 LUKE & KATE // 8 DAYS NEW Milwaukee Lifestyle Newborn Session // Mequon, Wisconsin Truth bomb : the last time I have photographed newborn twins, I was just starting out in my photography journey. I convinced my cousin and his wife to take a chance on my photography skills by practicing on their adorable newborn kiddos. Well needless to say, the shoot was tough - lots of crying and lots of attempts at posing - I quickly learned a very important lesson...newborn photography is not as easy as it looks on YouTube videos. Who would have thought?! ;) While I am sure they appreciated those photos looking back I can only shake my head. So naturally I was a little anxious when Kristin reached out to me to photograph her latest arrivals, Luke & Kate. While I felt comfortable posing newborns, as at this point I had 7 years of newborn photography under my belt since the last twins session, I had a hard time shaking off my worry. I am happy to report that Luke & Kate's session went off without a hitch! The two 8 day old cuties slept the whole time. They felt comfortable cuddling next to each other and loved snuggling up to mom and dad. These two rainbow babies were amazing to photograph and I am grateful for the opportunity to capture their first week of life. Enjoy!  
 
 
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COURTNEY & KYLE Westmoor Country Club Wedding // Brookfield, Wisconsin Courtney and Kyle were an absolute joy to photograph! You could just feel the love in room. The lovely couple got married at the Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The same venue where her parents got married on May 18th, 30-some years ago, just one day before Courtney and Kyle’s wedding date. Their day was sheer bliss, filled with lots of happy tears. Truly, I teared up at least three times! 
  
 Courtney and Kyle exchanged thoughtful gifts before their ceremony. When Courtney was opening her gift from Kyle her bridesmaids started tearing up, too. One of the bridesmaids tearfully exclaimed, "He loves you so much!"
Before the ceremony, Courtney also exchanged gifts with her parents, another sentimental moment, especially because of the special relationship Courtney shares with her dad. Courtney made sure to tell her dad that she will always be his little girl. They even threw a football around before the ceremony.
Courtney looked stunning in her wedding dress. The lace detail of her dress, paired with her jewel-embellished hair pin, was so feminine and beautiful. The groomsmen looked rather dapper in their grey suits with sage-colored ties, and the bridesmaids looked lovely in their light blush-colored dresses. The combination of neutrals, blush, and light shades green looked ravishing against the backdrop of the Country Club.
The ceremony was a true display of love and warmth. Kyle teared up when he saw Courtney walk down the aisle. Big tears rolled down his face, and the moment was priceless. His best man even put his arm on his shoulder to comfort him. 
 
 
 
 During the father-daughter dance. Courtney quickly stepped off to the side to take off her shoes. Everyone in the audience thought she wanted to be more comfortable, but she actually removed her heels so she could dance on her dad’s feet. I could barely contain my tears! 
I have to say, the love Courtney and Kyle share is truly a once-in-a-lifetime love. They were happy and giddy the whole day, exchanging cute smiles and looks as the day progressed, adoringly looking at one another throughout the entire evening.  Courtney and Kyle, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the opportunity to capture your beautiful, love-filled celebration. Cheers to a lifetime and beyond of joy, happy tears, health, and love. Love + Appreciation, Dom Venue : Westmoor Country Club
Photographer : Dominika Photographer Associate Photographers : Colleen & Tegan Florist: Avenue Bloom Makeup Arist : Jennifer Janssen Makeup Artistry DJ: Scott Knapp from Magnum Entertainment Guitarist: Bret Huotari Stationary: Haley King Co. Editor : Sharp Editorial  M. Family |
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Cooper Owen // 6 Days New
Milwaukee Lifestyle Newborn Session // New Berlin, Wisconsin
It's so wonderful to see the transition of my wedding couples from bride and groom to mom and dad. I feel so much gratitude when they ask me to photograph their growing families and to capture the most special (and precious) moments of their lives. Meeting Heather and Jeff's little baby boy, Cooper Owen, was such a pleasure! The little handsome fella slept the whole time and enjoyed cuddles from his mom and dad. Heather and Jeff, congratulations on your new addition!
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Talia & Stephen
Blue Harbor Resort Wedding // Sheboygan, Wisconsin
I was truly honored to capture Talia and Stephen’s lovely, joyful wedding. Their sweet celebration was full of fun, love, and laughter, from beginning to end.
Talia and Stephen tied the knot at Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a lakeside hotel nestled on the western shore of the majestic Lake Michigan.
Talia and Stephen tied the knot at Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a lakeside hotel nestled on the western shore of the majestic Lake Michigan.
