Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton is a gorgeous, magical place even in winter. When Kirsten and Kevin wanted their engagement session to be amongst the pines at Bubolz, I was so happy to document this step in their journey in such a beautiful place full of amazing texture and contrast—truly a photographer’s playground. Being on Bubolz’s preferred vendor list, our associate photographer, Krista, was beyond excited to take Kirsten and Kevin into the wooded atmosphere and pines to take a ton of pictures in the preserve’s amazing nooks and fields.

The session itself was cold—being a January session it was meant to be cold. But there were overcast skies and a cold breeze from a typical winter day in Wisconsin. We took some photos in the pines, near the pond, and along snow-covered pathways. Kirsten described Kevin as sometimes a little shy and hesitant to partake in their engagement session in general, but once he was in the crisp air with Kirsten, I would say he was not shy at all. Kevin was all in for the session, trying to be there for his fiancé that day, and trying everything we came up with, which was sweet and amazing. We even took pictures at the great woodpiles, Kirsten and Kevin cuddling up in front of the wood, creating fantastic imagery.

Northeastern Photographer, KLEM Studios Photography

Both pharmacists, Kirsten and Kevin met during their studies at UW Madison and have been together ever since. Kirsten knew she wanted to be a pharmacist since day one! Attending the same class in pharmacy school, Kirsten and Kevin started running into each other on nearly a daily basis walking to and from campus. They realized that they lived close to one another and started hanging out at Kevin’s apartment. After a month, Kirsten came over to watch “Tucker and Dale vs. Evil” and as they sat together on the couch—a bowl of Kevin’s expertly popped popcorn between them—Kirsten knew she had to tell Kevin she wanted to be more than friends. Kevin realized Kirsten was serious, and that she didn’t come over just for his amazing hot plate popcorn. The two started dating from then on out.

Having fun and giggling together during their session, Kirsten and Kevin wore Madison Badger sweaters for some of their pictures to show their team spirit. They weren’t afraid to do silly and fun things in front of the camera, all the while describing their love for disc golf, cooking dinner together, and cozy nights in the apartment watching TV or Netflix. They are huge sports fans—especially Kirsten who looks forward to Sundays wrapped in a blanket on the couch to watch the Green Bay Packers—and love grabbing drinks with friends to watch a game and spend time together.

Kirsten and Kevin are supportive and love enjoying each other’s company even if Kevin is enjoying video games, while Kirsten is right beside him scrolling through Rue21 products on her tablet. They can enjoy each other while doing separate activities. Kirsten loves how insanely smart and hard working Kevin is, and how his personality can light up a room. Kevin is deeply impressed by Kirsten’s courage and strength to move away from her hometown, work a stressful job, and challenge herself in her residency position. They both push each other to be the best versions of themselves, and their support is palpable.

After taking some time to warm up in the car and change into another outfit, Kirsten braved wearing a dress out in the Wisconsin 20 degree weather—very impressive! Krista gobbled up their energy and the story of how they met. It really seemed like love at first sight for them, and their proposal story was so sweet to hear. One of their favorite places to vacation is Madison, and in the late summer, Kevin and Kirsten drove down to spend a weekend with their friend Blake. Pulling into Camp Randall Stadium and waiting for their friend to meet them, Kevin worked up the courage to ask for Kirsten’s hand. It was the perfect place, in the city where they met and not too far from where their apartment buildings were. Kevin couldn’t sit on the ring any longer—he wanted to see the ring on the love of his life’s finger! Checking out their old apartment buildings, they walked hand and hand, Kevin wearing his backpack so as to hide the ring. He told Kirsten to go on ahead while he put his sunglasses in the backpack, but when Kirsten asked why, Kevin said, he planned to propose and needed to get the ring out of the box! Kirsten was so shocked and even a little lightheaded, that she said okay and started walking. Kevin quickly found the ring box in his backpack and caught up to Kirsten under a large tree in front of Kevin’s old apartment. There, Kevin got down on one knee and asked Kirsten to marry him. Kirsten could barely contain her excitement as she said yes, placing the ring on her finger.

Their entire session showed how playful and energetic Kirsten and Kevin are with each other. They danced, played in the snow, flirted, and laughed—really making the most of their time at Bubolz. There was even a moment during their session where Kevin was instructed to twirl Kirsten, which turned into picking her up off her feet and totally spinning her in a circle! Their entire engagement session was that fun and pretty awesome.

When asked how they knew they were with “the one,” Kirsten explained Kevin was the person she constantly found herself thinking about. He makes her laugh, supports her, and pushes her to do her best. She absolutely loves the feeling of comfort when he’s around, and doesn’t have to worry about her appearance when he’s over either. Kevin was always impressed with how he felt when Kirsten was around—or how much of a void he felt when she wasn’t. He could be himself around her, and loved that she would come over in college just to nap at his place while he did work. They enjoy each other’s company that much.

There is no doubt that Kirsten and Kevin have a loving, bright future ahead of them. They envision themselves having kids, and Kirsten sees herself being a coaching-mom and Kevin moving up the company ladder to help provide for a nice home and a big yard to play football and games with their future kids. Both are deeply in love and motivated for the future. They love being themselves with each other, and being honest no matter what.

Kirsten and Kevin, we truly had a blast capturing your engagement photos in the winter chill! Your relationship and honesty with each other is inspiring and heartwarming. We are so excited for your October wedding, which will, no doubt, be fun and memorable. Your potential honeymoon plans to Ireland sounds like such a fun way to celebrate. Thank you for including us in this milestone during your journey.

Much love and appreciation,