I get really excited when a group asks me to speak to them about something photography related. Shelia Stumpf is a member of the local Questers group which is composed of 11 fascinating women who are interested in History and the preservation of it. We chatted about the importance photography has played in history and the way we use it to tell stories in our own families. As a photographer first and foremost I consider it to be my job to help record and preserve history..I feel honored to be a part of preserving a piece of history for future generations and that inspires me to do more. Thanks so much Shelia and the Questers group for visiting Green Door today. Also thanks for the AMAZING photo display...I am in LOVE with it.

Nicole and Brandon were married Labor Day weekend in Blairsburg. I had not been to this small Iowa town until the morning of the wedding and was amazed at how fantastic the church was that they got married in. Very beautiful and full of natural light. As much as the rain wanted to fall that Saturday...every time we stepped outside to photograph the skys opened and we were able to get some beautiful images. I love shooting in new places.. and was able to twice during the day, the reception was at the very cool Prairie Moon Winery in Ames. Brandon and Nicole has some pretty great friends and families that love them dearly. It was a joy to see the two of them surrounded by people who love them.

So it has finally happened. One of my amazing seniors from a few years back is getting married...and she chose us to photograph her special day. This is so heartwarming to me...my connection with the people I photograph I cherish, and it feels so great knowing that she trusts me to capture the memories of one of the most memorable days in their lives! Katelyn and Andy are not only the cutest couple you could ever meet they are also really cool, and they love each other so freaking much! Amazing day to photograph an amazing couple! I cannot wait to photograph their June wedding!

Cassie is my new editing assistant. I LOVE her positive attitude and seeing her smiley face everyday! She is such a hard worker and very dedicated! Here is a little about here in her own words.

"I'm 15 years old and a sophomore at Saint Edmond. I'm involved in cheerleading and track at school but love all kinds of sports. I enjoy wakeboarding, snowboarding, and riding horse. I like working at Green Door because it gives me the opportunity to learn how a photography studio is run. Rochelle makes it a fun environment to work in and I have always been inspired by her creativity."

Amber is my new office assistant...whom I have desperately needed for quite some time. I am so excited to have her here to keep me in line and make my life easier! Here is a little about Amber in her own words....

"I'm 29 for the third time this year. I'm kind of a big dork but I stay true to myself and others. I love to cook, especially for other people. I enjoy any quality time with friends and family I can get. Weirdly enough I love doing laundry.
What's not to love working at Green Door? I love people and photographs. I'm a bit of a picture freak myself. I love to capture emotion; the true moment! I get to look at this everyday working for Rochelle."

I had been looking forward to photographing this beautiful wedding from the moment I met these two amazing people. CarrieJo has amazing taste, and is so full of grace and class. Brady is a sweet soul who is a blast to be around. The day was full of laughter and some really GREAT stories! The day was truly perfect, and I could not be happier for the two of them and their families!

Jacy is a classic beauty who is witty, elegant, and has such a caring heart. Timmy is a many of many talents..he made the caramels at the reception, scripted the meal, made the girls necklaces...and obviously has great taste in women. Jacy looked stunning...and is amazing to photograph. These two truly shine and their love is contagious. The reception was at the Opera house in Fort Dodge and my breath was taken away upon entering...it was transformed into the most beautiful, intimate space. These two are going to have an amazing life together!

These two beautiful people are friends of mine...and I was honored when they asked me to photograph their wedding. The wedding was a giant celebration and HUGE party...filled with laughs...tears...and a fantastic father daughter dance! Heather and Scott have the most adorable children...and a family that is truly amazing. I could not be happier for the two of them and the start to a new venture in their lives.

Jeff and I have been looking forward to Lyndsey & Moe's wedding for over a year and a half. I met Lyndsey a few years back when she and her AWESOME son Brayton can in for a family session. We of course feel in love with B right away-this guy has tons of swagger and I am betting you will see him in magazines very soon. Lyndsey's easy going nature, natural beauty, and caring personality made us love her as well. I could not have been more excited and honored when Lyndsey wanted us to photograph her wedding. The day was full of laughs, some tears, and one really exciting wedding party. Congratulations and Best Wishes always!!!

Fantastic venue....beautiful bride...laid back groom...stunning flowers...super cool wedding party. All that mixed in with some cold and rainy weather did not put a damper on this beautiful wedding. The location is a photographers dream, and Ashley & Jory were deeply in love which makes my job really easy.

People ask me every once in a while "Rochelle do you only post images of your beautiful couples"? Well you might find yourself asking the same thing especially after seeing these two amazingly beautiful people. The answer is no..really I post images from every one of the weddings we photograph-I am just really lucky to always get breathtaking couples and gorgeous wedding parties. For Rick and Whitney's wedding we traveled south to historic Atlantic Iowa and we were taken back by all the architecture, and beautiful spaces. I LOVE shooting in places I have never seen before and although I have spent time in Atlantic in the past, I have never photographed a wedding there. Whitney is so elegant & gracious with extremely good taste! Rick is welcoming, outgoing and has a very big heart. We could not have asked for a better day...thank you Kari(one of Whitney's bridesmaids) for spreading the word-We LOVED being a part of this spectacular day!

Olivia is a ambitious, artistic, stylish FDSH senior! Olivia loves Anberlin, Black Swan, House, and stalking facebook. She also loves her amazing friends, performing on stage and music. When she grows up she wants to work in a field when she can help people. I completely fell in love with Olivia's spirit, style and super sweet clothes! Olivia's favorite part of her session was going outdoors and taking fun pictures.

Adorable 10 month Hayden and her beautiful mom Kelly!

April weddings are always special...spring makes people REALLY happy...and there is so much new life and love-its just a special time of year. Scott and Abby's April wedding although VERY windy was absolutely beautiful. Abby looked stunning and had a breathtaking wedding gown that was perfect on her! Abby and Scott are so easy going and we had a great time meeting their friends and families. The ceremony took place at Corpus Christi in Fort Dodge...we have some of the most amazing architecture in this town and this church one of the coolest places to photograph at. Congratulations Abby and Scott...we feel very blessed to be a part of your special day!

I find myself smiling ear to ear looking at the images from Paul and McKenzies engagement session. These two High School sweetheart are so much in love with each other...its just freaking cute!