Disney World...yes we went again.

in ,

You guys I have a confession...I'm a Disney addict. There I said it, and I feel much better for getting it out there. Two years ago I made the comment that I loved my kids and all but I just couldn't see why anyone would spend a full week there. Opps. My bad. We have quickly become one of those crazy Disney families who while still at Disney are planning their next Disney vacay. So yeah, we went back to Disney World in January, after having just gone in September. We should seriously consider buying annual passes at this point...or moving to Anaheim or Orlando. ;)

 

Baby Tatum

in ,

I've said it before but it bears mentioning again. I am so grateful to my faithful clients! Faithful clients that continue to hire me to capture each and every major milestone in their lives. I'm honored and thankful! I have been with this family for engagement pics, wedding, maternity, first baby and now here we are with baby number two! Congrats Grant and Malerie! Miss Tatum is perfection and Brooks is going to be a wonderful big brother. Thank you. :)

 

Fall Mini Sessions

in ,

 A couple of weeks ago I hosted Fall mini sessions at Lafayette park. I'm so grateful for all of the families that came out, especially the families that continue to support my business time and time again. THANK YOU!! :)

The Hinderer Family

in ,

When I photograph families my overall goal is to capture love. As cheesy as that may sound, its true. I'm not focusing on having everyone look at the camera, I'd rather capture the connection they share with each other...which also brings out natural smiles, happiness and joy. Its my goal to capture families as they are, in whatever season of life they are in...even the crazy toddler moments when it feels like total chaos! These are the memories that will bring a smile to your face twenty years down the road. I love this family session. Such a fun family full of love and happiness...and craziness with two small boys. :)

 

Our trip to Disneyworld

in ,

If you would have told me two years ago that I would end up a crazy Disney addict I would have laughed in your face. I was one of those people who could not imagine how anyone could spend five full days at a Disney park. The thought of spending an entire week of vacation revolving around Disney made me cringe...until I went. We took the girls to Disneyland in February 2015 and what was supposed to be only a 3 day trip turned into a 5 day trip. We had such a great time that we ended up going back to Disneyland last December. Yes, we went to Disneyland twice last year and no we aren't annual passholders...yet. The woman who once said, "I love my kids and all but I just can't imagine spending a full week at Disney," spent a whole week at Disney...twice, in one year. I totally ate my words like a warm Disneyland churro. I hate to sound cliche but there is something magical at Disney. I never went as a kid so I got to experience it through my daughters eyes. The wonder, the excitement, the hope, the belief. As adults we can be so hardened and cynical, being at Disney gives you a chance to forget the outside world for just a moment and if nothing else...make you feel like a kid again. We love going, we have an amazing time each time we go. We are that crazy Disney family who is always planning their next trip. And we may or may not like to dress up and wear ears when we go. These pics are from our most recent trip. We went to Walt Disney World in September. PS - If there are any Disney fans reading this blog contact me! I always love chatting disney and hearing about any tips, tricks or favorite eating spots! :)

Girls dresses: shop bitts and pieces (etsy) / Girls shirts: iron on transfers from etsy / Rey ears: seam come true (etsy) Stitch ears: make me minnie (etsy)

 

The Graves Family

in ,

I've been photographing this family since their engagement session! It's always a blessing to me to watch families grow and to be asked again and again to photograph their special moments! :)

 

Cassie - Class of 2017

in ,

Cassie is a beautiful girl inside and out, but most importantly she's focused and has a plan for her future. I was happy to spend an evening with her and take her senior pictures. Best wishes Cassie, I know you will shine no matter what life has in store for you!

Where do you go to school? I am a senior at Nerinx Hall High School. 

Favorite subject? I really enjoy art classes but I also really enjoy math. 

Any Extracurricular activities? I just finished my fourth year on the golf team for my school but hope to continue to play competitive golf. I play golf with my family and friends for fun! 

Favorite thing about high school? It is hard to pick my favorite thing about high school because there are so many! My favorite thing about high school is all the experiences I've had while attending Nerinx Hall. I have made great friends that I know I will be friends with for a very long time. I have also gotten such a great education and I have no doubt I can go far with what Nerinx has taught me. 

Least favorite thing about high school? My least favorite thing about high school currently is that I am on the home stretch of it. I am sad to leave in just a few months because Nerinx was and always will be my second home. 

Plans for college? I have been accepted into Arkansas and will be studying Interior Design there next fall. 

Any advice for undergraduates? Follow your dreams. Take the road less traveled and make sure to make the most of your experience while in high school. 

