Engagement Photos: Jessica and Tim, Overland Park Arboretum October 18, 2009

Jessica and Tim wanted fall-themed engagement photos… and since fall is by far my favorite season, I was definitely up for that. :) We decided to meet at the Overland Park Arboretum, which is always beautiful, but especially in this season when all of the trees change colors.

Jessica and Tim met working at a summer camp a few years ago, were really good friends, and eventually became a couple! Hmm… does that sound like anyone else? Maybe Jeff and me?? :) I love their story!

They were so incredibly cute together — I didn’t have to “coach” them at all with the looking super cute stuff — they just do it naturally. Here are just a few of my favorite images from their session.

Aren’t they just super cute? :)

Jessica has such an infectious smile! Just lovely!

The next three photos are some of my most favorite fall-themed engagement photos. :) I love the light, the trees, the colors, and the couple!

Jessica’s gorgeous ring (good job, Tim!).

You know what I love? Spontaneous cuteness — just like this next photo:

They are so sweet. I love how they interact together.

I love these… so fun and fall-themed!

And one more!

Jessica and Tim, it was so awesome getting to know you better and capturing your sweet relationship. I can’t wait to be a part of your big day next June! :)

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: Jamie and Rodrick September 3, 2009

I met up with Jamie and Rodrick at the park on the most beautiful day in early September. The light was perfect, soft, and just before sunset. Add in two really cute people who are really in love (after 8 years together!) and it’s the best way to spend an evening. I’m going to keep the talking short and just show you their cuteness. :)

They brought their puppy Brutus, a Boston Terrier for part of the shoot!

I loved Jamie’s dress — the pink color was so cute in the rose gardens.

 See what I mean? These two are so easy to photograph… I love couples in love!

Individual head shots of the two of them… they look good together and by themselves. :)

Fountain shots!

Jamie wanted photos that showed off the gorgeous ring Rodrick picked out!

And a few more… because I couldn’t decide on my favorites!

Jamie and Rodrick, congratulations on your engagement! I hope the wedding planning goes so well! Enjoy this time together, and thanks so much for asking me to take your engagement photos!

Overland Park Engagement Photos: Robin and Chris September 2, 2009

I have the best clients. Seriously. I have the sweetest, smartest, prettiest clients in the whole world. :) I am so blessed to do what I do. If I don’t say that enough on here, shame on me. :) I love that my job means hanging out with some of the best people and getting to be  the person who captures memories for them. 

Robin and Chris are two people who I met and instantly liked. You just can’t help it. They’re great people, and their engagement session was really fun! They just bought a house, and wanted to take their photos in their new neighborhood area and in their backyard. I’m always up for personal touches and things that really have meaning for a couple, so of course I thought that was a great idea. :)

Here are a few of my favorites from their session.

I love when girls wear dresses for their engagement photos. :)

Robin and Chris were naturals in front of the camera — so photogenic and comfortable! If I didn’t know that they’re very busy people, I would think that they had been practicing… :)

After we visited the neighborhood pond, we went back to their house for relaxed photos in the backyard with their dog, Nellie. Chris has had Nellie for about 5 years, and she’s the sweetest dog. While they were changing into their second outfit, I had Nellie warm up for her portion of the photo shoot. She’s a golden retriever/hound mix… isn’t she beautiful?

Then it was out to the backyard!

I love this one. I think every couple should have a photo like this that lets them just feel the joy of being together. :)

And this one makes me feel all cozy! :)

I saved my favorites for last. These might be some of my all-time favorite engagement photos. Chris mentioned that they like to spend a lot of time relaxing in their hammock in the backyard, and that they’d love to have some casual photos like that. Um, yes! Count me in! :)

Robin and Chris, thanks for an awesome engagement session. Give Nellie a hug for me, and let me know if you try that chicken kabob recipe. :) I am so excited for your wedding next May! Congratulations!

Kansas City Engagement Session: Michael and Sara at Union Station and Crown Center July 7, 2009

Nine years ago. Okay, almost nine years ago. It was then that Michael and Sara started their love story. And today, nine years later, I have the extreme privilege of capturing their engagement and upcoming wedding this fall.

I met Michael through HOBY, which by now I’m sure you’ve all heard of if you’ve been reading this blog for very long. Michael joined our volunteer team and brought along his infectious smile and willing attitude. Everybody loves Michael. They have to. He’s just that kind of guy.

But nobody loves Michael the way Sara does. It was awesome to see the two of them interact together during their photo shoot. They have history. The kind of history that makes two people completely comfortable around one another, and the kind that allows them to be silly and have fun and share little moments together, even in front of my camera lens. 

