Magnolia Minis 2025 Recap

A Stunning Spring with Brittany Behind the Camera

With school wrapping up and the sunshine sticking around a little longer each day, summer is so close I can almost feel it. But before we dive into golden hour fields and barefoot family sessions, let’s take a moment to look back on one of the sweetest parts of spring: Magnolia Minis.

This location has become such a favorite little treat in my photography calendar, and this year felt extra special. Not just because of the dreamy blooms (though they were stunning) or the lovely families who showed up with so much warmth and joy, but because this was the very first set of spring minis photographed by my incredible associate photographer, Brittany.

So today, we’re celebrating a gorgeous season in bloom, the beautiful moments Brittany captured, and a little peek at what’s next (hint: sunflower summer mini sessions and fall magic await!).

Meet Brittany, The New Face You’ll Love Seeing

If you’ve had a session with Brittany this spring, you already know: she’s a gem. (Get to know Brittany here if you haven’t met her yet!)

With over 12 years of experience photographing families and newborns, Brittany brings such a steady, kind presence to every session. She’s also a mama of two herself, which means she gets what it’s like to wrangle toddlers, soothe fussy babies, and keep calm through the chaos of family photo day.

What makes Brittany a perfect fit for my team is that she shares the same heart behind the work: capturing connection over perfection, candid moments over forced poses, and delivering images that feel like real life (the beautiful kind). As a lifestyle family photographer herself, she blends in seamlessly with the style and experience my clients have come to expect, and I can’t imagine a better partner in this season of growth.

Having her on the team means I can serve more families in Lake Country and beyond without sacrificing the care, creativity, and personal connection I’ve built my brand on. I still plan every session, handle all communication and booking, and edit every gallery. So when you book with Brittany, you’re still getting the full Katie Emanuelson Photography experience, just with an extra trusted set of hands behind the camera.

And on a personal note? I’m just incredibly grateful. For her eye, her warmth, her patience with kids, and the way she pours her heart into every session.

Magnolia Minis 2025: A Gorgeous Spring in Bloom

This year’s Magnolia Minis were a dream from start to finish, capturing the soft, timeless beauty of spring right here in Lake Country. The blooms showed up right on time, the light was soft and golden, and the energy? Sweet, relaxed, and full of springtime magic.

These sessions are always designed with one main goal: to celebrate families and capture the deep connection between you and your little ones. And Brittany delivered beautifully on that vision, staying true to the heart of lifestyle photography, letting the moments unfold naturally and creating space for honest emotion and connection.

She approached each family with calm confidence, gave gentle direction when needed, and stepped back to document the magic as it happened - from belly laughs to tender snuggles to wind-blown twirls under the trees. Her ability to see those quiet, fleeting in-between moments is something I truly admire.

A few highlights? (Honestly, it’s hard to choose.) But here are some favorite photos from the event — full of movement, connection, and that unmistakable spring glow.

Why This Collaboration Is a Game-Changer

Bringing Brittany onto the team has been a total win, not just for me, but for the families I get to serve. With her help, we’re able to open up more mini session dates, accommodate more availability, and still deliver the same heartfelt, high-quality experience you’ve come to know and trust.

Every session still runs through me - I handle all the booking, communication, and behind-the-scenes prep, and I personally edit every image in your gallery. So whether I’m the one snapping the shutter or Brittany is, you can trust that what you receive will feel cohesive, consistent, and totally you.

It’s a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish. And if you’ve ever worried about whether a different photographer might feel different, I totally get it. But I can promise you this: When you book with Brittany, you’re getting everything you love about Katie Emanuelson Photography, just with a second warm, talented soul behind the lens.

What’s Next: Sunflower Minis Are Coming (and Fall Minis Too!)

Did you miss out on Magnolia Minis? Don’t worry, the next round of magic is right around the corner.

Sunflower Minis are officially open for booking and Brittany will be photographing this vibrant summer event too! Think golden hour glow, wide open skies, and fields full of bold yellow blooms. It’s a client favorite for good reason.

Sunflower Minis

Location: Private field, west of Milwaukee
Date: August 2
Only 1 spot left — Book here!

Curious about the other summer minis I offer? Click here to see them all. These spots always go fast, but you can join the waitlist here in case a spot opens up — we’d love to have you!

And yes, Fall Minis are coming too! Keep an eye out; these always fill quickly, and we’d love to see your family among the changing leaves.

Celebrating Growth, Connection, and Beautiful Memories

I feel so lucky to serve the families I do — and even more so to be growing this business in a way that still honors the heart behind it all. With Brittany now part of the team, I can say yes to more families, more sessions, and more memories, while still holding onto the quality, care, and authenticity that make this work so special.

Whether it’s me or Brittany behind the camera, our goal is always the same: to help you slow down for a moment, hold your people close, and come away with photographs that feel like home.

If you missed out on Magnolia Minis this year, don’t worry, my Sunflower summer mini sessions are almost here. We’d love to see you there. Book your sunflower session here!

And if you're thinking about booking a future session — whether a mini or a full one - I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch below to start the conversation.