I have these little chills sharing this post, because I feel like the journey it portrays is so beautifully reflective of what I have been experiencing as a photographer over the past couple of years. Let me elaborate.

Zack and Emily were married 10 years ago this past August, hosting their reception at the historic Mill Park in Paoli, Wisconsin. I remember it as if it was yesterday! A perfect summer evening, Emily wore a dress that was custom-made by the same local designer my own dress was(!), and the two danced under the stars — Emily in bare feet — as family and friends encircled them in a tangible act of love and support. It was magical.

Several months ago, Emily emailed me sharing that her and Zack were hoping to do a 10-Year Anniversary Session back at Paoli Mill, with photos celebrating the entirety of what their marriage now means to them; not just their story as a couple but also the one now including their three beautiful children. I excitedly told her that we had actually done the exact same thing for our 10-year anniversary last fall! Knowing how special these photos are to me, I was thrilled to get to be the photographer on the other side.

We met at The Mill, I met their kids, and we wandered and talked about that special day 10 years ago all together. The kids got to see where their family’s story began, and they laughed and squealed when mom and dad stole a few kisses : ) After Aunt M picked them up to go get ice cream, Emily changed into a dress reminiscent of her wedding gown and I fell even more in love with what I get to do.

Meaning. Intention. Preservation. Legacy.

Over the past thirteen years, I have been constantly refining both myself as a photographer, as well as this beloved business that comes along with it. Of course, that refinement includes things like my shooting and editing style but, most importantly, it includes listening to and following my heart as a creative person who feels things incredibly deeply. I have always followed, and photographed, what I am passionate about and a promise I have made to myself is that that will never change.

Lately I’ve been experiencing these sort of “pinch me,” I-am-the-luckiest-to-do-this-kind-of-moments. Helping families meaningfully preserve life’s most sacred, most precious, and most significant seasons will forever be one of my own life’s most greatest honors.

So – CHEERS to 10 Years, S Family! And cheers to the journey that brought us all here.

More anniversary sessions on the blog here!