Love Shoot: Shannon + Jared

The big day for these two love birds is just around the corner.... in August! But they still have a summer full of camping opportunities between now and then.... ;)

Am I a geek? I'm in love with these lanterns! You know the red one is my fave.... ;)

Cute, cute, cute!

Jared is a total teddy bear...

And can you believe Shannon's skin? Every. Single. Cute. Freckle is just.... perfect. Of course, I pointed this out to her... what a lucky gal! (I, on the other hand, am pretty sure I single handedly fund my derm's private practice... ha!) :)

Much love to you both! See you at the end of the summer!

Love Shoot: Lindsey + Scott

It's only May... and I'm already so excited for October! Lindsey & Scott's big day will be here before we (they!) know it... and I'm psyched I could catch up with them for some imagery to celebrate what their big day in October will be all about.... love!

I love this one!

This light is gorgeous and goes with these two cuties like PB&J! (wha? did I really just write that!?)

Riding the tandem bike can be surprisingly tricky at first... but it's all good fun. I always tell people, if you're having a bad day or feeling down... a ride on the tandem is almost sure to make you smile! :)

Of course, we couldn't leave out the frisbee!

I LOVE this one too!

October... we're all looking forward to you! :) Thx for the fun guys.... see you again soon!

Love Shoot: Ashlynn + Matt | Nebraska Wedding Photographer

I love working with clients who really 'get it.' Clients who understand that great imagery isn't about stiff poses and cheesing it up for the camera.... but rather about the entire experience as a whole and the spirit that flows from having a good time. :) These two were really comfortable in front of the camera.... and combined with their fun-lovin' free spirited attitudes,  it made for a great time! Those are some gorgeous eyes you have there Ash!

D-licious!

I love the purposeful, confident glance Matt tossed me in this shot...

Matt was so great at these from-the-gut laugh bursts! Turns out he's quite the photographer/animator/designer himself. You can see what he's all about on his blog. Way to rock it Matt!

So, so, so excited to be your wedding photographer in July guys.... it will be here before you know it!

Love Shoot: Michelle + Matt

Michelle and I go waaaay back. As in, since the 1st grade kind of back. We teased each other on the playground in elementary school. She humbled me on a regular basis in 5th & 6th grade band where we both played flute.... as well as at our piano recitals (which to this day, I still chuckle when watching on family videos. I surely embarrassed our piano teacher to no end...while Michelle & her sister Tami dazzled everyone in attendance).

In high school we studied photography together in Ms. Wilson's class, spent a good chunk of a summer together in Spain visiting my family, and generally speaking.... had a total ball!

Over the years, I can honestly say that I've seen very little that made her gush the way that Matt does. I remember telling Emir after the first time I saw them together, that I had a feeling about it.... and now.... I can rightfully say, "I told you so!" ;)

So Emir and I caught up with these two over the weekend in Denver where we spent the day just hanging out. I think what follows is truly a reflection of this mature, independent and adorable Colorado couple.

How gorgeous is Michelle's engagement ring? Uniquely antique... and completely her.... I love it!

Michelle and Matt recently repainted their kitchen from red to this bright green. Though I'm always the first to suggest that everything be painted red.... I can't say I don't like this color too!

So cute! I love the look on her face here....

Way to work the camera Matt!

Michelle always has an air of.... coziness about her. Whether it's the warm snugly socks she always wears, the warm drink that's usually in her hand, or her clean and simple taste in fashion/design... she exudes a very peaceful presence. Her house, of course... is no different. I love how her and Matt snuggle here...

Michelle & Matt are the proud parents of 'Mary' and 'Lucy.' The 'kids' are as much fun to visit as Michelle and Matt are! :)

I *love* this shot of Mary as she gives Lucy the evil death glare from across the room.... lol!

Michelle & Matt have an appreciation for culture, travel and the importance of global community. It manifests in their home with great artwork and a thought provoking library.

This is them on the porch of their darling first house. The amount of work, renovation and landscaping they've done is inspiring... What a team!

After lunch at Watercourse, we headed to Idaho Springs for some afternoon fun. (I'm equally in love with the ring seen on her hand here!!! May have to have something like it made.... 5 year anniversary perhaps?)

L.O.V.E this!

Of course, we couldn't leave without a visit to Red Rocks...

Then we headed to the park near their house...

Another L.O.V.E!

Michelle and Matt are super outdoorsy... so I thought it would be fun to make use of one of their tents. How cute is this!?

That's a wrap gang! :) We snapped this pic on Sunday morning as we were headed back to the airport.... I'm excited to see Michelle again this weekend for the Lincoln Marathon.... and even more pumped for their big day coming up in October! Love you!

