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! 

A decade is a long time. So much can happen in ten years. People change, families grow, and love can be nurtured and deepened. 

When Stacey emailed me and said that this year she was celebrating ten lovely years of marriage with her sweet husband, I knew our photo shoot would be extra special! 

With the girls in white and the boys in blue suspenders, I just about squealed with delight when we met for their session! 

I MEAN... How precious is this?? 

I love how photogenic these two are!! 

And.... we couldn't call it a photo shoot unless we got mama and her precious little ones! 

So sweet!

When I asked Stacey how they made it ten years, she was beautifully honest: not every season was easy, but they got to make it through everything together. 

And together they will continue to face whatever comes their way. 

It really was a beautiful evening to celebrate their love for each other, and to reminisce about the day ten years ago when they put these rings on each other's fingers and promise that they'd take on life together no matter what it brought them. 

I walked away feeling immense appreciation for this job. For this opportunity to connect with strangers and hear their stories. To catch a glimpse of their connection with a glance and to see the depth of trust with a little hand being held. To play with the kids and swap stories with the parents and learn a little bit more about the beauty of life with each click of my camera. 

And for that, I'm so very thankful. 

Stacey and Justin, THANK YOU so so much for allowing me to capture your family yet again! You two have created such a beautiful family and I simply love spending time with all of you!! Congratulations on your first ten years of marriage, and I can't wait to see what the next ten have in store for you! :)