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Talia’s four bridesmaids dawned lovely, knee-length, royal blue dresses which coordinated perfectly with the serene surroundings of Lake Michigan. Stephen’s four groomsmen also added a touch of blue to their traditional tuxes with their coordinating, royal blue vests. The bridesmaid dresses as well as the groomsmen vests were all handmade by Stephen's talented mom!
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The couple’s ceremony took place overlooking the lake which added a tranquil, stunning backdrop to the pair’s beautiful celebration.
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In nearly every photo, Talia and Stephen are gazing into each other’s eyes, about to burst with both love and laughter. Photographing this couple was not only an honor but a blast, too!
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From the ceremony to the reception, the atmosphere remained fun. Talia and Stephen are wonderful, laid-back people who had an incredible time celebrating their blessed union with their family members and friends. There was so much laughter throughout the day, I knew I was in the presence of two people who would love and laugh their way through life together. Truly, all they wanted was to celebrate the most important day of their lives by sharing their love and having a good time with the special people in their tribe. Mission definitely accomplished. Talia and Stephen conveyed an atmosphere full of love that each person clearly felt.
Talia and Stephen, thank you for the opportunity to capture your wonderful wedding! I had a great time not only photographing your beautiful day, but sharing genuine laughs with you and your incredible guests. Cheers to a lifetime and beyond of love, happiness, and more laughter, and I hope you have an amazing time on your honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta.
Love + Appreciation,
Dom
Love + Appreciation,
Dom
Venue : Blue Harbor Resort
Photographer : Dominika Photographer
Associate Photographer : Amy Erickson
Editor : Sharp Editorial
Photographer : Dominika Photographer
Associate Photographer : Amy Erickson
Editor : Sharp Editorial
William // 16 Days New
Milwaukee Lifestyle Newborn Session // Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
How I love in-home newborn sessions! The family is relaxed, big siblings are entertained and we can focus on photographing the newest (and littlest) member of their growing family. This sessions played out exactly like that, D. family was relaxed and big sister did an amazing job, cuddling and kissing her baby brother. Please enjoy a couple of shots from this lovely Milwaukee lifestyle newborn session!
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My mantra for 2018 is to live in the moment. To stop rushing, to take a deep breathe, to slow down and enjoy the simple little moments in life.
Like this impromptu - spontanoues session with Marissa, Andy and Juliet the Husky at the Tyler Rye Workshop in Zion!
Slow down friends, life is amazing, go live it!
Like this impromptu - spontanoues session with Marissa, Andy and Juliet the Husky at the Tyler Rye Workshop in Zion!
Slow down friends, life is amazing, go live it!
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Taken at the Zion #TylerRyeWorkshop
Workshop | Tyler Rye
Models | Marissa , Andy , Juliet the Husky
Venue | Canvas Under Zion
Workshop | Tyler Rye
Models | Marissa , Andy , Juliet the Husky
Venue | Canvas Under Zion
Tamara + Jon
Black Swan Wedding // Milwaukee, Wisconsin
What a joy it was to photograph such an enjoyable couple! Tamara and Jon were full of jokes and laughter throughout their entire, seemingly perfect, wedding celebration.
Tamara and her delightful bridesmaids got ready at one of Milwaukee’s newest hotels, the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel – a modern hotel in the heart of the historic Third Ward, a place chockfull of charm, comfort, and laid-back warmth, which perfectly suits Tamara and Jon’s fun, tender spirits. Although their day was overflowing with laughter and jokes, there were several touching moments, especially when Tamara’s mom, Lori, teared up as she helped her daughter into her lovely lace wedding gown.
Tamara chose stunning hues for her flowers and bridesmaid dresses – deep maroons, soft pinks, and rose gold. Each bridesmaid had gorgeous, handmade bouquets with silk florals, which looked absolutely stunning against the rose gold dresses.
Tamara and her delightful bridesmaids got ready at one of Milwaukee’s newest hotels, the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel – a modern hotel in the heart of the historic Third Ward, a place chockfull of charm, comfort, and laid-back warmth, which perfectly suits Tamara and Jon’s fun, tender spirits. Although their day was overflowing with laughter and jokes, there were several touching moments, especially when Tamara’s mom, Lori, teared up as she helped her daughter into her lovely lace wedding gown.
Tamara chose stunning hues for her flowers and bridesmaid dresses – deep maroons, soft pinks, and rose gold. Each bridesmaid had gorgeous, handmade bouquets with silk florals, which looked absolutely stunning against the rose gold dresses.
