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!

How Dare I!

As all cat lovers know.... the feline is an independent creature (like mother, like daughter... right?)

Merki was basking in the window sun the other day when I entered our dining room. She took one look at me and knew I was headed over to pet her (How dare I!).

So, she instantly jumped down and sought shelter under the dining room table. Here, she's giving me her "You can't get me!" look. :) What a stinker. Lucky for her, she's so darn cute!

Band of Brothers

Way back when.... I had the honor of photographing Myke's senior photos. This time, he came back for a few fun shots with his older brother Benji. What a pair these two are!

I *love* this photo. So funny that all you see of Benji is his arm! Ha ha!

Benji is studying music at Hastings College. I love the way you can 'feel' his laughter in this shot! (That purple shirt is AWESOME btw!)

A red tie.... naturally deserved some attention from the camera....

Here's Myke proving he's still got the moves that rocked his senior session last spring...

You two are a blast! Thanks for taking time out of your busy holiday schedule to come and visit!

Love Shoot: Tara + Chris

I am so pumped to be shooting Tara + Chris's upcoming wedding! Tara has some funky stylin's planned, and I can't wait to document them.

Here they are makin' the most of a chilly weekday afternoon.

Did somebody say, RED??!!!!!!

Plus shoes! Too exciting.

The lines/perspective on this shot are rockin' my world!

This may be my fave... not sure. I love 'em all!

Can't wait 'til we meet again! ;)

California Sunshine

My job is so fun! I get emails from people all over the globe on a regular basis.... and.... it's just plain exciting. I've made friends all over the place. The Internet makes it easy to exchange ideas, collaborate, share and encourage each other. Across oceans, fields, interest groups, and professions... people can connect. It's simply incredible when you stop and think about it (and even when you only ponder it momentarily!)

One such email I received way back in June (???) is from mom/graphic designer/photographer/knitting extraordinaire, Kimberly K from out in sunny California. She is a woman of many talents (the design genius behind Limberdog Design) and we started talking. Long story short.... she, her husband Aaron, and 2 cute kiddos were headed to Kansas to photograph a wedding, so she wondered if they could drive up for a photo shoot with yours truly. Well.... color me flattered!

I was stoked. They came up on a cold, Monday morning after a 3 day weekend of wedding/family/photo mania. The kids spent countless hours in the car shuffling around with mom and dad... and they were ready to get out and stttrrrreeetttccccchhhh a bit. So, that's exactly what we let them do!

Here's Miss Elisa....

Brother Mark.

The whole crew. Did they do a great job choosing colorful tops, or what!?

Here's Mark snatching Dad's glasses, and loving every moment! (He looks so much like Kimberly... it's amazing!)

I had the brilliant (not so much....) idea of giving the kids ornaments to play with. Silly me... I actually thought they'd just hold them peacefully in their hands and look angelic for the camera (can you tell I don't have kids yet?). Ha!

Of course, they became instant weapons and they were slung fast and furiously all over the studio while I tried to shoot the action and keep up with my camera. The good news is, we only broke one, and nobody stepped on the broken pieces! Yay!

Here's Kimberly chillin' while the kids explored every other part of the studio.

The girls!

Dog pile!

To me, this is what parenthood looks like. I *love* this image!

Mark is such a stinkin' cutie!

After wearing down the kids in the studio.... we had lunch, then headed downtown to grab a few more shots. Then Kimberly and Aaron stole a moment for themselves....

From California, these guys don't get the crazy cold weather that we Nebraskans have grown accustomed to. Thankfully, it snowed while the kids were in Kansas so they got to play outside in the flurries. Here, we had to make-do with leaves. The kids had no complaints! (other than runny noses!)

I *love* this one too!

I tell ya.... these kids deserve gold medals for putting up with what we put them through. As soon as they were warm and toasty in the car, they were OUT! :)

Kimberly, so fantastic to meet you and the rest of your crew. What a fun bunch. Happy and full of life! Thank you for entrusting me to capture something special for you. I hope to see you in Vegas in Feb! :)

Love Shoot: Jenni + Taylor

These two love-birds were worried we wouldn't get their shoot in before the end of the year (their wedding is in March!), but I tell ya..... where there's a will, there's a way. Anything is always possible!

I never saw this part of the stadium before (I know, I know.... I haven't been to a game for years, ok?). How cool!

Boots! 'Nuff said.

Nice work you two! Looking forward to March!

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!

Rockin' it... Ed Hardy Style

I've shot family photos for Sue and crew for 4 years now.... and I always *love* it when they call, because they are so cool to work with, and totally up for anything. :)

Here they are rockin' their best Ed Hardy looks...

Colton... oozing coolness.

Those shoes are somethin' else!

Like father, like son!

Sue and John are a stellar couple together!

Sweet.

As always, great to see you guys. Keep on rockin it'! :)