We found a local tree farm in Ripon, Wisconsin, called Fraser Tree Farm. It’s quiet, quaint, and relaxing as you hike through God’s beautiful creation. Horse and wagon rides are available for you and a bon fire, hot cider and cookies await you after your fingers have turned numb and you have found the “perfect" tree for your family.

But our tradition this year was definitely less than picture-perfect. Our potty-training one and a half year old’s nap was cut short on the way to the farm. This typically adventurous little explorer instead was refusing to walk on her own and crying incessantly whenever we put her down… to top it all off she was saying “potty” every few minutes just so we would leave. We at least managed to get a few smiles here and there as she snuggled into mommy and daddy’s arms. The cider and treats at the end also helped… if only I would have started with those! But overall, she couldn't have cared less about the trees and the experience altogether.

After editing all these photos and laughing a little bit about how my planned outing ended up turning out, I think about our Savior’s story. Let’s look back to Bethlehem. "While they [Mary and Joseph] were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them" (Luke 2:6,7). Jesus' birth was definitely less than picture-perfect! Sure, the nativities you see in homes and stores are ornately crafted and really romanticize the birth of Christ. But, take a minute to really think about what birth in a stable would have looked like! Not beautiful. Not clean. And far from what we consider perfect. Think about how Mary felt putting her tiny baby, the Savior, into a filthy manger and clothing him with any bits of cloth she could find. This was God’s plan and although not picture-perfect, it was a perfect birth for a perfect Savior. 

As you decorate your home, partake in new and old Christmas traditions, and place gifts under your beautiful trees, remember to focus on the true gift that was given to us. Christ. Christ came to earth as a tiny baby. He lived a perfect life for us. He took ALL our sins upon himself and died on a cross. And, that’s not where it ends! He rose VICTORIOUSLY from death and lives again. Now we know that through faith, we too can be with him in heaven one day. Our lives aren’t picture perfect and we are all SO sinful. But, rejoice! Christ wipes away our tears and has made us clean. I can’t think of a better gift to share with you than that. Let’s focus on our Savior this season and ALWAYS. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Now our tree is decorated with white lights and an eclectic collection of ornaments from years passed. Our little girl is giddy about having a real tree in our home. As I snuggle her into my arms she points at an ornament squealing “mouse” and points again at the tree shouting “tree”. One last time she chimes in, rejoicing, “JESUS!” She knows what Christmas is all about. Again and again we ask her, “Whose birthday is it going to be?” “Jesus!” is her excited reply. My heart is happy. Happy Birthday to our Savior!

Family sessions are always close to my heart. I love capturing your family as you are so you can look back at your photos as a time capsule. Maybe it’s because I have a little one now and I see how quickly time passes. Don't you wish we could bottle up our kids' giggles, smiles, quirks, and even tears? But, I can create something genuine that you can look back on and will last for years to come. If you love these photos and would like to schedule a family session, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Blessings!

I so hope you enjoy looking through and reliving moments of this special day. 

Blessings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet our Senior Representative, Alli! 
As soon as I met Alli I knew she would be perfect for the job. Allison is the type of young woman that can light up the room with her smile and is so beautiful inside and out. On top of all this, she’s talented and is constantly keeping busy with theater, softball, and her love of piano. She even babysits my nephews from time to time. Alli, can I steal you as a babysitter? Pretty please!?

When Alli showed up at our home for her shoot, you could tell how excited she was. I loved helping her with the little details of the shoot (like deciding what earrings to wear) and wanted to make her feel as comfortable as possible making sure her personality came through each photo I took.  She even played along with all my crazy ideas - whether it was skipping through the grass, giving me some outrageous laughs, or even letting her hair down and shaking it out. I knew it was going well when Alli looked at me and said, “This is REALLY fun!” That’s the goal. I want to give you photos you love and make sure you have an incredible time during our shoot.

I had a great time working with you, Alli! I hope you LOVE these photos and have an incredible start to you Senior year. God bless you now and always!

(Allison is our part of our Senior Representative Referral program. If you LOVE her photos I’m sure she would be thrilled to talk to you about her shoot. And, please feel free to contact me to set up your senior session. Check out our Senior Portraiture Collections for more details! I would love to talk. We still have dates available!)

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Welcome to our blog! I’m Grace and this is Jeremy. We're a husband and wife photography team and we would love to get to know you! But before we do, here's a little taste of our story. About three years ago, I got to marry my best friend; someone who makes me laugh, encourages me, and loves me more and more every day. Soon after we were married, I thought it would be fun to start a photography company. Crazy, right!? Jeremy jumped on board, more like dove right in, as my photography teammate. We have been truly blessed ever since with this amazing part time business and are learning new things every day. In addition to photography, we love spending time in our kitchen creating and sharing delicious meals, inviting people into our home as family, making music, and globe trekking while documenting it all, sometimes a little too thoroughly. Yes, I even take pictures of our food and get teased like crazy because of it! Honestly though, capturing special moments through our photography is such an amazing blessing and Jeremy and I would truly be honored to help you with any special occasion you might have.