Boulder Musician

I saw a video of AJ that was posted in a Boulder Facebook group where they were playing the ukulele while singing in a field. I loved seeing that video. It was such a pretty and peaceful thing to watch and listen to. I messaged AJ and we started chatting about their music, they sent me a list of upcoming performance dates and I planned to see them ASAP!

I finally made time to see AJ play her music at the Louisville Farmer’s Market this past weekend. AJ is a great person and performer. As they played their music and sang, many people walked up to the stage to give tip money. Every time this happened, AJ acknowledged that person and interrupted themself singing to thank them! AJ didn’t let anything unplanned phase them. A freight train even came by for a good 5 minutes blowing its horn and AJ laughed, kept singing and started playing songs about trains and railroads!

Check out AJ’s music @montanasandmusic

Illinois -

These images are a documentation of some things and people that I love most. Sunsets near the airport, warm weather, spending time outside with my dog, exploring downtown Chicago and most importantly, being curious and exploring familiar places with a different mindset.

Since February of 2019, I’ve spent most of my time in Colorado. I was able to visit Illinois for a week at the end of May and I decided to go back again this past week of August. So far, whenever I get back to my new home in Colorado, I feel conflicted and have a mental hangover. I’m so overwhelmed with love and things to do with my friends and family in Illinois and the week always passes by quickly. Once I get back to Colorado, I feel lonely; the days move at a slow pace and I miss everything about Illinois. I know I’m blessed to essentially be able to walk in 2 worlds at this point in my life. One world is familiar and full of friends who I’ve been around for 22 years, the other world is new and scary, but both are beautiful and full of endless opportunity.

Rocky Mountain National Park Lake Hikes - Dream Lake & Emerald Lake

August 10th, 2019

I had been to Dream lake once in October of 2018. It was a foggy, rainy/snowy day. The visibility was only as good as about 20 feet in front of me. Going back to this lake and up to Emerald Lake in August of 2019, I got to see the mountains in the distance that I had never seen before! I loved this difference in weather patterns and season.

These lakes are great hikes to get to with stunning views and beautiful at any time of the year.

Rocky Mountain National Park - Gem Lake

Rocky Mountain National Park Day Hike to Gem Lake - August 2019

This was my first trip to the Rockies this summer. I bought an annual park pass earlier in July and wanted to start getting more use out of it for the rest of summer. This place is amazing. I’ve been to the Rockies a few times since I was 12 years old and I always want to go back and explore more of this park. My goal is to go back a few more times before September :)

Best Sunset Spots in Boulder, CO - Lost Gulch

Lost Gulch, Boulder Summer Sunset with Amber, Sarah and Tori.

We were missing Lana, but this group of girls is so incredibly positive, intelligent, successful, supportive and loving. I’m so grateful to have them as friends here in Boulder. Seeing beautiful sunsets together is even better :)

Southwest Colorado Road trip

My parents have always taken my sister and I on vacations every July. Our trips varied from driving to Northern Minnesota from Iliinois or driving 2,000 miles from Illinois to Glacier National Park in Montana when I was about 8 years old. Years later, we occasionally made trips out to the Rocky Mountains, but it had been at least 4 years since we were all out West again. This year, although we weren’t all together, my parents drove out to Colorado and met me in Boulder. We left for a week long trip through Southwest Colorado. This is a collection of images from this trip through the Great Sand Dunes, historic Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Breckenridge. It was incredible to spend a week straight with my parents. Since I moved away from home, we hardly ever get to spend so much time together. It was so important and meaningful to me.

Go tell someone you love and appreciate them today :)

Boulder Colorado Adventure Photographer

Boulder Colorado Adventure Photographer

Boulder Colorado Adventure Photographer

Boulder Colorado Adventure Photographer

Boulder, Creek - Colorado 4th of July

There’s been a lot of rain in Boulder lately and the creek has been higher than usual for the summer. We decided we wanted to cross the creek to hang our hammocks and relax on this little island for the day. Luckily, Danny, Nikhil and Colin are more adventurous than Amber and I and they convinced us to walk across this creek to hang out. It was SO worth it. Happy 4th!!

Julia and Ryan's Denver, Brown Palace Wedding

May 11th, 2019 - Julia and Ryan's Denver, Brown Palace Wedding

I was second shooting this wedding with Hannah Simpson and only interacted with Julia and Ryan for about 6 hours. Their entire wedding guest count only included 37 people. They truly wanted their closest friends and family to experience the day with them. Their parents and friends were so welcoming and kind. Everyone had great things to say about Ryan and Julia together. From this short time being with everyone, I felt like I knew Ryan and Julia so well. They both talked with me about how my day was going, how I was feeling with my photography growth and working with Hannah. It was so nice of them to take time to connect with Hannah and I. It’s easy to see how much love they have for each other and for other people in their lives.

Amber's Branding Photoshoot

Amber and I decided to celebrate one of the first few warm days of the season in Colorado by taking some branding photos for her mindset business. We explored some pretty parts of Boulder while seeking out murals and urban spots. Then we finished our shoot in Amber’s home office!

