Down the Aisle: Shannon + Jared

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The love of high school sweethearts must be in the air... Shannon  & Jared are another example of young love that stands the test of time. (Are you loving her bird cage veil as much as I am!????)

Cute as can be.... one of the highlights of their day was an old video clip featuring Jared dedicating his performance of a Tim McGraw song to Shannon at a high school talent showcase. Classic!

Are you serious!? Lemons were the theme... and it was pulled off flawlessly!

These two cuties are simply adorable. They were all too eager to show off their dance moves (big Michael Jackson fans, apparently....)

Jared's mom Sue made this cake, and Shannon told me the yellow ribbon came from a fabric collection they saved from her grandmother's house some years ago. I love special touches like this... they add so much significance.

Jared has such a great smile.... he is beaming from ear to ear!

Have a great trip guys... it's time to relax and enjoy!

Down the Aisle: Jenny + Jared

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Funny how something as seemingly innocent, like a name... can pack such a powerful punch. Today was the day that the girl I've known for years as Jenny Polson, became Mrs. Jenny Steinhauser. (Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?) While wrapped up and neatly tied in a beautiful gown, Jenny's transformation was complete with pink bling frosted shoes (see below). As I arrived, she was just about to open this card from the man now identified as her husband, Jared (aka: Mr. Steinhauser). :)

Big dog lovers, this card was the perfect choice to make Jenny smile (and cry). :)

Accompanying her card, was a beautiful pair of diamond earrings (see below). Nice choice Jared!

Immediately after snapping this photo, Addison asked me in her cute little voice, "Can I see (the picture)?"

I never knew Jenny was so crafty! The three flowers and ribbon under the bust of the dress were all her handiwork... they made the perfect finishing touch on a dress that is now truly one-of-a-kind!

Being part of Jenny and Jared's wedding was a trip down memory lane. Between swim team, dance team and good ol' high school in general, it felt like a mini-reunion!

These two lovelies, Lindsey & Nicki, busted out some dance moves in the hotel suite and thought I was kidding when I told them it could end up on the blog.... :) How could I not? Look how adorable they are!

Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something.... blue. :) A great solution for incorporated her grandmother's blue ring!

Jenny's craftiness continued with these embellishments to Addison's dress.

Jenny's mom looked on with excitement.... :)

Va-va-voom! Love this. (Check the pink shoes!)

Pretty new earrings... courtesy of Jared.

Speaking of.... Jared was anxious to get the show on the road!

Their dog, Herbie, was part of the fun too. He came down the aisle with Ryan... while wearing the rings on his collar, which is also how Jared proposed!

Ryan &  Addison walk Herbie down the aisle...

And.... they're married! In a wonderful ceremony surrounded by loved ones... they tied the knot (and Jenny got a new last name)!

What a treat! Getting to be part of the family on a special day in their lives... reminds me what it's all about. Thanks guys. :)  Greece is waiting for you!!!!

Down the Aisle: Dani + Adam

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The theater lights shone down upon the Lincoln East High School stage, illuminating Dani & Adam as they stood side by side in the chorus of their high school musical, "The Pajama Game." They began a friendship that at the time, left them completely unaware that some seven-ish years later, they'd find themselves side by side again... only this time, they'd be standing at the church altar. Doesn't that just give you goosebumps? :) The epitome of high school sweethearts, their story is as sweet as it is classic. Emir and I are honored to have been invited to share the day with this adorable couple and their loving parents, Bob & Mary and Roger & Jean.

After experimenting with a few fun ring shot ideas... I decided this was my fave. :)

A sweetheart neckline for a sweetheart gal!

Dani's dad Bob grew these dahlias in his garden! I'm told he is an award winning dahlia grower with all kinds of gorgeous colors punctuating his yard. I imagine it must smell amazing...

L.O.V.E.

After the ceremony, the wedding party drove golf carts to the reception. What a fun idea!

In a screaming endorsement for lighting decoration, I'd like to point out the green uplights along the wall. They were gorgeous and completely transformed the space.

