A Family Session in MY Neck of the Woods

Usually, the time I spend in my car to get to a session lasts about 2 hours. I have plenty of time to think about a plan, to re-evaluate prior sessions, to spot mutliple locations for future sessions along the way, and to just sit...and listen to music. This session was different. It took all of ten minutes to drive to the Mizzou Campus, park, and walk to the Quad. I was SO excited because the Quad...it pretty much rocks! And with these two little boys....the hour was filled with smiles, laughs, trucks, and cries. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day.

Thank you Metzdorf Family for a great afternoon!

Catherine and Joey: Married

Catherine and Joey were married on a beautiful October evening, however before I talk about this gorgeous couple I'm going to take a minute to talk about Donna.

I had the chance to work with photographer Donna Harris, who is a long time friend, distant family member...yeah I'm claiming you, and someone who's work I have admired since she first started in the photography business. Donna also helped shoot my own wedding, and for that I am soooo greatful!

Back to the bride and groom.
These two are adorable! The wedding day was filled with details that revealed their love for one another and their love for their family and friends.

Have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend everyone! :)

Oh hey there blog...

....it's been a while.

I have been super busy lately, and with fall coming to an end I am expecting things to wind down a bit. Between my full time day job, editing in the evenings, worrying about Adam as he is becoming one with nature, weekend trips to sessions, and feeding the dogs I have not really had time to stop and take in the fact that
1. I missed our one year home owner anniversary and
2. The holidays aren't just around the corner...they are HERE

Ok, so like my life, this blog is all over the place. So I will leave you with a glimpse of what I have been up to lately.

Here are a couple of detail shots from a friend's wedding I recently attended.







And now....meet Jon, Brittney, and Rocky. Jon and Brittney have been married almost two years and during the entire session they flirted, played, and joked around as if they just started dating. They were so much fun and despite this whole photo experience being a first for them, they were so relaxed.

Thank you Jon, Brittney, and Rocky for being so laid back and down to earth! You guys are perfect for each other and I hope you don't ever lose that playful side!

Family Fun: Lauren+Ben+Cadence

I met Lauren and Ben back some uknown number of years ago. We were in "small group" together going through The Purpose Driven Life. A few years, a wedding, and a child later I was blessed to meet up with them on a gorgeous day for a fabulous family session.

This family is made up of some of the nicest people I have ever met. Their daughter Cadence is 2 and she defines adorable. Not only is she a complete doll, but she is also totally proving the whole "terrible two's" theory wrong. She was extremely well behaved...like, I need to see this little girl do something wrong to prove she is even real, kind of well behaved.

Really though, how cute is this family!?!

*Side note
After our session Lauren and I became friends on facebook, and after some careful creeping on her page I realized why we clicked so well, Our coffee addiction and our love for Weeds (the tv show, not the illegal substance). That, and the fact that we are both married to pastor's kids!






I could not get enough of her and this precious outfit!

I think every single picture from this session brought a smile to my face, but this last one in particular made me grin from ear to ear.

Lauren, Ben, and Cadence I can not tell you what a privilege it was to shoot your family photos. You are some amazingly genuine people and I thank you for being so kind and for making my job super easy!

And Lauren and Ben, if you ever decide to write a book on parenting, I'll be the first in line the day it comes out!

Have a Happy Wednesday all!

Matt and Suzie: Engaged

He planned it out precisely. The evening would end with ice cream on main street and then he would pop the question in the perfect spot. They finished their ice cream and headed over to the pavillion. The pavillion that, when they arrived, was COMPLETELY blocked off with caution tape due to construction. How romantic right? So he improvised. He quickly found a new romatic spot in the park, and got down on one knee. Suzie happily said yes.

Matt and Suzie will say I DO next fall.

























Matt and Suzie, thank you both for being so laid back, so adorable, and so sweet! I had a great time with the two of you! Congratulations once again!

When I grow up....I want to be an Ingrassia

This is what I sent my sister via text message as soon as I left this family session, with a smile on my face and a belly full of food. Sheri contacted me a little bit over a month ago to take her family pictures. It was at that time she invited me to stay after the session and enjoy a home cooked meal with her and her family. Good people, cheesy potatoes, an adorable puppy, and baby Bella?...ummm yes please!

The day came, it was time for their session, and my heart was pouding out of my chest. I felt more pressure than usual to make this session rock because Sheri is a photographer herself. And a talented one at that. Needless to say the session went great and dinner...delizioso! The Ingrassias showed me the Italian way, welcoming me with open arms and making me feel like one of the family.

I realize the "propper" thing to do here would be to start with a group shot...but lets get real, when family gets together
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BABY!

Bella is going to be a big sister come February!

Ingrassia Family, Thank you so much for making the day fun and for being so welcoming toward me!