Chris & Terri Get [Married]!

It was Valentine's Day weekend and Ryan and I were both off... per our normal "off" routine we sat down with our coffee and proceeded to watch Dr. Phil.  Yes, Dr. Phil... shhhh!  You're going to miss the rest of the story.  So ANYWAY, as we were watching Chris & Terri came on stage... and my heart went out.  Chris and Terri have been together for 7 years, with no engagement (not for the lack of desire!) and 3 children.  One of which was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma at the age of 2.  To read more of their story go here.

To make a long story short... Dr. Phil gave Chris & Terri a free wedding.  Because of my own battle with cancer I wrote into the show, and offered to photograph their wedding.  After many emails, phone calls, a flight and cup of coffee later we finally met... and totally hit it off.  I loved this couple... LOVE this couple.  Their bravery, perseverance, love and faith in their family will be something I carry with me always.  Chris and Terri... I'll see you guys in a month back in Kansas City!  We need to grab dinner!

Dress: Paula Varsalona from Bridal Extraordinaire
Ceremony & Reception: Staley Farms Golf Club
Tux's: Bridal Extraordinaire
Cake: Caren's Cakes
Flowers: Floral Accents
Luau Dancers: Aloha Chicago (part 1) & various members of Terri's Family (part 2)

Chris and Terri's reception included a luau!

And my favorites...

Happy family...

The Hindin Family's Get [Together] Session!

So... I got this wonderfully adorable email, from someone who saw my pictures on Facebook and in their words "fell hopelessly in love."  How could I NOT shoot this family?  Alright blog family... meet the Hindin's - David, Kate, Sarah, Alex, Annie and Gracie.  I could NOT. STOP. LAUGHING. during this whole session.  This was MY kind of family session... loose, full of personality and did I mention ... laughter?

And my favorites!!

Josh & Sarah Get [Married]!

It was a hot, hot, hot day.  But Josh and Sarah were getting married today.  The programs were printed, the Tux's all fit and Sarah's shoes... well, I'll just let you look for yourself.  The sky was a vision of azure blue and puffy white clouds, and I couldn't stop dragging the bridal party out into the heat to capture the canvas of colors.  Hope you enjoy!

And my favorite... (you have no idea how long it took to set this one up!)

Bryan & Rachel Get [Engaged]!

I met Rachel at Life Pacific College during my short stint in California.  Neither one of us quite remember how we met, but we hit it off and were pretty much inseparable after she got me hooked on Friends.  3 years after graduation she has Bryan.  I was so privileged and honored to be asked to shoot their wedding in October, as well as their engagement session while I was in Kansas City last month.  Check out the picture Rachel painted for their wedding!  Hold on tight ya'll... this session was rockin' and the light was amazing!

And my favorites!