Thank you for your excitement for this project in Guatemala.  It went so incredibly well, and we were able to build 4 new homes for families in need, send 5 new girls to school while continuing our commitment to see the other 30 through to graduation, and photograph life in the tiny village of San Juan la Laguna.  

Rosa is a new friend of mine whose husband left her while pregnant for another woman.  She has been left to fend for herself and her young son Juan.  In Guatemala, women who are separated from their spouse will likely never marry again as they are considered unclean and given no respect.  To honor her journey, we chose to build a house for her and give her back a part of her dignity.  We hired local masons to help us while we raised the $1,500 needed for the building materials from you, our friends back home.  The building took almost a full week and we worked through the pouring rain.   
She now has something I pray no one will ever take away again....her smile.  

Meet Rosa!  

The sun is out, 70 is on its way, and its time to celebrate love here in Minneapolis.  What better way to kick this spring engagement season off than with Danielle & Mitch flirting along the riverbank!  These two are just about as adorable as they come and my friend Mitch knows he has it really good getting a spunky gal like Danielle to fall for him.  He giggled away all afternoon as we took advantage of one of their favorite city overlooks around the Guthrie.  

Thanks for having so much fun and letting my camera tag along!  It really liked you. 

Danza Del Sol Winery was a buzz and people all over the Temecula Valley were excited for this wedding.  Not only was it the winery's first wedding in its new space, but the owner's son Mike was marrying the spunky, talented, and radiant Mackenzie.  All families were just giddy about this union and after spending time with them, I could see why.  

Upon coming by the Living Room, we realized that Mackenzie and Mike are not only our neighbors, but also just really really cool.  As we bonded, they thought it fitting to ask Janelle to marry them, what an honor!  From getting ready moments to just before the ceremony, she served as our trusty assistant and then magically transformed into officiant as guests began to arrive.  The ceremony spoke to the couple's intentionality for one another, their love of good food, good wine and good laughter; all the right ingredients for a long happy life.  

During the day, we explored the valley as I had scouted some fun settings to let us play.  And play they did!  I think Mac's excited response must be the gift of conversation, and Mike just couldn't stop smirking, staring, and soaking in her beauty.  I had to interrupt these two best friends a few times as it was like the world came to a halt for them this day.  What an incredible thing to take in.  After their vows, we added a cast of characters (their fabulous wedding party) and stole away down the road a ways to watch the sun sink on the horizon with a glass of wine in hand.  The setting in the foothills gave me goosebumps and a particular favorite moment came from the crew's barefoot sprint through the neighboring orange groves as the sun chased us out.  We tore away to the reception where the dancing and festivities could be heard from orchards away.  All was well in this cozy part of Southern California and in the hearts of all who got to be apart of it.  

Mackenzie loved two dresses so much, so why not find a use for both?  The day before their wedding, we headed into the countryside of Temecula,CA to catch the best light of the day.  And the wine began to flow.  What a weekend we would have!

From the moment in our engagement session when Pete and Anne transformed an ordinary chair into a toboggan, I knew these two were special.  Of all the talents and hobbies they have, their favorite pastime just might be laughing together.  Just like their personalities, the laughter was equally contagious as it burst out all over the place on their wedding day.  The tender moments they shared with their parents throughout the day was tribute to the solid foundation they have been given.  It was evident God had his way with these two on this day.

My wife Janelle joined in on the fun, and a personal highlight of the day came on our ice adventures as the four of us drove our way onto the middle of the lake to make friends with the local ice fishermen.  The sun was out and the snow sparkled  as they ran across the frozen lake hand in hand.  As we thawed back at the reception, the conversation piece in the middle of the room was the branch chandelier that Pete had made in the days leading up to the wedding.  It was a hit!  Anne being a queen of class and style had her handprint on every detail as the guests appreciated the color and glam she brought to Brainerd.  Grandview Lodge glowed late into the night and I know everyone left with a big silly smile on their face.  We love you guys so much!

Any time we can bring out the Crazy Cam to warm up a cold night, we love it.  And so did Anne & Peter's guests!  Check out the gallery link for more HERE!

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