
I love connecting and chatting on-line!
Find me on
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I do my best to connect daily!
Over the past few years, I have been extremely blessed to get to know wedding vendors. They are the behind the scenes people that help make a wedding day even more fabulous with their talents and abilities. I have chosen a few vendors turned friends to interview and share more about them, because I think they are so wonderful at what they do!

First off I want to share my wonderful friend and talented make up artist Chris of Gunpowder n Gloss. Chris and I met when I photographers her wedding back in 2014. She now does on-site make up and has a few other business ventures up her sleeve in the next couple months!
I asked her to share more about her business with me!
Describe you business. Rewarding, fun, and life-changing.
How long have you been in business? I have been in business since 2014
Why did you start your business? I decided to start my makeup on location for brides because I have always had a passion for working with bridal clients throughout my cosmetic career ; I love making women feel beautiful in their own makeup style.
Also another large part of my decision to start a business was having my first daughter Kelly Lynn; I wanted the opportunity to have a career and be home with her.

What have weddings taught you? Weddings have taught me to slow down and enjoy the moment, , it goes so fast on your special day!
Describe your style. My style has always been country chic
What is the best thing you have seen on a wedding day? The best thing I saw on someone’s wedding day was the groom wiping away his brides tears at the alter; so touching and sweet!

Where do you find inspiration? Some of my sources of inspiration for my work is my love for the country lifestyle!

What do you do to wind down after a long day if work? I love to wind down after a long day of work with my favorite cocktail in the summer! In the cold winters by the fireplace with some hot tea.

Tell me something more about your business? I have been told I do amazing work, super easy to work with, fun to talk to, and that my team and I are highly professional. I always put my client needs first and always ensure they will be happy with their makeup look.
One thing I do that is important; I walk thru my process for the client; it is nice to make them a part of the application so they don’t feel clueless in what I am doing on their face; clients seem to really appreciate that!

See more of Chris’ work or touch base with her on Facebook or Instagram!
It is the second month and I am on a roll! Below is the newsletter and if you wish to receive it in your inbox rather than on the blog, drop me a line and I will get you on the newsletter list! Happy February!!

I love connecting and chatting on-line!
Find me on
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
I do my best to connect daily!
This past fall, as many of you know, I hired a social media manager to manage my Instagram and Facebook accounts. Susan was incredible, and I hired her through my busiest season for help, but what about this off season? Now that she isn’t working for me I still want to manage my social accounts but not be tied to them when my kids are home. SO… I looked into a few different scheduling systems. If you are looking for something to help you plan and look through, these are the tree I considered. Which one am I using…. read on!!
Buffer:: This is the system that Susan and I started with. From the little I know about it, Buffer is a system to plan both your Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter feeds. It was great because we could each see what Susan was planning and if I needed to post anything, I could see what was planned!
Plann:: This was a system Susan suggested to me and I loved the way you were able to plan out the entirety of the month and see how all the squares would look when everything was put together. And I loved that you could put hashtags into categories so that they were all there for later use. The only thing I did not love about this was that it was only applicable for phones and tablets, and I was looking for a system that I could use with my desktop

Cue in Planoly:: Now this is the system that I have been using. There is a desktop customization, an app for my phone and has the hashtag categorization system. I have been using it for almost 2 months now, and I am in love with this! When I need to post something, I get a notification on my phone, and the rest is done for me.

If you are looking for a system to streamline your planning process for Instagram, I would check these out to see which is right for you!
Katie Nick’s June wedding at Seven Vines Vineyard was the perfect blend of timeless elegance and joyful celebration. From the classic black-and-white wedding party attire to the dreamy golden hour portraits among the vines, every detail felt effortlessly sophisticated.
Surrounded by their favorite people and endless love, these two kicked off married life in the most beautiful way.
Bride:: @katie_koplien
Groom:: @nickl3w21
Venue:: @7vinesvineyard
Hair:: @sunbearspasalon
MUA:: @sunbearspasalon
Caterer:: @creativecateringbymollyllc
Florist:: @floreinspired
Ice cream truck:: @lildippersoftserve
Wedding Dress:: @casablancabridal
Wedding Dress Shop:: @bellabridalbtq
Rings:: @weddingdaydiamonds
Menswear:: @menswearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses:: @azazieofficial
Stationary:: @theknot
Videography:: @alexandrafilms_
Photography:: @federphotography
Baby Mary has arrived and is already so deeply loved by Nicole and Aaron.
I’ve had the true honor of photographing this family since their oldest was born over 16 years ago, and watching their story grow through each new season has been something really special. From newborn snuggles to busy, full family life being invited back again and again is something I never take for granted.
This family is deeply rooted in the world of forage, county fairs, and raising and showing lambs and sheep, so it only felt fitting to include a little lamb hat for baby Mary’s first photos. A small nod to a big part of their life and traditions.
Welcome to the world, sweet girl
Spring soirée perfection.
Rob and Sarah’s wedding day was a beautiful blend of faith, family, and thoughtful design. Inspired by Monet’s garden paintings, their celebration was filled with soft spring colors, meaningful heirlooms, and intentional details at every turn.
After a joyful ceremony at Eagle Brook Church, surrounded by family and friends, they celebrated the night away at Silverwood Park with beautiful florals, heartfelt speeches, lakeside portraits, and dancing.
One of my favorite details? Sarah changed into her mother’s wedding dress for the reception, while flowers made from that same gown were sewn into her veil.
Congratulations, Rob and Sarah!
Ceremony:: @eaglebrookchurch
Venue:: @silverwoodpark
Planner:: @eventsbyjess
Caterer: @chefjeffmpls
Photographer::@federphotography
Florist:: @malanasophiafloral & @merci_garden
DJ:: Will @midwestsounddj
MUA:: @thebeautycollectivellc
Her Ring:: @princessbridediamonds
His Ring:: @embellirgems
Jewelry:: @helzbergdiamonds
Suit:: @stateandliberty
Baker:: @siftglutenfree
Linens:: @festivitiesmn
Video:: @gadescreativefilms
Wedding Shop:: @flutterbridalco
Wedding Designer:: @colbyjohnbridal
Welcome, to the world sweet Julia! It was such a blessing to see Travis, Marisa, and Jalen again! What joy Julia has brought to this family! Congratulations!!