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!

Tucker’s 6 month baby portraits at Shawnee Mission Park July 3, 2009

You  might remember this little guy from the portraits we took when he was just one month old. His daddy was deployed during that time, and his mom got in touch with me to do an Operation: Love Reunited session. Well, I’m so glad to report that his dad is back safe and sound and I got to see the whole family for Tucker’s six month portraits! :) I can’t believe how much he’s grown!

We met up at the park for this session. Check out Tucker’s gorgeous blue eyes! Can you say, heartbreaker?? :)

His parents obviously love him… and he thinks they’re pretty funny:

Those eyes are even gorgeous in black and white!

And he makes the best faces! What a happy boy!

Some family photos:

I love the next two:

Brandi, call me if you ever need a sitter. :) I could stand to play with this cute little guy for a day!

One with dad…

And one with mom…

And let me explain this last one… :) This one’s for grandma. Tucker’s dad wore this exact western outfit when he had 6-month portraits taken… only Tucker’s dad fit into the jeans and boots that went with it. Tucker is a growing boy, so the shirt fit… and the rest, well, didn’t. :) We improvised and came out with this cute shot:

I can’t wait to see you all again at the next session! Have a great 4th of July! :)

Kansas City Maternity Photos: Rachel (and Jonathan!) May 10, 2009

It was just over a year ago that I was taking Rachel and Jonathan’s engagement photos… just nine months ago that I got to stand with them as they said their vows. And just 8 weeks from the time I’ll get to meet their new little baby girl. I am so excited that I get to be a part of this exciting time in their lives and capture it on camera.

We took Rachel’s maternity photos at Shawnee Mission park. She wanted something very natural, a little “dreamy” (okay, those are my words) and colorful, so she can use the photos in the baby’s nursery. I love how these turned out… there’s nothing prettier than a mommy to be!

Of course, the expectant dad had to get in on a few photos:

What a cute pregnant tummy! 

I LOVE this one… seriously. Rachel looks gorgeous. And the second one. I love both of these. 

This baby girl is going to be so loved…

Funny story… when we were taking shots like this next one, a bunch of cars kept pulling over on the side of the road, and staring at us… at least that’s what we thought. Then, we realized that we were standing VERY close to about six deer… who actually were staring at us. :)

I think this one would look super cute in the nursery. It fits their color scheme and everything. :)

Rachel and Jonathan, congratulations! I can’t wait to welcome your new baby girl into the world in just eight weeks. I love you guys! :)