I am a wedding photographer, so what the heck am I supposed to put my energy and never ending urge for capturing emotion and naturally beautiful moments when weddings aren't happening and all I have left is my home and my yard? I found myself pretty down in the dumps this past Thursday. I spent the morning with my son, Henry. He has actually been my light through all of this but when a toddler is cooped up, they require an extra amount of patience.  He finally went down for a nap around 3:00 PM. I needed air. I needed time to put my earbuds in and lose myself in music. I needed nature. Since I knew I had about an hour to make the most of my time, I grabbed my AirPods and went to my backyard and literally just sat in the grass. I cried. I was feeling sorry for myself and sorry for the world, as a whole. I looked to my side and saw a little pink emerging from my uncut grass. I focused my gaze on this weed and it took me to another place in my mind. Suddenly everything was ok for a moment. Nature is pretty incredible. I can't believe how many times I have spent time in my yard over the last five years and didn't notice these tiny miracles hanging out. Perhaps, they are still just weeds to you; but I am grateful for the hour of pure joy they brought me as I focused in on all of their tiny intricate textures and details.
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Nathaniel is one of my best friends. We have known each other for 18 years... yes, that makes me feel old. We met in high school marching band. I was the drum major (the "band leader"/ conductor) and he was the lead snare drummer. It was kind of our jobs to read each other's minds and stay on the same page because as any former band member knows, the band actually follows the lead snare.
Fun fact, Nathaniel and his parents bought me my first non-disposable camera because I was burning through disposables like they were going out of style (pun intended). He grew as a drummer and made a living out of his passion for music and I grew as a photographer and well, here we are. This is my #1 whiskey drinking buddy. We all need that friend who knows that bad moods are temporary and will push your through them... we are pretty lucky that goes both ways. 
Nathaniel had been telling me he needed a good photo for a while, now. I told him that if we were going to do this, we were going to do it my way. What represents him more than anything? His drums. So we found a spot where he could go to town and I got a free show. Not that you need to bring a drum set to have an awesome portrait session; but I think it's important to incorporate the things that are in your heart. Think about that the non-human loves of your life. What are they? If you don't know, what did you love as a child? Your inner child will remind you where your passion lies.

Beck Flavors is an amazing company that started in 1904, creating custom flavors for the food and beverage industry. They pride themselves on the family-like experience they provide for their clients. They do many things right and that is one of them; along with also treating their employees like family. Every year they host a cookie day for their employees and allow the children to bake and decorate cookies together. As a photographer with Italian roots, I have to say, I don't believe anything brings people closer than cooking or baking together. 
Whether you are family or it just feels that way, get people together and spend some time doing things like this. And while you're at it, why not have it documented.  

Basically, All the heart eyes because I am OBSESSED!! Kelly and Mike came ready for adventure and making the best of an unexpected situation... SNOW!... BEFORE THANKSGIVING!!
Here's the thing, as a photographer, it's fun to be pushed out of my comfort zone. Whether it's photographing in a place I have never been to or conquering the "obstacle" of inclement weather. Even if it's not snowing, don't let the cold stop you. Bundle up, cause the winter is beautiful. If it's raining PLEASE keep your session because it's on my bucket list! And for the love of all things beautiful, if it snows, CALL ME! (insert hand phone and wink here)
 

 

There is no better way to make your engagement session your own, than to have it in your own neighborhood, walking the same walk you walk nearly everyday together. So Sweet and personal... yet, simple. 

Marisa and Adam turned Roll with the Punches into Let the Good Times Roll. They had quite a few things not go according to plan but it did not phase them one bit. They had a gorgeously unique wedding. They spent the day embracing their "soul circle" (their closest friends and family) and enjoyed delicious food and talented musicians. They utilized their venue and close surrounding areas for their photos and surprised everyone with a rad change of cloths for the reception. It was a perfect day, full of love and happiness. 

Ceremony: Contemporary Art Museum

Reception: Contemporary Art Museum

Florist: Roses and Mint

Hours of Coverage: 6

# of Photographers: 2

Size of Bridal Party: 0

Sarah and Tim are getting married!! So an engagement session was in order, of course but my favorite part of this session was watching a family come together. We went to a part of Forest Park that I hadn't explored before and had an a blast being  a little silly and making their personalities pop! 

Patty and Paul made my dreams come true when Patty called me and told me that she simple wanted me to document the day, details, and love. She didn't want any formal photos. Yes it felt against the grain but I would be lying if I said that request wasn't on my bucket list. 
Their entire day was planned outdoor and just before the ceremony was going to start, a thunderstorm began to show itself. These two did not skip a beat. They were their to celebrate their love and so, they did and did it beautifully. When it started raining, in the middle of the ceremony, they not only embraced but welcomed it with open arms. 
It cleared up just in time for them to dance and celebrate; with beautiful art, center pieces, amazing entertainment, well thought speeches, and Love that filled the room.
It was a truly lovely day and they couldn't have done it more perfectly.

P.S. I did end up pulling them to the side for three minutes as to get them a little variety. 

 

Cory and Shelby met in Kirksville while they both attended school at Truman University. They were introduced to one another in a bar,  by a friend. No one expects to actually meet the love of their life in a bar so they were taken by surprise. Cory had gotten ahold of Shelby's heart with his acts of thoughtfulness. However, there was a bit of an obstacle...a large part of her heart belonged to another; her cat, Shotsy and Cory was ALLERGIC! As explained by Shelby's maid of honor & sister, as his immunity grew, as did their love. 
Cory proposed to Shelby on a Sunset walk following a nice dinner. Her friend, who is also a photographer, was hiding in the woods capturing the entire thing!
Shelby grew up with a big love for animals including her cat and her pony so Rocking J Ranch proved to be the perfect place  for the two of them. They kept their day stress free by choosing to do everything, including photos, all in one place and as you can see, it was absolutely perfect. 

 

There is something seriously freaking cool about watching someone you went to high school with fall in love and get married; and of all the people, Jen is just the sweetest! Devin and Jen were all about making their day as stress free as possible and really just went with the flow. There daughter Riley, was the flower girl and had a BUBBLE GUN! It was pretty awesome and we had a blast exploring for about an hour and truly embracing the essence of the two of them. 

Buddy and Kristen met when they were 13! They met on myspace (I hear a all the mothers gasping) but actually grew up very close to one another. Buddy lived in a house, where there was a golf corse practically in his back yard. Like, he never has to buy a golf ball again in his life because they land in his (his parents) yard, daily. So obviously, over the years they spent a lot of time there. Either golfing, or just escaping for a walk. It seemed like just the place to have an engagement session! Since then, they've grown up and into an amazing relationship. And as you can see, are really good at snuggling and enjoying each other's company.