Nut Crackin'

Was it because my cousins were in the show? Maybe because of the intoxicating beauty of Omaha's Orpheum Theater. Perhaps it had something to do with managing my schedule better so I had time to enjoy the show this year. I'm still not sure, but for some reason, I enjoyed 'The Imperial Nutcracker' more than any other ballet I've ever seen.

My cousin Evan (of Alphabet Book fame) as a 'Party Boy.'

Big sis Ellie (also appearing in the famed Alphabet Book) also was a 'Party Girl.'

Gorgeous details of the theater...

Overall, the show gave me the warm fuzzy feeling that comes from enjoying the fruits of human-kind's artful endeavors and constructive brilliance. It was obvious that those responsible for this production had poured their hearts into it (the costumes were astonishing!). And with all that is going on in the world right now, it was a welcomed reminder of the beauty that is possible in all of us.

Can't Help It

If you're a cat person, (and maybe even if you're not!) you will enjoy this Canadian cartoon classic. Warning: The song is totally catchy!

Stolen Moments

Tonight, while Emir and I were getting ready to head out to Red 9 to hear my sister-in-law's uncle's band (wrap your mind around THAT!), he stole a few moments alone with his guitar.

I love to watch him play guitar (yes, I said 'watch,' not 'listen'). It's not that I don't like to listen.... it's just that I really like to watch. I like to watch his face. I like the way the light from our lamps wraps around him and the way his hair tries to fall in his face.

This time, while I was mentally recording the moment and how adorable he looked, I decided to reach for my camera and capture it properly. :)

His 'music room' doubles as my meeting space. His guitars look right at home next to canvas gallery wall wraps. :)

I love you my Sweet Thing! :) You're the cutest thing EVER!

More Kelly Family Love!

I think Gina set a record amount for the number of photo shoots in one year.... THREE. We did one for Gina, her husband and the two kids. Then the crew with her side of the family, then again with his side of the family.

Here are some of my faves from our most recent installment. :) Great to see you all.... again!

Gina's parents. Aren't they adorable? I saw them again recently at Heidi & JJ's wedding in West Point. So fun!

Siblings & spouses....

More cute kiddos....

Love Shoot: Jamiee + Drew

I LOVE Jamiee + Drew's love shoot pics. Check out the urban funkiness!

(RED!!!)

(More RED!!!)

Can't wait for your big day in June!

It's Official... I'm the Shoot Shack Mama!

The name "Shoot Shack" has been federally trademarked with yours truly as the owner! That means the name is mine, and only KaBloom Studios clients get the 'Shoot Shack.' Lucky you! :)

Intellectual property law is such a fascinating field. One that is often times easily overlooked and misunderstood. According to Wikkipedia, "Intellectual property (IP) is a legal field that refers to creations of the mind such as musical, literary, and artistic works; inventions; and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and related rights. Under intellectual property law, the holder of one of these abstract properties has certain exclusive rights to the creative work, commercial symbol, or invention by which it is covered."

So... basically, when someone produces a creative work, whether they shot a photo, wrote a song, or named a rockin' photo booth.... they own the rights to that property (even if it is not officially registered). Registering it documents it and provides legal grounds for claim of ownership.

Wikkipedia adds, "The owner of a registered trademark may commence legal proceedings for trademark infringement to prevent unauthorized use of that trademark."

Kinda exciting stuff, if you can stomach the legal fees involved. :)

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!

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!