Patrick's Surprise Proposal to Christen | Raleigh Engagement

Patrick and Christen have become all too familiar with the whole “long distance relationship” thing. Christen is currently living and working in Indiana, so when Patrick took a job in Raleigh, NC and relocated there earlier this year, they already knew what it would entail and how challenging it would be. This couple has certainly mastered the art of Skype dating and they definitely know how to make the most of rare, in-person time they do get. This surprise proposal will make your heart flutter and your knees weak...

EngagementsAmberSeptember 23, 2015Engagement Story, engagement session, Raleigh Engagement, Marriage Proposal, Umstead State Park, RaleighComment

The Goebel Family | Real Life Session '15

Tomorrow, Emmalin turns one! To celebrate Adam and Melissa's first year of parenting, I wanted to share a few photo highlights of their family that I believe embody their genuine love for each other. Emmalin was 10 months old in these photos, and her cute expressions and content, easygoing personality are simply adorable. Even their dogs, Niko and Finly made an appearance!

Our Last 20 Lake Michigan Sunrises

On September 15, 2014 (one year ago today), Chad and I were loading our lives into a U-Haul to move across the country. Although we were definitely looking forward to our new chapter in Raleigh, North Carolina, it was so hard to leave so many friends, clients and memories behind in southeastern Wisconsin. Plus, putting that Lake Michigan lakefront in our rearview (especially as a nature-lover and photographer) was one of the hardest things I've ever done.

This post contains images of the last 20 sunrise scenes Chad and I witnessed from our Kenosha apartment.

Chad & AmberAmberSeptember 15, 2015sunrise, Lake Michigan, Kenosha, natureComment

The Staniger Family | Real Life Session '15

The Stanigers are close, personal friends of ours; we go way back to the college days. Charlie and Amanda are so important in our lives! Chad and I like to think of ourselves as wannabe Aunt and Uncle to their two adorable daughters, and babysitting them used to be one of my favorite things to do. In fact, moving away from these sweet people was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do. When we get the chance to see them in-person, we soak in every moment! These are some of the most genuinely REAL family photos I've ever taken. I hope you enjoy the highlights!

Real Life: FamiliesAmberSeptember 8, 2015documentary family photography, family, Real Life Session, Half Day StoryComment

How to diffuse arguments, in love

Love isn't always rosy. Last night we had an argument in the car. It was the kind of husband-wife “discussion” that began with a few assuming blanket statements, continued with escalating volume, and ended in ugly, shoulder-shrugging tears and seated, 4-year-old foot-stomping. Assuming we’re not the only couple in the world who fights, I thought this process of how we diffused our argument might help someone out there.

Chad & AmberAmberSeptember 2, 2015Marriage, Relationships 101, adviceComment

Fight over flight: Choosing to love in marriage

As a wife, as a Christian, and also as a documentary photographer who often photographs weddings, I definitely place an extremely high priority on marriage. I believe a promise made in front of God and witnesses is a promise that should be kept forever. I believe that marriage vows aren't really "I promise to love you every day of my life" but rather "I promise to choose to love you every day of my life." BUT, I will be the first person to admit that keeping marriage vows is certainly NOT easy.

This post is a virtual hug for those who struggle in marriage and it includes a couple ideas that have helped Chad and I strengthen our marriage along the way.

Chad & AmberAmberAugust 25, 2015Marriage, advice Comments

Amy | Bridal Session in Raleigh, NC

Amy and her husband, Andrew, were married last Saturday and they had the time of their lives on their wedding day! They're probably en route home from their tropical honeymoon at this point and we're working on getting all of their wedding images finished up for them. In the meantime, I can't WAIT to finally share these gorgeous image highlights from Amy's Bridal Session a few months ago...