Bob gave several toasts... fondly referring to himself as the FOB (father of the bride). You wore it well Bob!

The wedding party and guests were a sight to be seen (and heard!). They all appeared to feel right at home on the dance floor... moving with ease and grace... they could even be heard singing along to most the songs! Talk about a party!

Congrats guys! Thank you for entrusting us with capturing the beginning of your new adventure! :) Enjoy your trip! (Anna- see you soon!)

Down the Aisle: My Baby Bro!

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I was eight years old the year our family of five became a family of six, and my new baby brother quickly became the center of my universe as I test drove my expanded role as 'big sis.' I remember teaching him how to count, studying the different colors... and the way he used to say 'lello' instead of pronouncing the 'y' in 'yellow.' I made him snacks, rocked him to sleep, took him for walks and... introduced him to the music of Michael Jackson.  :) One day in the elementary school cafeteria, while devouring my favorite PB&J sandwich, I was asked a question whose answer could easily have caused the downfall of an entire social structure... potentially forever banning me to a lifetime of eating alone at the table in the corner.

"Who's your best friend?" they asked. The 'cool' answer (the one that would keep some distance between me and the table in the corner) would have been to answer with the name of whomever was the popular kid in class at the moment. Of course, I've never been a person who cares for those sort of games... so my answer was an honest one. I confidently replied, "My little brother."

However 'uncool' that answer may have been... I didn't care. I meant it.

Well... that was 20+ years ago. Nick has had a new best friend for quite some time now... her name is Jamie, and the two of them got married yesterday. :)

In keeping with tradition, my incredible aunt Theresa made Jamie's dress along with this gorgeous, gorgeous bird-cage veil. Simply stunning.

Also keeping with family tradition, Nick & Jamie's wedding was held at the Pla Mor Ballroom where I captured this image of Jamie putting on her veil. I'm not sure if it's the vintage charm of the Pla Mor, of the elegant positioning of her hands... but I absolutely love this image, and I knew I would the very moment I clicked the shutter.

Wow. I'd like to introduce you all to my new sister-in-law! :)

All grown up now, Nick is truly a force to be reckoned with. He has managed to successfully juggle a relationship with Jamie along with being a father to Cole... all while busting his butt as a pre-med student who recently schooled the MCAT. I am insanely proud of him (which I tried to convey with a toast at the reception... but have only a vague recollection of the words that actually came out of my mouth).

I love this!

The humidity alone was enough to move someone to tears... but Jamie's tears here are happy ones. :)

Holy heck! I was hoping to capture more images of little Cole dressed up in his penguin suit (aka: tux), but the humidity was pretty unbearable. We sought shelter in the air-conditioning after only a brief moment... but not before I snagged this. Heart stopper! My mom calls Cole 'charmer,' and that... he is. :)

These may be the best ring shots of all time.... :) Love those little hands!

Nick's friend BJ is definitely part of the family. Cole knows him as 'Uncle Beej.'

My other little (but definitely grown up!) brother, Tony. We're excited to have Tony back in town, having recently moved home from Colorado. He and Nick are study buddies as they both continue to plow their ways through school. Such good guys.... I am one seriously fortunate gal, I tell ya!

Of course, I can't leave out my sister Gina. She and her husband Roy just moved to Iowa where they live with their son (my newphew!) Dominic. This photo is especially fun because Dom is wearing the little linen suit that Tony wore when he was little. Gotta love that!

Go ahead... see if you can look at this photo without getting a smile on your face!

My Doad (as we call him... rhymes with 'toad'). Isn't he cute? Here he gathers his thoughts in preparation for a toast to Nick & Jamie. I adore this shot... almost as much as I adore him! :)

Having become quite the master potter, my mom ambitiously made all the centerpieces! Each vase is unique... hand crafted with love. :) What fabulous wedding favors!

Here's two of my absolute favorite people in the whole entire world. Are they cute or what? I love watching them dance... always good for a photo opp. :)

Love you all!

Get Ready Lincoln... Yours Truly is Hitting the Dance Floor, Salsa Style!

