Family Photos: for the Bride

During our consultation before the wedding, I always talk to my brides about the importance of family photos in natural light. And time. These photos are meaningful and something that they will cherish as the years go on. I want to capture the emotion of the wedding day while keeping things relaxed and moving. Because no one wants to stand out in the heat for hours taking family pictures.

I usually allow 30 minutes to photograph the family as a whole, starting with the entire family on the bride's side and then removing the layers until we are left with just mom and dad. I then begin adding the grooms side until we have the whole family in the photo again. And if the bride and groom have siblings, I make sure to get a photo with them as well. 

I am so very thankful for my brides. They trust me to capture those precious memories and I am thrilled to be part of their day.

Midwest Wedding Photographer

Isaac and I spent Sunday with family and it was so refreshing. I helped my mom throw Easter eggs all over our yard && I suppose the strategy to winning this year was simply to move quicker than the others since we didn't particularly hide them. I decided to help Jianna out by collecting eggs in piles so she could place them in her bag. Jaelyn stole Jenna's eggs from her basket and placed them in the yard for Jianna. Jianna giggled as she ran to collect the eggs which were now up for grabs. and Jenna smiled and made faces. I love them all.

Last week, Isaac and I announced our move to ST LOUIS!! We are still thrilled as can be: close to family (trying to talk my parents into letting Jaelyn take a road trip to visit), still in the midwest, and of course amazing weddings! && because I love weddings in the midwest so much, I'm flying no-charge. For real. So contact me (HERE!) so we can get to know each other a bit.

here is a little sneak peek of what I did Saturday!

Miss Mackenzie

I am doing some catching up this week on the blog! I photographed Miss Mackenzie a few months ago in Bolivar, Missouri and we had a blast. Mackenzie's parents are so kind and gentle and patient and calm!! They love their little girl with such wonder and grace...and she soaks it all up!

We spend the afternoon roaming through the park and collecting rocks. I love this family!

just wrapped around her little finger...

so much LOVE.

enjoying life!

Happy Monday!

Baby Addelaynie

i know, i know! I was just thinking that exact thing. Addelaynie is the sweetest name i have ever heard & her personality is just as sweet. The first time i met Amy, Addelaynie's mom, was in the kitchen of a very good friend. We got to know each other over grilled chicken, corn on the cob, strawberries and delicious juice.


Amy and Murray plan on doing missions overseas after graduation in May. Murray loves his girls and would do anything for them. & Amy is the kind of friend who sticks by and wants the very best for you. Addelaynie is blessed to have such a wonderful family - so loving and generous.

both of you are just STUNNING.

so content...

such a great family!

Happy Sunday!

Excessive Twirling + Love

I know it might be a little hard for you to believe, but I used to twirl my hair... in my sleep. Because of this excessive twirling, there was a point where my parents encouraged me to wear socks to bed - on my hands. We reached this point after many midnight visits to my parent's room because my finger was stuck in my hair. That's right, my finger suffered from excessive twirling.

There was one time when my mom had to cut off parts of my hair to get my finger out. And boy, was I thankful. You have no idea what it's like to wake up an have your finger stuck in your hair!

So, I know my parents love me, but when they wake up during the night to save my little fingers from over-twirled hair, I REALLY KNOW. Thanks, mom and dad, for loving me (and saving my little fingers).

i love the way he looks at her.

so, so beautiful mom. GORGEOUS.

and I love how they make each other laugh.

I will end on this sweet not.

Johnson Family

Their warm smiles and love for each other are impossible to ignore. It is amazing how this family makes you feel like one of their own in just a few minutes. Pat and Nancy dote on their grandchildren and encourage them to be themselves with their laughter and love.

I hope you are just as blessed to look at these images as I was to capture them.

sweet sisters...

and darling cousins!

seriously? This makes me smile every time!!

and the whole family!

Happy Monday!

Brooklyn & Houston

I pulled into their long, winding drive and admired the gorgeous light coming through the trees. Sometimes, it can be challenging to find the kind of illuminating light that is a must for great photography, but not with this family. It was as if you could see a fraction of their inner beauty as you enjoyed the scenery. It was beautiful.

As I was getting ready to park my car, I heard a terrifying bark. I decided to pretend that I was not afraid of this loud, scary dog as I stepped out of my car. I reached out my hand (what was I thinking?!) and I pet the dog. I pet this terrifying dog. And then we came best friends.

Brooklyn wanted some pictures of her with her horse, so we put on boots (rain boots for me, which Stacy so generously let me borrow).

Sometimes it was difficult getting this beautiful horse to cooperate... :)

 I love Brooklyn's joy for life.

and yes, Brooklyn, you are quite beautiful.

You may have seen this photo on facebook, partly because I think it is just completely adorable.

 The handsome Houston...

GORGEOUS.

The Blacks are kind, loving and gentle. I am so blessed to be able to capture part of their lives and to share it with you! Happy Saturday!