Love Shoot: Hannah & Jeremy

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So... I just shot these... as in... tonight. Hannah & Jeremy rocked it so well... I couldn't wait until later to check out the take from our shoot.... so... here's a few faves. :) They're getting married in only 2 short months.... so time was of the essence. The shoot concept was a last minute idea I had that I pitched them only a few hours before call time. I'm in love! Quite the world travelers... Jeremy proposed in Paris... so the suitcases were a natural fit! Can't wait to work with you guys on your wedding coming right up!

Class of 2011: Anna

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I keep crossing paths with this incredible young lady, and I'm always shocked by her wisdom, maturity and overall grace. I *think* we first met when she contacted me about job shadowing. We got together for coffee and talked about what it's like to be a photographer, what a "typical" day (there isn't one!) looks like, and some of the challenges and rewards of owning your own business. Then, just last month, I photographed her sister Dani's wedding (gorgeous!) and I was reminded of just how incredible their whole family is and I kept thinking, "No way that's the same girl who's about to be a senior in high school!"

But at last... it was Anna. She is simply *that* awesome. :) Her shoot was straight up HOT. Hot as in, there was actually a heat advisory put out that day so I called her to see if she wanted to reschedule... but with school about to start, our calendars would play havoc trying to align for another day, so we pushed through it and got these gems.

Can't wait to bring Emir back to my Alma Mater for a home game and see you leading the marching band Anna! Rock on!

Dancing With the Stars - Salsa Style!

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So. Much. Fun! I was honored when asked to participate in the local fundraiser "Dancing With the Stars of Lincoln" for the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company and knew it would be a blast, but I was shocked to discover just how truly incredible the night would be. In the traditional show-style scoring, I score the event a perfect 10! 10 for entertainment value, 10 for the joy of connecting with so many incredible and talented members of our local community, and 10 for the opportunity to give back & support something near and dear to my heart: the arts. :)

The sheer variety of performances was impressive in and of itself. There was jazz, tango, broadway style, swing, east coast swing, modern, hip hop, cha cha and of course.... salsa. :) Some performances were as funny as they were fun, while others were simply HOT. I mean... ye-ow!

The evening was hosted by the ever gracious and entertaining Ken Siemek from KOLN/KGIN who not only kept the evening flowing with clever quips and comic relief, but managed to correctly pronounce my name on multiple occasions! The three judges; Jan Bretz, Richard Bailey, and William Stephan were hilarious and as endearing and fun to watch as the dancers themselves. Bravo and many thanks to everyone who was in any way connected to this fun event... well done!

Here's the video of my performance with Nick Hernandez. Happily, I didn't fall on my face and managed to score one 10 and two 9's. Good times!

Quick shots of myself with dance partner Nick Hernandez before/after our performance.

Special thanks to Casey Kaufman at IS Salon for my wild punk/salsa do! This is the aftermath of when I got home and attempted to comb it out (with Emir's help). So fun! I wish my hair was this big everyday... that's some massive back-combing!

Down the Aisle: Nicole + John

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What a beautiful couple! The story of Nicole & John's entire courtship all the way up through the proposal reads like a romance novel. Including things like mutual infatuation, a surprise meet up in Australia, and a ring on horse drawn carriage, is it really a surprise that the road they were on lead to a wedding? :) Lovin' that long cathedral veil!

I'm such a sucker for the father of the bride's toast..... :) Darrel hit a home run.

It just so happened that Aug. 14 was also Nicole's parents' 28th wedding anniversary! Darrel and Linda celebrated with a special dance, which included the whole family. I love this!

Party time!

You did it! Congrats!

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!!!!