Married! Heidi & Jan Michael

Heidi is the incredible harpist I had the pleasure of meeting last August at Katie & Nathan's wedding. I was thrilled when she asked me to be part of her and Jan Michael's big day! When I meet with clients, I'm always excited to hear their engagement story. Everyone has a story. Even if the proposal happens in the bathroom while brushing teeth.... it's the beginning of a new family-to-be, and it's a beautiful thing!

Jan & Heidi's story is something from a movie (literally, it's all caught on tape!). Jan proposed to Heidi while she was falling from 10,000 feet. She was sky diving, and he was on the ground with an enormous sign he had made that said, "Heidi, Marry Me!"

Their wedding day was perfection. Here are some of my fave moments!

On top of everything else, Jan and Heidi are amazing dancers! Their first dance was a tango, and they totally nailed it! (Emir and I did a choreographed dance at our wedding too.... dance lessons are a great way to spend quality time together during the mania of planning that takes place before a wedding.)

Garter toss, mid-air!

What a treat to be part of your day... thanks for including us in your celebration! Best wishes for a happy forever, and a fab time in Mexico!

Married! Kelly + Greg

Scene: New Year's Eve, roughly 7pm at the Historic Grand Manse. More specifically, upstairs in the old court room (jury box still in tact!).

Details: Family and friends gathered to celebrate. Candles lit at the altar. Jazz band hypnotically seducing guests with sweet sounds. Glasses of champagne waiting on cue.

It was something out of a fairy tale, perhaps a movie. Greg & Kelly's celebration was all their own, and it was perfection. Here are some of my favorite moments.

Is it just me or does this look like Hollywood meets The Godfather? :)

I LOVE this photo. It captures all the grand splendor of the scene/moment.

You can see the old jury box on the left. The wood work is richly delicious!

Emir scores another gem! I love the doors from the hallway into the courtroom. He snagged this shot through the window.

The pastor had the most fascinating mustache. Only to be outdone by the incredible service he officiated. Well done!

The architecture in the space is simply amazing (plus, I developed a mild obsession with this clock.....)

Immediately following the ceremony, champagne was ushered in for all guests and the benediction was bestowed. (Another Emir treasure!)

This is Kelly's grandfather. I loved shooting him!

Off to the reception! This was a huge martini glass filled with personalized M&M's.

The cake was A-mazing! (I split a piece with Emir.... trimming down for a new year!)

First dance joy....

The midnight kiss!

I'm honored to have had the opportunity to be part of your lovestory for a night. And what a special one at that! Wishing you a lifetime of love, joy and happiness. :)

New Year's Shoot Shack: Kelly + Greg

Combine the Shoot Shack™ with a wedding AND a New Year's celebration and what do you get? AWESOMENESS.

Yours truly, sporting some festive attire....

Not as bad as it looks! This brave soul lost his finger in a snowblowing mishap. I love the sense of humor he has about it. Plus, he's adorable! :)

This young chap's lovely wife is pregnant. Here, he poses sympathetically. :)

This is the über fab Jackie (of Nelnet and Emmy & Ivy legend) with her partner in crime, Monte.

I had the honor of seeing tons-o-great folks at Kelly & Greg's wedding. Including, Kris & Melissa! I photographed their wedding in the fall of 2006 (before I started my blog, can you believe it?), and later, their bundle of joy.... lil' Caden. Great to see you guys again!

The Shoot Shack™ got some schmancy new signage yesterday courtesy of Tom Meyers. Tom, you're a rock star!

Shoot Shack Attack! Kyle & Courtney's Wedding

The Shoot Shack was in full swing. Here, Kyle & Courtney highlight their wedding date... Lucky December 13th. And it shows! The weather was UNBELIEVABLE for Nebraska in the middle of December! Roll on you two!

Courtney's sisters thought she needed a Cinderella photo moment to honor the style of her shoes. I couldn't agree more!

These two characters are actually my uncle Tom and his wife Patti. Aren't they a hoot? (Great to see you guys! We love you so much!!!!)

I *begged* this woman to let me photograph her. I was enamored with her spunky hair all night.... thanks for coming over to play with us! :)

The cake tonight was from Donna the Lincoln Cake Lady. All I can say is.... D-LISH!

Ya'll were on FIRE tonight! Sorry I couldn't post them all.... there are SOOO many rockin' shots. I'm sure Kyle & Courtney will let you know when the rest are posted in their gallery. Stay tuned!

Courtney & Kyle: Just

Maybe it's because she's from my old neighborhood.

Maybe it's because she reminds me so much of my dear friend Tamara.

Maybe it's because her parents and their friends, are the parents of the kids I grew up with.

Whatever it is.... it just felt right. Being part of Courtney & Kyle's families for a day was pure delight. We had a BLAST, scored some InSaNeLy awesome images and helped capture memories to last a lifetime! Here are some of my faves...

Bridesmaid broaches. GLAM-or-OUS!

Heirloom family jewelry.

Puh-lezzzz.... we cannot forget the shoes!

Yep. I pretty much love this image.

This one too!

Mac is Courtney's dad. What a guy! Here he is soaking in the moment watching Courtney and her sister. (I *love* shots like this!)

Enter: Kyle
He and I had some photo moments before the girls arrived in their (surprise!) limo.

Cue the bride!

I was almost embarassed of the silliness I was exuding during the portrait session with Kyle & Courtney. I mean, I was over the top ridiculous. But.... my antics worked! Look at the two of them!

OMG! Another fave. :)

My rule for shooting train tracks is.... DifFeReNt is good!

