Hannah & I grew up two blocks from each other here in Duluth. As an only child, I was always drawn to her ever-bustling house of four sisters! We waited for the school bus together, choreographed dance routines, and played neighborhood games (back when they were still a thing). While Hannah & her sisters might not remember all of this, I loved getting a glimpse into the wild world of multiple siblings! Last summer, Hannah contacted me a year after marrying her best friend, Noah. “We’re celebrating one year! Let’s do a session!” My heart, of course, did a little giddy-up.

Couples, if there’s one thing I encourage, it’s documenting your marriage. We always deem the big milestones worthy of capture, but what about the everyday? I’ve spoken with countless couples who say, “We would love to do a session with you, but we don’t have kids/a dog/a snazzy house,” the general sense being we’re not there yet, wherever there is. I tell all of my wedding clients, “I believe your marriage is more than just a wedding day, that it’s something worth fighting for, worth documenting. Remember your why, and cling to that when the journey gets rough.” Magic happens when I work with married couples in particular. I love helping them reflect, reconnect, and laugh together. At that point, the resulting images are just a beautiful bonus!

Hannah & Noah are salt-of-the-earth souls who make you feel good, effortlessly. In the hour before dusk, we met on Duluth’s Park Point beach, ran around barefoot, and laughed ’til our cheeks hurt. I thrive capturing couples (like Hannah & Noah!) and celebrating their marriage alongside them. Stay tuned for an exciting announcement coming to Bailey Aro Photography this spring! Hint: Think perfect Duluth date night. Sign up here for details when they’re released in April!