Holden.

Usually the eloquent wordsmith, I cannot put together even one cohesive sentence for this post.  Two weeks ago, my best friend since the fourth grade (easily one of the absolute most genuine, loving, wholly good people I've ever had the privilege of knowing) gave birth to a son.  A magnificent, beautiful, perfect little boy she named Holden. 

I remember the day Nadia called to tell me she was (finally!) pregnant. I remember screaming. Jumping up and down as if we were nine years old again and had just won tickets to NKOTB. Talks of morning sickness, and hip pain and cravings interspersed with delighted squeals and wild laughter.  I remember hanging up the phone, bittersweet joy washing over me; She would give birth in Minnesota and I would be in Austin. 1100 miles from it all. 

Circumstance brought me home in time to witness the birth of Nadia's son. To witness Nadia and her  husband Jeff become parents -- a family. I cannot describe, using even the most beautiful of languages or the most lyric iambic pentameter exactly how moving this experience has been. How moving it remains.....

Nadia...Jeffrey.
Holden. 
"Thank you" seems so inadequate as an expression of my gratitude for these precious moments that you so graciously shared with me. This invitation into the most momentous and sacred moments of your lives.  I am forever changed, Nadia. Because of our friendship, because of you, because of this. 


Always love,
A

Judy+Tom's Schaar's Bluff Wedding

Eight; the number of children Judy and Tom have between them. The number of crickets their youngest caught (and released) during the course of the day. The number of roses in each bouquet. A gagillion: the amount I adore these two people - and their family. It was such an honor to be able to capture a slice of their wedding day - the merger of two amazing families, of ten unique, brazen personalities. 

Family is a big deal to Judy and Tom. So much so, that when Judy contacted me about her day, she indicated that she didn't so much want a wedding photographer, as much as she wanted someone to document her children.  On her day. Judy, you astound me. f'Real. And your kids are the exact reflection of the love you and Tom share. For each other. For them. 

I enjoyed every single moment of your wedding. 

Here are just a few of my favorites from our afternoon:

These two people know exactly what it means

to make a Haus

a home.

Always Love,

A

kate+matt : stillwater engagement session

I feel as if I have no words for this session...none that do my feelings for it justice, anyway. I love every. single. image.  Kate + Matt are getting married this winter and after Monday's session I cannot wait for the amazeballs that their Northern, MN wedding is sure to be. For two people who did not want to step in front of my lens I am awed by their ease, candor, and Kate's insane beauty.  They rocked. it. out. 

Always Love,
A