick and really wanted to set them up. Patrick was already seeing someone, but her aunt was persistent and didn't give up the idea that they would be good together. When that relationship ended they decided to meet up and see if her aunt was right. Lo and behold, she was. It was when I heard that story, that I thought things happen at the time they are supposed to. And despite whatever situation we are in, sometimes it takes a person outside of ourselves to see something that's possible.

Jessica and Patrick, you two are such lovely, humble, down to earth people. I can't tell you how thankful I am that Brandi and I were able to be a part of your day. I wouldn't have asked for a better couple to be my first booking. I know if it was anyone else, I still wouldn't be doing weddings. Your day was even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined and the love you two share was palpable. May your life be joyously rich in every way!