Lisa Hessel Photography

Here are just a few reasons why I love my job:2. I feel alive when I'm behind the camera.
3. I have the chance to work with people like Peggy and McGraw.

When I met Peggy and McGraw for coffee to talk about their wedding, they made me smile. Sure, I smile a lot... I'm a happy girl. But I smiled a big, contented, genuinely joyful smile. It wasn't just the witty banter between the two of them, or the fact that McGraw tried a venti pumpkin spice latte for the first time on Peggy's referral, or even the vision they had for their wedding day. They told me they had complete trust in my artistic ability and wanted to give me free reign to be as creative as I wanted to be with their photos. And they really meant it. I was the artist they wanted to hire and they wanted to let me do what I do best. And that, my friends, was music to my ears :).



Peggy, you look incredible.

So you got a little sneak peak at part of the awesomeness that was Amber and Keith's wedding when I posted a few of their photobooth pics from a few weeks ago. And now, it's time to show you a few more images from their wedding day. You may want to grab some popcorn and cup of hot coco.... I had such a hard time narrowing down, so I may have gotten a bit photo happy. But can you blame me???

The fabulous Philip Johnson Salon and Spa.










Keith's mom was so adorable.... when she saw him in his tux, she couldn't hold back the emotion.


I think it goes without saying, but Amber is pretty fabulous. Wouldn't you agree?


A supercute ring bearer who successfully made it down the aisle in record time :)


The both used their candles from their first communion to light their unity candle, which I thought was pretty special. My Jon grabbed this shot. He's so great :).


Married!


Amber and Keith's wedding took place in mid-October on one of the only non-rainy days the entire month. Other than being a smidge chilly, it was pretty much the perfect day.


Amber.
Breath-taking.
Need I say more?


And then, Amber busted out the hula hoops. That's right... hula hoops. I dig it.




This photo of Keith makes me smile. Totally him :). These guys were such good sports and if I would have asked them to do cartwheels across the pond, I think they would have done it. I heart an easy-going wedding party.

Earlier this fall, my brother-in-law married his sweetheart and I was thrilled to be able to document their wedding day. It's always so meaningful to have a part in the wedding of family. I wasn't the only one to be a part of the wedding, though. Jon performed the ceremony, and Kaden was one of the ring bearers. It was so great to be able to not only be shooting a beautiful wedding, but also photographing my very favorite two guys along the way :). Kaden was a trooper and played the cutie card all day long... and I've got the pictures to prove it :).

Kaden chilled with grandpa Hessel to start off the night at the rehearsal.


Then it was time to practice walking down the aisle. Well, walking may be stretching it a little. A cute little wagon wheeled Kaden and his cousin Tegan down the aisle.




Then it was time for the big day! God bless Stacie, who is an absolute saint, for hanging out with Kaden before, during and after the ceremony... having her there sure did make things less stressful because I never had to wonder where Kaden was or if he was hungry or anything. Stacie is just the best. Don't ask me for her number. I won't give it to you :)

While I waited for the bride to arrive, I got the chance to snap some shots of him.... such a nice change of pace on a wedding day to get to photo the cutest boy in the world :).




Then on to the church. stacie put the finishing touches on Kaders hair...


Yeah, that's one good lookin ring bearer with a faux hawk




Checking himself out one last time before going down the aisle


no tears. both little guys did a great job :)




Already thinking about the wedding cake. Must take after his mother.


After a few hours of socializing with out of town friends and family, it was time to hit the reception


But he didn't make it very far before he crashed.


But he did manage to wake up for a dance with the photographer.


Full wedding recap coming soon!

You know when you have those days when you just want to breathe so deeply and enjoy the moment in which you're living... when you have joy brimming from within and just feel alive... one of those days where you feel like you're living the life you were meant to live...

For me, last Sunday was one of those days.

I scheduled a family photo session marathon and this was the first time I had booked so many sessions in a row. I thought for sure that it would be a long, draining day, but as I photographed each family, I found myself getting more and more excited about what I was doing. I mean, this is my job! All day long, I got to hang out with some amazing families on an absolutely beautiful day, all the while documenting the fun they were having. I really do have the best job.

i have so many photos to share from this session, so prepare yourselves for a smorgasbord of cuteness :).