Madison's Senior Safari

Madison, her mom & I met up on a hot & swampy day in July for her senior photo shoot. We dodged thunderstorms for weeks but finally got a really great day so we went for it! We went all over Lee's Summit and had lots of time for multiple outfit changes. It was a memorable shoot for sure. We ended with her mom's fantastic idea to do a mermaid look with Madison wearing her prom dress in a waterfall. She supplied the idea & dress & I knew just the location to do it. It turned out beautifully! Madison later got to wash the pond scum out of her hair and we ended up with some of my favorite images ever!

The "country music video" shot. :o)
A beautiful mermaid

MariAlice's Newborn Session

MariAlice was born at the beginning of July and we did her newborn photos about a week later. She is the sweetest little thing! She definitely didn't like any draftiness on her so we had to be patient in getting her sound asleep for the 2nd half of the session. Mom knew just what to do though and it all turned out beautifully. She slept like a champ as I moved her and got everything just right. Here are some of my favorite images from her session.

She's so alert already! And I love how she still has the newborn wrinkles.

A precious little package

Gina + Sal's Engagement Shoot

Gina, Sal & I had so much fun during their shoot a couple weeks ago! They had their siblings come along for a bit at the beginning at Loose Park, then we headed to the Western Auto building for some fantastic shots on the rooftop. It was a lot of fun for me since I'd never had the opportunity to shoot there. And I'm sure it was fun for them too because it was so private & feels like you're the only ones in the city up there.

Perfect views, great scenery and the FUN Western Auto sign made for a memorable engagement session with the two of them.

Emma, Jessa & Baby Luke's Portraits

I met these three cuties last week at their home for some portraits of baby Luke, only 3 weeks old. Then we headed to Downtown Lee's Summit for some time with just the girls. I could have held Luke all day & I love the girls' curly hair!

Madi & Emma's Portraits

I met with Madi, Emma and their parents at Loose Park for a fantastic spring portrait session in May. Here are just some of my favorites.

At the end of the session I broke out the lollipops! They had been waiting for them the whole time so by the time they got to them they went a little sugar-crazy! I love their expressions here.

Mindy + Kyler = Married

Kyler & Mindy were married at the First Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph, Missouri and held their reception at Stoney Creek Inn.

I first met Mindy & Kyler last fall and did their engagement session when it was still chilly out in early spring. During all of our meetings and conversations a feeling of sheer excitement jumped out at me from them. They are such a sweet couple and wore their emotions on their sleeves. They couldn't wait to be husband & wife.

The wedding day was just perfect, sunny & warm, and after such a wet spring this was no small miracle. When it came time for their first meeting on their wedding day, I sent Kyler out into the courtyard of the church. Mindy was putting on the finishing touches inside. Both were bundles of nerves in anticipation of seeing each other, which led to laughter & tears and gasps of relief & excitement when they were finally face to face. I thought Kyler might just pass out! I don't think I've ever witnessed such an emotional first meeting! It was truly beautiful and a wonderful beginning of the rest of their lives together.

Mindy & Kyler, congratulations & all the best for many years to come. Enjoy your sneak peek!

Mindy checking her veil before going out to see Kyler for their First Meeting

The Emotional First Meeting

Gorgeous flowers by Landers Flowers in Savannah, MO
Love the balcony at this church

I love this moment of tears between Mindy and one of her bridesmaids.
A romantic first dance
Cake by Lauren Baker, and I just love that her last name is Baker.