WeddingsAmberAugust 22, 2015Bridal Session, Bridals, bride, Raleigh, JC Raulston ArboretumComment

Longleaf School of the Arts | Class of 2016 Senior Breakfast

On Monday, I had the pleasure of being introduced to the Longleaf School of the Arts senior class at their Senior Breakfast. It's the school's first senior class EVER and the excitement was certainly in the air. Seeing the students, parents and staff mingle with one another was so neat—they are truly a unique, tight-knit little family. Cheers to their first full week of classes being completed and best of luck in their last year of high school! Here are a few "paparazzi" highlights from their event.

Event, SeniorsAmberAugust 21, 2015Longleaf School of the Arts, Raleigh, event, Event Photography, High School, Raleigh Senior, Downtown RaleighComment

The Grafenauer Family | Real Life Session '15

This is the story of a young family of five. It's a family that loves well, plays hard and works together. James, Olivia and Amelia get along so well together, but they're not afraid to do their own thing, either. I've never met a set of parents with more patience and tender care than Andy and Kim! I think you'll love the everyday moments captured in this documentary, Real Life Session.

Real Life: FamiliesAmberAugust 20, 2015Real Life Session, Half Day Story, family, documentary family photography, Madison, kids, parents, WisconsinComment

Aaron & Elizabeth's Intimate St. Louis Wedding

The pouring rain tried to prevent their intimate, outdoor wedding from happening, but these two have weathered far more than that over the course of their cross-country relationship. This wedding was particularly meaningful to Chad and I since we are such close, personal friends to the Bride and Groom and Chad's role was a little different than normal. These images will speak for themselves—simple elegance, infectious laughter and genuine love.

WeddingsAmberAugust 7, 2015St. Louis, Outdoor, Wedding Story, Wedding Photography, weddingComment

What a June that was!

This past month was one of the most exhausting months we've ever experienced, but one of the most meaningful, as well. Our last 28 days have held visits to 7 states for both business and pleasure. (That included 8 planes, 7 cars, a smattering of shuttle buses, and 10 different places to lay our heads at night.) Each trip was very special to us for different reasons! Although our bodies are tired and our suitcase is worn out, our hearts are SO full. What a blessing this month has been!

Here are some photo highlights from June...

Chad & AmberAmberJuly 2, 2015personal, travel, Langhoff CreativeComment

You are beautiful

We keep hearing about people these days who want to be like someone else, look like someone else, or be someone else altogether. I can’t say I have never had self-doubt or a lack of self-confidence (that would be a lie), but I am thankful that I’ve been surrounded by people who embrace life—the life they’ve been given; the life they’ve chosen to love—to the fullest. These are a few of my thoughts on why I believe you are beautiful.

Chad & AmberAmberJune 19, 2015personal, inspiration, beauty, brideComment

An extra-memorable wedding | Images coming soon

Right now, this newlywed couple is traipsing around Nicaragua together on their honeymoon. This is what Aaron & Elizabeth looked like on Sunday soon after they officially tied the knot in a beautiful St. Louis park. Hand in hand, all smiles—we’re pretty sure this is how they’ll look for most of their future together. This little sneak peek comes with a tad bit of backstory...

WeddingsAmberJune 17, 2015Wedding Photography, wedding, sneak peek, friends, St. Louis, OutdoorComment

Chris & Drienie's wedding at Riverwood Manor

Getting to know Chris and Drienie as friends here in Raleigh has been quite the treat for Chad and I, so shooting their wedding and capturing the moments during their marriage celebration was truly incredible! These two were only engaged for nine weeks and have now been married for under a month, so the emotions from their wedding day are still very fresh. We got to reveal their wedding images to them a couple nights ago and are SO excited to share them publicly now!

WeddingsAmberJune 12, 2015Riverwood Manor, Charlotte, Wedding Photography, Wedding StoryComment

The Livingood Family | Real Life Session '15

Blake and Jessica welcomed little Sullivan to their family on January 12th. A few weeks ago, I got to be a fly on the wall to witness and document their family's typical Sunday morning routine. 4-month-old smiles and dimples have never been this cute... What an adorable little family! There was so much I appreciated about this documentary Real Life Session. The genuine integrity of this couple, their intentionally grounded family values, and their deep love for one another were so evident. I think you'll love this story & image highlights...