Pixel is our beagle. That's actually her hashtag too. (#PixelOurBeagle in fact. And yes, we did give our puppy a hashtag.)

it was mostly my fault. Sunil doesn't really do hashtags, but I felt like she has so much personality she needed her own space on the inter-webs. 

We decided to get a puppy about a year ago to try our luck at keeping a real living mammal alive (I kill plants), and after searching for several months, found a litter of beagle puppies at a nearby shelter. Pixel turns one year old next week and we're both so happy that Sunil convinced me to get a dog (I mostly like the convenient and cute things about dogs).

She happily runs the roost around here with her pleading looks, her sweet snuggles, and her friendly ways. She makes friends with our neighbor kids, sniff checks every guest, and ensures that we are aware when an animal runs through our yard. 

She ensures that I take breaks from the hours of computer screen time I spend for my job, and reminds me that while chewed up shoes can be replaced, no amount of money can buy the cutest office mate in the world. Happy almost birthday, Pixel! 

It's been years in the making. Christy and James met in college when a mutual friend introduced them and James was immediately intrigued with her sass. He quickly won her over with his huge smile and adorable curly brown hair, and Christy knew this man would be in her life for a long time. 

Christy and I have been friends since forever. I literally have no memory of meeting her - she's just always been there! She is one of the most patient and loyal people I've ever met, and when she told me that James had finally proposed, I literally jumped up and down for joy!! 

Christy's family moved a few hours away when we were little, so we've had a long distance friendship ever since. When she told me she was engaged and gave me the option of just enjoying the day with her or photographing them, I knew I wanted to be their photographer more than anything! If I have the ability to give my close friends a stress-free fun wedding day by being their photographer - I'm all over it! 

Last weekend I met them up in southwestern Minnesota and we wandered around the quiet streets and deserted alleys for their engagement photos. 

Christy has waited a long time for this ring of hers! James worked selflessly and tirelessly to get to the place where he was ready to buy her engagement ring and when he finally proposed, she responded in typical Christy fashion by saying, "Yes please!"

We were having so much fun with their session that we may have accidentally wandered onto private property and were asked to leave... 

But they were too cute to even care and we totally rolled with it. :) 

After exploring the downtown, we headed to James' mom's property - a lovely quiet acreage surrounded by gravel roads and cornfields.

With the most beautiful evening light! 

Seeing as James grew up on a farm, it was only appropriate that we incorporated some machinery, right? 

The day was picturesque, the light was lovely, and these two were so sweet. I could've stayed in that sunset forever. 

Christy and James, I really have no words. I love you both SO much and I'm so honored to be sharing your day with you in this way. Thanks for following me around and listening to all of my crazy ideas and constant chatter. I'm so excited for your wedding day, but even more thrilled that you finally get to spend the rest of your lives together! Love you both!