The Sawatzky's at Fort Myers Beach

This sweet little family session at Fort Myers beach happens to be of my sister and her two boys. I adore capturing memories of my own family— especially my sweet nephews. They are also absolutely spoiled because those two made me an auntie for the first time (a title I hold dearly).

This family photoshoot was a bit last minute because the next day (our planned shoot date) was to be rained out. This being said, we showed up a bit later than my typical start time when dusk had started creeping in. I did love the cooler tones, as well as the clouds in the sky, offering up a moodier cotton candy vibe in some shots ✨

On a personal note, these monkeys (including my sister;)) are the reason I head to Florida for as long as I can in the winter. My nephews are only little once. These moments of hugs and kisses, 1000’s of questions, high pitched giggles, big smiles, hearing “autie Sevenanah” in little chipmunk voices, excited little faces and screams saying “IT’S AUNTIEEE” when I see them… MELT my heart. Can’t wait for next year.

Savannah

Tony & Jess Courthouse Wedding

I took the trip to Florida again this year, given Minnesota is still in it’s winter phase—and I’m so glad I did. I had the privilege of capturing both Tony and Jessica’s family photos and courthouse marriage all in the past week. There is a separate blog for their family session, because this Fort Myers courthouse wedding needs it’s own space. I should clarify… the photos were taken around downtown Fort Myers after their intimate ceremony.

I showed up (and managed to get a parking ticket —$17 if anyone wants to Venmo me🤪) and was greeted by the couple, their sweet son Isaiah, and a few family members. We started with a quick photo outside the courthouse of their family, and then Tony, Jess, Isaiah, and I went on our way. We had no issues in the location scouting department—there were gorgeous natural backdrops everywhere we looked.

After a while of shooting outside, we headed to the Cigar Bar where we were given permission to shoot. This was easily one of my favorite locations to shoot at during my entire Florida trip. There was an intimate section of the bar tucked away from customers, so we had privacy. The space was dark, moody, dreamy, rustic, and had heavenly light. I used flash for most of them, but got away with taking it off towards the end, as there were a couple of windows on one wall.

After we were done with the photoshoot, baby Isaiah put his arms out for me to hold him, and while mom and dad put the stroller away, he put his little head on my shoulder (and I even got a hug goodbye 🥹🥹🥹).

We’re already planning our next shoot when Tony and Jess come back home to Minnesota for a visit. Can’t wait!!!!!

I hope you all enjoy these photos as much I do. ❤️

PS. If a courthouse wedding is in your future and you want to savor those memories, I would LOVE to connect. :)

Savannah

Harris Family Session

The Harris Family 💕

There is one thing I love most about coming to Florida from Minnesota, and I’m not talking about the beach or the weather, or the fine white sand that gets EVERYWHERE, or the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, or the tan I get, or the cool shells I find, or even the fact that it’s a vacation and I get to rest…. the thing I love most is connecting with people when I’m in this beautiful atmosphere. My job as a photographer allows me to do this with just about anyone, but since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten to reconnect with friends and meet new people that are all from home—Minnesota. And it is an honor to capture them during such intimate phases of their lives… changing jobs, buying homes, getting married, having families (yep, even giving birth)… all of these big things that I’m so thankful to help celebrate with them. So here’s to doing that for a long, long time.

Okay, back to the session details… :) We did Tony and Jessica’s family photoshoot at Seagate beach in Naples, Florida. I love Seagate beach specifically, because the sunsets are in just the right spot, the rocks the kiddos are on are perfect for family and kiddo portraits, the area is clean, safe, a little more secluded, and quieter (except for a lovely musician that often plays on his porch overlooking the ocean at sunset). Not much more you can ask for from a beach. It’s a slice of heaven.

Tony and Jess—you two, your boys, and these photos, made my heart happy 🤍🤍🤍