I think of my self primarily as a "lifestyle" photographer... capturing families, precious babies and kiddos, senior portraits and weddings!!  However, over the last couple of years, I've had the chance to photograph several fantastic sporting events, and I have discovered that I LOVE it!!  There is something so fun about capturing the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat! This post will feature some selected images from three events I was privileged to photograph this year.  

• First, the American Birkebeiner (a cross country ski marathon in Northern Wisconsin) 
• Second, the Turkey Hill Country Classic (a series of running and biking races held locally in Manor Township)
• And third, The Battle at the Beach, a North American Grappling Assoc. tournament.  

Enjoy sports fans!

THE BIRKIE

THE TURKEY HILL COUNTRY CLASSIC

NAGA

So I realized that I needed to take a summer "vay-cay" and chill a little more.  One of the ways I accomplished this was to take a break from blogging for a couple of months.  As much as I LOVE sharing with all of you, I knew that with my kiddos at home, I'd want to dedicate as much time to them as possible.  And, we even took and ACTUAL vacation this summer!!  (Those of you who know me, know that my family usually takes 2 weeks off in February to "vacation" in the frozen tundra of Northern Wisconsin!  But this year...Mama got a week in my favorite OCNJ... in the warm weather!!!  YAY!)

But with August just around the corner...I'm feeling the pull back to the blogosphere and I am super excited to share a wee bit of "what I did on my summer vacation!"  So, sit back, grab some coffee and enjoy...

First off... BABIES!!!!!  I was lucky enough to photograph a bunch of super cute little babies this summer.  Camryn, Alice & Annabelle...all around 6-8 months old around the time of their sessions.  And I have to say - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that age!!  They are so expressive...little personalities just coming into bloom.  I could do this type of session ALL. DAY. LONG!

     CAMRYN:

ALICE:

AND... ANNABELLE:

Next... young love!  My very first engagement session.  And oh how I enjoyed it!  Crystal and Matt are getting married next June and we met this past June to capture their growing love.  Beautiful Historic Poole Forge set a beautiful stage as the sun just dripped all over these two.  Gorgeousness!

And lastly, while on our own vacation, I did a special photo shoot with my daughter Chloe.  She adores the beach, so we went out at dusk and she just played and frolicked in the waves.  Nothing better than capturing pure joy!  (And she's pretty cute too!)

Thanks for taking some time to scroll by... Looking forward to a busy August - being seeing you back here soon! :)

May Weddings!!  I know ALL about them!  My own wedding was in the Month of May, (actually by the time I publish this, Keith & I will have just celebrated 16 years of wedded bliss!!)  All that to say... you never know what you're going to get with a May wedding...showers?? flowers?? both??  Holly and Andrew were married on Sat., May 11th and for them, it was all of the above!  The weather gave us some rain, some shine, some clouds, and some sun...how "well-rounded!" :)  

The first time I met this sweet couple was at our first consultation to discuss wedding photography.  We had a lovely dinner together and by the end of that meal, I felt that I had made new friends.  These two are so easy going and kind.  We laughed, shared stories, and planned out exactly what they wanted me to capture on their special day.  

When the day came, Andrew and Holly were great sports...willing to try out some fun ideas that really made the most of the weather we were given.  The wedding party was filled with close friends who were so obviously happy for their friends.  All around - a super fun group!  I know you'll enjoy looking through the images in this post as much as everyone involved with this wedding enjoyed being there!

getting pretty!

some details...

Holly and her ladies

Andrew and his guys!

The flower girl and ring bearer... (besides the bride, kids always steal the show!) :)

a Special moment for Andrew & Holly before the ceremony... together, but NO peeking!!

The big moment arrives... (after postponing for about a 1/2 hour due to an accident on I-83 keeping special guests delayed.)

One of my favorite moments in the day - when the groom sees his bride for the first time!!

Would you believe the sun appeared just as the ceremony was ending making it possible to get these beautiful portraits outside!

Let's get this party started!

So... the rain reappeared!!  The reception was held at the Elstonville Sportsman's Club and the gathered guests were sheltered under a large pavilion.  However, some could not resist enjoying a little frolicking in the rain!  And who could blame them?  

Congratulations to this beautiful couple!  It was truly my pleasure and honor to be able to capture these memories of your day!