For the past few months, I fear I have become something of a hermit.  I am reluctant to leave the house.  I don’t like answering my phone anymore.  I prefer the company of my sweatpants and TV to real people most of the time.  I’ve been spending a lot of time with Ron Swanson, Abed Nadir and U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens.  For a while I thought that if I had something to trace this back to…a particular event that caused me to fall into this huge, cavernous rut, it would be easier to find a way to get out of it.  But I’ve realized that sometimes you want to shut the world out for no reason at all.  It just happens.  But the longer you indulge yourself in those feelings and tell yourself that you deserve some “time off,” the deeper that rut gets.  And the further down you go with it.

I’ve worked myself into a blogging cycle.  Actually, let me re-phrase that.  I’ve worked myself into a “trying to talk myself into blogging” cycle.  I think about how long it’s been since I actually shared something personal on my blog (or because it’s the slow time of the year, the last time I posted anything at all), and then I feel guilty for neglecting it.  I tell myself that starting next week, I am going to blog twice a week.  I work a new schedule now at my day job so I have more time in the morning.  I can make time for that.  And them Monday rolls around and I am tired.  It’s Monday.  Start tomorrow.  And then eventually it’s Friday and I’m making myself that promise all over again.  And then I get bummed because I’m lacking inspiration.  And it’s been so long I don’t even know where to start.  And the only thing I can think of to write about is this, and who really wants to listen to me complain about being in a rut that I made for myself that exists for no reason at all?  As I typed that sentence the thought popped into my head that no one probably wants to read about it and yet here I am talking about it anyway.  But if I’m going to start this year fresh and turn things around for myself and my business, I might as well start with the truth about where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to.  Even if it is terribly unglamorous and doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

I consider it divine providence then that just when I needed it the most, I was delivered a swift kick in the pants.  Last week I had the pleasure of “meeting” the lovely Melissa Oholendt for the first time.  I say meeting in quotes because we knew each other online but were finally going out on our first friend date.  It’s funny how things work like that in the photography community.  It’s like, hey, I know your whole life story because I read your blog but I’ve never seen you in real life until now.  Do we hug?  Do we shake hands?  Do I say, “Nice to meet you.”?  I have a lot of inner-dialogue going on in my head.  Anyway, we sat and we talked and I knew almost immediately that I wanted to be her friend and go on a lot more dates.  When we finally got around to chatting about photography, she asked me about my story.  When I tell that story, I usually start by saying that I am not a person who always knew I wanted to be a photographer.  It sort of fell into my lap.  But as I told the story this time, a realization started forming that didn’t become totally clear to me until yesterday, when I read this blog post that Melissa wrote.  She discusses a lot of her experience with branding and how she took the time to figure out what kind of client she wanted to work with.  And the line that stuck out to me was this: “You have to do what is right for your business and I do believe this means examining what motivates you to do and be better for your clients.” Suddenly that realization that started forming last week became clear.  No, I have not always known that I wanted to be a photographer, but I have been working towards becoming a photographer my entire life.  Because more than anything else, this business makes me feel like I am on the right track.  That I’m where I’m supposed to be.  And what motivates me is love.  I am an emotional person.  I get emotionally invested in people.  People I barely even know.  I love their stories.  I love to learn about what makes people tick and what makes them fall in love with each other and choose to spend the rest of their lives together.  I am motivated by the couples I meet and the love they share with each other and with me when I photograph it.  That is why I am doing this.  That is where my inspiration comes from.

