Thomas, Malorie, & Kiley :: Something a Little Different . . .

Do you ever wish you could have nice pictures of your family doing the things you normally do . . . at the places you normally do them?  You know, pictures of everyone just playing around, spending time together at home, but with everyone in the photo.  Not pictures that leave out the camera-clicker (usually Mom).

Well, this was exactly what Malorie and Thomas had in mind.  I think of this as kind of a scrapbook session.  Photos that simply capture memories of things that actually happen all the time.

You've got to take a look at how cute this family is when they play together!

I'll start with some of my favorites . . . Malorie and Kiley have many types of "kisses" they do together to show their affection.  They are adorable.  This one is called the Eskimo Kiss.

Lion Kiss (think Lion King).

Back Kiss.

Kiley and Mom also have make-up time together.  Love Kiley's creative use of eyeshadow . . . .

And if you know Kiley, you know this girl likes to spend time singing around the house!  So the family picked up a toy microphone and some kitchen utensils and made a band!  

Kiley was so excited to sing and watch Mom & Dad sing with her, she kinda forgot to hold the microphone to her mouth sometimes.  It was cute.

London Bridge is Falling Down!

I about flipped when I saw them take this pose.  This isn't something they just came up with for the pictures.  This family actually regularly sits on the couch and reads together just like this.  So adorable.  Made me almost ready for a kid. :)

And, of course, Kiley and Thomas play "animals," where she gets to ride on his back or he gets to chase her around, mostly.  That's got to be a staple of growing up.

We wrapped up with a little time outside.  Thanks so much for letting me be a part of such a fun morning!  P.S.  I love having you guys as family!

Avery :: 1 Year Old!

You may have just read Valari & Grant's wedding post . . . but now it's time to meet their niece and flower girl!  This post is all about Avery and her mom & dad - Casey & John. 

I was lucky enough to have this session because Casey won it in a raffle!  Such a fun way to meet new people! And there couldn't have been a better family to win!  Casey and John are both super nice and easy to talk to, and Avery . . . well, take a look at this cutie for yourself!

This little girl just turned 1 in September, so we were mainly aiming to get some photos of her to commemorate the event.  We made sure to get some family shots as well, though :)

Did you spy the baby bump?  This family also has one more on the way!  Avery has a little sister coming in December!

We finished up the evening session with a cake smash!  Casey made this super cute cake herself, and Avery got free reign to enjoy it!

I loved her birthday outfit!

Notice her face slowly get messier as the photos progress . . . .

I think Casey captured this next picture best when she said, "It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to!"

 

 But we'll end on a smile picture just for good measure :)

 

Happy birthday, Avery!  And congrats to the whole fam for the one on the way!  Thanks for spending the evening with me!

Valari & Grant :: Married!!

Say it isn't so!  This is my last wedding of the season, and I just don't want to finish it! 

Valari and Grant are one of my favorite couples too.  Perhaps it's because they love photos and details, just like me, and I have fun hanging out with them!  Perhaps it's because they are the first couple that was able to book both their engagement and wedding with me.  Perhaps it's a little bit of everything.

Whatever the case, I was thrilled to see their wedding day arrive! Gorgeous was the theme of the day!

Valari and the girls got dolled up at the swanky downtown Hampton Inn.  I adored shooting with the classy and modern decor.

Getting prettied up . . .

. . . to see her man!  Valari and Grant opted for a first look.  This is such a beautiful and emotional time between the bride and groom, and I was honored to be a witness.

This sweetheart of a couple have a really unique story for how they met.  They just happened to be going to the same concert in downtown St. Louis, and they both happened to need tickets at the last minute.  So, what would anybody do but . . .  find a scalper!  Well, these two just happened to find the same one.  Little did they know soul mates had "just happened" to meet.

The bridal party was a really fun group to be with too.  Check out these good lookin' folks!

This lady was a dazzling bride.

Valari and Grant are serious Cardinal fans, so of course they were bummed to have to miss the game.  The Cards gave them an awesome wedding gift in the form of a win, though!

After having fun with the bridal party, it was time to get serious for the ceremony.  Such a captivating cathedral was no match for the beauty and meaning of the moment.

Ahh, I'd love to keep going until all of my favorites were on here, but then I'd leave you waiting for this post too long! :P

Congratulations, Valari and Grant!  Thank you for having me!  Your day was beautiful, as were the two of you! I wish you two the happiest of lives together!