Valari & Grant :: Waiting on Baby Boy!

I have loved the opportunity to work with Valari and Grant multiple times over the years!  It's so fun seeing their life together blossom and grow, pretty much right along with mine.  We got married in the same year, and now we are both expecting a baby . . . only one month apart! 

These two are so sweet, they actually brought a present for my baby girl to the session!  I just love working with these two, and I'm sure the pictures will show you more of why.  :)

Yep, she's glowing.

Thanks so much for coming to me to document this momentous time in your lives!  I'm so happy for the two of you, and I can't wait to meet your little one soon!  :)

Kiley & Caleb's Birthday :: 5 Years Old and 1 Year Old!

I love shooting this family!  Yes, they're family to me, so I might be a little biased, but I think any photographer would love shooting them!  Thomas, Malorie, Kiley, and Caleb are ALL so photogenic.  And, what's better, they love getting non-traditional pictures!  Their favorites are the ones where they're spending time together, actually doing something as a family.  I feel exactly the same!

Kiley and Caleb have a unique situation, where they actually share the same birthday.  This past Saturday, Kiley turned 5 years old, and Caleb had his very first birthday!  Malorie had the wonderful idea to fill the deck with colorful balloons to surprise them on their birthday morning.  It was not only pretty, but throwing balloons at each other never got old.  :)

Kiley is getting so big!  She can swing high enough to reach her dad's hand . . . even when he's on his tippy-toes!

At one point, Kiley had a special request.  She said she needed a photo of just her mom and dad together.  This made me realize that these two really haven't had a lot of photos together in a while!  Kiley thought the photos wouldn't be complete if she didn't sneak in for one.  :)

I loved having the chance to get some of just the two of them, though.  They're adorable together.

Thanks so much for having me over to take these!  I hope your birthdays were fantastic, Kiley and Caleb!  :)

Alicia & Kyle :: Married! St Louis Wedding Photographer

From the first time we met, to Alicia's bridal portraits, to the engagement session, and finally on the wedding day, I have loved working with these two!  To describe Alicia and Kyle, I'd have to use words like laid-back, fun, unique, a little nerdy, and made for each other.  These two have been so sweet to work with every step of the way.  They had me travel back near our mutual hometown of Joplin to document their beautiful day.  I can only hope they have a reason again someday soon to ship this St Louis girl around.  :)

I hope you enjoy the photos of their gorgeous, summer day in Carthage, MO.

Alicia looked beautiful!  Just wait until you see my coming-soon post of her bridal portraits!  :)

Kyle looked quite dashing as well.

These two had a first look, allowing a complete moment to see each other for the first time.  They also used this opportunity to exchange hand-written vows.  Needless to say, I felt honored to be the fly on the wall for this part of the day.

Alicia's mom tied Alicia's dress as a finishing touch right before the ceremony.

I love the moments between father and daughter right before they walk down the aisle.

After the ceremony, the couple got to sneak away for a little bit for one-on-one pictures before the reception.

Carthage Memorial Hall looked lovely in the soft tones and burlap Alicia so carefully picked out.

Congratulations, Alicia and Kyle!  It's been awesome!  I hope you had an amazing honeymoon, and I hope it is followed by an even better life together!  Enjoy the journey.  :)