A look back at 2012...

I don't know about you guys, but 2012 seemed to fly by in a blur. I don't know if it was the fact that we never really had much of a winter, or the summer was so hot that it blew by in a haze of humid days and too much time in the air conditioning. I do know that my days were jam packed with weekday obligations and activities, and I filled my weekends up with photographing families, babies, and weddings. I met so many amazing people, and was given some opportunities I'd secretly hoped for but never believed they would happen...until they did (thanks Mindy!!!).

In my down time, 2012 consisted of traveling to Denver to meet my new niece in February, getting a new puppy in April, our 5 year wedding anniversary, participating in the Color Run, and being a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding. 2012 was a year of many gains, peppered with a bit of loss as well when a good friend moved away in June, and we reluctantly said good-bye to a dear family friend in September.

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It's hard to say what 2013 will bring with it, but I hope that it brings continued happiness, health, and opportunities. I know that it will be full of adventure, photography, and love. Here's to a wonderful 2013!

Happy Holidays from all of us!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with your friends and families! Thank you for all of your support in 2012, my plans and expectations for the year were far exceeded thanks to all of you!! I can't thank you enough for all of the opportunities you brought my way this year, and as always, it was an absolute pleasure documenting you and your families. I hope to see you all again in 2013!

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Favorite 12 of 2012: Engagements & Weddings

I always feel so lucky because I truly feel as though I have the best brides & grooms as my clients. All of them are kind, wonderful people who I genuinely enjoy spending time with and I am often sad when the wedding day is done. I want to thank all of my 2012 couples for allowing me to document such an important day in their lives, and to my 2013 couples - I am so excited to be documenting your weddings, we are going to have so much fun!

With much difficulty, I narrowed down my favorite 12 engagement & wedding photos from 2012 in the order taken. I hope you enjoy!

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Below photo taken by Josh. 7468842798_5bacd41958_o

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Below photo taken by Josh. 8148399887_123144b1d5_o

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Favorite 12 of 2012: Children & Families

Every year I do a post of my favorite photos from the year, and it is always so difficult to choose as I love ALL of my clients and EVERY session yields one (or more) favorites. So, this year I divided it up between my favorite child/family sessions and engagements/weddings (coming in a post tomorrow).

Looking back over the past year was incredibly fun, and it reminded me again how thankful I am that I have the opportunity to photograph such special milestones in my clients' lives. So many of you have become not only clients, but friends, and I've enjoyed seeing your families grow over the years.

And without further ado, my favorite 12 photos of 2012 in the order they were taken: 

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Laine [Iowa City, IA Baby Photography]

Sweet Laine was born in mid-October and I had the opportunity to meet her last Sunday, along with her big (furry) brother Harvey and her parents Stacy and Eric. It was a cold, rainy day but it was nice and cozy inside with this wonderful family. It is always so much fun to document a new family, and these guys were no exception.

Stacy and Eric - Laine is gorgeous!! Thank you for allowing me to document this exciting time in your lives! I hope you enjoy the preview.

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Big brother Harvey! laine-7432 copy
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Shannon + Kam [and Paco too!] - North Liberty, IA Family Photography

Shannon and Kam were one of my 2011 wedding couples so it was so much fun to see them just over a year later with their little dachshund Paco! We had a great session, but since they are using one for a holiday card I can only share a single photo for now. More coming soon after the holidays!

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Quinn [West Des Moines, IA Newborn Photography]

You may remember the L family from their session this spring, and now they have a new little one - a baby girl! Quinn Harper (LOVE the name) is just as cute as her big brother Oliver, and I was so thrilled to get to meet her this past Sunday morning.

Quinn was born on November 14th, making her 11 days old when we did the session. I just love her big brown eyes, and I couldn't believe how much she looks like Oliver when he was a baby (see his 10 week old session HERE for a flashback!).

Nicole and James - Congratulations again on your beautiful baby girl. It was, as always, a pleasure to see you all!! I have really enjoyed watching your adorable family grow. I hope you like the preview!

My favorite!!
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While Miss Quinn got a bit of a break, we took some photos of Oliver with mom & dad, as well as this adorable shot of him by himself. This guy's laugh has to be the best thing ever.
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