Love is such a beautiful mystery. It can be all-consuming, fleeting, passionate, and sometimes it just sneaks up on you. It can be tragic, unrequited, painful, and misunderstood. With all of that, I do believe that love, true love, is the greatest thing that can ever happen to all of us. But what if you met the person you were going to grow old with when you were just a teenager? How would you know, what would you do to preserve that relationship and make it stand the test of time? It may not have been clear to Megan and Lane in the beginning how to make it all work, but they've definitely done something right. This July they will be celebrating eight years together, and their journey as husband and wife begins on New Year's Eve.

1. HIKE 

This one seems like a no brainer, but I can't emphasis it enough. There are SO many fantastic trails in Arches National Park, around Moab, and in nearby Canyonlands National Park. My favorites in Arches are the Devil's Garden Trail, Delicate Arch (of course), and Fiery Furnace. The latter is a ranger-led hike that's totally worth the $10, the rest are self-guided. Delicate Arch is most stunning at sunset, but be prepared to be surrounded by loads of other people during peak season and times.

Love often comes full circle many times throughout a relationship. For Amy and Greg, their circle made a special rotation. Their story begins at the Mount Morris Camp and Conference Center where they attended church camp during high school and met for the first time.

In my opinion, one of the best tools you can have for your wedding day is a detailed, well thought-out timeline. If you're already working with KLEM Studios, then have no fear, I draft your timeline for you! If you're struggling to remember all the important moments and make everything flow, here are some tips to keep in mind:

All brides take on a new level of beauty on their wedding day. Few are as fiercely radiant as Kelsey was in her stunning lace wedding dress with its illusion back and perfectly placed beading. For me, it was the train that stole the show and stole my heart. Long, flowing, and just kissing the ground as Kelsey walked, it was a dream to photograph. And let us not forget the handsome groom, the other half of this fantastic couple. Peter could not stop smiling or looking at his new wife. Craft beer in hand at Titletown Brewing Company, with his dapper suit and tie, he was relaxed and sophisticated. 

If you know me even just a smidge or have checked out my Instagram page, you know I've got a fierce case of wanderlust. I would live out of a suitcase if Tyler or my cats or my puppy would let me. But alas, here I am, head in the clouds, feet on the ground, and ready to spill my secrets on affordable travel in one of the most wonderful spots in the United States. Colorado holds a special place in my heart. If you haven't been, I hope this post inspires you to plan your trip to Colorado ASAP. 

The morning was hazy and warm. Birds sang in the trees surrounding Sam's parents' home, and cicadas chirped out of sight. Rows of empty white chairs were lined up facing a gigantic hydrangea bush bursting with bountiful white blooms. The stage was quietly set for the afternoon outdoor wedding ceremony.

I get the chance to work with some of the greatest, most adventurous, most unique clients out there. I love getting to spend time with my couples shooting their engagement sessions, too, because it gives us a chance to get to know one another without the pressures of their busy wedding day. We reach a certain comfort level that goes way beyond the photographer-client constraints.

The sun rose lazily in the August morning sky, rays beating down on the corn fields near Green Bay. Stacie excitedly prepared for her wedding day in the basement of St. Joseph's church.

The sun shone brightly on the white sand beaches in Montego Bay, Jamaica. A warm breeze rustled the palm leaves as gulls cried overhead. Stephanie gently stepped down onto the sand with the help of her father's steady arm. Steve was waiting for her in front of the ocean, grinning from ear to ear.

It was a day for recalling old memories and making new ones. Family, friends, and loved ones gathered from near and far to celebrate the love that Dustin and Krystina share. The weathermen had threatened there would be rain on this wonderful day, but there wasn't a menacing cloud in sight.

The wind was relentless, and the sun played peek-a-boo behind the clouds, but Marissa was the epitome of calm and collected. An Door County wedding had been planned, and Marissa's energy was undeterred by the less-than-ideal weather. She was surrounded by her nearest and dearest in a family suite at the Pine Grove Resort as she slipped into her David's Bridal gown. In a suite nearby, her groom-to-be, Jeff, was suiting up for their "first look". The mood at the resort was joyous, festive, and relaxed.

Krystina knew Dustin was "the one" during her freshman year of college. Dustin was coming home from leave, and she remembers how excited she was to see him, a different excitement than she had felt before. Fast forward to this January when Dustin and Krystina went away for a weekend skiing in Houghton, Michigan. Krystina couldn't understand why Dustin was kneeling in a snowbank on the deck of the restaurant where they had just shared a romantic dinner together. Dustin asked Krystina to be his forever, and she happily said yes.

Their friendship sparked years ago, but who could have known the fire that had been ignited? Perhaps it was the way Josh made Sam laugh, or maybe it was the way Sam tossed her long, blonde hair over her shoulder when she turned to look at him. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their hearts soon began to call to each other.

Rain sprinkled lightly outside the large windows of the Oneida Country Club clubhouse. It hardly felt like December outside, but inside the clubhouse, Christmas trees adorned with warm white lights and a roaring fire. Brad and Jessica snuggled close to one another, gazing into each other's eyes, lost in their own little world.

When one of my best friends, Stephanie, told me Dalton had asked her to marry him, I shrieked with happiness. We had all been waiting for this day. Steph and Dalton have been together since high school, and we have all known they would be together forever. While I've only known them since college, they're love for each other has been obvious to me from the beginning.