All Things Kiley Bella♥

Playing catch up means looong post, therefore I will keep my words to a minimum because my niece is far too cute to fill this post with words rather than pictures. Kiley just turned 2 years old in July. OH HOW TIME FLIES!!! I vividly remember driving to St. Louis from Rolla in the middle of the night because we thought you were coming....we waited and waited, but you were not yet ready. I remember the second time I took the near 2 hour drive, so anxious to meet you! I remember the first time I held you at the hospital! And the first time I made you laugh! I remember when your vocabulary consisted of two words, "hi" and "ball." I remember the first time I babysat you and we boogied to the Black Eyed Peas. I remember how amazed I was to find out you knew each letter of the alphabet and its corresponding sound. I remember when you thought I was HILARIOUS....and I'm waiting for the day that amusement returns. Now, dear Kbell, you are two years old. Could you please stop growing? Pretty Please?

Seriously...how cute can she be?

Happy Birthday Kiley Bella!

Love,

Auntie Shelly

A Traditional Indian Wedding: Bryan and Shefy

Since the day Shefy and Bryan announced their engagement everyone knew theirs would be a wedding to remember, a cultural awakening, a blending of traditions, and something like we have never experienced. From the moment it started, this wedding was nothing short of a great experience. You know the routine when you enter a weddding: arrive at the location 15 minutes early, receive your program, choose a side, find a seat, catch up with friends around you while Canon in D plays softly in the background, and wait for the wedding to begin.
Au Contraire! As we show up at the Rennaissance we are directed outside where all of the wedding guests have come to congregate. The sound of the setar traveling for miles, the brilliant colors of saris filling the crowded street, and then it all begins....the dancing. Bryan is quickly surrounded by friends and family, singing and dancing in the streets. Shefy had a multitude of family members fly over from India to watch her marry her best friend. I was like a tourist in another country. The paparazzi in Hollywood. Like a crazy person, I could not stop taking pictures!





So, after 45 minutes of dancing, singing, and rituals it was time for Shefy and Bryan to see one another for the first time. Shefy's face is priceless





And then some more tradition....I have no clue what is going on really, but it was still cool!






Next, Shefy and Bryan went their separate ways as all of the guests filed into their seats. It was time for the ceremony, which by the way, was sung...yes sung, by a priest in their native language. There was fruit, there was water, there was fire, there was scooping of rice, there were their own unique vows, there were bare feet, and most importantly there was a bond. Shefy and Bryan were now united as one. Husband and Wife.





And then...Party time...and boy did this bride know how to get down!



Shefy later told me that during their first dance she kept telling Bryan to pinch her because she didn't believe any of the day was actually happening!

A shout out to Amy for letting me use her lens for these pictures!

A traditional dance performed for the Bride and Groom



The fine details







Sraight from the Wedding Party



While I wasn't the photographer for the wedding it was a blast pretending to be!! (Sorry Kelly, I hope I didn't annoy you too much!) Thank you Bryan and Shefy for such a FUN and unique day!! Congratulations to you both!!

I'm headed to the lake for a week! Upon my return, I'll introduce you all to my precious KBell!

It's all about the LIGHT

Back in April (in the dark ages before owning my own camera) I attended a mini workshop hosted by an award winning St. Louis Photographer. Chances are if you are reading this blog, you either know someone who has used her or you have used her yourself. Her name is Kelly Manno. The name of the workshop was "Building your business 101." While I learned a few things about the "business" side of photography, there was one very important tip Kelly made sure to get through to all of us....
LIGHTING LIGTING LIGHTING!!!
Lighting is SUPER important in photography and the lighting you choose will make or break your pictures....it will be the difference between good photographers and GREAT photographers. During the course of the workshop we had the privilage of shooting some gorgeous newly weds. Heather and Tim were kind enough to get back into their "wedding gear" to allow all of us to capture some wonderful photos!

















My absolute favorite :)














Thank you Heather and Tim for being wonderful models!
Thank you Kelly Manno for hosting this workshop and giving us all this great opportunity!
Thank you Mal for letting me borrow your camera before my husband so kindly suprised me with one for our anniversary!