Their story began years ago - before they even reached junior high. After being friends for years, Leslie remembers telling her friends, "I'm going to marry that man." Unfortunately, God had other plans, and Mike and Leslie both went their separate ways. 

Leslie tried to move on many times, but still always felt like Mike really was the one meant for her. Thirty-five years later, through some pretty crazy circumstances, God opened up every door for them to be reunited, and this time it was for good. Once again, Leslie has the man she always knew was the one for her. 

Leslie and Mike were officially married in May - after being engaged for just a short time. They decided to have a courthouse ceremony so that they could begin their new life together (only thirty-five years in the making) as soon as possible!  

They've decided to hold a special wedding celebration with their family in October,  and I'm thrilled to be able to be a part of their amazing journey. 

Even though they're already officially married, we went ahead and did the traditional "engagement" photos - and it was so fun!! Leslie and Mike are so sweet with each other and obviously enjoying married life! 

When I asked them what their favorite part about being married was, they both replied with the same answer: always being together. 

And now they never have to say goodbye again. 

Leslie and Mike, I am SO thrilled for where God has brought you two as a couple!! It's been so fun to get to know you and hear your story, and I can't wait to celebrate with you in October! Enjoy your married life as a new family. Much love!! 

Every year I make a trip to Minnesota and photograph my siblings and their families. It's a tradition we've upheld since 2008, and every year it gets a little bit more challenging to top the year before! 

My sister Becky and I have been doing photo shoots the longest, and we even have nicknames for some of the previous years; The Perfect Year, The Bitterly Cold Year, The Year At The Parking Garage, and so many more! 

This year is already named as The Mosquito Year. 

Since moving away from Minnesota, I've enjoyed minimal exposure to the infamous deadly mosquitos that terrorize my home-state. Kansas has it's fair share of bugs, but swarms upon swarms of blood-sucking-insects is not one. 

This year starting out great: I found a fabulous new location about two minutes from my parents house (right next to a dump!) that contained beautiful sand, trees, and a Caterpillar Wheel Loader to boot! (And they were wearing yellow! How convenient is that?)

But we had been out of the truck less than 10 seconds before we were viciously attacked by the clouds of blood thirsty insects. (Ok, so it wasn't that gruesome... but BOY were they bad!)

In our best efforts to keep the kids from becoming peppered with bites, we made them take bug breaks in between photos, and decided that brisk walking was the default pose for the evening. 

These two handled the mosquitos like champs (like the responsible adults they are), and you can barely tell they are itching to return to the peaceful indoors! :) 

This one, however, was not so fortunate. His blood is especially tasty and his bites swell up... so I offered my jacket to keep him hidden. Poor miserable, adorable soul. 

Bug breaks outtakes! :)

Since it was impossible to expect the children to keep still, being silly became a necessity. 

Thankfully with all the walking, the jumping, the bug breaks, and the silliness... we managed to find some really lovely photos. :) 

Yay! Becky, we made it another year! Happy 8 year anniversary of our photoshoots, and congratulations on beating those darn mosquitos!! :) Love you!!