It's finally Fri-Yay, friends! For many of you, this means being able to grab dinner and a drink with friends, family, or your significant other. You deserve it! And hey, if you come across a place you LOVE, definitely let me know.

If you know me even just a smidge or have checked out my Instagram page, you know I've got a fierce case of wanderlust. I would live out of a suitcase if Tyler or my cats or my puppy would let me. But alas, here I am, head in the clouds, feet on the ground, and ready to spill my secrets on affordable travel in one of the most wonderful spots in the United States. Colorado holds a special place in my heart. If you haven't been, I hope this post inspires you to plan your trip to Colorado ASAP. 

The morning was hazy and warm. Birds sang in the trees surrounding Sam's parents' home, and cicadas chirped out of sight. Rows of empty white chairs were lined up facing a gigantic hydrangea bush bursting with bountiful white blooms. The stage was quietly set for the afternoon outdoor wedding ceremony.

I get the chance to work with some of the greatest, most adventurous, most unique clients out there. I love getting to spend time with my couples shooting their engagement sessions, too, because it gives us a chance to get to know one another without the pressures of their busy wedding day. We reach a certain comfort level that goes way beyond the photographer-client constraints.

The sun rose lazily in the August morning sky, rays beating down on the corn fields near Green Bay. Stacie excitedly prepared for her wedding day in the basement of St. Joseph's church.

The sun shone brightly on the white sand beaches in Montego Bay, Jamaica. A warm breeze rustled the palm leaves as gulls cried overhead. Stephanie gently stepped down onto the sand with the help of her father's steady arm. Steve was waiting for her in front of the ocean, grinning from ear to ear.

For nine years, Bill and Brenton dreamt about their wedding day. Until recently, these two handsome grooms didn't know if that dream would ever become a reality. July twenty-fifth was a gloriously sunny day filled with promise and love. There was a sense of reverence in the air.  A soft breeze made the wildflowers dance and songs with sweet operatic vibrato filled the courtyard at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

On the south side of Kewaunee, Wisconsin, a quaint Victorian house is nested amongst the residential homes. The Hollyhock House blooms with possibility amongst the roses, hostas, and other plants that decorate the property. This place is special to us because next fall, my fiancé and I will be saying our eternal vows in the gardens of The Hollyhock House. We had a chance to sit down with one of the owners and managers of The Hollyhock House, Karen Howlett, and ask her some questions about the seasoned Northeast Wisconsin wedding venue to help inform inquiring brides:

It was a day for recalling old memories and making new ones. Family, friends, and loved ones gathered from near and far to celebrate the love that Dustin and Krystina share. The weathermen had threatened there would be rain on this wonderful day, but there wasn't a menacing cloud in sight.

The wind was relentless, and the sun played peek-a-boo behind the clouds, but Marissa was the epitome of calm and collected. An Door County wedding had been planned, and Marissa's energy was undeterred by the less-than-ideal weather. She was surrounded by her nearest and dearest in a family suite at the Pine Grove Resort as she slipped into her David's Bridal gown. In a suite nearby, her groom-to-be, Jeff, was suiting up for their "first look". The mood at the resort was joyous, festive, and relaxed.

Krystina knew Dustin was "the one" during her freshman year of college. Dustin was coming home from leave, and she remembers how excited she was to see him, a different excitement than she had felt before. Fast forward to this January when Dustin and Krystina went away for a weekend skiing in Houghton, Michigan. Krystina couldn't understand why Dustin was kneeling in a snowbank on the deck of the restaurant where they had just shared a romantic dinner together. Dustin asked Krystina to be his forever, and she happily said yes.

Their friendship sparked years ago, but who could have known the fire that had been ignited? Perhaps it was the way Josh made Sam laugh, or maybe it was the way Sam tossed her long, blonde hair over her shoulder when she turned to look at him. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their hearts soon began to call to each other.

Rain sprinkled lightly outside the large windows of the Oneida Country Club clubhouse. It hardly felt like December outside, but inside the clubhouse, Christmas trees adorned with warm white lights and a roaring fire. Brad and Jessica snuggled close to one another, gazing into each other's eyes, lost in their own little world.

This fall, Tyler and I took three weeks off and headed out west. I had carefully planned the details of our adventure for almost a year, researching restaurants, campsites, and hikes. I think travel is one of the most rewarding luxuries we afford ourselves.

I have known Lauren for a number of years, simply because I graduated with her younger brother. While Lauren and I were just acquaintances until recently, she has always been an extremely sweet and kindhearted person. It is obvious to see why Ryan was drawn to her.