Down the Aisle: Jenn + Adam

I've been looking forward to Jenn & Adam's wedding since their love shoot. They were so easy to work with (and such rock stars in front of the camera), I knew today would be pure joy. The only hard part? Narrowing down my list of  favorite shots for a blog post that doesn't crash your computer! :) I started with about 120 favorites... and got it down to about... 30-ish. Too fun! This was when they saw each other for the first time.... (I love the tears!)

Jenn wore these cute lil' shoes... complete with a good luck penny from dad!

This lil' guy was such a flirt!

Jenn's uncle is a florist in Iowa. These are his works of art. Gorgeous!

The little guy needed a nap. There's no place like the here &  now!

I LOVE this image!

The weather cooperated for this lovely ceremony!

I love sand as an alternative to a unity candle. So artsy (and great for venues where they don't allow fire)!

Gosh guys... I don't even know what to say. Your day was smooth like butter, and you both were AMAZING. I'm so happy to have been able to be part of it!!!

Pretty as a Pin-Up! (Vintage Style)

What is it about old classic/vintage artwork that is so........ endlessly appealing?  I've loved vintage artwork since my grade school days when I spent hours on end drooling over Normal Rockwell paintings in a beat up old book my parents used to keep on the living room coffee table.  Since then, I've gathered and studied books of old master's classic pin-up paintings, looking forward to the day when time/energy/resources would permit me to pay tribute to the old classics in a new way, offering my clients a ridiculously cool and unique portrait experience. It's finally here & it's all yours!

I've amassed a collection of vintage wardrobe pieces and have teamed up with two fabulous hair and make-up stylists (Lindsay Epperson & Casey Kaufman) to offer you nothing short of a total transformation! Pin-up portraits make great gifts for husbands, husbands-to-be, and... of course... yourself!  Bachelorette parties? You bet 'cha! Contact me for more info!

Here's what some of the gals have said so far... "What an experience! I never knew I had "it" in me to suddenly pop my hips and give a smirk! The hair, makeup, clothes and accessories truly transformed me for the day. In the end, your energy and direction made me an iconic, classy pinup!"  -- Christina

Ladies, can you dig it? ;) (be sure to scroll down to see the behind-the-scenes video!!!!!)

Of course, I have to throw in a lil' behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to make it happen... too much fun!

The next upcoming pin-up dates are: Sunday May 31st, Sunday July 19th, and Sunday August 30th. Plan ahead and let me know if you're interested in more info!

Emir's Going to be an Uncle!

Emir's brother Adis and his beautiful wife Laura are expecting a lil' bundle of joy any day now! I caught up with them a few weeks ago to photograph their anticipation. These are some of my faves.

Like Emir, Adis is very artistic. Haris provided the inspiration, and Laura's belly made the perfect canvas!

Haris is due May 10 I believe, but we're told he could arrive any time now!

They have the nursery all prepped and ready for him! Check out the incredible tree and monkey that Adis painted on the wall!

This picture is just plain silly! I've always been in love with their adorable kitchen, and every time we're over, I can't help but notice that cute lil' tea pot. Laura humored me by letting me snap this... ha ha!

Can't wait for Haris to get here! We love him to pieces already!

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!