Katie + Justin ~ Part II.
I know it has taken me a while, but, I assure you it was well worth the wait. So, click below to view Katie + Justin's slideshow from their beautiful day.






And, stay tuned for Tina and Jason's amazing day!


Lots more to come.....

First day.
Once again, another year has arrived. So, in keeping with tradition, here is my "first day" of school shot in front of the famous "first day" tree.


Of course, this year was no different than the last. They sported new outfits, new shoes and new book bags.

And, I am the only one with homework to do. How does that happen?

The "list".
Last week, we drove up to the school and checked the "list" to find out who her third grade teacher would be. She anxiously looked for her name.

And, turned around proudly to tell me she found it and it was under the teacher she wanted it to be.

Then some high school football players happened to walk by and she blurted out "I don't want them seeing you take my picture....but I sure like watching them".

Yikes!!! Look out third grade here she comes!

Down the road.

Convinced she can do everything she's
ever dreamed of with just a little more space.
~Story People

{Happy Wednesday}.

The Lake.

If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if the simple things in nature
have a message you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.

~ Eleanora Duse

Hello, there.
Remeber Mandy and her baby bump? We dodged raindrops and laid in wet fields only to have Mandy text me about 30 minutes later to tell me that she was headed to the hospital because her water had broken. Yikes!! Well......

H e l l o Marra. I'm so happy to finally meet you. And, at two months old, she is still all tiny, pink and so very perfect.

But, has grown mighty custom to comforts of cute little dragon stuffies and designer binkies.

And, at two months, a little bright eyed and a lot more active.

Congratulations and many thanks Mandy and Jason. It was so nice hanging out and meeting your sweet Marra. Oh, how those days go by so fast. She is just the sweetest ever!!!

Mandy + Keith ~ Summertime fun engagement. {Sneek Peek}
I just can't say enough good things about Mandy + Keith. They are both so warm, welcoming, loving and are so in love with each other...that kind of couple that just makes you happy.

And, we spent our time seeking out the sun and chasing the bugs out of the way. But, it was so totally worth it.

I am so excited to be chosen by these two to shoot their wedding next weekend. Yup, that's right. Next weekend!!

I gave Keith "extra" points for picking the most beautiful ring!!

And, I gave Mandy + Keith more points for going along with some of my quirky ideas.

And, I just have to say Mandy you are "gorgeous"!

I love when clients wear awesome shoes. And, Mandy's were no exception!!

Thanks again Mandy + Keith for spending a fun summer's evening with me. I simply cannot wait till next weekend.

In the workings.
Whew!! I told you I had lots to blog about and I have not even covered half of it yet. Just wanted to share what's in the workings. I am in the process of editing yet another gorgeous, outdoor wedding. This one included the cutest flower girls ever.

And, a beautiful, long, flowing white dress.

But for now I am out of time. I am off to meet a great couple to shoot their engagement!!!

Katie + Justin ~ Another sneek peek -Part I
I know this post is long overdue as well. And, I'm so happy that I just finished up all their images from such a beautiful day and sent the CD off for printing!! Here are just a few that really captured the day.

Their wedding and reception took place at Majestic Lodge located in the mountains of Blue Knob. It was such a great setting with buffalo and elk outlining the premises.

Katie was truly radiant. She was so relaxed and go with the flow kind of gal. No other words to describe other than simply beautiful.

I have to give it up to the groom as well. Justin looked mighty sharp and handsome sporting the pinstripped tux. Not to mention his groomsmen as well.

Stay tuned...part two is on the way.

I just knew.
I just knew. I knew from the very minute I pressed the shutter that this was the one. The one that I had finally captured the true her. The one that spoke to me the most. The one where it made my heart swell. The one I knew I would cherish forever. The one the I knew was just perfect too me. The one where I could not wait till I could go home and order the biggest print ever to fit on my wall. I just knew. This was the one.

It may not be technically correct. It might not be anybody's favorite. But, out of millions of pictures that I have taken....I just knew. I can honestly say this is the one. The one that brings a tear to my eye everytime I look at it. It's my most favorite EVER!! And, it's even more spectacular framed and on my wall.

I just knew.

Fresh produce.
One of my most favorite things about summer is the fresh produce. I will admit that I do not have the time, patience or even a green thumb to make it all happen. But, I do love the fact that I can stop all summer long at some of my favorite roadside markets and get all the goodness!!



Even if they are not open, they trust you enough to shop for your produce and leave the money in the red box.

You can get everything down to green beans and potatoes!!

Everything is so fresh and crisp looking.

And, the best part.....absolutely delish!!!!!

What you asked?
What's that you asked? What have we been doing all summer long? Well, I just let the pictures tell ya!!!

Nothing better than the cool, refreshing water on a hot summer's day.

Swimming like fish is what they do best!

Hmmmm....not quite sure, but I think he might be kind of working on his tan.

So, yup, that's what we have been doing all summer. Swimming with the cousins!!!.

Breaking the rules.
Awhile back, I attended a photography workshop that stressed ALL the rules of photography. You know the ones, always use the rule of thirds, (if your a photographer, you will know this is the big one) always do this, always do that. But, in my book, rules are meant to be broken. I mean its okay to learn them, but it is also okay to break them. And, I like breaking them! Even when I was little, I had a hard time someone telling me I had to put a stamp on the right upper corner of the envelope. Why? What does it matter really where the stamp goes if it is still on the envelope? I mean you still paid for the stamp no matter what. So, I broke the rule and placed the stamp where I wanted too. And, you know what? It was still delievered. So you see, rules are meant to be broken.

You ask where I am going with this right? Well, at this seminar, they also stressed never go and take pictures without getting permission. Hu? What? Why? But, there is also this little hidden secret/motto us photographers follow....shhh....go tell, and that is "just go do it and ask for forgiveness later". As I bat my eyes at the officer and say "I am so sorry officer, I had know idea I was not allowed to take pictures on this green grass", clearly posted with a sign that says "stay off grass" hee, hee.

So, when I met up with Morgan we both had the same ideas. We passed this really awesome location. Location? Well, more like a hunting camp with these awesome set of front stairs. And, Miss Morgan just happened to mention that she always loved those stairs. And, I, could not have agreed with her more! Those stairs caught my eye from the first minute we drove passed. So, we turned around and went for it!!! And, I am so glad we did!

I think you would agree too!

I snapped this one making sure not to waste time while "tresspassing", while Morgan's mom so bravely made her way to knock on the front door to ask for permission. (see we attempted to ask for permission). Luckily, for us, no one was home.

And, we made our way up to the front porch were I think I pretty much "squeeled" like a pig when I saw this amazing green chair. Morgan I must say that you are simply stunning!!

Morgan's only real request was to have her picture taken with Sophie down on their family owned deer farm. How cool is it that? Very cool!

Even with how pretty the setting was, Morgan's natural beauty put it all to shame! She is such a gorgeous girl and was so sweet to work with.


It was so much fun spending a summer evening with her - enjoy a little sneek peek slideshow below.