Office Makeover [Personal]

I've always wanted a home office where I could meet potential clients and also have a place other than my living room to sit and edit, and last summer I really decided to get serious about redoing the front room in my house for that purpose. However, things got a little crazy, and the project kept getting postponed. Recently, the makeover was completed and I can't wait to start meeting clients in here! There are a few minor things I still want to do (add a plant to my desk for one thing), but overall this is the finished product! I'm so thrilled with how it turned out.

A before and after of the office...
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What to Wear: Spring Family Session [Iowa City, IA Family Photography]

Getting your family ready for a photo session can take time and can be overwhelming, so Coelle has put together a spring style board to inspire you.The following tips will help make sure your family is photo ready when preparing to create wonderful family photos:

  • When thinking about what to dress each member of your family in, remember the days of all matching shirts or outfits are long gone! Try striving for a “coordinated” look instead. Work within in the same color pallet but feel free to throw in splashes of color outside of the pallet (see the little girl cardigan below for example of surprise color!).
  • Consider comfort! Photo sessions are a blast and filled with movement, you might be running through a grassy field or all cuddled up together on a park bench during the shoot (maybe save the fancy dress and high heels for date night...).
  • Have everyone try everything on before the day of the photo shoot, kids grow so quickly...if you have the perfect thing in mind that has been hanging in their closet for months, it might not fit any more, have them try it on before hand!
  • Think about details; jewelry for mom, hair clip for little girls to keep the hair out of their eyes, cute and clean shoes for everyone!

Spring is the perfect time to schedule a family photo shoot! Spring styles are colorful, the sky is bright, the grass is turning green and we are all thrilled to be outside!





Amanda from Memories in the Making Event Planning & Design [North Liberty, IA Headshot Photography]

Amanda Young is the owner of Memories in the Making Event Planning & Design here in North Liberty. Her branding is really moving forward and so many exciting things are in the works for her! She recently added concierge services to her repertoire, which is such a great service for ANYONE planning an event that knows what they want or have done a lot of the planning themselves, but who needs someone to manage/put together all of the details leading up to the event. Such a fantastic idea, especially for busy professionals who just don't have time to do everything themselves.

Amanda and I got together on Sunday to take headshots for her new (soon to be launched) website and blog. Although it was cold, Amanda braved the wind to get a few outdoor shots as well. It's really been fun for me to see her so excited about the direction her business is going, and I'm thankful to have been a part of it! We got some really gorgeous photos, which show Amanda's fun loving personality and contagious smile.

Hair and makeup by Kayla at Tru Salon.











Life via Instagram: March 2014 [Personal]

I haven't done one of these in awhile! Winter is sort of like summer break for photographers, as the majority of sessions (especially in Iowa) take place April - October/November. So, I've spent the early part of 2014 traveling, snuggling with my nieces, seeing JT in concert, and...redoing my office! Now I will have a space to meet all of my prospective brides & grooms for 2015 wedding consults. I am in the midst of decorating, but there are a few "progress pics" below. ;)


What to Wear: Spring Engagement Session [Iowa City, IA Engagement Photographer]

As the snow has melted away, it finally feels as though spring is coming! It's a busy time of year, but with such gorgeous weather and the flowers blooming, spring is a perfect time to schedule your engagement session. Coelle put together three looks to give you some style inspiration as we look ahead to warmer weather. Use these ideas to shop your own closet and put together something fabulous, or I've provided the links if you are in love with any of the specific items below.

Also, styling for sessions can be added onto any collection if you want Coelle to personally come shop your closet with you! :)

Dressy Look
 Dress, necklace, shoes, and for the guys... a sport coat (pair with dress pants)


Casual Sundress Look
Dress, Earrings, Shoes, for the guys...Sweater (to pair with jeans)


 Casual Denim Look
Top, Jeans, Sandals, Earrings, for the guys...Button-down Shirt (wear with sleeves rolled up + jeans)


Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Finnley [North Liberty, IA Newborn Lifestyle Photography]

Sweet Finnley was 14 days old for his photo debut, and I cannot get over how snuggly and sweet he is! He loves his parents, his pacifier, and snuggly blankets and I had the best time photographing him.

It is always so much fun seeing new parents with their babies, especially if they did a maternity session with me. The excitement, wonder, and happiness is palpable and it's just such a fun experience.

Kaley and Patrick - Congratulations again on the birth of Finnley, he is adorable and so so sweet. I thank you again for the opportunity to photograph this time in your lives!



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Finnley's nursery was adorable, and I especially loved the book collection, some of which were Patrick and Kaley's as children.

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What to Wear: Spring Maternity [Iowa City, IA Maternity Photographer]

Spring is just around the corner (yesterday's weather was so nice, I'm pretty sure everyone on our block was busting out their grills for the season) and that means outdoor sessions! One of my favorite types of sessions to do are maternity, as it's such an exciting time for a couple as they await the arrival of their new little one.

If you are preparing for a spring maternity session, Coelle put together a couple looks to give you inspiration. Links are provided if you like any of the items shown, but as these are just meant to inspire you, check out your own closet to put together similar looks!

Casual Spring Maternity Look: 


Dressy spring maternity look:


Tru Salon Spring 2014 Editorial Shoot [Coralville, IA Editorial Photography]

Tru Salon is one of my favorite places in the area, and I'm always amazed by the gorgeous hair and makeup that the stylists there produce. Not only are they all super talented, but incredibly nice as well and I always look forward to spending time at the salon.

Holly and Kayla have been doing editorial looks for every season for a few years now, and when they asked me to photograph this year's series I was thrilled. The session was definitely something new for me, but I had so much fun stepping outside of my comfort zone. I felt so incredibly inspired by this session, and can't wait to do it again soon!

Holly and Kayla - Thank you so much for choosing me to help you with your editorial shoots, I am so grateful to be a part of it. You guys are the best. Also huge thanks to Savanna for modeling, you are gorgeous girl!!


Hair by Kayla and Holly, makeup by Kayla