winter maternity session at Madison’s Olbrich gardens
I often joke with my clients that once they become a part of the “Kuffel Photography Family” they can’t get rid of us! I say it playfully, but I really do mean it in the best of ways. Not only do we care about your wedding day, but we care about your marriage and your life as a whole. When our couples start families of their own and include us on that part of their journey as well, I am humbled beyond belief-because to me it means that we’ve succeeded in making people feel good, feel loved, and feel cared about. Most importantly, we’ve built a connection.
Amanda and Will have been in our circle for quite some time now. We had the pleasure of shooting TWO of their friend’s weddings, their engagement session, and of course their big day. They got married in April of 2021, and their wedding was actually my first one back after maternity leave! During every encounter I’ve had with the two of them, it has been abundantly clear that they are excellent teammates. They just seem to really get each other, and show up to love and support each other in every way. Their maternity session was no exception…
The two chose Olbrich Botanical Gardens after seeing a session I had done there earlier in the year. They made the trip all the way from Appleton (which is not a short drive, especially while pregnant!). When they pulled into the parking lot, Amanda realized she had forgotten her dress…naturally panic set in. We had to think fast, because the gardens closed in an hour. Thankfully, a quick google search pulled up a handful of in-stock dresses at a nearby Target. The two hopped in the car, and I went to talk to the management about adjusting our permit time. While I can only imagine the stress they felt in that ten minute car ride, what I DO know-is when they came back Will had Amanda’s back. He ran to the car to grab extra blankets to keep her warm, and genuinely reassured her about how amazing she looked and how he even liked her new dress better. His genuine love and adoration for Amanda was abundantly clear, and his support WORKED. Within minutes he had her laughing and feeling calm.
After laughing it off, we went about the session as if nothing ever happened. While I may have played a role in easing their concerns- I think what TRULY did it, was their love for one another. When you marry your best friend the entire world could fall apart, but at the end of the day you get to turn to each other and somehow know that it’s all going to be okay. Amanda and Will, you’re going to crush parenting, I just know it. Your ability to work together and to pivot in tough spots is going to pull you out of the toughest situations, and your ability to laugh with and love one another will always motivate you to do it again the next day. Thank you for once again allowing me to be a part of your story.
