the best of 2011 wedding photography contest

December 20, 2011   ·   141 comments   ·   tweet this   ·   share on facebook   ·   pin it

2011 has been a beautiful year in many ways not the least of which has found me laughing (and crying!) as the couples below celebrated their love and joined their lives together. These couples are the ones that allow me in, they grant me trust and then open up to show their real selves. So as the year comes to a close I say thank you to each and every one of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You inspire me and help me toward being a better photographer and a better husband.

As a way to give back and to celebrate these couples I’m doing a good old fashion contest of the voting kind.

Here is how it will work:

1. You pick your favorite couple from the photos below (you can click their photo to see more from their wedding).
2. You vote on the bottom of this page in either of two comments section. Let me know which couple you choose (and be creative – extra points may be awarded!)
3. The couple with the most votes wins a 24×16 canvas to hang in their house! They get to pick the photo that’s printed on it too.
4. The winning couple thanks you profusely for the rest of their life, constantly trying to find ways to repay you for your vote (Ok, I can’t promise this but I’m sure they would be very grateful!)

The Rules:

• Only vote per person, so make it count!
• Voting is open to anyone – so spread the work on share on facebook, Twitter, email, etc!
• Anyone having trouble voting below can email:
• Voting ends Dec 27th at midnight CST.

Thank you everyone for your votes! Almost 300 votes this year! I wish you all a very Happy New Year and a wonderful 2012!

Couple #1: Kari+Chad

Couple #2: Aimee+Nate

Couple #3: Amanda+Aaron

Couple #4: Alica+Eric

Couple #5: Lindsey+Chris

Couple #6: Janine+Jeff

Couple #7: Kate+David

Couple #8: Kelly+Dave

Couple #9: Erin+Michael

Couple #10: Leah+Kody

Couple #11: Ana+Tony

Couple #12: Rachel+Steve

Couple #13: Stephanie+Daniel

Couple #14: Rachel+Scott

Couple #15: Sarah+Heath

Couple #16: Sam+Tyler

Couple #17: Nicole+Brian

sam+tyler's south milwaukee wedding

December 14, 2011   ·   29 comments   ·   tweet this   ·   share on facebook   ·   pin it

West Point graduates and kids playground enthusiasts Sam+Tyler got married in South Milwaukee last month and I had the fortune to be there to be a witness. Their first look was in Grant Park, the same place we shot their engagement session this summer. A beautiful (and windy) day made for a great backdrop not only their photos but for their celebration with family and friends too. And check out the amazing covering they made for their dance floor (it even had the ability to catch the bouquet!)

Thank you both again for your service to this country. And many blessings on your life together (when you can finally end up in the same city!)

Oh, and I can’t believe it but this is my last wedding to post for 2011! Thanks to Sam+Tyler and all of the wonderful couples I’ve worked with this year! I can’t believe my 2012 wedding season kicks off in just a few weeks!