{Wakefield Family Photography} Cristina + Josh

About 3.5 years ago, I traveled to Oklahoma to photograph Cristina and Josh's family. These two are a travelin' duo, and this fall was the first time we've had the chance to update their portraits. Do you believe that? It's stunning to look back and see how little their kiddos were.

I think our session was near their wedding anniversary - if my memory is correct, it was 10 years! An inspirational milestone. :)

Let's talk about their kids. I'm pretty sure that Jocelyn would have come  home with me if I suggested it. As a matter of fact, she moved her booster seat to the back seat of my car so we could ride to the session location together!

Oh, it's been too, too long! But it was a pleasure to spend some time with you guys! :) Glad we live closer now.

{Mulvane Senior Photography} Jordan

I headed down to Mulvane a few weeks ago for Jordan's senior portrait session. Our original intention had been to take the portraits on a Saturday evening. But because of the high school's awesome post-season performance in football, we had to reschedule. That's because Jordan is the head of the "Rowdie Crowd" .... and that's serious business when a state football title is in everyone's sights.

Even though it was overcast in the morning, the sun came out for some AMAZING portraits!

Jordan was a good sport when the sun hid behind the clouds for a bit. It was still pretty bright, though!

We headed to his grandparents' place for some more photos.

Sunset was perfect!

{Minneapolis Family Portraits} Bria + Adam's Family

Ahhh, it's always a treat to photograph Bria and Adam's family! This is the first time I've photographed them in the evening, and jus as we were about done, the sky got all beautiful. "Let me try one thing" I said .... and this is the resulting photograph. I love it!

Of course a few quick ones of the kids individually:

In order to get t he kids being really candid (below), we had to sort of trick them into it by "taking a photo of mom and dad (above). Eventually they forgot about us and went back to being goofy. I love how everyone is doing something different. :)

{Personal} Babies bring abundance

A few weeks ago, I was getting a massage from my favorite masseuse, Carol. October was a particularly full month around here, and I was telling her about how crazy it was. If I am completely honest with myself, I was actually whining about it. One thing that keeps coming to mind is "I was NEVER this busy with fall sessions before .... and all of a sudden this year completely exploded."

Carol then said three words that really get to the heart of what 2012 has been about for me: "Babies bring abundance."

Ever since she said those three words, I've been thinking about them. About how true they are. The cynic would quip about how there are an abundance of diapers, sleepless nights and the like. While this is true, today I was watching Brooks wiggle & giggle and thought "You'll never remember a single moment of this, but I'm pretty sure I'll never forget these times." These times when he's small and just looks at you like this:

Seriously, it's enough to melt my heart and help me to forget about not sleeping more than 2-3 consecutive hours for the first two months.

My husband, Erik, and I had a long journey to parenthood. It wasn't as long as some, but was longer than others. At this time last year, we knew we were pregnant and nearing the end of our first trimester, yet we chose to keep it quiet. Things were looking good, but ... well, it was a long road and we weren't quite ready to broadcast our news to the world.

Every.Single.Day I am thankful. I am thankful for our sweet baby boy, Brooks. Thankful for his soft skin (it's irresistibly kissable). Thankful that he's here safe and sound. Thankful to learn that I'm a more patient person than I thought. Thankful to see my husband transform into a father.

My heart is more full than there are words to express it. Yes, Carol is right; babies bring abundance. Joy, laughter, smiles, kisses, love. These all overflow and I'm thankful for them.

I hope your Thanksgiving yesterday was filled with abundance; that you continue to be abundantly blessed.

{Wichita Wedding Photography} Vanessa + Tobi

Vanessa and Tobi were married last month in Wichita on a beautiful fall day. October weddings are just fantastic!

A little hair and makeup.

You'll see this guitar again. :)

Tobi is a pitcher and has done some time in the pros; since Mike is a 'seamhead' (baseball enthusiast for us non-'seamheads'), he grabbed an old baseball for some portraits. And even snuck in a quick game of catch with Tobi.

Vanessa, you're just too beautiful for words!

Those are her grandfathers on her bouquet. Such a special touch!

Who doesn't love a classic car in the mix on a wedding day? 

Love a little moody lighting.

Two words: Party Bus.

We managed to grab a few romantic portraits before heading into the reception at the Marriott.

And a few more spontaneous photos, as well. :)

Baseball wasn't exactly the wedding theme, but it was a thread running throughout, including a few favorite treats during cocktail hour.

Tobi's dad, Neal, was his best man. It was extremely special to see that, plus made for some awesome wedding toasts. :)

Who doesn't love live music for the first dance? Especially when sung by one of the groomsmen.

The reception was one GIANT party, including a rendition of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" (below left), followed by Vanessa's family singing their own lyrics to that song (below right).

Vanessa and Tobi, we were so honored to document your wedding. 

Also know that Mike will never stop talking about that game of catch. ;)

{Wichita Senior Photography} Eli

While Eli is a senior at Iola High School, his family recently moved to the Wichita area, so we met up in Wichita for his senior portraits. He's finishing out his senior year in Iola, but spending some time in Wichita with his family. Talk about a unique situation!

These ties are new this year; the fellas wear them on gamedays. I kind of dig them.

Something a bit more reflective.

The required 'dude' shots. ;) We even managed to get a smiling one for mom. (I learned during my newspaper days that football dudes aren't into smiling in photos).

Love this one!