Kansas State Fair time

Kansans have survived one of the hottest summers on record, and are looking toward having a lot of fun at the "Party on the Prairie", also know as the State Fair, Sept. 9-18 in Hutchinson.

As the official horse show photographer for the Ks. State Fair for the past 11 years, I have a lot of experience with life on the fairgrounds. Pronto pups. Giant drumsticks. Huge corn on the cob. Been there, ate that!

I have to say that my favorite part of the fair is simply watching people. It's awesome to see spectators get engrossed in watching the draft horse pull, or the mule show obstacle/trail course, or the miniature driving class, or, well-you get the idea.

If you plan on attending the State Fair party this year, stop by the horse show arena on the southeast corner of the grounds and say hello!

Breanna and David

On July 23, Breanna and David were married at the Civic Center in El Dorado. With a hot pink shirt under his black tux, the groom was as striking as his bride.

Since the Civic Center is a little on the plain side for unique photos, the newlyweds decided to brave the nearly 108 degree summer weather and head to a nearby park for some outdoor portraits. We were there less than 10 minutes and got a lot of cool shots...then they were back to the reception without their guests noticing the brief absence!

Congratulations to you both-I had a great time photographing you!

Region 8 Experience

Two weeks ago I had the honor of photographing the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Assn. for my non-horsey readers), Region 8 Championship Show. This Region is comprised of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and New Mexico and their were competitors from every state. We even had a few of our other neighbors represented, including Missouri and Nebraska. It was a three day event, held at the Pavilions at the Coliseum in Wichita.

I enjoyed the entire show (despite the heat!), but my favorite day was the first day, June 24th...it offered the most exciting photo opportunities. Events range from heading and heeling to reining, working cowhorse, western riding, poles and barrels-lots of action is packed into day one!

It was a great event and I invite those who might be interested to take the time to show, or at least go watch when Region 8 2012 rolls around. Beautiful awards, relaxed atmosphere, fantastic horses and wonderful horse people to hang out with for three days...what's not to love?!?

Molly & Pippin

Church of the Holy Cross in Hutchinson, Kansas was the place to be for the wedding of Molly and Pippin. This wonderful couple met when they were young kids in dance classes, and have known one another about 15 years! They complement each other perfectly.

After the wedding, while their guests were walking to the church hall for the reception, we took a few minutes to drive to a nearby park for some outdoor portraits. A light breeze and the beaming smiles of the newlyweds made for some great shots!

Molly's mom is an amazing seamstress, as she made both the wedding gown and veil. The gown was as practical as it was beautiful, with a detachable train for the reception.

Pippin and Molly are students at the University of Kansas-I wish them much success and happiness!

Shana

Pretty girl + beautiful horse=a fantastic morning of great portraits!

Recently I got to photograph Shana and her Paint gelding at Wichita Riding Academy. Shana recently graduated from high school, and she and her horse are headed to Kansas State University, where Shana will be studying to become a veterinarian.

Savanna & Chris

The end of May I loaded my camera equipement and drove west to Colorado for the wedding of Savanna and Chris. We began photos at Garden of the Gods, on the edge of Colorado Springs. That was the first time I've ever had a wedding party have to get off the trail so that a string of horses could go by!

After some unique photos with Pike's Peak in the background, and with the "kissing camels" rock formation in a few others, we headed over to Briarhurst Manor in Manitou Springs for the wedding ceremony. It was a beautiful location for the ceremony! The reception was in the Conservatory there. The bride had selected a butterfly theme and the wedding cake and decorations were extremely unique and creative.

Chris and Savanna were a lot of fun to photograph, and quite willing to hike around for unique photos...I wish them many, many years of fun together!

Kennetta & Jeremy

April Fool's Day seems an unlikely day to select for a wedding, but that was the date chosen by Kennetta and Jeremy...and with their lively sense of humor, it was perfect! Their wedding was held in the "theater" of the 20th Century Club in downtown Wichita. Afterward, everyone headed to the lower level for their reception.

Jeremy made jaws drop when he grabbed the microphone during the reception to say, "Thought this would be a great time to share some happy news-we are expecting a baby!" After gasps and then applause, Jeremy smiled and said, "April Fool's! We couldn't get married on April 1st without at least one big joke!" The expressions were priceless.

Congratulations to Jeremy and Kennetta and best wishes for many years of laughter.