Down the Aisle: James + Rena

Beautiful. Rena was beautiful. The weather was beautiful. The forming of a new family..... is beautiful. I had the distinct pleasure of being part of the beginning of James + Rena's new adventure.  And let me tell you, it was photo-licious, all the way! Here are some quick faves.... The gals got ready at Rena's sister's house. Here, Rena's shoes sit atop of grandmother's old dresser..... with antique photos from past generations.

Way to work it ladies! Always a photo opp, always!

A series of good ol' fashioned gorgeousness. I love these next three images....

On to the church! This was the second time I've had the opportunity to photograph at this church, and it is every bit as incredible in person as it appears in photos.

These next two are my FAVE FAVES.... as in, my favorites of all my favorites! Boo-ya! Look at that sky! And that vogue glam! Are you serious!?!?

More church awesomeness... .from the inside....

Vintage park glam.....

Which naturally wouldn't be complete if the boys didn't do something in front of all those urinals.... (did I just include the world urinals on my blog!?)

James, Rena and Miss Ella make three!

Their reception included incredible surprises like James singing Rena not one, but TWO songs while serenading her on guitar. Score! I tell ya, gentlemen, if you can play an instrument and can even only half-way hold a tune.... you hold in your power, the ability to seriously melt some hearts. Nicely done James! ;)

Thank you for inviting me to share such a special day with you and your families. Wishing you love and happines for many, many years! :)

Down the Aisle: Megan & Brandon

Weddings are a peculiar thing. Somehow, even amidst all the frenzy, the frazzle and stress.... it all just works out. Even if your ceremony rehearsal leaves you with lingering questions, if the shoes that you thought you packed are still at home (with a car load of other things you meant to bring to the church), and you ran 30 minutes late at the salon.... it all works out. Weddings are just magical that way, and Megan & Brandon's was exactly that---- magically perfect. I mean, they nailed it. Way to go you guys! They nailed it so well in fact, that this blog post is mega huge! Special shout out to Megan & Brandon's parents and the wedding party for being so extra fantastic to work with. :)

These are my first glance faves... narrowed down from 144 picks. Way too much good stuff goin' on in there! :) Enjoy!

Boys will be boys.... thanks for being good sports and playing along!

Megan & Brandon gave each other a wedding day card. Here, they read what the other wrote. Too cute!

See what I mean about fun?! You guys are a hoot!

A little Jamaica inspired send-off....

Congrats to you and your families! I am honored to have been invited to share in the beginning of your new adventure. Take Jamaica by storm and travel safe! :)

Nas Mali Bratic: Haris

My Bosnian just keeps getting better and better! (Of course, it helps that Emir is sitting right next to me! Ha ha!) This is our newest little nephew.... Haris, looking as cute as can be during his official newborn session I shot yesterday. :)

We love that Laura and Adis live about five (5) blocks from our house. (We have the babysitting advantage of proximity!) Here's the new family of three enjoying their front porch!

When Laura was a baby, she had her photo taken with this yellow duck, which she's held onto since then. Naturally, we had to repeat the same photo with baby Haris.... this is my old-skool interpretation of it. :)

The proud Majka i Dido!

Haris... sleeping like, a baby!

Down the Aisle: Anne + Tim

You know how sometimes when you're around great people, you just feel like you've known them forEVER!? That's how I felt the minute I walked in the room and saw Anne standing in her wedding gown and met Ruth.... her mom. With a huge grin on her face she gave me a big hug and I thought to myself.... "I have the best job ever!! What a great day we're going to have today!" And great day it was! The wedding took place at Anne's parents' house in Bruning, NE. Everything was perfect... even the rain fell on cue (only during appropriate moments... like during the reception while everyone was gathered under the big white tent). It was like a scene from a warm heart-felt romantic comedy starring the likes of Julia Roberts. Even the water cooler was awe inspiring!

Anne with her Grandpa. Isn't he cute?

Anne was stunning and Tim, who couldn't wipe the smile off his face... was one of the most emotionally expressive grooms you've ever seen. What a pair!

