Kate & Mike

Kate and Mike had their engagement session for their fall wedding this past weekend.  They have chosen one of my packages that allows for a lot of personalization so that their pictures reflect them and their relationship.  We started at one of their favorite areas, which we'll revisit on their wedding day.

I like to ask couples about their relationship- the first date, the proposal, all the gushy stuff and see how we might be able to incorporate it.  They have a unique first date story in which they got in a car accident on their way to eat at Acero in Maplewood.  Next thing you know they are at a different restaurant altogether- which apparently burnt down not too long after that.  And for their 2nd anniversary, they finally made it back to Acero- and loved it.  We went there and enjoyed the very accommodating staff who let us take over the patio (and I got to sample their first dish...Yumm!).  Our timing was perfect as they didn't have many customers at the time so they got to enjoy some private outdoor dining. Cheers!

Our final destination was the amazing rooftop of their loft downtown.  There was a perfect view of the St. Louis skyline, Arch, City Museum, and the sunset. Let me just say WOW!  Here they brought out their dogs, Brody & Baxter who are (no joke) as big as I am, but super friendly. That sunset was a great way to round out the afternoon.

Daytrip

Last week I almost peed my pants. Yes, I know, how professional of me! I was on my way to meet some wedding clients, but the rain was coming down so fast, I knew that if I drove two hours in that I'd be a wreck by the time I got to Cape Girardeau.  A wreck with wet pants.  So I canceled.  Something I hate doing.

It was so worth it!  Today was a gorgeous day and I got to take that rescheduled trip in the sunshine with big puffy white clouds and a gentle breeze.  My planning session ended up being on the front porch of an old house next to a has-been chicken coop during the peak of afternoon glory.  Sunshine. Breezes.  Clients who say "Sounds great!" to my wild wedding photography ideas. My son happily playing with sidewalk chalk back home with a friend.  Couldn't be better.

It was an honor to get to take a handful of pictures today.  These are really special to me, and I hope they are far more to Alyssa and Justin.  These were taken at Alyssa's grandparent's property, something we'd planned all along to do on her wedding day.  But her grandfather passed away recently, and as a way to honor her grandparents and add something beautiful to a hard situation, we stopped by today and took some pictures of the two of them there.  Assuming they still have the property in June, we'll go back on their wedding day and again celebrate the childhood and family background that made Alyssa into the charming young woman she is today.

Labor & Delivery, Island Fairy Style

For weeks I'd been on call, 24/7.  About 10 days past her due date, I got a call from a friend of a friend that I'd never met.  It was time. She was about to have her baby.  And I was going to document the whole experience.

 I hung around for a few hours, capturing sweet moments of the first few hours of labor, slowing becoming friends with the soon to be first-time mom and dad.  The hospital staff assumed we'd been life-long friends, but really we'd only met a few hours before.

We were waiting for a little girl to be born. A little girl who was about to receive a name that means "Island Fairy."  (Though I love names, for privacy of the family, her name can be revealed by them alone).

Things were progressing slowly, so I took a break to see my family and run a few errands.  But I returned at nightfall, expecting something wonderful.  It was an honor for me to be a part of such an intimate part of their new family's life.  I am thrilled to be able to provide pictures of the beautiful moments that led to the birth of a little baby.

God led me through that night, filling me with a spirit of prayer and worship of the maker of all things.  I got to see him clearly and dramatically answer my very specific prayers for the delivery of this baby.  Though normally chatty, and one to quickly share my experiences, I felt hushed as God put a humbleness on me.  When needed, I was asked for my opinion and experience, and I was gladly able to offer it.  It was so amazing to just sit back and pray and take photographs.  I could offer encouragement when needed, hold a weary hand, share great news of new life, and be bold in my requests, ensuring great medical care for this new family.  My favorite things all in one glorious evening. 

Isn't she beautiful?

As I went to leave the hospital at precisely 3:00 am, thankful for such a great experience (including a laboring woman who always said please and thank you- and even offered to talk to me on the phone on my way home so I didn't fall asleep), I was met by a woman just outside the parking garage.

Though quickly growing weary myself, knowing I had three clients to meet the next day, I stayed and talked with her.  She really needed a listening ear. Though convinced I was barely out of high school and still in college, she instantly felt comfortable sharing her life with me.  You know most anyone you meet a hospital has some sort of story to share.  At the end I got to pray with her and encourage her spirit.  I hope she got some sleep that night.

Congratulations, A & W, on the birth of your little Island Fairy!

Kristen

UPDATE: this sale is no longer available.

This senior had a super session- made even more super by the fact that it was free.  Yes, you read right, free!  I am still giving away a couple of senior sessions, so if you want in on this sour sweet deal, be sure to schedule a time to eat a whole lemon!

We utilized two areas to make a look like she went to a ton of different locations.  Not only did get a lot of variety and unique pictures, but she and I both had a blast!

Kristen, thanks for making my job easy!

Watch out for her eyes, folks, they'll draw you in and not let you out...

Amy & David

Though originally threatened by rain, Saturday was a gorgeous day with the deepest blue sky.  What a great day to photograph Amy & David for their engagement pictures.  While scouting downtown for an upcoming wedding, I happened to pass Old Post Office Plaza.  Having never seen it before, I was amazed that I'd never seen pictures at such a cool place.  I promptly changed our tentative plans for a location, and am so glad that I did. 

Though they claimed to not be photogenic, I think they are secret models- perfectly falling into place time after time, looking lovingly at each other, and giving the heart of my camera deep gazes.

A new home, part 2

Where did we end up?  Right here, at 8703 David Ave, St. John MO 63114

We are incredibly thankful for the home that the Lord has provided for us.  Our last house, though provided us shelter at a reasonable cost, was difficult to call home.  We rented an old house that was literally falling apart.  We are so blessed to have moved a short distance away to a great new house that we couldn't be happier about.

I decided a few weeks back to blog in compare and contrasting style to introduce you to our new home.

Rules of the game: On the left is the old and bad version.  On the right is the new and good version.  Unless otherwise noted that the entire grouping is old or new. I'm only showing snippets, so you'll have to come visit.

Nasty front door meet hospitality at its best

I recognize that all but one person that I've ever met prefers a dishwasher to a dish rack, but let me tell you, I am so terrible at dishes that for the safety of my family, let's be glad we got to make the switch!

Gross floors, amazing floors. No stilettos, please. I read all about how to take care of them.

lighting.

stairs to the basement. often refused due to the ladder-like state, now a joy to descend.

required to move our car twice a day, now, a driveway and a cozy garage.

our son didn't have a door to his room, which was attached to our bathroom, just a green curtain.  check it out, y'all.  simple pleasures. a door.

Kitchen.

What was outside my old house...

Compared with the new...

A little more house.

And finally, a glimpse of my new office!  Come meet with me in my new space anytime.  So crisp, white, and clean.  With pops of purple, green, and if the highlighter sitting on my desk counts- yellow.

Come sit on my comfy sofa while we talk about wedding packages and you flip through my sample albums.