The law office walls were covered with beautifully bound reference books, all gently glowing with gold and red embossing. Some of the bindings had started to show their age, but it only enhanced the elegance and reverence of the room Abbie and Brent were standing in.

Hey, friends! I hope life has been treating you well since we last got to chat and that you have been taking the opportunity to RISE every chance you've gotten. Spring is just around the corner, which makes it the perfect time to reset your internal clock, get determined, and do the things you've been telling yourself you were going to do.

As many of you know, I love to travel. Planning a trip is almost as fun, for me, as actually going on the trip. I have been visiting Springdale, Utah and Zion National Park for almost fifteen years now. Each time, a new part of the park and surrounding area opens itself to me.

As it stands, New Year's Eve already is a glamorous holiday filled with sparkles, elegance, and celebration. Megan and Lane decided to take it to the next level and plan the happiest day of their lives around this festive holiday. These two have been in love for as long as I can remember--seriously! The three of us graduated from high school together, and I can't remember a time when they weren't together. Knowing these two outside the photography world made their wedding even more special to be a part of. 

The eighth of October wasn't just an ordinary day for Jacob and Tiffany. This was the day they would pledge themselves to one another forever at the beautiful Willow Pond Bed and Breakfast in Weyauwega, Wisconsin.

So often with this job, I am rewarded with the company of wonderful, amazing, kind-hearted people. I don't know how I got so lucky, but boy am I thankful for it. Sam and Kaitlee are two of these aforementioned people, and I'm pretty smitten with this pair.

"There's a leak in the dining room ceiling." Dan had one job on his wedding day, besides making it down the aisle and saying "I do", and that was whispering sweet nothings in Dot's ear while I captured her stunning smile and laugh. What does Dan choose to tell Dot? "There's a leak in the dining room ceiling."

There are some people in this world that have learned what truly matters and should be cherished: family, friends, and love. Liz and Bob have chosen to surround themselves with incredible people, and they reward those people with infinite love and kindness. As Liz and Bob said their "I dos" at Lambeau Field, standing on sacred ground in Green Bay, their presence and full hearts were what made the moment so special.

It's always such an honor when someone in your field recognizes your work and makes you feel valuable. Needless to say, I was flattered when Miranda and Adam reached out to me in hopes of having KLEM Studios capture their wedding day. Adam works in the industry and has lots of experience under his belt. I think this experience is part of what helped Miranda and Adam create a stunning wedding experience that completely reflected who they are.

What would you do if you knew that you're wildest dreams would come true? That these beautiful ideas in your head would become reality before your very eyes?

When I think of Liz and Bob, so many wonderful traits and qualities come rushing to mind. Their zest for life, their love of Green Bay and the Packers, their laughter and honesty, and how important their family is to them.

The girls laughed in the brightly colored church prep room, each taking turns applying Brooke's makeup and styling her hair. Brooke and Adam's wedding at their church in Green Bay was an intimate affair.

I really believe that Dot and Dan complete each other. Not in the flowery, theatrical sense, but it a matter-of-fact sort of way. He puts up with her sass and gives it right back. She reaches for his hand and gently swings their arms while they walk. Their laughter is contagious, and their shared smiles are like a secret only they are privy to.

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.