I am so excited to share these photos with you, from our engagement session tonight in the Union Station/Crown Center area of downtown Kansas City.

Seriously… these two are cute! :)

I love the patterns that Union Station’s architecture creates:

I love summertime engagement sessions! The light is always so warm and beautiful.

Okay, I couldn’t resist posting this one — they’re so cute it’s killing me… :)

I asked Sara to take off her shoes for this one, so she’s be shorter. I wasn’t planning on doing a full-length shot… but I like it too much! :)

I love the steps that lead up to Liberty Memorial across the street.

As we were walking to the fountains at Union Station, I noticed these awesome patterns reflected onto the wall by one of the taller buildings downtown — they look like huge flowers to me. Of course, we stopped for a few photos. I love this!

The fountains are super fun. It’s a great place for kids to play in the summer, and a neat stop for engagement photos. :)

And the picnic tables are really cute with their bright colors. I also love the expression on Sara’s face in this one:

Michael and Sara, Jeff and I are so excited to photograph your wedding in October. You have no idea! :)

Kansas City Engagement Photos: Kate and Brett, Overland Park Arboretum June 8, 2009

Kate and Brett. What can I say about these two? They’re basically professionals. Professionals at being really cute, taking super awesome photos, and having fun personalities. :) I was so glad that I could meet up with them on their way from Denver to Iowa (where they call home right now). I’m really excited for their wedding next January — I have a feeling it will be here before we know it!

Their session was at the Overland Park Arboretum, a gorgeous location that I don’t think too many residents in this area take advantage of… it’s awesome, filled with trails and ponds and waterfalls — and great photography locations. :)

A pretty couple in a pretty place… perfect! :)

I think we were in a wind tunnel here… but I love some of the photos that resulted from it! :) So sweet.

See what I mean? They’re too cute. Professional models, really… :)

Like any good parents of a canine child, Kate and Brett had to have a few with their Puggle. :) Isn’t he sweet?

I encourage my couples to change outfits, wear something fun and bright and summery (if it’s summer) — I love their outfits for this session, and especially Kate’s cute dress!

And I’ll leave you with one that almost didn’t make the final cut… but I decided that I loved that Kate was flipping her hair back over her shoulder, ready for a stroll with her future husband. It’s so cute and casual and fun! :)

Kate and Brett, thanks for asking me to take photos of this awesome time in your lives/relationship. I can’t wait to work with you on your wedding day this winter!

Family and friends, click here to sign their online gallery guestbook and be notified when the photos are all ready to be viewed!

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…

Kansas City Engagement Photos: Erica and Ryan in the Crossroads District May 1, 2009

Erica and Ryan braved stormy weather to drive all the way to Kansas City for their engagement session, after a whirlwind weekend of bridal showers and baseball games! Their July wedding isn’t too far away, and I’m so excited to see them again on their wedding day in their hometown of Augusta, Kansas!

These two are so cute together — I don’t think I even had to tell them what to do… they’re just naturally adorable. :)

I love this one. Love it.

And… my favorite! :)

This wedding is going to be so much fun with these little lovebirds. :) Can’t wait!

Erica and Ryan, thanks so much for coming to KC for your engagement session. I’ll see you in just a few months!

To sign the guestbook for their entire online gallery and receive notification when the rest of their photos are online, click here!

Kansas City Engagement Photos: Amanda and Chris, Nelson-Atkins April 28, 2009

Amanda and Chris are just one of those couples. One of those couples that you can’t help but like instantly. One of those couples who know — like, really know — each other so well. One of those couples who is dedicated to encouraging each other’s pursuits and growing together. One of those couples who spots a big red kickball in a field during their engagement shoot… and who want to take a break to go give it a big kick. :)

Amanda and Chris are just one of those couples who have the kind of love that I love. The kind of love that makes for great photos. And the kind of love that lasts.

I’m so excited to share these images of their engagement session at the Nelson-Atkins museum with you. I hope the photos do Amanda and Chris’ beauty — and their love — justice. :)

I love this little set…

Amanda and Chris have this great mix of being super playful and fun… and then being so sweet and cuddly. I love it!

After we visited the Nelson, Amanda mentioned that they love to drink coffee and go all the time. So we headed to the Plaza to Latte Land for some coffee and more photos.

Amanda and Chris, you both are awesome. I can’t wait for your wedding in October.

To see all of their engagement photos (and get an e-mail when they’re all ready), click here to sign the online guestbook.