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Tamara and Jon did their first look on the rooftop of the Kimpton, a moment filled with excitement, tears, and more laughs. The rain refused to stay away that day, so we headed back inside for bridal party portraits, followed by more pictures at the Black Swan.
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The couple’s ceremony was held at the Black Swan, a chic venue also in the heart of the historic Third Ward. This particular venue features amazing Milwaukee cream city brick and industrial columns while inhibiting a true romantic feel. Black Swan overlooks the scenic Milwaukee River, a view that truly takes your breath away. When Tamara walked down the aisle, tears filled everyone’s eyes, including Jon’s. What a pleasure it was to photograph a couple who was not only loads of fun but incredibly kind, loving, and spirited, too.
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Tamara and Jon, thank you for the opportunity to capture your beautiful wedding! I found myself laughing and enjoying the evening, right along with you and your guests, as I captured two people who truly know the meaning of love and laughter. Cheers to a lifetime of joy, health, and love.
Love + Appreciation,
Dom
Love + Appreciation,
Dom
Venue: Black Swan
Photographer : Dominika Photographer
Associate Photographer: Colleen Bies
Bakery : Yield Bakehouse
DJ: D Jeneration Music Services
Hair & Makeup Artists: Legacy Salon Day Spa
Editor: Sharp Editorial
Hotel: Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
Videographer: GE Creative
Photographer : Dominika Photographer
Associate Photographer: Colleen Bies
Bakery : Yield Bakehouse
DJ: D Jeneration Music Services
Hair & Makeup Artists: Legacy Salon Day Spa
Editor: Sharp Editorial
Hotel: Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
Videographer: GE Creative
Y. Family
Milwaukee Family Session // Urban Ecology Center // Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Fall colors and the beautiful landscape of the Milwaukee Urban Ecology Center was our backdrop for the Y. family photo session. This fun loving family was so much fun to work with! The girls giggled, smiled and posed with their little baby brother. They threw fall leaves up in the air and twirled into the sunset! Thank you Y. Family for letting me capture your beautiful family!
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Kelsey + John
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery // Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Photographing fellow alumni is always a pleasure, and I was honored to capture the heartwarming nuptials of Kelsey and John, a fun, laid back couple who met at the beloved Marquette University.
Kelsey and John got married on Marquette’s campus at the Gesu Church, a beautifully designed French-Gothic building with magnificent stained-glass windows and landmark spires of varying heights. The couple’s ceremony was not only filled with divine visual details but their night had amazing music performed by a choir from Minnesota. The Minnesota church choir members are friends of the bride’s mom, and they put on a magical performance during the ceremony as well as during the reception. Kelsey’s mom even sang with the choir during the reception speeches! Kelsey teared up during the touching, lovely performance.
Kelsey and John got married on Marquette’s campus at the Gesu Church, a beautifully designed French-Gothic building with magnificent stained-glass windows and landmark spires of varying heights. The couple’s ceremony was not only filled with divine visual details but their night had amazing music performed by a choir from Minnesota. The Minnesota church choir members are friends of the bride’s mom, and they put on a magical performance during the ceremony as well as during the reception. Kelsey’s mom even sang with the choir during the reception speeches! Kelsey teared up during the touching, lovely performance.
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After their ceremony, we took photos around the Marquette campus. The Joan of Arc chapel is still one of my favorite places to photograph wedding parties! This particular chapel is a 15th century French chapel, transported from France to Milwaukee.
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Afterwards, we headed to the Pabst Brewery District for the couple’s wedding reception, as well as more bride and groom photos by the Brewhouse Inn, an upscale boutique set in the former Milwaukee Pabst Brewery. The Pabst Brewery District has been turned into one of the premier wedding locations in Milwaukee, celebrating the past, present, future, and, of course, the classic Milwaukee Pabst beer! Their reception took place at the historic Best Place at the Pabst and was filed with heartwarming speeches, laughter, and amazing dance moves!
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Kelsey and John, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the opportunity to capture your wonderful celebration. Cheers to a lifetime of love and laughter together.
Love + Appreciation, Dom
Love + Appreciation, Dom
Venue: Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
Photographer : Dominika Photographer
Associate Photographer: Colleen Bies
Florist: Mayflowers Florist
Catering: Irene's Catering
DJ & Uplighting: Sound By Design
Editor: Sharp Editorial
Hotel: Brewhouse Inn & Suites
Photographer : Dominika Photographer
Associate Photographer: Colleen Bies
Florist: Mayflowers Florist
Catering: Irene's Catering
DJ & Uplighting: Sound By Design
Editor: Sharp Editorial
Hotel: Brewhouse Inn & Suites