Which leads me to Ashley and David.  They also helped me put my not quite fully-formed thoughts into words.  Because as all those thoughts were churning around in my head, I was spending a lot of time with them in Photoshop.  I’ll admit, editing is not always my favorite part of the process.  But as I was editing, I thought a lot about Ashley and David’s story and the things that I learned about them that I love.  Like how they met while they worked at the Como Zoo when they were in high school and have therefore known each other for a really long time.  And I love that even though they haven’t been together for all those years since high school, it felt to me like they had been moving towards each other that whole time…even when they were apart.  And I love that they have bad poetry they wrote for each other left over from their young high school days.  And that they have moved and traveled all over the world together, following their studies and supporting each other in those pursuits.  Even when it separated them for months at a time and they were forced to work it LDR*-style.  I love how scholarly and intelligent they are and how they could discuss their research one second and then break out into dancing to LMFAO (that they were singing for themselves) in the middle of the sidewalk the next.  I love how much they make each other laugh and, at the same time, how they had simple, quiet moments together that I didn’t notice until I sorted through the pictures I took.  Thinking about all those things (and more) made me enjoy editing for the first time in a long time.  It made me feel energized and excited and inspired.  They didn’t know it, but working with them is part of what is helping me get out of this rut.

*long-distance relationship

When I was in college studying English Lit with an emphasis on writing, I learned that the best way to overcome writer’s block is to write.  Doesn’t matter what it’s about…it doesn’t even need to pertain to the topic.  Just get words on paper and let your thoughts flow and you’ll be surprised at where you end up.  I’m beginning to understand how much that applies to other areas of life too.

If you made it all the way to the end, thank you for sticking through this mess of thoughts and feelings.  We met for this session exactly one month ago, on New Year’s Eve.  I can’t think of a better couple to kick off this year with than Ashley and David.  And I can’t think of a better way to begin this year than to start fresh.  From now on, you will see a lot more from me here.  More words, more pictures, more honesty and, above all else, more love.

To Ashley and David – you two are wonderful.  Thank you for asking me to be a part of your lives!  I can’t wait to celebrate with you later this year!

Ok, enough jibber jabber…onto the pictures!

Love, love and more love. Meg.

P.S. That cute little pup you see towards the bottom is Norman, David’s beloved dog.  Ashley asked if I would mind incorporating him into the session and I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
P.P.S. Also have to say a special thanks to Amelia for tagging along, helping keep an eye on things and staying bundled up in the wind while we traipsed all over downtown Stillwater.  You’re the bees knees my friend.

 

So you know how there’s always those reports on the radio?  Doctors say, coffee now good for you!  Studies show, eating dark chocolate every day will improve heart health!  Analysts show a glass of red wine every night will help you live 5 years longer!  Well, I’d like to contribute my own from the past two years of intense study and research.  Hanging around people who are in love, like Kim and Ben, will vastly improve your quality of life…and heck, may even help you live a few years longer too.  This is thoroughly tested research and has been proved over and over again.  Since I started the wildlove photography journey, I have become both a happier and better person because of the people I get to work for.  Truth.

One thing that I really love about these two is that they’ve been together for 10 years…and throughout all of that, all the moves and the traveling around the world (both apart and together), you can tell it has only made them stronger.  They are still crazy in love with each other.  And they are crazy excited about “finally” tying the knot.  This has been a long time coming. :)

My favorite part about their session was how personalized they made everything.  We did things that they truly love to do together and I appreciate that so much.  I love when I get the chance to see a couple in their “natural habitat” of sorts.  After we hung out in the woods a little bit, Ben mentioned that they wanted to do a little skating at his Aunt’s place on Medicine Lake.  But first, they had to play a game that they’ve been playing together for years.  The game is called “Go” and it originated in China more than 2,000 years ago.  Ben spent time studying in Japan while he was in school and he had a Go Master who sat with him daily and trained him in the art of this ancient game.  It was so interesting watching them play together (Kim is, she confessed, not as good at it as Ben, but she’s learning).  Seeing her place her pieces and look to him for confirmation.  Watching their back and forth and how natural they were together as if there wasn’t a girl two feet away from them sticking a camera in their faces.  Ben explained a little of this game to me and I’ll admit I don’t remember the rules very well, but if you want to learn more, click here.

Ok, onto some pictures!  Ben and Kim, I can’t wait for your awesome dock wedding later this year…it is a joy to have met you and to be a part of your story.  Enjoy!

