Once upon a time, I was a 14 year old high school student enrolled in my very first photography class. My mom had enjoyed taking pictures when I was young, and after trying all the other art classes in middle school I had opted for photography class because it was new to me. It wasn’t long before I’d fallen in love and commandeered my mom’s Minolta Maxxum 7000 for good. The only thing I needed was a model.
Enter: my baby sister. She quickly became my favorite subject and would let me dress her up and boss her around as I played with lenses and settings and lighting conditions. I learned so much with my sister at my side; she even joined me as an assistant photographer and helped me at wedding shows in my early days of running a photography business. I could not have asked for a better sidekick over the years. She is truly one of my favorite people on this earth, to have in front of my camera AND beside me in life.
And so, of course I was ecstatic for her when she finally said YES to her very own love story. Knowing that I would be by her side on the wedding day instead of behind the camera, I had to at least create some fun engagement portraits that fit my sister and her hubby just right. We had so much fun running around some of their favorite Madison, Wisconsin spots to document that exciting time in their lives!


She really found a gem of a guy in her hubby. I’ve never known anyone who gets my sister quite like he does. He has my seal of approval, without a doubt. It makes me incredibly happy to know she found her perfect match who is committed to supporting her in all she does.













Of course, the shoot was extra fun because my newest favorite assistant tagged along… In his very own red shoes and all! How handsome is my Colombian boy?

Of course his Tia Mariah didn’t mind him stealing a little time with the camera (she’s the BEST auntie)…

(but back to the bride and groom…)

Madison engagement pictures aren’t complete without a trip to the iconic Capitol building.




And of course, I must sneak in a sunset at any opportunity!


Over all of the years I have spent taking portraits, my sister has been a source of inspiration when I’ve needed it. I can’t wait to make some more. Capturing love stories is extra special when it’s done for those I love, and she’s among the people I love the most- and always will be.