{Anniversary} Sarah + Ryan

Congrats, Sarah & Ryan, on such a wonderful 1st year of marriage. Happy Anniversary!

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{Photojournalism} Diaconate Ordination, Diocese of Salina

It's been such a full summer; I didn't realize I'd not yet blogged this ordination! Three men were ordained to the transitional diaconate at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina in May. God willing, these three will return next May to be ordained priests. I'd have to go back and look at the newspaper articles, but it's been many, many years since this diocese has had 3 ordained at one time. It's a big party! 

The first part is the "laying on of hands."

Next, each candidate pledges obedience to the bishop and his successors.

They receive the Book of Gospels.

It just looks like the guys are taking a nap. This is the Litany of the Saints, where they lie prostrate and pray.

It's always fun to have an ordination or other event that is purely photojournalistic, a true return to my photographic roots!

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{Anniversary} JulieAnn + Paul

Happy Anniversary, JulieAnn + Paul ... may you enjoy many more sunsets together!

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{Wichita Engagement Portraits} Lacey + David

Lacey and David have such a special love story. When we met up for their engagement portraits in Wichita, they shared that their meeting was completely by chance. Sort of. David's brother met Lacey's friend online, and when it came time to meet, they didn't want to meet a stranger solo, so along came Lacey and David. As backup. Little did they know they'd be meeting their spouse. :)

 Loved the crazy-beautiful light!

Digging these post-sunset pics as of late.

Since David brought his sweet new ride along, we grabbed a few pics with the Mustang.

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{Kingman Newborn Portraits} Caty + Tyler's newest addition :)

It's always such an honor to document a couple's wedding day ... and Caty & Tyler have invited us back for other events, as well. Mike captured some anniversary portraits, then some extended family portraits in the years since their wedding. But this year, I had the complete privilege to photograph their sweet daughter, Miss H. Oh, she's just so precious!

Newborn photography is always such a special time, and I was happy to travel to Kingman to capture Miss H's newborn portraits.

Mommy snuggles are just the best!

Dad is already wrapped around her little finger!

You might remember from Caty + Tyler's wedding photos that Tyler is a volunteer firefighter (post HERE) ... and they wanted to include some of dad's fire gear .... which is probably my favorite picture from the entire session!

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{Salina Wedding Photography} Amber + Lucas

Ahhhh, Amber & Lucas' wedding. It's been one we've been looking forward to all year, and when last weekend arrived, the day was perfect. The entire day was a celebration of love and the joining of two amazing families. AMAZING FAMILIES.

From the moment I arrived at Blondell's Salon & Day Spa as Amber and her bridesmaids had their hair and makeup done, the day was a celebration of the love shared between Amber & Lucas, but also the family and friendships that helped mold these two into the amazing people they are today.

Amber had a full set of bridesmaids, and these girls were such a joy to spend the day with! They wanted a picture of all of them in hair & makeup, wearing the most adorable robes Amber gave each of them. Seriously, it took a little convincing for the bridesmaids to put their dresses on .... they wanted to wear their robes down the aisle!

Anyhow, the girls did some smiley, then wanted something more serious. And Amber can do serious. Seriously! ;) The bridesmaids were totally cracking up, and Amber kept her stern face the entire time. I suppose her "no nonsense face" gets plenty of practice being a 5th grade teacher.

We've witnessed some wonderful gift exchanges, but I think Lucas' gift totally takes the cake. Hands down, best gift ever. A new watch, with a note saying "I wanted you to know that when you wear this and look at it, that for every hour, every minute, every second that I love you." .... the bridesmaids (and me too!) were in a puddle of tears. So sweet!

Amber & Lucas shared a beautiful First Look at the Stiefel Theatre in Downtown Salina.

Their wedding was at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina, where 29 years ago, Lucas' parents were married.

One of Lucas' customers loaned the couple a 1966 Thunderbird as a getaway car ... and it made for some amazing portraits!

Even though it was 105 (seriously; not kidding!!!), neither Amber nor Lucas made one complaint about the heat ... and allowed us to grab some beautiful, soft, romantic wedding portraits just outside of Salina.

I'm such a sucker for dads & daughters ... Amber's dance with her father was one of the most emotional I've ever seen. As you can see, the bridesmaids were even tearing up!

Aaaaaand, there was a very special guest later in the evening. Since Lucas played football at K-State, they arranged for a special visit from Willie, K-State's mascot.

The wonderful DJ Cain kept the party going, even though it was a warm one!

Amber & Lucas, thank you from the very bottom of our hearts for asking us to document your wedding. It was such an honor to witness the joy and love of two amazingly caring people celebrating such a wonderful day. Your genuine kindness and caring for others is so inspiring ... and we wish you many, many years (decades!) of happiness.

Hugs,
Karen

Wedding Photography • Family Portraits • Senior Portraits