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Quick, quick, slow... Quick, quick, slow... around the dance floor Nick and I will go! My voicemail indicator was staring at me, as it usually does... letting me know I had a new message. It was late (the middle of the night), and I was curious. I dialed in and a few moments later, heard a woman's voice (the fabulous Deb Schulte) kindly telling me that I was invited to participate in this year's "Dancing With the Stars of Lincoln." I squealed with excitement and immediately began fantasizing about music/wardrobe. :) Needless to say, it was hard to go to bed after that! :)

A fundraiser for the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company, it will be a night of great music, wonderful food, and pure entertainment... all with a good cause. The catch? I have about 3 weeks to finish learning and polishing our routine to hopefully avoid total humiliation on Aug. 20th. Yikes!!!

Other folks you may know that are participating incude Nancy Becker (LPS), Nancy Biggs (LPS), Gene Brake (Home Realty), Dave Hansen (Swanson Russell), Dr. Paula Harre (Harre Orthodontics), Brittany Jeffers (Channel 8), Amanda McGill (Nebraska Legislature), Corey McKeon (former Husker player), Gina Sherwood (B107), Dr. Jeff Tomjack (Women's Health Center), Terry Wagner (Sheriff), and my dear friend and crafty extraordinaire, Sarah McCurley (Emmy & Ivy).

The best part? You're invited!

Friday Aug 20, 2010 @ Embassy Suites Doors open at 6:30 (be there to snag the best seats!) Dinner & cash bar start at 7:00 pm, Dancing competition starts at 8:00 Tickets (including dinner): $75.00 per person ($850.00 for a corporate table of 10)

To get your tickets, contact Dr. Michael & Rita Dowd @ 402.421.2173 or Dale Miller @ 402.421.4639

Here are some heinously low-quality images (captured from low-res video stills) of myself and our choreographer Sean Siedhoff (Basically Ballroom). My awesome dance partner, Nick Hernandez was operating the camera (thanks Nick!). :) Next time, I look forward to capturing some imagery/footage with him in it! :)

Now... what to wear!?

ps: If you think you'll be in the audience, let me know! A gal performing a dance she learned at lightning speed can never have too many cheerleaders! :)

Down the Aisle: Maika + Scott

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Only a few days ago, Maika's dress was in 10+ pieces. Can you imagine? Literally.... it was in pieces. It had been altered at a dress shop in Oklahoma, and somehow... it didn't go as planned. Maika's mom Marcia came to the rescue and pretty much gave it a complete makeover. Isn't that just like a mom? They always seem to have a way to magically make it all better. :) If this story makes you anxious and you need a good laugh... check out Maika's take on it on her blog. Hilarious!

High school rivals turned love birds, Maika and Scott were practically fated to be together. During her dad's toast, Bill mentioned that he and Maika's mom have known Scott's parents, Steve & Deb, for years. They always thought Maika & Scott should date... and today... they watched as their children exchanged vows giving their hearts to one another as husband and wife. How fortunate both families are! :)

l.o.v.e.

adorable.

I'm diggin' both of these shots and couldn't decide which one to post... so.... here's both. :)

Scott is preparing for a grand new adventure as an F-15 pilot for the U.S. Air Force, so naturally... having programs that fold into paper airplanes was a must. What a great idea! (Note the adorable instructions at the bottom....)

This one is practically a heart stopper. Yeow-sa Maika!

The reception was held at Nebraska's Strategic Air & Space Museum. Suh-weet!

I'm told that Scott surprised Maika with dancing lessons before the wedding... and boy oh boy, did it show! Nice work guys!

Scott was in charge of the cake toppers... bride & groom jets. lol!

They drank champagne from the classic “brautbecher" cup. It's said that whoever empties their cup first will be the boss of the marriage. The jury is still out of who won... it was a close call!

The reception entertainment included the vintage vocal stylings of Michael Walker.

Had to bring it home with a portrait alongside one of the classic planes... :)

You did it guys! Thanks so much for inviting me to be part of it.... what a treat!