All imagery in this post is captured by my talented friend, Amanda, over at JaneCane Photography!

Celebrating the new website with a personal post! It’s been super quiet over here and I cannot wait to share some beautiful posts from this summers weddings and sessions with you all.

So here it goes, 5 things you may not know about me. <— or maybe you do? Anyways, thanks for checking it out!

1. I teach.

 It’s my first year teaching, and I absolutely LOVE it. I am back in my hometown teaching Early Childhood Special Education. How luck am I to have not one, but TWO rewarding jobs? I work with a great team who have taught me so much, and I couldn’t be happier.

2. I married my high school sweet heart.

It’s true, I have been with Kyle for almost EIGHT whole years. NO we don’t run out of things to talk about (we have a lot going on in our busy lives.) Although we’ve only been married for one year, it feels like a lifetime and I am so glad I get to grow old with my best friend.

3. I have Type 1 Diabetes.

Life changer. I found out two years ago this Thanksgiving. As much as I HATE the ugly disease, I feel 1000% better than I have in a long time. I get to wear a pretty pink insulin pump that gets to be obnoxious, but it saves my life, so it will do.

4.I have two beautiful Fur Babies.

Lindy & Sully. They are Llewellin Setter’s and have butt loads of energy. Sweetest breed you’ll ever meet. They love to snuggle, bark, and be chased. I love them too much!

5. I may be considered a “shopaholic”.

 My favorite thing to do is shop. I like to go to Target, the grocery store, online shop, window shop. You name it, I love it. My favorite stores are Target and the Gap – but again, take me anywhere, and I promise,  I will find something that I can’t live without.

I promise, more posts coming soon! Keep checking back. I’ve had way too many beautiful sessions that need to be shared, yet!

Cheers!
em

Taking a minute to share, what has been, the best year ever. This post isn’t about photography, or a new giveaway, it’s just us, The Figgins, married now for ONE WHOLE YEAR!

YAHOO!

We hope you enjoy these photos as much as we did. Our amazing wedding photographer, Gina Zeidler, captured every detail beautifully. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Let’s start at the beginning. . .

When Kyle proposed, I was in INSTA wedding mode. I thought I knew everything that I wanted, my dress (haha I actually did know this), the colors, where we were going to have it, etc. etc. etc.  Kyle proposed when I was still in my sophomore year of college and living in two different towns (him in Grand Rapids, while I went to school in Duluth). To us, it didn’t make sense for us to get hitched if we lived 2 hours apart. So we decided we’d wait until I was home. I moved home Summer 2013, and planned to start student teaching in August. So we got married in August too. . . We wouldn’t be stressed. Right??

To those of you who had a stressed free wedding planning experience, I tip my hat. If you asked Kyle how many times I changed my mind on how I wanted our day to look, he’d invite you out for a few drinks. =)

We sat down, talked budget (this is not something I take the gold (or bronze) in), and made a list of priorities for our day. Honestly, if you couldn’t guess, our #1 was photography, followed by guest list, food, and than location. We wanted a party.

If it weren’t for our amazing wedding party, we probably would have had our reception with the ice still on the rink over at the Civic Center. So they know who they are, and I am giving them all a shout out! WE LOVE YOU ALLLLLLLL!

So enough of the jibber-jabber, check out our day. I wish I could share all of our images, but I can’t keep you here forever.

CHEERS!
EMMA & KYLE

The boys started out their day with breakfast at Forest Lake in Grand Rapids. While us ladies were pampering ourselves over at Luxe Salon.

After getting dressed and all beautified (is that even a word?) Kyle and I finally had some alone time. 

Finally, we were joined by the most AMAZING wedding party ever.
Seriously, though. . . I love all of these people. They have been so supportive of our relationship from day 1.

And so have these guys.

Let’s Get Married!

These two were ROCK STARS all day. And frankly, stole the show.

I love this shot, not only because it was our first kiss… but our officiant seriously made for the most AMAZING ceremony.
My uncle Kyle married us. We knew that we wanted someone who we were close to to perform the ceremony, but we also wanted someone who was passionate. Uncle Kyle, thank you so much!

Cheesin’ little ladies.

We were married, and celebrated with more photos. . . Remember that priority list we made?? Gina made sure to take advantage of this, and we are SO grateful!

Finally, it was time to party, and dance, and eat cake.

I can’t believe it has been ONE whole year. So much has happened, and I fall in love with Kyle more every day.

I want to make sure that all of our vendors get some love and credit for the day, we would recommend every single one of them. If you have any questions about our decisions, contact me! I would love to share how easy each one of these groups of people made our day for us!

My Dress: Allure from Our Shoppe in Still Water, MN
Ladies’s Dresses: Jenny Yoo from Flutter Boutique in Minneapolis, MN
Gentleman’s Suits: Linen from Mens Warehouse
Flower Girl Dresses: Handmade by  Tracy Finke
Rings: Mississippi Diamond Jewelers
Other Jewelry : Handmade by Pam Hovet
Hair: Luxe Salon in Grand Rapids, MN
Make-up: The amazing, Danielle Schaar
Shoes: I wore Katie & Kelly from DSW and TOMS
Flowers: Bloomsies Floral Design in Duluth, MN
Stationary: Minuteman Press in Grand Rapids
Cake: The ever so talented, Kandi Langerman
Ceremony Venue: Myles Rief Center in Grand Rapids, MN
Reception Venue: The Civic Center in Grand Rapids, MN
Food: Dan’s Catering Company in Onamia, MN
Liquor: The Dutch Room in Grand Rapids, MN
Officiant: Kyle Zelinske
DJ: ThunderLighting Entertainment in Grand Rapids, MN
Photo Booth: The AMAZING Amanda Cane from JaneCane Photography in Duluth, MN
Photographer: Gina Zeidler from Minneapolis, MN