As it stands, New Year's Eve already is a glamorous holiday filled with sparkles, elegance, and celebration. Megan and Lane decided to take it to the next level and plan the happiest day of their lives around this festive holiday. These two have been in love for as long as I can remember--seriously! The three of us graduated from high school together, and I can't remember a time when they weren't together. Knowing these two outside the photography world made their wedding even more special to be a part of. 

Between July-December of 2016, we donated to The Golden House, Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary, Freedom House, the Einstein Project, Paul's Pantry, Rawhide, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Glacier National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Teton National Park.

The eighth of October wasn't just an ordinary day for Jacob and Tiffany. This was the day they would pledge themselves to one another forever at the beautiful Willow Pond Bed and Breakfast in Weyauwega, Wisconsin.

I've thought about writing this blog post a hundred times. Part of me told myself to not write it because I thought it would seem like a feeble cry for attention. Another part of me was afraid of how to carefully word phrases, and how people would perceive them. But thank God for the other part of me that exists, the one that said, "Speak up. Share your story. Stay humble, show grace, and exude love." So after walking my pooch in the swirling snow and pouring myself a beer, here I am.

So often with this job, I am rewarded with the company of wonderful, amazing, kind-hearted people. I don't know how I got so lucky, but boy am I thankful for it. Sam and Kaitlee are two of these aforementioned people, and I'm pretty smitten with this pair.

"There's a leak in the dining room ceiling." Dan had one job on his wedding day, besides making it down the aisle and saying "I do", and that was whispering sweet nothings in Dot's ear while I captured her stunning smile and laugh. What does Dan choose to tell Dot? "There's a leak in the dining room ceiling."

With the holiday season coming, I wanted to focus more heavily on how KLEM Studios gives back and give my clients the opportunity to give additional donations to our featured causes each month. Just by offering this to KLEM Studios clients, these wonderful people donated an ADDITIONAL $67 on top of the $83.19 we were already going to be able to donate. This number just blows my mind, this month we are donating $150.19! Roughly $75 will go to Glacier National Park and $75 will go to the Einstein Project in Green Bay.

There are some people in this world that have learned what truly matters and should be cherished: family, friends, and love. Liz and Bob have chosen to surround themselves with incredible people, and they reward those people with infinite love and kindness. As Liz and Bob said their "I dos" at Lambeau Field, standing on sacred ground in Green Bay, their presence and full hearts were what made the moment so special.

It's always such an honor when someone in your field recognizes your work and makes you feel valuable. Needless to say, I was flattered when Miranda and Adam reached out to me in hopes of having KLEM Studios capture their wedding day. Adam works in the industry and has lots of experience under his belt. I think this experience is part of what helped Miranda and Adam create a stunning wedding experience that completely reflected who they are.

I want to share a story with you all that may seem small, but it feels like such a victory in my heart. A few days ago, I was delivering a client's photo album to them after their portrait session. At their viewing and ordering session, I had mentioned that KLEM Studios donates a portion of profits to the National Parks and local charities here in the Green Bay area.

What would you do if you knew that you're wildest dreams would come true? That these beautiful ideas in your head would become reality before your very eyes?

For August, our efforts were focused on Bryce Canyon National Park and Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary.

When I think of Liz and Bob, so many wonderful traits and qualities come rushing to mind. Their zest for life, their love of Green Bay and the Packers, their laughter and honesty, and how important their family is to them.

When I'm not playing photographer, I spend my time behind the pine at Brickhouse Craft Burgers and Brews as their manager and beer director. I'm a Cicerone Certified Beer Server and self-proclaimed beer snob with an adventurous palate.

The girls laughed in the brightly colored church prep room, each taking turns applying Brooke's makeup and styling her hair. Brooke and Adam's wedding at their church in Green Bay was an intimate affair.

Friends, we're doing some pretty incredible stuff together. I'm not just talking about getting to know each other and taking pretty pictures. We're making a difference. I mentioned this a few weeks ago, but KLEM Studios is beginning to really give back.

I really believe that Dot and Dan complete each other. Not in the flowery, theatrical sense, but it a matter-of-fact sort of way. He puts up with her sass and gives it right back. She reaches for his hand and gently swings their arms while they walk. Their laughter is contagious, and their shared smiles are like a secret only they are privy to.

Love is such a beautiful mystery. It can be all-consuming, fleeting, passionate, and sometimes it just sneaks up on you. It can be tragic, unrequited, painful, and misunderstood. With all of that, I do believe that love, true love, is the greatest thing that can ever happen to all of us. But what if you met the person you were going to grow old with when you were just a teenager? How would you know, what would you do to preserve that relationship and make it stand the test of time? It may not have been clear to Megan and Lane in the beginning how to make it all work, but they've definitely done something right. This July they will be celebrating eight years together, and their journey as husband and wife begins on New Year's Eve.