Just Because...

Because you can. Because it's fun. Because tomorrow is Tuesday (or... as I write this, tomorrow is Sunday). Andy called me up (actually, he emailed me....) and asked me to book a shoot as a b-day surprise for his sweetheart. These two cutie pies are young college pups who just wanted to have some radtastic photos together. That's about as much 'because' as ya really need. Way to rock it out you two!

(ummmm.... is she super model gorgeous, or what!?)

Lovin' that scarf! I also was touched by the incredibly gentle way Andy has about him. He is an ever doting boyfriend. Always sure to open doors, etc.... appears that he is quite smitten!

and the shoes.... ;)

Their 'just because' shoot took us to a carousel. Color me excited! That was a welcomed surprise!

Andy had some very definite ideas about what he wanted.... here's my loose interpretation of one of them.

Cute as a button!

You two are adorable. Thank you so much for thinking of me for such a great shoot!

Strawberry Girl

Would you believe this is the same little girl whose birth announcements these are? She's almost 2 now. Her dad had these words to describe her: "You know the movie 'The Incredibles?' That scene at the end when the kid burst into flames and runs around all over the place? That's Alaina." She's a fire cracker alright. I had a blast chasing her around last weekend when my uncle Brian surprised my aunt Theresa with a family photoshoot for Mother's Day. Sarah even flew in from Chicago to pull one over on ol' mom. :) So much fun you guys! (Brian, the bacon and eggs were d*lish!)

Here's Alaina pretty much laughing at us for even trying to convince her to go sit with the rest of the group. She's like, "Yeah right!"

Then, in a triumphant display of her independence, she happily walks off. :)

Grama had her snuggled up before she got too far!

Grampa is just plain silly!

Aunt Sarah supervises the Mr. Potato Head session... (Happy b-day Sarah! See you in Chi-Town soon!)

Grampa and Grama (aka: Uncle Brian and Aunt Theresa). They're the best!

Eli + Fam

This lil' squirt gave me a run for my money! He was pure boy, and as such, was constantly on the move. I had a blast chasing him with my camera... here are some of my favorites. :)

I LOVE this photo. It so..... real.

After Eli was thoroughly upset with me for chasing him around outside, we headed in for some bathtime fun. (He was MUCH happier about this!)

Too cute!

LoveShoot: Kylie + Jim

Let the countdown begin! These two lovebirds are tying the knot in early August.... so this love session came just in time! I'm totally diggin' this warm, yummy light. This first image would be GORGEOUS in a huge canvas... if I do say so myself!

More warm yumminess....

Jim was such a good sport... dare I say he even enjoyed our shoot?! I think so!

Love the sail boats in the background...

I love the look on his face here. He looks like such a protector. I think Kylie knows she's in good hands. :)

More warm yumminess!

Awesomeness!

So awesome you two! Can't wait for August. Not too much longer!

Emily: 30, Olivia: 1

To celebrate Emily's recent 30th birthday, she wanted photos (naturally! who doesn't want photos for their birthday!?). I was happy to help! I arrived to find this darling bundle of joy otherwise known as, Olivia. Is she precious, or what!?

Not too sure about grass yet....

Better stay  on top of mom and dad... don't get near that green stuff!

I'm in LOVE with the series of images I got of Trav swinging Olivia around through the air... this one is my fave.

I hope you had a very happy birthday Emily! Hugs to you all!

Straight Talk: Kjerstin & Joel Tell it Like it Is!

Back in February, Emir and I made a trip out west where we had the opportunity to connect with the ever fabulous Kjerstin & Joel as well as two radtastically great guys... the Bui Brothers. I wanted a way to show future (and potential future) clients what it's really like to work with me as your wedding photographer. What better way than to hear it straight from people who've been there, done that? :)

The Bui Brothers are real pros at capturing the client's side of the story. So easy to work with, and absolutely know their stuff. If you've seen their online presence, I have to tell you, they do not disappoint in person.... Thanks so much guys!

A  super special thank you to Kjerstin & Joel. You two are nothing short of treasure!

PS: This whole event came about through twitter, where I first met Lan and Vu Bui. We hit it off, and eventually got to break bread in California. How cool is THAT?  Two cheers for social media!

LoveShoot: Aaron + Jenn

I've been dying to blog this session for EVER! I got together with Aaron and Jenn a few weeks back and we headed out for a love shoot that, unknown to all of us, would wind up at the movies! Avid movie goers, these two casually mentioned that they spend a lot of time at the theater downtown. My gut reaction? Let's go!

I fully expected to get the door shut in my face when I asked about shooting inside.... but.... it just goes to show that it pays to ask because you just never know!

How cute is this place???? Aaron and Jenn make it look even better!

I think this one is my FAVE!

When we wrapped, they told me more about how their wedding plans are coming along. They have some neat things in store for their guests - I am pumped!

Cuddle Time!

Baby blue. Royal blue. Powder blue. Tiffany blue (now there's a good one!). So many different shades and tones of this hue, but nothing can quite compare to the blue sparkle of Lukas's bright blue eyes! (How cute is mom!?) :)

This family is so laid back. They know how to relax, have fun, and enjoy each other's company. Working with them was a breeze!

I think lil' Lukas is a lil' copy of his daddy-o!

Justin and Jen are two peas in a pod. Such an adorable couple! I haven't quite figured out why, but Justin totally reminds me of my brother-in-law, Roy. Too funny!

Enjoy your photos! :)

Down the Aisle: Caitlin + Nate

When I woke up this morning, it was pouring. I thought for sure we'd be caught in a downpour (like their loveshoot session!). But.... the sun came out, and instead of bringing rain gear... I should've brought my sunglasses! Here's Caitlin sneaking up on Nate!

Nicely done team. :) Have fun in Cancun!

Katie + Brad: Down the Aisle

Does Katie look like a starlet in this image, or what!? A glowing bride, for sure!

I love the thought and attention that goes into every bridal detail. Even putting on the dress becomes a practice of intense focus. Here, three lovely ladies assist.

The groomsmen were quite entertaining, in and of their own right.....

The reception was held at the Omaha Livestock Exchange, on the 10th floor. I'd never been there before... what a treat!

Gorgeous!

Katie's dad gave her a heart felt hug after the father-daughter dance. A great moment!

Thanks so much for inviting me to share the day with you! Safe and wonderful travels!