Lucas, Six Days Old

Most of the time, I prefer to shoot newborns without many people around... just mom and dad is ideal. But everything in Lucas's clan is a family affair, and it was fun to have his aunt, cousin, and grandmother around during our shoot, giving us lots of space and quiet as they bustled about the house.

One thing I like about shooting in the country is the closeness of house and field, which we rarely get in Madison. It's so nice to shoot for a while inside, then step a few paces off the back porch to tall grass and large swaths of shade trees. Because who wants to drive around to various locales when they are six days old?

Heather + Becci - Married in Iowa, Toasted at Memorial Union

"Should we wait to get married until it is legal in Wisconsin? Or get married immediately because we just want to be married, damn it?" It is ridiculous that gay couples here have to have this conversation. But at least for now, they do. Heather and Becci had been discussing this for a while, and ultimately decided to make the trip to Decorah, Iowa (the closest county seat to Madison where two gals can get a marriage certificate) to seal the deal legally. They decided to make the ceremony an intimate affair... I was the only invitee... and follow up with a party at Memorial Union in Madison.

We had a great time shooting in Decorah; it is a LOVELY town I will sure to revisit. The girls brought their dog to the ceremony, Becci wore her Chucks, and we hit up the local ice cream parlor for post-nuptial treats. The reception bash happened a couple weeks later, with perfect weather. The Main Lounge at Memorial Union is a great reception venue... it offers impressive privacy, while adjacent to the exciting energy of the crowded Terrace hum. Guests can hang out on the balcony and take in some fresh air and music, then come inside to a the private party. Couldn't be better.