Kristin & Shawn

in ,

Kristin had her heart broken in college and swore she'd never love again, then she met Shawn. They met at work and a casual friendship turned into so much more. As Kristin's sister mentioned in her toast, "he taught her how to love again, they are perfect for one another." Kristin and Shawn were married at the Park Avenue Mansion, a very simple, small and intimate wedding in front of immediate family and a few close friends. Kristin and Shawn thank you for allowing me to share the evening with you! - A :)

 

Getting our kicks on Route 66

in ,

I have always been fascinated with the history and nostalgia of Route 66 and dream of making the trek from Chicago to LA one day. I don't really know why I love it so much, maybe it's the romanticised idea of classic cars, the open road, greasy diner food, a longing for a simpler time, or perhaps just my craving for adventure and travel. I haven't been able to make the entire trip yet, but I did make a day trip of some of the old Route 66 stops in Missouri! The girls and I went to Springfield, MO to visit my sister and stopped off at a few locations along the way. I did some google research to look up various locations and/or suggestions. I did find several stops but having two antsy girls we didn't stop off at every location, and sadly some of the locations I wanted to stop at were no longer there.

Our first stop was the Gardenway Motel and the Sunset Motel in Grey Summit, MO. These were pretty much just drive by's to get photos. Next we drove to Rolla and went to Devil's Elbow. This is where you can see and drive on some of the first four lane highways ever built. A little detour will take you to Devil's Elbow bridge, there is a dive bar and bbq place there too. Since I had the girls with me we drove on to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and the more family friendly Route 66 Diner. They have excellent diner food and milk shakes and the kids will enjoy pumping quarters into the juke box. After lunch we proceeded on the old Route 66 by-ways to Waynesville, MO where we found "frog rock." I was disappointed to find out that this was not an original stop on Route 66, it was added in the mid 1990's. But we drove by anyway. There were a couple of other places I had GPS'd in the Waynesville area but found that they had been torn down. We continued on to Lebanon, MO to find the Munger Moss Motel and the old Wrink's Market (which is now empty and for sale). The last stop brought us to the Rail Haven Motel (aka Best Western) in Springfield, MO. I enjoyed our little adventure and it only makes me want to go further west next time!

Destination Wedding Giveaway

in ,

I'm feeling like Oprah today..."Who wants a giveawaaaaaay?!" I love to travel, I need to travel. It's what keeps me refreshed and inspired. I love new places, new adventures and meeting new people. I am offering a fantastic deal to one lucky couple, FREE wedding coverage (up to 8 hrs &  all edited images on usb with print release) for any destination wedding in 2017. Destination refers to any location outside of Missouri...yes I have my passport ready to go! The winning couple will pay for my travel expenses (flight, rental, hotel) and that's it! The rest is free as a bird. Interested or know someone who might be interested? Contact me with your name, wedding date/location, and a little bit about you and your significant other. I'm excited, are you? Let's go places!! :)

Jessie & John

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Jessie's father said a few words at the reception. He mentioned that after Jessie came home and talked about John he asked what made him so different. Jessie replied, "because he makes me feel like I'm special." Jessie is a special, wonderful woman and it makes me so happy to have documented their wedding. :)

Our Smoky Mountain Vacation

in ,

Last month we went to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for our family vacation. We stayed at the Bluegreen vacations mountain loft resort. This was our first time staying at this resort, but not our first trip to the smokies. The room was a one bedroom chalet unit, the girls called it a "cabin house." ;)

While we were there we visited the Gatlinburg aquarium, the sharks are the best part! They also have a neat exhibit on WWII and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, if you're a history nerd like me you should check it out. We also went on a couple of hikes, one ended up being much longer and more strenuous than we had anticipated...I would suggest reading about each hike thoroughly before heading out on the trails with small children. Lessons learned, memories made. ;)

We also drove through Cades Cove. If you're ever in the smokies I recommend taking the 11 mile loop through this park. It's a motor trail so you can quickly drive through and stop off at locations of your choice. It's an old settlement featuring houses, barns, churches, and mills from the 1800's. It's amazing to see the quality and craftsmanship in these buildings and how they've survived all these years. This is usually a great place to spot black bears, especially in the evening! We did see one small black bear going back into the woods, he scampered off too quickly to get a picture. My oldest loved hiking, climbing on the rocks and of course riding go carts at the arcades. She is my adventurous one. My youngest loved walking through the old homesteads, and sitting quietly along the rolling creeks. She is my little old soul. We all had a wonderful time and enjoyed quality time together. Why do vacations always pass too quickly? *sigh*

 

Amy & Caleb

in ,

High School sweethearts + quaint small town = perfectly sweet wedding. Amy and Caleb grew up in this small town, their parents even got married in the same church. They opted not to have a wedding party, which made for a short, sweet and intimate wedding. :)