Did you know that in a past life, long ago, I spent about a year working in an office as the assistant to a financial advisor? While I didn't follow that career path, I learned so much about life finances that I never expected. 

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. When I first met Nicole Schuh of She Be But Little day-of coordination, I could tell right away that she was a special soul. 

One of the things I love most about my business is who I share it with. I have an amazing team and support system that I am so blessed has my back. One of those amazing people is my business bestie, Kasey of Kasey and Ben Photography.

One of the things that is SO rewarding about carefully crafting my preferred vendor list is getting to dig deeper with vendors that I already know and like and finding out just why they do what they do. 

You know the gist of how your wedding day is going to go. Bride walks down the isle, possibly guided by her father. Vows are exchanged, a reading or two thrown into the mix, then they kiss and walk back down the aisle as husband and wife. 

If I ever have an opening in my calendar and a photographer friend is looking for a second shooter, I jump at the chance. Morgan of Morgan Lynne Photography was in need of a second shooter for a gorgeous October wedding, and I was immediately on board!

It is a privilege and honor to be able to work with the incredible wedding vendors of Wisconsin as often as I do. I see so many people going above and beyond, serving their clients so that the bride and groom barely have to lift a finger on their wedding day.

One of the things many brides are most excited for after they get engaged is dress shopping. They can't wait to get in the store and start the fashion show. On the other hand, some ladies dread it. They might hate dresses and even consider not getting one. 

I love the community of wedding vendors in Northeast Wisconsin. We have a local Rising Tide Society chapter here in Green Bay, and I think that encourages wedding photographers in Northeast Wisconsin to work to one another, or work together when someone needs a second shooter.

I remember how I felt the first time my dad and I drove through the Rocky Mountains on our way to Vail and Beaver Creek about fifteen years ago. My forehead was glued to the car window as I craned my neck to see the tops of the towering mountains surrounding us. 

Let me start out by saying that I get it.  Planning a wedding is not easy. You’re expected to hire, arrange, and coordinate several different services that you’ve likely never had to hire before, and don’t even know the first questions to ask when vetting the different professionals you find.

The marriage license is a major and required part of legal Wisconsin wedding ceremonies.  So how do you apply for a marriage license in the state of Wisconsin?

The vows have been said, toasts have been made, and hunger and thirst have been taken care of.  The entertainment part of your special day has arrived. Many brides and grooms look back at their weddings and wish they had put a bit more thought and a larger part of their budget towards the entertainment. 

Brandi glided out into the American Club courtyard, tiptoeing up behind Josh in her stunning red high-low wedding gown. She tapped him on the shoulder and he turned to see his beautiful bride-to-be. They spent a few quiet moments alone together in the courtyard dotted with snow on that chilly Valentine's Day afternoon.

Now that you’ve picked a date, a photographer, and probably a venue as well, you can celebrate! Those are some of the toughest decisions in wedding planning that are now crossed off your list. Hooray! On to the fun stuff, like your engagement session.

Budget is often the overriding factor for many wedding ceremony and reception decisions.  If you and your future spouse decide to have alcohol served at your wedding reception, you'll have to choose among having an open bar, a cash bar, or a combination of both.  Here's a pros and cons list for each choice.

It can be hard to brainstorm beautiful places to be the backdrop of your engagement session. Fortunately, here in Green Bay there are a ton of gorgeous, popular engagement session location options. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Winters in Wisconsin sometimes get a bad rap, but they're incredibly beautiful and romantic. Softly falling snow, candlelight, and cooler temperatures are perfect for snuggling and saying, "I do". I had been dreaming of creating a winter wedding styled shoot for about a year.

To many, I wouldn't be considered an expert on love. I'm relatively young, I was previously engaged, and I'm not married. However, I have experienced all kinds of love, and I've witnessed dozens and dozens of inspiring, loving relationships.

Oh, Zion National Park. You captivated my heart years ago and never let go. Perhaps it's your red canyon walls, or your magnificent river, or your charming gateway town of Springdale. Whatever your spell of choice is, it's working.