Love. Meg.

 

 

For those of you out there who have been reading this blog for a while, you may recognize these two.  Last Christmas David contacted me about his proposal and I was lucky enough to be present mere moments after Ashley said the most important “yes” of her life.  When they asked me to be there next year to shoot their wedding I was so thrilled because I’ve loved these two since the night of their engagement.  I think they’re incredible.

I can’t think of a better way to ring in the new year than spending it hanging out with these two and celebrating the love they share.  I can’t wait to show you more soon, and until then, HAPPY 2012!!

Love. Meg.

Kim and Ben, who walk down the aisle next August in beautiful Duluth, are 10 years in the making.  Which is why, when their full post hits the blog after the new year, you’ll find them standing on a frozen lake with the word “FINALLY” traced in the snow beneath them. :) They’ve come a long way…both together and separately.  To see them interact with each other after so long together is a testament to the fact that the “honeymoon phase” doesn’t have to end.  Ever.  I could have shot them alllll day long.

More to come soon, but in the meantime, enjoy a sneak peek!  And Happy Holidays!

Love. Meg.

I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason.  That some things are meant to be.  One of the things I love the most about this job is that I get to meet new people all the time and I have no idea how they are going to affect my life.  And yet I am consistently surprised, again and again, with how quickly I feel drawn to people who were strangers only moments before.  I didn’t know Juli at all when she contacted me about her wedding next year.  She told me she knew my brother in high school, but other than that, we had no connection whatsoever.  When I met her and Matt for their engagement shoot, my customary nerves were immediately put at ease by their warmth.  I don’t think to use that adjective very often, but that’s the best word I can find to describe these two.  They are warm, genuine people.  And, funnily enough, it wasn’t until I got home after having a blast with them that day and started to sort through the images I had taken, that I realized how much I adored them.  There is something about their love that just inspires me.  I can’t really put it into words.  I haven’t been in this business that long and already I have been blessed to witness love in so many different, beautiful forms.  And there is something in particular about Juli and Matt’s love that amazes me.  In short, I was meant to meet them.  Just when I thought I couldn’t love love more than I do already, I am surprised yet again.

The very first thing Juli told me about Matt was that he is the most wonderful person she has ever met.  I think if you’re going to spend the rest of your life with someone, it should probably be the most wonderful person you’ve ever met, right?  Juli and Matt, one thing I know for sure about the two of you is that you are meant to be.  I love how much you admire and respect one another.  How much fun you have together. :)  I can’t wait to watch you tie the knot next year!  Enjoy!

Love. Meg.

P.S. I’m not sure if it’s the Christmas spirit, but I’m feeling generous, so get ready for a TON of pictures!

 

Kari and Tony’s wedding marked two firsts for me, one of which I am sure I probably won’t ever see again.  They are both from (and got married in) the lovely city of Stillwater.  Turns out, they also bought a house.  They bought it about a year before the wedding, knowing that it needed a lot of work.  Soliciting the help of family members, they worked away on it all year until it was ready for their first night together.  And that night just so happened to be their wedding night.  Which leads me to the first first.  I am not alone in the photographer world when I say that scheduling time to have your pictures taken before the ceremony is a lot easier and, most times, more efficient on a wedding day.  Of course it’s up to every couple and whether they want to see each other beforehand, but as a photographer I can say that route is much preferred.  That being said, I had this idea in my head that if we happened to be taking the bulk of the pictures after the ceremony, it just wasn’t going to work very well.  We’d run out of time because their guests were waiting on them.  Things are more rushed.  It’s just harder than the alternative.  Well imagine my surprise when Kari and Tony and their wedding party and I set off to take their pictures after the ceremony and ended up having too much time.  Yep, you heard right.  Too much.  This was by far the strangest and most wonderful thing I’ve experienced so far shooting weddings.  I shot what I wanted and then I shot some more and then I even shot a few more after that and we still had more time.  I couldn’t believe it.  It was the most leisurely pace I’ve ever had and it was awesome.  So when we got done shooting and, just have to say it again, still had more time, they decided to take everyone up to their new house to relax for a bit.  And of course in my head that was wildly screaming “PHOTO OP!”.  So onto the second first.  I was able to take pictures of the groom carrying his bride over the threshold of their house.  Where they’d be spending their first night together as husband and wife.  That to me, was a perfect moment.  I’ve always been a fan of the tradition.  I’m not really sure why, especially because I’m just as “I can walk myself over the threshold just fine thank you very much,” as the next girl, but hey if you can’t observe a tradition that day, when can you?  So I was excited about it.  Just when you think something can’t get any better (like this job), it does. :)

