Kansas City Engagement Session: Shalynn & Waylon, Shawnee Mission Park October 6, 2009

Shalynn and Waylon share a lot of things in common, but one big thing stands out: their love for adventure. From extreme sports (extreme for me, at least!), to traveling, to trying new things, these two know how to have fun. And best of all, they love to experience life together.

Waylon had the most creative proposal idea I’ve heard so far. He told Shalynn that they were going to take a trip to Denver, do some rafting, and experience Colorado. She was excited, and boarded a plane to Denver. Yet, when they got to Denver, they didn’t leave the airport. Instead, Waylon told her they were jumping on a plane bound for Los Angeles. So they did. Yet, when they got to Los Angeles, they didn’t leave the airport. Instead, Waylon told her they were actually going to Hawaii. And when they got to Hawaii… okay, okay… they stayed there. :) And Waylon asked Shalynn to be his wife. And she said yes. What a cool story, huh?

So where do you take a couple who loves the great outdoors and living adventurously in it? And where in the world do you find that in Kansas? :) We chose Shawnee Mission Park as the location, since the fall colors are beautiful there right now, there are all sorts of things to explore, and plenty of wildlife to see.

Here are some of my favorites from their session.

Pretty, pretty Shalynn!

I like this one — the light, the couple, the windy little path…

The wildlife cooperated with us for a little bit… these geese flew overhead as we were trying to sneak up on a group of deer. Perfect!

This deer cooperated for about 2.5 seconds. :) Even from a distance, I still like how this one came out!

The sunset provided a beautiful light for the end of our session. I love the colors in the water and the trees here… and how cute Shalynn and Waylon are. :)

We couldn’t take a boat out on the water (and I was too nervous to ask the fisherman if we could borrow his boat), so we just used some as props. :)

And one last one… silhouette with the gorgeous sunset!

Shalynn and Waylon — thanks so much for asking me to take your engagement photos! I hope your engagement is a fun adventure!

Kansas City Engagement Session: Jay and Andrea, Indian Hills Golf Course May 19, 2009

I never thought in Mrs. Smith’s 5th grade class that someday I’d be taking engagement photos for Jay and his beautiful bride-to-be. I never thought I’d have the chance to capture such a fun time in an old friend’s life… but that’s what I love about this awesome world of photography. It connects people. And it connects me to people that I’ve known from all stages of life.

I’ve known Jay since 1st grade. But for some reason, when I think of Jay, I picture that 5th grade classroom. Maybe it’s because that was a year that I was obsessed with taking photos at school. I don’t know how many photos of Jay and our classmates I probably have from that one year. Of course, we all look really cool. :) Anyway, Jay and I went to school together for a long, long time — and ended up at K-State at the same time, too. But it’s been a few years since I’ve even seen him, and it was such a joy to see him and Andrea together and capture a little bit of the love they share.

I’m going to start off with a series of three photos that I just love… 

They are so beautiful individually — but even more beautiful together. :) It just doesn’t get any better than a beautiful couple in beautiful golden light…

Seriously, Andrea knew how to “work it” for the camera… okay, and so did Jay…

Another series. In case you haven’t figured it out already, I tend to do a series of shots with most situations — capturing separate frames of individual instants of time that freeze a laugh, a sigh, a sweet moment.

The gorgeous ring!

We took Jay and Andrea’s engagement photos at Indian Hills Golf Course in Prairie Village, a suburb of Kansas City. It was basically empty when we were out there (they’re closed on Mondays), and it was a gorgeous location for our session. 

I love the next two. They were telling me about their engagement story — and how Andrea couldn’t believe that everyone knew it was coming (except for her)!

A few in black and white:

After the more casual portion of our session, we took time for a wardrobe change to have a more dressy feel. I love when brides-to-be opt for a cute sundress or skirt in their engagement photos. It’s very fun and flirty and is perfect for spring/summertime sessions! See how cute Andrea is? I know Jay agrees. :)

I couldn’t help myself. One more cute one to leave you with… :)

Jay and Andrea, congratulations to you two!! :) I hope you have a wonderful wedding in October! Thanks so much for asking me to do your engagement photos!

If you’re a family member or friend of the couple, click here to sign their online guestbook and view all of their engagement photos once they’re published!

Teeny Tiny, Itty Bitty, Little Baby Sneak Peek :) May 18, 2009

I know it’s torturous to give you just ONE photo from a shoot and say, “hey everyone… more to come…” but that’s what I’m doing right now.

Here’s an extremely cute couple-in-love on a gorgeous late spring evening. I can’t wait to share a biiiiiiig blog post about these two. Seriously. You don’t even know how cute they’re going to be…