Erin and Justin's Wedding

On November 20th, Erin and Justin were married at East Heights United Methodist Church in Wichita. It was a beautiful ceremony! After the ceremony, the pastor asked all of the guests to turn and face the balcony so that we could take a photo of everyone witnessing their marriage vows. How cool!

For the reception, we all headed over to the Cowtown Visitors Center. Steve with Advanced DJ Service provided the entertainment, and Tinley with Jubilation Events kept things running smoothly-it was a perfect evening.

Erin's parents were told when she was born that she would probably never be able to walk, drive a car, or live independently, due to some problems that she had. However, with much perserverance and love, Erin is a beautiful, capable young woman with an exciting life ahead of her. Congratulations, Erin and Justin!

Autumn!

This is my favorite time of year. I love the autumn colors bursting everywhere-from orange pumpkins to multicolored gourds to red maples! With the cooler weather, this is also the perfect time of year for family portraits. In addition to the bright outdoor colors, there is the added benefit of having plenty of time to choose and order your favorite photos for holiday gifts or Christmas cards! If you haven't scheduled your autumn portrait session yet--call me!

Chandry and Brandon

Enjoyed a drive through the autumn painted Flint Hills last week to photograph Chandry and Brandon for their engagement portraits. We met at Chandry's grandparents' home northeast of Emporia, and had a great time hiking around and getting some unique portraits of this great couple. The wedding date is set for October 1, 2011...and I am already looking forward to photographing their wedding too!

Kansas State Fair

Three little words...Kansas State Fair. Eleven days of horse shows to photograph in Hutchinson, Kansas. I get to see my "horse friends" from every horse genre in the region-from miniatures to draft horses, from Arabians to stock horses to mules. Then after the Fair ends I go through photos, post images to the website, and work on orders. LONG days, but I wouldn't trade them with anyone! Congratulations to all of the horse show exhibitors!

Erin and Justin

Recently I had the pleasure of photographing Erin, Justin and their dog Gracie at Wichita's Cowtown. Erin and Justin are getting married in November at East Heights UMC, with their reception at the Cowtown Event Center. It was a beautiful evening-we couldn't have asked for better weather for their engagement portraits! They are a delightful couple, and I can't wait until their wedding!

Vendors

If you are planning a wedding in the Wichita area, I am thrilled to recommend the following vendors that helped make everything for our daughter's wedding absolutely perfect!

Wedding Gown: Uniquely You Bridal

Florist: J.R. Koontz Flowers

DJ: Totally Legal Sound & Lighting

Tuxes: Men's Warehouse

Cake: Harriet Harris

Wedding coordinator: Wedding Inspirations

Chocolate fountain: Chocolate Cascades

Rental tables: Party Kloset Rentals

Don't hesitate to let me know if you would like the contact information for any of these awesome professionals!

Time flies!

What an exciting summer! In addition to my always busy schedule of photographing high school seniors, families, weddings, meeting with clients, and all of the other things that make the days zoom past, on July 30 our daughter, Jordan got married.

Twenty years of photographing weddings didn't prepare me for what it was like to be on the "other side" of a wedding. From going with Jordan to look at wedding gowns, to meeting with the florist, etc., it was all different from the "mother of the bride" perspective.

I have always encouraged my wedding clients to relax and ENJOY the wedding day. Most often, I get an eye roll, or a disbelieving stare...like relaxing and enjoying the wedding day are two things not on the list of possibilities.

From the start though, that was our goal. Happily, we were successful! We made it a point to savor and treasure each moment throughout the day-from getting hair done to lacing up Jordan's wedding gown, to watching her dad walk her down the aisle of the Cathedral. We took the time to greet and visit with family and friends at the reception, to taste the wedding cake, to truly listen to the toasts, and to take the time for a special dance with my husband during the reception. When the DJ announced the last dance, and we heard a collective disappointed sigh and moans from our guests that the evening was nearly over, we knew we were successful! My only regret? That we can't do it all again soon! Congratulations, Jordan and Jarrod! We love you!

Jamie and John

Jamie and John were married at Unity Church of Wichita on Saturday, May 29th. After the ceremony, they headed to nearby Yia Yia's EuroBistro for an intimate reception. Although it was very warm outside, we took a quick walk to the Bradley Fair lake to get some fun outdoor photos. Congratulations!

Christy and Scott

Sunday, May 30 was the happiest day ever for Christy and Scott as they were married at the Prairie Rose, Benton, Kansas. We spent the evening dodging raindrops and got some great outdoor photos. The pounding rains didn't arrive until after the ceremony-when everyone was celebrating safely indoors at the reception!

Kindergarten graduation

Recently I had the fun of photographing the kindergarten graduates of Sunrise Christian Academy. There is nothing like the pride of a young man explaining that now he is actually a first grader!

Springtime!

Wow--just realized how long it has been since I updated my blog. Things have been pretty busy-I've photographed a horse show, first communion, prom, misc. family and engagement sessions and some fun "new baby horse" photos too. Just to get caught up, I've included several photos from a few of these. Enjoy!

Erin and Jarrod

Saturday I met with Erin and Jarrod regarding their December 4th wedding. They are in the early stages of planning their wedding, and haven't decided yet if they will be married in Wellington or at St. John's in El Dorado. Erin has purchased her wedding gown, and they can also cross "book photographer" off their list, as they confirmed that I will be photographing their wedding. Congratulations, Erin and Jarrod!

I've recently been working with Tara and Rob in laying out their wedding album. They were married last summer at Central Christian Church, reception at Tallgrass Country Club. Their wedding album is going to be awesome! I love how they chose the "goofy pic", as they call it, of their entire wedding party!

Aaron and Ashley

This time of year I spend a lot of time working on wedding albums from the previous year's weddings. Following the wedding, couples are usually too busy for 3-6 months to have time to pick out their favorite images for their album. Once we have gotten through the busy holiday season, I start getting calls and emails about album choices.

Recently, Aaron and Ashley emailed a list of picture choices for their album. They had a beautiful outdoor wedding this past June, and I have been enjoying working on their album!

Jessi and Eric

On January 2, Jessi and Eric were married at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Wichita. Despite the frigid temperature and snow, their families and friends all turned out to celebrate the happy day. Their reception was held at the hall there at the church, where guests enjoyed a delicious lunch and some heartfelt toasts by the best man and maid of honor.

Congratulations to Jessi and Eric!

Kelli and Bryan's New Year's Eve Wedding

Kelli and Bryan planned a memorable start to 2010 for their family and friends by getting married on New Year's Eve. Their wedding and reception were held at the Civic Center in El Dorado. Great food and a rockin' DJ kicked off their wedding celebration and the start of 2010. Congratulations, Kelli and Bryan!