This is her parents' drive way. Photo-tastic!

Their day was laced with musical song. I knew something was up during the ceremony when guests were asked to sing along to "Thou True Vine, That Heals" and "Heart with Loving Heart United" and instead of sounding like... well... what most mixed groups of folks sound like when singing together in public... they broke out into multi-part harmony!

Gordon Miller continued the ceremony with some wisdom, well wishes, and an entertaining quote from "Married Lovers, Married Friends."

Anne did her own flowers (with some help from the incredible women in her family)..... they were beautiful and smelled absolutely heavenly!

The musical motif continued as their entire group of guests sang as a send-off before Anne + Tim climbed in their horse-drawn carriage and rode off into the sunset. Simply amazing! :)

Anne + Tim: You and your families are truly blessed! Congratulations and much love to you all!

Kiddos: Lily

Look at this great family! I was invited over to capture some images for them and had a ball chasing Lily here and there... and EVERYWHERE! For as tiny as she is, she sure is quick! :)

Mom and dad did an amazing job of picking out Lily's outfits for the shoot.... tons of great color!

One of her favorite places to play is in the kitchen (drawers.....).

So cute!

I am LOVING this one! :)

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to do something special for you and your family! I hope this images make you smile for years to come! :)

Love Shoot: Carrie + Bryan

Two lovebirds + one boat = awesome photoshoot! I've never worked with a boat before, but.... with a little elbow grease (thanks to Bryan!) we successfully wrangled the boat from the back of his truck into the water.... and back again. Totally worth it!

LOVE LOVE LOVE 'em! :) Thanks for your adventurous spirit you two! Can't wait for August!

Triple Trouble

I can't believe how big these three are! I remember when they were first born (before I had a blog!). I saw them again when they turned 1, and now.... they're practically driving! (well.... it seems that way anyway!) I recently had the opportunity to photograph the triplets, their parents, their aunts and uncles, AND.... grama and grampa! Too cool.

Will cracks me up! At one point, all three of the kids were rolling down the hill.... but Will was rolling sideways.

Grace holds her own with both the boys...

Zander is quick.... but I managed to keep up with him. :) Nice try little guy!

These are the folks responsible for the three tornado cyclones... :) Erin & Brian.

Erin's sister Kara is a good friend of mine, who I don't get to see nearly enough! But nevertheless, we always pick up right where we left off.... :) She and Wes are expecting their own little bundle-o-joy in October!

Polka Dots + Rain Boots

I first met lil' Sophie when she was the flower girl in her uncle's wedding. What a thrill to be invited back to the family to create these images! Sophie's mom was a great sport and let me raid her closet where I found these rain boots and matching rain coat. Bingo!

I LOVE this photo! I want a HUGE canvas of it on my own wall!!!!

Look at that lil' squishy face.... too cute!

You guys are pure joy! Great to see you again!

Love Shoot: Lindsey + Jacob

The farmer's market is a special treat here in town from May - October. When Lindsey asked me about shooting their engagement session there, I was stoked! How could I argue? A Saturday with two fab clients, at the farmer's market? Great weather and all! Sure thing. :)

Lindsey and Jacob squeezed in a little first-dance practice session.... ;) Much to the entertainment of all the passersby. I love how they could shut off the outside world and retreat into their own escape... even if only for a moment.

Jacob's family are volunteer firefighters in Kearney. Hats off to you guys! These next few are for you!

Way cool! November will be here before we know it! ;)

Love Shoot: Acacia + Tyler

When your first date was on a mini-golf course, what better location to return to for your engagement shoot? :) Look at these two workin' it! (Never mind the audience of middle-school kids that surrounded us both from ahead and behind... ha ha ha! The audience was good practice for their wedding day coming up this July!)

They actually garnered a round of applause after the shot below on the left.... :) Then, we were off to the ball park.... another special spot for them.

Acacia is just such a cutie! And her name is as beautiful and unique as she is!

My obsession with old, rusty vintage cars continues.....

Way fun you two! Looking forward to your big day in July!