I think Kylie was twelve when Devin and I first met.  Kylie is my sister. Not just my sister in law, but my sister through experience; we’ve grown up together, my sister through loss; we’ve mourned together, sister though tradition; we celebrate together but most of all my sister through love.  I cannot imagine loving a blood sister anymore than I love Kylie.

So when Kylie brought Andrew into our lives a few years ago we knew he had a big job ahead of him if he was going to become part of the Van Steelandt family.   Kylie is the baby in the family and we have been known to be hard on Kylie’s boyfriends in the past.  But for Kylie we would settle for nothing less than perfect.  A man who loves and supports Kylie.  A man who can hold his ground during a rousing game of bocci ball or cards.  A man who has humility and can laugh at himself.  A man who is honest and a hard worker.  A man who recognizes Kylie’s strengths and compliments her weaknesses. Andrew is all of this and so much more.

Andrew is so much like Devin, eerily so sometimes and they have become close friends. And so in the same way that I gained a sister by marrying Devin, Devin now has a brother!!!

Andrew asked Kylie to marry him today and she said yes!!!

Kylie and Andrew,

There are no words for how happy I am for you.  I wish you happiness, excitement, and love beyond what you’ve imagined.

xoxo,

Dani

If you were to ask me, or most photographers, what ideal wedding conditions are this would be a pretty standard response;

A beautiful sunny day with a few clouds.  Comfortably warm weather – not too hot, not too cold.  A reception location that is beautiful, personal, and backlit.  An expressive bride  and groom who wear there emotions and hearts on their sleeves.  Guests who are playful and fun. A relaxed easy schedule that allows for relaxed portraits and a few drinks on the beach.  A flawlessly put together wedding style, dress and decor that suits the happy couple.

This was Jordy and Alicia’s wedding.  It was perfect.

Jordy and Alicia decided on a vintage feel for the day and Alicia handcrafted many of the beautiful details.  Her dress is vintage and she dressed it up by adding the lace details.  Even the guests came in their vintage attire!  Homemade wine was served as guests arrive to the cabin of the groom’s father where the ceremony would take place.

This beautiful couple is Sherry and Blaire.  Sherry is Jordy’s mom and I will be photographing her and Blaire’s wedding next December!  Aren’t they adorable!?

Another lovely detail was when Alicia met her Mom at the top of the aisle, so mom could place her veil and send her with her dad the rest of the way down to Jordy.  What a beautiful moment.

And that’s just the ceremony!!!

Stay tuned for more…

I think I’ve done well picking gifts this year and now they’re all wrapped up and ready to deliver!  Can’t wait to see Devin’s reaction.  More details soon!

Wishing my fabulous clients a wonderfully happy holiday season,

Dani

During one of our last beautiful fall weekends Jon and Laura proclaimed their love and commitment in front of their friends and family.

Congratulations Jon and Laura.  Thank you for inviting me to share in and capture your big day!

Thanks to Matt Ramage for being my trusty second shooter.  Looking forward to working with you again soon.

Cheers,

Dani

A few weeks back I mentioned on Facebook that I had an idea just waiting for the right client.  And along came Ms. L.

Cheers,

Dani

The end of summer is here again.  The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder.  I woke this morning to beautiful white frost covering the trees and grass and everything in between.  I took a few moments before wandering down to join Devin for our morning coffee ritual to take it all in.  And I realized something.  I have been existing behind my camera too busy being an observer and not taking enough time to really live, to create memories with friends, to be romantic with my husband, to snuggle my aging pooch.

I am a better photographer when I am a better friend and better wife and better person.  I am a better photographer when I take time to take in the world around me without a camera attached to me.  I am a better photographer when I am not burdened by a workload that makes me lose sleep.  It’s time for me to take a little step back.  As such, I will not be accepting any new sessions (with the exception of our November Boudoir Marathon that’s already in the works) this year.  I am excited to have a few weddings still coming up, some engagement, family, musician, and boudoir sessions between now and the new year.  I have a lot on my plate and will not be adding anymore right now.

Thanks to all our wonderful clients who made this summer awesome!  Seriously some of the best weddings ever!  I will continue to update the blog with all the details.