Heartland Photography

{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

{Kansas Family Portraits} Emily + Nathan's Family

I photographed this sweet little lady nearly a year ago .... but am just getting around to sharing these sweet baby portraits. Sheesh! It's been a crazy year! Miss C is just beautiful, and oh so kissable!

Dads don't typically have a request during baby portrait sessions, but Nathan wanted a photo of the whole family, which includes 2 dogs and some chickens. The dogs weren't very obedient until the chicken was in the picture, and all of a sudden, they were VERY willing to pay attention ... to the chicken. ;)

Wedding Photography • Family Portraits • Senior Portraits

{Personal} When a wedding PHOTOGRAPHER is a wedding GUEST

I go to a lot of weddings and at almost every one I imagine what it would be like to be see the kids dancing during the reception. When Brook, our daycare provider's oldest daughter, sent us a wedding invite several months ago, I immediately blocked off that weekend on the calendar. There was only one wedding where I would be.

I had as much fun as Maddie did dancing Bailey, a friend she made at Lisa's Daycare but has since moved out of town. They were both thrilled to see each other again and, along with Nate and Tommy, tore up the dance floor all night long. Or until about 9 o'clock.

While it's an honor to document the wedding story of our couples, it's nice to take a weekend to live my own story. And watch my kids dance at a wedding. - Mike

{Wichita Newborn Portraits} Mr. C

This is sweet, kissable Mr. C! Oh how sweet he was at just 1 week old! :) (and aren't those lips just kissable?????)

He's pretty good at snuggling with mom.

And Daddy kisses are just the best!

A little moody light. Love!

Some family snuggle time .... which isn't easy with a big brother who is almost 2 years old!

Big brother enjoyed playing with his trains during most of our session. :)

{Wichita Senior Portraits} Chelsye

A few weeks ago, I met up with Chelsye, who is a senior at Greensburg High School, for her senior portraits. While she attends school in Greensburg, Chelsye opted to come to Wichita for her senior portraits. She was up for absolutely anything, and the resulting pictures are stunning!

You'll notice some vintage furniture in some of her portraits. That's compliments of Ashley at Ruffles & Rust. Her pieces are AMAZING and certainly class up ANY portrait shoot!

Such delicious sunlight!

Chelsye brought such a beautiful array of dresses!

While the sun snuck behind the clouds a little early, we didn't let that get in the way of our sunset portraits .... the light, a few strands of hair across her face ... just perfect!

Wedding Photography • Family Portraits • Senior Portraits

{Walters Pumpkin Patch Wedding Photography} Rebecca + Chris

Rebecca & Chris were married on a beautiful June day at Walters' Pumpkin Patch. Family & friends surrounded these two, showering them with love and support.

Because both her father and grandfather have passed, Rebecca opted to include their photos on charms she wore on her wedding shoes.

Chris' father also passed, so his picture was included in his boutonniere; the farm was a special location because his father spoke of a windmill during his last days. It was a beautiful, but emotional day for everyone.