Yep folks.... this GORGEOUS shot was captured by my husband/apprentice extraordinaire.... (drum roll please)... Emir! He is ROCKIN' his gear in the best of ways. I'm so excited about his enthusiasm. This looks like a still frame from a classic romance movie... doesn't it?

After we wrapped up all the required formals, etc... we had a few minutes left over... so I suggested a few more ideas. I was beside myself with the outcome. These two were SO trusting and patient and willing to do anything! That, my friends, is the secret to amazing photos. Seriously.

Reowwwwwwww!

Capturing your day was pure joy you two! Thank you SO much for the opportunity to work with you and be part of your families and in the celebration. May the adventure ahead be filled with love, joy, and happiness!

Courtney & Kyle's Time Lapse Video

Since Courtney & Kyle's ceremony and reception was in the same location, I thought it might be fun to set up a camera to record a time lapse video of the whole day (letting the camera run until it ran out of juice).

Here's the result!

Heidi & JJ's Shoot Shack

The Shoot Shack made it's 2nd debut tonight at Heidi & JJ's wedding. Emir was at the wheel.... steering the shooting mania! :) Here are some quick faves....

These clever gals.... one-by-one they're spelling out "L-O-V-E."

"O" (It's Sara! The famous trampoline bride!)

"V" (The right side of this constanant is none other than Miss Lacey, who's wedding brought me to the lovely towns of Sargent & Burwell, NE. Way fun!)

"E"

Grrrrr! I think I actually had scissors in my bag..... Ha!

The father and aunt of the groom. I see where JJ gets his charm and talent. :)

Heidi's mom & dad

In the middle is Miss Gabi... Heidi's youngest sis. Such a cutie!

Way to rock the Shoot Shack guys! (Good work Emir!)

Rockin' It.... West Point Style

Heidi & JJ tied the knot today... and Emir and I were on hand to capture the festivities. It was boat loads of fun for several reasons.

1) Both Heidi & JJ... and their families ROCK. Seriously. So much fun!

2) They had all kinds of cool details including purple shoes, JJ's Great Grandmother's pearl necklace, a shawl with a schmancy broach, AND.... a feathered/netted hair piece! OMG. D-lish!

3) I feel like I've become part of the Knobbe family... as I've shot several weddings in West Point. (Seriously.... what do you want me to bring to the Christmas party guys?) It's sort of become my 'home-away-from-home.' It all started last year with Sara & Jason's wedding. Then it was Chris & Kristin's wedding. Now Heidi & JJ. The fun never ends! :)

Here are Heidi's purple pumps sporting some blue bling on the bottom that says, "I Do." You know, in case she forgets the words.... ;)

Her ring is GORGEOUS! They added 2 wedding bands (one on each side), and it really looks spectacular! (Serious kudos to Emir... this is his shot! Woot!)


Here's JJ kickin' it while waiting for Heidi to come down and shower him with her bridal beauty. :) Another rockin' shot from Emir's bag-o-tricks.

Downtown West Point has a ginormous Christmas tree in the middle of Main Street. It was at the top of Heidi's "must-have" list.... so.... we braved the FREEZING weather (seriously, it was only 28 degrees out!) and ferocious winds to capture the tree in all it's glory. Check out how JJ and Heidi make it look easy! (I think they were dreaming of St. Lucia to stay warm!)

Look at that veil!

After the ceremony, Heidi convinced the whole wedding party that outdoor pictures were where it's at (Go Heidi!!!), so we headed out for a few more. I love the bare starkness of this tree.... you can feel the crispness of the air in this shot. :)

A pure boy moment. :)

Every detail was absolutely amazing. Heidi did a phenomenal job coordinating and planning her day. I hope you treasure it forever Heidi!

Her hair stylist partied with us tonight... I asked her what you call that fancy up-do (you know... incase I feel inclined to get all dolled up again and renew vows with Emir!). She said just ask for the 'romantic' look. :) When she sends me her contact info, I'll be sure to share!

My favorite part of Heidi's ensemble (besides the dress itself.... gorgeous!), was the shawl, broach, and hair piece. She had the trifecta in full effect.

Their get-away-mobile of choice was this retro-fitted school bus. Way cool!

You two.... what can I even say? You are such great people and it has been an honor to get to know and work with both of you (and your families!) Big hugs to you both! Can't wait to hear all about St. Lucia!

Shoot Shack Debut

Tonight at John & Sara's wedding, we busted out the newest addition to the KaBloom Studios repertoire... the Shoot Shack! It's a great opportunity to create a visual guestbook & give guests a momento they'll love while capturing them as themselves. :)

Want the Shoot Shack at your wedding? Contact me!

Yours truly, with another Emmy & Ivy Vintage Cocktail Ring.... I'm an addict!

Sara + John

Seeing two folks find love like this.... just makes you smile. :)

Here's John helping his oldest son, Tony maneuver the trickier aspects of getting ready.

Sara's dress was beautiful, and fit her like a glove.

The 'princess' shoes!

Her theme for the flowers was.... simplicity. Stem Gallery helped bring her plan to life!

After getting FOUR boys ready, John could finally focus on himself.... :)

Their paths first crossed 10 years ago.... and they reconnected about 1.5 years ago. Today was the result!

Trying to get four young boys to cooperate for photos is.... kind of a lost cause. Shots like this are usually my faves because.... it captures their true 'boyhood' spirit.

Today a bride, everyday a mother. :) Sara packed a bag of 'entertainment' for the boys, including these four action figures. Too funny!

The reception was at Embassy Suites. Everything was gorgeous perfection!

More 'mother' moments. :) Little Ben needed some 'mom' time.

Sam polishing the dance floor...

I am honored to continue to be part of the family..... thank you for sharing your special day with me! Congratulations to you ALL!