Jamie and Adam

Thursday weddings are not common. The only one that I have ever photographed on a Thursday was seven years ago, at Botanica in Wichita. The bride, Jamie, selected that Thursday in June so that she and Adam, her husband, would share their wedding anniversary date with her parents. What a special day...celebrating a new wedding and the anniversary of her parent's wedding...doubly special.

A few days ago I had the fun of photographing Jamie and Adam and their two children, Jamie's parents, two brothers and her sister in law. The photo above is their darling daughter. It was great to see everyone again!

Yesterday I had a woman say to me,"I never forget a face-you photographed our wedding 18 years ago at East Heights in Wichita." She went on to tell others in the room, "Having a photographer who is a woman made such a difference. I was more relaxed, Edye paid more attention to details...things a male photographer just wouldn't see. If you ever need a great photographer-call Edye!"

Although it had been 18 years since her wedding, I was impressed that she remembered the details that I took care of on her once in a lifetime day. Thank you, Shannon, for reminding me of why I love being a wedding photographer!

Rings and things...

In addition to the holidays and all of the festivities and family events that go along with the season, I have been busy designing several wedding albums. Once the couple selects their favorite photos from their wedding images, I lay them out so they tell the wedding day story.

This is also a busy time for planning 2009 weddings. Recently, I enjoyed meeting with Tara and her parents regarding Tara and Rob's May 30th wedding. Tara is planning a beautiful wedding at Central Christian Church. When we spoke, they were still deciding on a reception location, but their plans are coming along very well.

If you were one of the 40% of couples nationally to get engaged during the holidays...CONGRATULATIONS! I look forward to visiting with you soon about your wedding photography.

Winter solstice

Long, icy nights and short frigid days...it is winter time in Kansas. With only a few days until winter actually starts (winter solstice), thought that you would enjoy this photo. Makes one long for green grass and sunny days...

Portraits at your home

Having the opportunity to photograph a family at their home makes the portrait so much more personal than if the same family had their portrait taken in front of a generic background. Years from now, whenever they look at their portrait, it will trigger a flood of memories from that house- the wreath on the door, the family dog or the smell of gingerbread cookies for Christmas.

Recently I heard a quote from Eric Erickson: I am what survives of me. My goal is that the portraits I create will bring to mind fond memories of a special moment in the history of the families photographed.

Thank you, Rhoda, for the honor of photographing your family.

Christmas Tree Farm

Ho, Ho, Ho! Isn't this what Christmas is all about? If you have the chance to visit Prairie Pines Christmas Tree Farm on North Tyler Road in Wichita..take it! In addition to the opportunity to whisper your Christmas wish list to Santa, there are horse drawn wagons to take you to find the perfect Christmas tree. After you find your tree, take a moment to enjoy some hot chocolate and a homemade cookie while you look over the hundreds of ornaments, decorations and wreaths. It's the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!

August 8, 2009 Wedding

8/8/09 will be a memorable day for Meghan and Brandon. They will be getting married that day at the Cathedral in downtown Wichita, with a reception following at Botanica. (I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the bride and groom-to-be yet, but did have the opportunity to meet recently with Meghan's parents. What proud parents-and rightly so!)
So far, they have selected tuxes from Tuxedo Junction, bridemaids' dresses from Uniquely You Bridal, and Harriet Harris will be creating the wedding cake. As you can tell, the wedding plans are coming together beautifully. Congratulations to Meghan and Brandon on your engagement, and I look forward to photographing your wedding.

Family from Texas

One of the highlights of my work, is the privilege of becoming the family photographer after I have photographed the wedding of a couple. Recently, I photographed Sarah and Scott and their darling sons. (I was their wedding photographer, as well as the photographer for Sarah's sister's wedding.) It was such fun to meet their children! Sarah and Scott now live near Dallas, but were in Wichita for the Thanksgiving holiday, visiting Sarah's side of the family.

Their family photos were taken at the Sedgwick County Park, in West Wichita. Despite the "much colder than Texas" weather, we got some great photographs. The photo is of their youngest-with the most remarkable blue eyes I've ever seen.