Is Leo a Lion?

I've heard of bear hugs, of course, but lion hugs? Sweet! This little guy, Leo, gave lion hugs! Roar!

I got to travel over to Collinsville for a little family/engagement session and get to know this family a little better.  We were on their grandparent's property, which not only is special, but it helped everyone be comfortable in their natural environment.  I love all the little moments I got to capture while we played a bit outside near their pond and fields.

Can't you just hear his little giggle?

I often have guys twirls their ladies about to get people moving, and most of the time the twirl itself isn't what I'm looking for, but the expression that comes right after.

 Love these expressions!

 Family fun...

 What momma doesn't love this?

And I love the dramatic, romantic feel of this set.

Mindy & Tim

Mindy & Tim are such a lovable and loving couple! Mindy has a perfect smile and together their laughter is contagious.  I love personal stories that accompany photo shoots and this one pulls so many little pieces together.

Tim proposed at the Arch, after a Cardinals game, while spending a weekend downtown at the Hyatt... So put it all together, and we've got Mindy & Tim, in Cardinals hoodies at the Arch with the Hyatt peeking through in the background.

 We were doing some silly pictures of them cheering in their hoodies, and mid-cheer, I had them kiss.  They cracked up, and I got this photo. Mindy this one is for you: "He whoo-ed in my mouth!"

 And then we jazzed it up a bit and headed to St. Charles to bring out the small town feel they both love.

Casey

From what I can see, Casey breathes music. She survives on it, thrives on it. This young lady is preparing to be a music teacher one day, and I can tell she'll do a great job!  

A few more favorites from her Senior Portrait session.  She braved the cold (it was flurrying) in her spring attire, and totally rocked it!

 This one screams, "Casey!"

Here's shout out to Casey's sister, Abby, who came along for shoot. It was so awesome to see the love these two have for each other.  Casey told me that when she started smiling "for real" or laughing, it was because she was thinking of Abby.

Baby B

This little guy is a hoot! I love all his expressions and the flurry of activity that he brought to our little session.

 

Winston Churchill, anyone? This makes me giggle!

One year later...

I was there to photograph the moment this spunky little one was born.  And a year later, she's ready to celebrate!

She's so cute, I can never decide which images to use...

Rusty & Marian: In Love

I can't recount the number of times I told Rusty & Marian how cute they were on their wedding day. Seriously, they are so cute. Gushy, and wonderfully in love. Just look at how they look into each other's eyes with such joy and sincerity!

A few favorites from their wedding day...

Music and theater are a huge part of their lives, so it was only fitting that they had a variety of friends participate in their ceremony with music.

Just look at how he adores his bride...

Marian & Rusty's wedding party was so lively that it was a blast photographing their laughter and joy.

 
 
 
Marian, without hestiation shouted, "Yes!" when I asked if they wanted to play a game (in the fairly soggy meadow with heels, nonetheless).  I made it up on the way there in the car, and called it "Freeze Photo"- it seemed to be a hit! I will probably have folks play it again- they laughed so hard. Here is one of several hilarious outcomes.
The location for the photographs was at Castlewood State Park- where Rusty proposed. I love this serene photograph (by Chase) of Marian following Rusty to the spot where he professed his intent for marriage.

And here they are at the exact spot.  Marian was such a trooper, heading down in a creek bed in her dress. True love is sacrificial.

Not only did they have cake, but they had s'mores! (which ended up all over my face and hands, very professional me, don't you think?)

 

once again, very professional of us, right?