international peace gardens engagements | ross&carly

"She's probably cool because the rest of your family is" Ross said to his friend after finding out that his friend's sister, Carly, just got a job working with them. "Just don't fall in love with her" he replied jokingly. One day at work, Carly kindly gave Ross the rest of her Cafe Rio at lunch, they started talking and soon became more than friends. Ross and Carly had been dating for 3 years when Ross plotted a proposal. Carly had previously given him a book about their journey together, Ross took that book and made the next chapter. He cut pages from it and placed the ring inside. Later that night, Ross presented the book to Carly and asked her to marry him. They scheduled a date for the following September to wed. These two are absolutely perfect together! They have an awesome sense of humor and so cute with each other. 

Ross and Carly -- I wish a lifetime of happiness for you two! Always enjoy each others company and live in the moment. Time goes by too quick to be anything but happy! Cheers to love and making memories! -- Alyssa

birth story | baby carter

After a long struggle of trying to become pregnant and a high risk pregnancy, Chris and Jenn were excited to welcome a baby boy into their family. On the morning of July 08, 2015 they arrived at the hospital for a scheduled induction. After being at the hospital for a couple hours, plans quickly changed due to Carter not moving or responding like he should have been after Mom's water was broken. The only option was to have a cesarean delivery and ten minutes later Mom was prepped and ready to go. Carter was born at 11:54am and weighed 4 pounds 6 ounces which was 2 pounds less than the doctor had expected. The doctor’s assumption prior to delivery was correct, Mom’s placenta had quit working and Carter had stopped growing shortly after a car accident one month prior. The doctor told the family that if they had not scheduled the induction, Carter probably would not have made it through the end of the week, and if he did, he would have had brain damage from the lack of oxygen. Although Carter has had some bumps in the road, he is doing much better and is nothing short of a miracle!

Chris and Jenn, your new baby is absolutely perfect! He is blessed to have such loving parents and two awesome siblings. Thank you so much for allowing  me to document this special day and I look forward to watching little Carter grow up! I wish for a lifetime of happiness for Carter and your family! Much love.… Alyssa

hailstone event center wedding | kevin&kayla

Inseparable from when they first met, Kevin and Kayla celebrated their love and wed at the Hailstone Event Center on a beautiful summer day. The lake and hills made for a picturesque ceremony for the newly married couple. Stunning origami décor covered the entire ceremony and reception space and was all handmade by the Groom, Kevin. 

Kevin and Kayla, Congratulations on your marriage! I wish you a lifetime of happiness. Cheers to love, joy and making memories.