Kari and Tony, thank you so much for asking me to be a part of your day.  Your love is fun and true and infectious to be around.  You complement each other so well.  And I’ve never seen a bridal party get on the dance floor so fast!  I had such a blast that day.  Your pumpkin gives away how long I’ve been working on these, so I hope they were worth the wait.  I wish you so much happiness together!

Love. Meg.

P.S. Another perfect moment – watching Kari and her mom tie the charm around her bouquet that held a picture of her grandparents when they were young and in love.

Once upon a time, in the summer of 2005, I worked at the Owatonna Country Club.  It was there, on my third or fourth day, where I met a girl who would become one of the closest and most wonderful friends I’ve ever had.  Amelia.  She, and her awesome family, have graced the various incarnations of this blog before.  When I met Amelia, she was fresh out of her first year of undergrad (I had just finished my sophomore year) and we talked excitedly about college-related things.  When she spoke of her friends, there was one I could tell she was particularly close with: Meagan.  Fast forward a few years to when I started this crazy photography journey.  Meagan (having been a friend of mine on Facebook for a while at that point) followed along from the very beginning.  She commented on my blog posts which, of course, was the best thing since sliced bread to me when I was starting out.  She encouraged me and praised my work…all of this from a girl I didn’t really even know.  Needless to say, I was bowled over by her kindness.  After I got the “hey, what would you think about coming to Madison?” message on Facebook, I talked to Amelia to excitedly share the news that I was shooting her best friend’s wedding.  I will never forget what she told me.  After Meagan got engaged, she was talking to Amelia about looking for photographers and she mentioned that she was looking for someone like me.  She wanted my style.  Truth be told, I didn’t even think I had a style at that point, but the fact that she saw it and that she wanted it just completely knocked me off my feet.  Hearing this made me go all Sally Field for just a second and I couldn’t wait to get out there and finally meet this woman and the man she loved.

I’ll be honest and tell you that the drive from Minneapolis to Madison wouldn’t exactly make my Top Ten Favorite Drives in America list, but Meagan and John, you made that drive sooooo worth it.  Thank you for opening up and being yourselves with me.  And for showing me how easy, natural and comfortable love can be.  It is such a privilege when I get to see that “thing” that makes couples uniquely them.  The thing that makes you Meagan and John.  Your Meagan and John-ness, let’s call it.  Whatever it is, you’ve got it, and I love it.  Thank you for sharing it with me.  And for sharing your beautiful city with me.  I can’t wait for next year!  Enjoy!

Love and Scrabble. Meg.

P.S. Speaking of wonderful friends, a BIG thank you to my girl Kristina for opening up your home to me, for helping me not get lost, and for being the keeper of the bags while we wandered around downtown.  I wish I could always have you around as an assistant.

P.P.S. These first few pictures were taken at their apartment building.  Coolest apartments ever?!  Yep.

