{sister. extraordinary}

A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and
very much not ourselves - a special kind of double.

Sisters aren't something that everyone gets to experience, I however was blessed with 4 beautiful young ladies that amaze and astound me almost every day. My sister Ellie, is not the exception to this rule. She is a whiz at school, ridiculously talented musically, pitches better than Joe Nathan himself, and definitely got the one tall gene out of us. She's small town country girl, with the passion to achieve the world. But besides all of these things, there is one thing that she is that I look up to. She is confident and she knows where she stands. She has a truth in her that cannot be squashed by fear. When she was in middle school, she stood up to her closest friends to defend a new girl that she didn't know. She wasn't afraid to lose her social status, but instead knew in her heart of hearts what was right. This isn't the only example of her strength and lack of fear!

This last summer we went to Des Moines, IA for a family reunion. It was fun to see enough people with the same last name to fully staff two softball teams and a crowd of spectators. We went to Sleepy Hollow which is a sports complex. We climbed a wall, played miniature golf (some of the uncles took this very seriously), hit some balls, and best of all - raced go carts. I chose to ride with my little sis... with learner's permit in hand. Little did I know that my life would pass before my eyes before the first lap was through! This girl had no fear!! She was giggling so hard and I was screaming myself hoarse!

She's beautiful, in case you haven't noticed! El is always willing to be my model and she does whatever I tell her too! She got the legs even Mom wishes she had! We still love her despite. This week, El got some disappointing news. She had auditioned for something really exciting and she didn't get it. Not because she doesn't ooze with the talent necessary for the job, but instead because of high school politics and girl-cattiness. She deserved to get that spot, she worked hard at what she does and she's really good. However sometimes, despite how much we deserve it, life happens and other's agenda's get in the way. I just wanted to remind that even though she isn't perfect, and sometimes she fights with her sister, she is still extraordinary and I admire that.
All that said, secretly, my favorite part about El being my sister is seeing her grow up and seeing how alike we are. She is a younger me, yet she is completely her own person. She is not living in anyone's shadow but her own!! Love you Ellie! Don't let anyone make you feel less than extraordinary!

{fall.breeze}

Most people meet me on a "stormy" day and think I'm a nut... but I love that feeling of excitement at the first sight of clouds! In the summer, I watch the forecast for thunder and in the winter I wait anxiously for snow.. the blustery the better. This said, I could never live anywhere that doesn't have all four seasons! Minnesota has proven itself well for me. Although there is nothing more exciting than watching a storm 60 miles away roll itself slowly over the South Dakota prairies. Watching the sky turn greyish-green, smelling the rain, feeling the wind on your face reminds you how alive you are!

I have special places in my heart for all of my homes, past and present. However, today I had to share my favorite photo from my summer.... oh Minnesota, how I do love thee!

{sweet.wishes}

i think I felt my heart skip a beat

i'm standing here

and i can hardly breath,

you got me, yeah, you got me

Joe and Becca, I can't thank you enough for picking me to be a part of your incredible celebration! It was a beautiful show of love and care towards each other. The day was a gorgeous October day, sunny and seasonably warm. The church had the most spectacular pond and field that played a perfect backdrop for your first glimpse of each other.

Joe's nerves were forgotten the second he laid eyes on Becca. She in her gorgeous ivory beaded dress and fabulous shoes. Becca had a mother-of-pearl broach passed down through generations in her hair and gorgeous flowers to finish it off. Joe looked sharp in a black tux with an ivory under vest. He sure cleans up well!

The wedding was a mix of both Joe and Becca. Lovely music, warm sunny sanctuary, and Joe's childhood pastor to incorporate both families' backgrounds. As I looked around the room, the pride, joy, and love for Joe and Becca shown on the face of everyone.

After these two were hitched, we headed down to the Mississippi river in Sauk Rapids. This new park to commemorate an old bridge linking each bank of the Mighty Mississippi lent us a perfect view and a load of laughs. It is not hard to see why these two have so many great friends!

Joe and Becca, it doesn't take long to see how perfect you are for each other. It's amazing to see how two people fit together like puzzle pieces. The last year of working with you has been awesome. You have given me encouragement, trust, confidence, and friendship. Congratulations Joe and Becca!!

{cowboy.love}

I have to say, Sarah and Luke, you are both beautiful people! Thank you for including my in your wedding day! It was a little windy, but we worked it! :) Congratulations! Here's a preview of your day! More to come...

{dakota.sunset.love}

At last... Travis and Kimberli's pictures are done! I know Kimberli's family well as I graduated high school with her brother Chris and was in show choir with her sister Nikki. Lots of great memories with this family. It was very exciting to see Kimberli all grown up and married! Travis - welcome to the family - you fit in great!

Travis was not lonely with this group of guys! All were fun and definitely enjoyed standing up for their friend!
The girls were all sweethearts! I wouldn't have expected anything less from Kimberli! All so beautiful, they were easy to take pictures of!
Mitchell has a nice little lake north of town. It's kind of the hot spot here! Every one of them was a trooper as we got through the pictures and headed back to the reception.
What a good looking couple! They had such a spark, you couldn't miss it!
Congratulations Travis and Kimberli! Have a great time on your honeymoon and thank you for letting me be a part of your special day!

More pictures available at www.karapoissantphotography.com/client. password is herrick.

{dakota.sunset}

Here's just a preview of a Travis and Kimberli's beautiful South Dakota wedding. It was a gorgeous day that complimented the heartfelt sermon from the pastor and the ample amount of guests to share the special day with the couple. It's hard to compare anything to a South Dakota wedding.

Congratulations Travis and Kimberli! More pictures to come!!!

{true.love}

Sunday the sun peaked through the blinds and I woke to a beautiful day for an engagement session for my former roomie, Amy and her Irish fiance Ross. Get to know these two for even just one minute and you will know they were made for each other. Amy and Ross picked me up and we took the short trip to Lake Maria State Park......to the exact spot where Ross proposed. *sigh* even after so many years of doing this, it still makes my heart skip a beat! I suppose that's the romantic in me coming out.


We found our way to the dock and with such a beautiful day, we couldn't help but take our shoes off and stick our feet in the water... Ross is a very brave man, trying to accidentally drop Amy in the lake before the wedding even happens..


After a peaceful reconcile, Amy and Ross basked in the glory of this beautiful place and came to the agreement that nobody would go into the water today.


I have known Amy for so many years. We have laughed together, cried together, sang together, prayed together, and everything in between. She has never looked so beautiful and happy.
Ross, we haven't had the chance to get to know each other very well, but I your family has been around through thick and thin in my life. I know that you are a Godly man and I am so thankful that you here.

Congratulations Ross and Amy! I can't hardly wait for your wedding! I wish you the best and I thank God for putting both of you in my life separately and together!

View more of Ross and Amy's pictures here! the password is johnson