Thankfulness

(I had planned for this to post automatically on Thanksgiving. It didn't. But this is still true.)

I am thankful that the Lord has given me a gift to express how I see the world through my camera and the art of photography.  I am thankful that he gave me a brain that sees my life through a special set of lenses so that I can use mechanical lenses to let other people see it.  I praise him for sharing a small bit of his incredible gift of creativity with me.

Mindy and Tim: Wedding

Mindy and Tim took me to New Town in St. Charles for the last time this season, for a great close to that aspect of my wedding season, though I still have three more weddings before the end of the year.  I always love the simplicity of weddings there and how it lets real moments and lively expression shine through.  It seems to always reflect some aspect of the couples that I photograph there.  It was definitely true this time.

Mindy has one of the best smiles I've ever seen, and I honestly took far longer than normal weeding through their images trying to pick out just the right ones for their slideshow and to post here, just because she looks so awesome in almost every picture!

 During the reception, Mindy's father told the story of when Tim asked to marry Mindy he said explained how much he loved Mindy's parents and wanted to be in their family.  Every moment I spent with her family, I could see exactly what he was talking about- even Casey, who was shooting with me that day, said she wanted to be in their family, too.  This series shows the first moments when her dad saw Mindy. I wish I had a transcript of those moments, too, because he simply doted on his daughter with such love!

The kids at this wedding were to die for! So cute, expressive, and perfectly photogenic without even trying.  I absolutely LOVE this photograph of the flower girl.

I've been enjoying this unusual angle at the ceremony lately because you can really feel the fullness of the support for their marriage with the crowd included in the image.

 Casey got great motion in this "exciting exit"- with bubbles and surprise bird seed.

 Their wedding day was super windy, so when we weren't competing with it, it made for some great photographs with her veil.

 Dancing.

 I am so drawn to this photograph of her mom laughing!

 This couple won the anniversary dance, and I just fell in love with them!

Quinn

 

Doesn't he just make you smile? Seriously, what a cutie-pie! This charming family and I got to spend some time together this morning while the brilliant fall sunshine shone through the trees.

 I love the natural reactions, genuine smiles, and real laughter!

 

 Momma-cuddles are the best!

 Just chillin' on my couch (for about a millisecond) between wiggles and giggles.

 Rrrribbit.

Guess what. Quinn is turning one! Eat up, little buddy!

Bridge to Triumph III

This week, The Bridge, had their third annual Bridge to Triumph fundraiser at the unique venue of the Moto Museum/Triumph Grille.  The Bridge works to combat chronic homelessness here in St. Louis. As their volunteer staff photographer (sounds fancier than what I feel I do), I got to photograph this event for the third time.

The whole venue is a grand display of motorcycles of all kinds...

 Mayor Slay always pays a visit...

 Great music, but it was fairly loud so I never caught their name.  Great job, guys!