Madalyn and James' engagement session at the Indiana Statehouse felt like stepping into a modern Jane Austen film. Every detailed column, marble staircase, and glowing chandelier had me in a composition wonderland. The setting was so deeply romantic, but the real showstopper was the love between this beautiful couple. This incredible building provided the perfect canvas to show off the relationship between the future Mr. & Mrs. VanDrunen. Their bond is timeless, yet relaxed.

Maybe it's because the Lion King has been on at my house on repeat, but the entire time I was looking through Brittany and Derek's maternity pictures, the Circle of Life kept playing in my head. It could also be the fact that this entire maternity session is a full-circle moment for me. The first time I met Derek was right here at Hardy Lake four years ago for family pictures . Since then, I've shot their engagement session , the incredibly beautiful wedding , and now the Rie

I just finished my "Best of 2025" post and it's crazy to think that this little guy was one of my very first sessions last year. He was the teeniest, cuddliest little newborn and now he's becoming a toddler right before our eyes! Although, he's still mighty cuddly. Benjamin loves Mickey Mouse, furniture surfing, and his parents. There for a second, we thought he liked cupcakes too! A man is entitled to change his mind, after all, and a cupcake tantrum is always fun to photogr

This is one of those "pinch me" moments. What was once a far-fetched dream is now hundreds of realities. The fact that this doesn’t even scratch the surface of what all 2025 was... There are a lot of emotions I feel when I look back at these images: joy, excitement, shock, reverence, grief, relief, optimism, triumph... but if I had to choose just one word to sum up what I'm feeling, it would be gratitude. Look at all of these beautiful people. I've made so many friends along

How could I not start off this post with praise?! When you plan a wedding in December, the weather is probably the primary concern. Any bride and groom want their guests to be safe and comfortable, but as a photographer, I'm not-so-secretly hoping for a ton of fluffy snow. So when massive movie-style snowflakes were falling down the night before the Nickell's big day, I couldn't hardly contain my excitement. What's even better is that God allowed us to wake up to a beautiful,

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Family session time! This time, the Petersen family met me right after ball practice and right before a ball game. Whew! Life is like that right now. That’s why these moments in front of the camera are so important. When I look back at the framed sessions on my wall, I don’t remember the chaos or the tight schedules. I remember the giggles and the tiny hands holding mine. I hope that’s what the Petersens remember too. I took pictures

Are you ready for the coolest senior session ever?! No, really. It was like 28 degrees. Did that stop Jonmichael? No! Because this guy brings all the warmth. He is absolutely the most precious soul, and he always has been! I’ve watched him grow up over many years and he’s always been a delight. He’s articulate, kind, super funny, and so sincere. While we were crossing the street, he stepped ahead of me and his momma and put his arms out in front of us when he thought a car wa

If anyone ever asks me what is my favorite weather for sessions, the answer is always snow. Southern Indiana certainly is unpredictable as far as the forecast goes, but those rare perfectly bright and white snowy days are always a dream to shoot. So when we woke up to a fresh blanket of the sparkly stuff on the day of the Stuckwisch maternity session, I was more than excited. Lucy and Chad are planning to welcome their first bundle of joy right after the holidays! I always sa

Another perfect family session in the books. What a wonderful season this has turned out to be! This time, I met the Barich family right before dinner (see last picture). This crew poured out generations and generations of love. From Gram, all the way down to Mikey, everyone was picture-perfect even in the cold. What a wonderful reminder during this Holiday season that family time is priceless and being with those who know and love you the most will create a warmth that is un

I wish this post had audio because I would open it up with my best NANT INGONYAMA BAGITHI BABA! And then to proceed to show you the image of Dillon holding up Amelia like Simba. Ah, yes. The circle of life. Or in my case, the circle of photography. You see, Brooke and Dillon are one of my adorable wedding couples. Their day was springtime wedding gold and now that they've expanded their family by one cub, it only makes sense that we update the family portrait! So we headed