If you’re a woman looking to live your life to your fullest potential, contact Amber Alexis - https://www.amber-alexis.com/about - Amber is one of the most inspirational, kind, hardworking, positive and energetic people I know. She will help motivate you to become the best version of yourself and live the life you want and deserve!!

Boulder, Colorado Family Photographer

Amy and Chad's Fall, Boulder Family Photoshoot was on a rainy day, but we made the most of our time and got some great images :)

I’ve known Amy and Chad since they were my elementary school teachers back in the early 2000’s. My Dad formed a friendship with Chad and we all became family friends immediately. It’s been so beautiful to see Amy and Chad start their own family and I was so excited to photograph them and their amazing children.

7 Day Sunrise

At the beginning of this month, I moved to Colorado. These past few weeks have been difficult. I’ve been lacking routine, obligation and structure, so I decided to take on a challenge that involved things I wanted to start prioritizing. So for the past 7 mornings, I dedicated my time to watching the sun come up in different places near my new home base.

I would recommend this approach of a challenge to anyone struggling to find meaning. Although I’m still in an unfamiliar mental space, I’ve learned more discipline for things that I’ve wanted to make time for.

Image Order: Most Recent to Least Recent:

Feb. 14th - Sunrise 7

Top: Cold Roads Before 6:54am

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Middle: First Light in the Car

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Bottom: Orange Mountains

Feb. 12th - Sunrise 6

Blue Mountain Birds

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Watercolor Skies

Feb 11th - Sunrise 5

Pines

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First Light Against the Mountains

Feb. 10th - Sunrise 4

Morning Colors

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First Dog Friends of the Day

Feb. 9th - Sunrise 3

Frozen Pines

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Foggy Mountains

Feb 9th - Sunrise 2

Soft Light and a Frozen Sunrise

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Golden Hawk

Feb 8th - 1st Sunrise

Self Portrait

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First Light

LGBTQ+ winter wedding photos - denver colorado

Photographers: Myself and Lisa Kay Creative @lisakay_creative

Colorado Wedding Inspiration

Lead Photographer: @lisakay_creative - Lisa Kay

Second Photographer: @annahmeintzer - Annah

Models: @bittersweetmimi - Amelia

@tunjithesuburban - Tunji

Samantha and Daniel’s Wedding

Sept. 2nd, 2018

I spent the afternoon with Samantha, her bridesmaids, flower girl and mother in their hotel room while everyone had their hair/make-up done. They were all so laid back, but excited at the same time! We made our way to Navy Pier in a limo to get to the Odyssey for the ceremony where Samantha hid in the bathroom of the boat while she waited for Daniel to arrive without seeing her. All the interactions I witnessed at this wonderful event were so kind and loving and I was happy to be a part of their day.

Photographer: @annahmeintzer - Annah

Wedding Venue: The Odyssey, Chicago

Katie and Brandon's Wedding

Oct. 26th, 2018

Today was a busy day with lots of amazing places for wedding pictures. We started out at the Residence Inn for getting ready images, then met Brandon in the lobby for the first look. Brandon and Katie are the kind of couple that look at each other with the most genuine expressions all day, so this moment was very special. Next, we drove to the LaSalle bridge and the gardens at the Art Institute for more photos. The reception hall is very unique and full of lots of different kinds of art, sculptures, neon signs and architecture. The arch for the ceremony was made out of old picture frame corners! It was a challenge to photograph the ceremony and reception at this venue, but totally worth it for the unique images. Katie, Brandon and their bridal party were so kind and very easy to work with.

Lead Photographer: @Lisakay_creative - Lisa Kay Creative

Second Photographer: @annahmeintzer - Annah Meintzer

Venue: The Lacuna Artist Lofts, Pilsen

Hair Stylist: Magnificent Brides - Tina Sclafani

Makeup Artist: Leesi B

Videographer: Skyline Media - Antonio

DJ: Cage and Aquarium

Nick and Val's Engagement

Nov. 5th, 2018

I met Nick and Val at the country club we work at about 5 years ago. Nick and Val have known each other for at least 7 years and even though they’ve been officially dating for a year, they have so much love for each other and know they want to be together. They are adorable, kind people and I am so excited to see them get married in May. This engagement session was on a rainy afternoon, but we made it work and got great images. Of course we had to stop by the country club where Nick and Val met so we could take some nostalgic photos.

Photographer: @annahmeintzer - Annah

Locations: Ryerson Conservation Area & Chevy Chase Country Club

Mike and Eden's Wedding

Nov. 11th, 2018

Eden and Mike had been dating for about 12 years and have known each other since high school. They are finally husband and wife! Eden and Mike are such kind people with so much love for their friends and family. I saw so many hugs and heard words of love exchanged constantly throughout the day. Eden’s sister Cheyenne told her she loved Eden almost every time she saw her that day! This wedding was very focused on the guests and truly making the day a celebration with everyone that Eden and Mike are closest to. I felt very welcomed by both their friends and family while we spent the day together eating dinner, dancing and celebrating. I loved being a part of their day.

Photographer: @annahmeintzer - Annah Meintzer

Hair Stylist: @eringostyle - Erin Bailey

Make-up Artist: @colors_by_b - Rebecca Aranda

Florist: @bebeax3 - Arlene Gaspar

Venue: Byron Colby Barn, Grayslake