Abby & Jimmy's One Year Anniversary Party!

Well, Christmas is almost here!  At my house today, we were running around trying to get errands done and preparing to meet up with family.  I'm sure it was that way for most of you too.  But now, we just got back from a Christmas Eve service and a relaxing evening with family and food.  Now Nick and I are winding down, planning to open a few presents early tonight. 

But first, I just have to squeeze in this post!  Abby and Jimmy, who you may remember from their wedding and newlywed photos on this blog, just celebrated one year of marriage!  They hosted a party a week ago, and I was honored to be a guest as well as the photographer for the event.  Take a look at all the lovely details and fun that was had:

Loved the olive tree!  The only food I could possibly have loved more was . . . 

. . . olive penguins!  Too. Cute.

Abby looked adorable in her little black dress she got just for the event!

These two are still so cute together!  When will you stop it?!

All of the guests seemed like they were having so much fun!  

These people know how to throw a party :)

Abby and Jimmy, thanks so much for having me once again!  You are awesome clients . . . and friends!  Congratulations on your first year as a married couple!

Baby Amelia :: Welcome to the World!

Less than a couple of months ago, you may remember reading about an adorable girl's 1-year birthday on here.  Well, you may also remember that Avery had a sister on the way!

I am so excited to share with you Amelia's very first photo session!  I hope you enjoy!

Tiny feet, tiny person.  What a magical creation.

Avery is learning to be a sister for the first time.  She has no idea yet the blessing she's in for . . . :)

Congratulations, Casey, John, and Avery on your beautiful, growing family!  

Erica :: College Senior

Meet Erica.  A lovely lady with personality and a head on her shoulders!

This girl is a soon-to-be proud graduate of UMSL, and she's already thinking about heading back for doctoral studies!  She must like school or something . . . . ;)

Erica was very down-to-earth and rational.  Mix that with a healthy level of ambition, and this girl is going to make her mark on the world!

Congratulations, Erica!  Thanks so much for coming to me for your senior photos!  I can't wait for your graduation!

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!