Love Shoot: Amy + Kyle | Nebraska Wedding Photographer

Amy and Kyle, sitting in a tree... k-i-s-s-i-n-g..... :) Are these two cute or what!? They first met here in town at Barrymore's... so naturally, we put in on out shot list. So fun! Kyle is from Valentine, Nebraska.... and wanted some shots in a location that reminds him of home. :) I *love* these! (Amy's J Crew bag is soooo her!)

This may be my favorite fave! Cute, cute, cute! Thanks for inviting me to work with you as your wedding photographer... I'm looking forward to November!

Little Bro is Gettin' Hitched | Nebraska Wedding Photographer

I can't believe my baby brother is so.... grown up. He was the kid who never wore normal clothes.... it was super hero costumes only. He had the most incredible golden curls that flopped around his face in the summers and though he may not care to admit it now.... he was my little buddy. With dad at work and mom knee deep in her P.h.D. program, I was the oldest of all four of the kids, and was happy to embrace the role of big sis... taking it very seriously. :) He was my little brother, after all! He and Jamie have been together forever, and this summer... they are officially tying the knot. Both students, if they're not in class (or running to/from), they can usual be found studying. Jamie just switched to early childhood education, and Nick is pre-med. Over the years, I've repeatedly teased Nick that he is sooooo much like me (much to his everlasting frustration....) but, as he's getting older.... I like to think (and hope!) that I am also much like him in the sense that he is incredibly self-disciplined, focused... and capable of anything he puts his mind to. :)

His razor sharp focus at the moment is set on working his butt off to prepare for his upcoming MCAT exam. When I say 'butt off,' I mean.... the kid studies like nobody's business. His practice exams have scored him as high as 41 (he's already in the top 1%, and hasn't even taken the real test yet!). On top of rockin' grades, a killer study regimen, and of course, his ongoing dedication to his workouts (he has been obsessed with the study of physical fitness since he was about 12).... he is also a proud papa of little Cole... who will make an appearance as the 'best man' in the wedding this July.

And all of that makes me one proud big sister. :)

He and Jamie are quite the team. The support I see from Jamie towards them as a family and especially towards Nick is inspirational. They are simply adorable to watch... as the pictures show. :)

Of course Cole was with us for our shoot..... How could we not bring him??? Look at that face!!!!

I love this shot. Jamie has morphed into the role of 'mom' with such grace.... she just looks so classically elegant here... even while Col-e jumps on her. :)

I love the old Coke bottle here... (no, he's not really drinking it!)

Yay for the end of July! :)

Love Shoot: Christine + Ben | Omaha Wedding Photographer

It started in the most unlikely (but classicly proven!) of places..... a bar. He liked the odds, she liked the atmosphere. They both liked each other. :) What started in a neighborhood bar, is preparing to take this lovely duo to a new city--yet to be determined as hopeful job assignments hang in the balance of what is yet to come. What an exciting (but understandably nerveracking) place to be!

I don't know if I can reveal Ben's career aspirations (confidentiality?) but they are exciting to say the least. These two will be hanging on for quite the ride! Luckily, I caught up with them in Omaha for their engagement session on what was a cold, hazy day. They were great sports and happily put up with frozen fingers and cold toes! Thanks guys!

I think this is just plain adorable. Look at how Ben looks at her! Ca-yute!

In front of the bar that started it all... The Green Onion. I {heart} the coy look on Christine's face here!

Great job you two! I'm looking forward to photographing your wedding next fall... it will be here before we know it!

Love Shoot: Matt & Stacie | Lincoln, Nebraska Wedding Photographer

Yay for the first love shoot (engagement photo session) of 2010! Matt & Stacie came over last week to play outside while I tagged along with my camera (always happy to be the third wheel!). The sun wrapped all three of us with a buttery-tinged yumminess that gives these images a feeling of warmth despite the wintery temperatures (and their lack of snowpants!). I'm glad they looked adorable.... it makes up for my public fashion embarrassment... decked out in snow pants, a goofy hat, and multiple mis-matched coats. Too bad we didn't snag a shot of that! Ha!

I also thought I'd experiment with a new possible blog tag.... thoughts? It's probably not 'regulation' to preview this stuff before it's finished.... but.... at that rate, it might be 2011 before I decide on stuff... (too many possibilities!) and who has time for that? Anyway, I'm all ears if you have an opinion!

I'm so in love with these shots.....

They have shoes that are as cool as they are!

Matt was so great at maintaining eye contact with the camera. Sometimes this proves a challenge for folks.... but Matt was a pro!

Fabulous job you guys. Can't wait to do your wedding photography in May!

Design Gallery: Save the Date!

I was thrilled when Stephanie (brilliant blogger bride) asked me to design the 'save the date' announcements for her and Lance. I had waaaaaaaaaay too much fun and after creating an avalanche of possibilities.... I landed on this, and knew it was 'it!' I LOVE the image on the back. Thanks for your trust you two! (ps: check out her darling post with photos from the session album I sent them after their love shoot!)

houser