I have recently begun the process of changing the focus of my business from weddings and engagements back to where it all started... horses. Horses have been my passion since I was about 4 years old (when my Mom finally broke it to me that having a pet Elephant to ride just wasn't going to happen). 

Horses have always been a source of comfort, companionship, courage, and strength for me. Maybe it's their 'not so subtle' way of communicating that they are unhappy with something, maybe its their unconditional love, maybe its the fact that a 1,200 pound animal was willing to be my friend and let me be a part of their life... I don't know. But the majesty, goofiness, and just plain beauty of horses has always been something that I found both easy and a challenge to capture with my camera. And so, I decided, they were going to be the new focus (pun intended) of my photographic endeavors.

Enter Elise and Pranzo. Elise is a tall, outgoing, gorgeous, intelligent nut. She can take the most boring of stories and make it sound like and epic adventure that you're sorry you missed out on. Her exuberance is infectious and I'm proud to call her my friend. Her loyal steed Pranzo is her perfect equine other half. He has the impressive presence that every good Thoroughbred should have -- With stunning good looks, soft eyes, pricked ears, and an always willing to GO stride... seasoned well with a dash of spazz.

When I half jokingly suggested "I know. It would be a GREAT idea to dress you up in your wedding dress and have you climb aboard your strong, fast thoroughbred... and I'll be there to document his reaction!"  Elise, to my surprise, jumped up and down saying "Yes Yes!!"  while our faithful (instigator) side-kick Katie whispered "DO IT. DO IT." 

For better or for worse, the following was the result. We had a wonderful sunny day at a lovely farm in Madison, where Pranzo and Elise stunned us with their beauty, grace, and face making skills. Enjoy!

Pranzo loves his human. I think the feeling is mutual. :)

Horses are the best secret keepers.

A girl in her wedding dress, with her horse, in a golden field, in summertime. Disney -- take notes.

Soft hands with a powerful neck are a winning combination.

I love me some details. Especially when they involve stirrups and saddle girths.

A wedding dress, horse, red barn, queen anne's lace flowers, and sunset? I'm going to go ahead and say it was a PERFECT AFTERNOON.

Elise, would you go ONNN with your gorgeousness??

By this point, I think we had used up Pranzo's patience, and he was flat out of classy.

This is my absolute favorite horse/human portrait ever. Framed Perfectly? Check.  Good lighting? Check.  Gorgeous smile on a pretty girl? Check. Horse ears forward? Check and Check.   Horse sticking tongue out making a mockery of my photographic skills? Check and Double check.  Pranzo, you kill me.  #facepalm