 

Naomi and Brian belong to a group of people that I have the privilege of knowing through my dear, orange-Converse wearing friend, Megan.  I first met them at Megan’s wedding as Naomi (Meg’s personal attendant) was busily helping the bride with everything.  And I mean EVERYTHING.  She helped her get dressed, she did her makeup, she did her hair, she walked all over Megan’s farm with us as we took pictures.  She was there to take care of every last detail.  And on top of that, Megan’s wedding has to be one of the only times where the bride’s right-hand woman became my personal attendant as well.  I kid you not, whatever I needed, she was right there asking me what she could do to help.  And before I could barely get the words out of my mouth, she was off and running, getting me whatever I needed.  She’s the kind of girl who is this glorious combination of sweet, kind, helpful and in control.  And then there’s her husband, Brian.  One part hilarious goofball, one part absolutely adoring husband, and 10 parts genuinely nice guy.  I know that doesn’t really add up to anything, but it’s my blog and I can add the way I want to.  These two just fit.  The fact that they found each other years ago at NDSU and got married is, for lack of a better phrase, meant to be.  They go together like macaroni and cheese, which is coincidental because they also happen to be the cheese to my macaroni.

Naomi and Brian celebrated their 2-year wedding anniversary just a few short days after this session took place.  There’s a comfort between them and a peace to their relationship that I both recognize and admire.  I loved getting to watch a couple at this stage.  All the stress and the craziness of a wedding is long gone and, with a couple of years under their belts, their love has had all this room to grow and flourish.  A few of my favorite things about the time I spent with these two: listening to them take turns telling the story of how they met, watching them dance and play together without any reservations, realizing that Brian is kind of a real-life Ted Mosby (any HIMYM fans out there?!) – he’s an architect and he told us “fun facts” while we hung out by the library in downtown St. Paul, and eating ice cream after the shoot while discussing the deliciousness of breakfast food.

Naomi and Brian – I’m so happy Meg sent you my way.  Yours is a love worth shouting from the rooftops about.  Thank you for trusting me with it.

Enjoy!

Love. Meg.

 

It took all of ten minutes into Jesh de Rox’s presentation at WPPI last year for me to realize that whatever he was selling, I wanted in.  I use that euphemism strictly for euphemism’s sake because he wasn’t selling anything at all…he was sharing an idea, a dream, a passion and needless to say I was hooked.  Beloved.  To read him describe it in his own words, go here, but in a nutshell the Beloved movement is dedicated to a re-discovery of and a re-connection with what is most important in our relationships.  What made you fall in love?  What has kept you together?  Whether you’ve been together for 5 months, 5 years or 50…that love is meant to be celebrated, above all else.  And the photographer is there to create the space in which that re-discovery happens.  To give you the room to let your love stretch its legs and run free.

I knew without a doubt that I needed to get involved.  I wanted to be able to have this experience with couples and I wanted to experience it myself with my own other half.  The latter came first, with the help of two wonderful photographers and friends, Josh and Jenny Solar of Solar Photographers.  These images are sadly overdue to appear here, but if it wasn’t for our session, I wouldn’t have fully understood how important it was to become a Beloved photographer myself.  I am forever indebted to Josh and Jenny for the pictures you’re about to see.  But more than that, the experience we had, Gabe and I, because of Josh and Jenny is absolutely irreplaceable.  I look at these images and the emotions that I felt while they were being made come flooding back.  And underneath those emotions are the memories of falling in love with this man.  I can’t even tell you essential this was.  Gabe and I are very happily married and I didn’t even realize that we needed this until we did it.  No matter where you are in your relationship, no matter how happy you are or how much you might be struggling or any number of things in between, Beloved will surprise you.

Josh and Jenny, I can’t say thank you enough.  I’ll never be able to.  Not only have you opened doors in my own relationship, but you’ve helped me to see how fulfilling it is to be a witness to something like this when it unfolds in front of you, however it unfolds.

Much love to you both.  And to my own beloved Gabriel, words are never enough.

Meg

All images copyright of Solar Photographers.

The beautiful, funny, kind, caring, intelligent, spontaneous, adventurous, talented, magnificent Alexa.  In the middle of a field in our hometown, waving at the cars driving by and dancing to Phil Collins.  Just because.

Love. Meg.