Kim + Scott (and Ava) - Lifestyle Portraits

Kim and Scott, and their pup Ava, live in an absolutely beautiful home full of light and love.

That was the feeling that I got when I walked in to do their little family session. Kim said that they wanted to document their life now, as is, before moving into the next phase of growing their family by adding in a little adorable munchkin. I'm not sure they've made it to the 'trying' phase yet, or maybe they have; in either case, I was so excited to be the one who was getting to give them pictures of these everyday moments.

I really love lifestyle photography and so does Kim. That combination is like toast and Nutella. And yields some really beautiful, natural pictures.

These are some of my favorites. Especially the one of Kim with her Harry Potter book, and Scott with The Gunslinger from The Dark Tower series. Being a major bookworm, I absolutely loved taking that picture. Two of my favorite book series, that I've read multiple times, and here they are in one picture with two very awesome people. That's why I love what I do.

A big THANK YOU to Kim, Scott and Ava for allowing me a glimpse into their life to capture some of their magic. You guys have a beautiful home full of love, and a beautiful little family.

Haley - Newborn Portraits

Haley came into the world on July 27, 2013, courtesy of her really awesome Mom, Stephanie. I guess I should give her really awesome Dad, Homer, a little credit, too. Good job, you two! 

She is a tiny, tiny gorgeous peanut. I have had the wonderful honor of, firstly, being able to say that I know her parents. They are seriously wonderful people. Secondly, I also have the honor of saying that I was able to photograph their two engagement sessions - the first in Forest Park with Haley's dog-brother, Noah, and out and about the CWE complete with hockey jerseys and hockey pucks with their wedding date on them; the second one was hockey- themed and ON THE ICE. That's right; me and my camera followed little Haley's Mom and Dad around the rink, for a shootout, a gloves-off love-fight, and a lot of kissing.

Their wedding was also a bit hockey themed (check out what they sent me as a gift for being their photographer here on Facebook), so it's no surprise that you should find little Haley snuggled up on an Oshie jersey with pucks in the background, right? I mean, I insisted. She already has a hockey jersey of her own! She'll need to grow into it just a bit, though.

This little perfect addition to the Patterson family was such a joy to take pictures of. She is so cute and so sweet (and loves music already!). Congratulations to some of the best people I've ever met, Steph and Homer, on such a darling little peanut. Can't wait to photograph her again.

Stephanie + Dennis - Real Wedding

Married: July 13, 2013

Stephanie and Dennis have been together a LONG time. Like since teenage-hood.

It’s incredible that two people can meet so young, and endure all that life puts you through in your teens and early twenties, and still grow together. That’s just one of the things that make Steph and Denny’s love so unique – it’s strength and endurance.

I have been with these two through two other weddings, their friends Ricki and Dustin, where I first met them both, and Beckie and AJ. Ricki and Dustin’s wedding was one of the first 10 that I booked after I started my own business, so these two have seen me grow as much as I have witnessed them grow. And I think that is pretty dang awesome in it’s own right. But this isn’t about me – this is about them.

These two have a Harley. They have an adorable dog-child named Jax, who you can see below, who loves carrots and will do the perfect pose if you hold one while you're taking his picture. They both have great families and friends, who rallied around them all day. Stephanie's mom made this amazing streusel-stuff that she claimed was 'so easy', but it tasted like it came straight out of a pastry shop. Stephanie wore the pearls that Dennis got her when she graduated. Her mom cried when she saw Steph in her dress, finally all put together. Dennis broke down during his vows, and Stephanie looked truly shocked that he did. Being around this wedding party, you sense how close-knit this group is, and how integral a part Stephanie and Dennis are.

Their wedding day was completely theirs. They owned the details. (I expected nothing less.) Stephanie’s hot pink tulle had complete strangers stopping us while we were taking pictures so they could take pictures of it. Dennis and the groomsmen’s socks were just too freaking perfect; hot pink argyle for Dennis to match his Bride, and orange argyle for the guys to match their vests. The bright pink and orange gerberas, the gray suits, the gray and pink canvas painting (instead of a sand ceremony or unity candle), stopping at Shady Jack’s, Stephanie's StL Blues garter that her mom made…everything was perfect for the two of them. And I cannot explain to you all in words how much FUN their wedding party was. The entire day was a sincere, authentic, fun celebration of two families and a bunch of tight friends coming together to celebrate two awesome people, and their strength, their endurance, and their love.

Stephanie and Dennis, thank you SO much for everything. It was such an honor to be with you on such a gorgeous, fun, perfect day.

Ashley + Justin - Married

Ashely and Justin are seriously wonderful people. I adore them and their incredible families.

Their wedding day was more emotionally charged than others, because Ashley had recently lost her grandfather. To keep him close, she had a patch from one of his shirts sewed inside her wedding dress.

The entire day was a blast, thanks to all their friends and family, the amazing wedding party...everyone was fabulous and Ashley and Justin's love was so apparent. Every moment together they shine, and it is clear that even though they are both incredible people on their own, together they are perfect.

Congratulations, Ashley and Justin. It was an honor to be with you!

These two photos by Steve Alejandro

These two photos by Steve Alejandro

Tears! By Ashley, and in the background, her sister wipes a tear while Justin watches his Bride.