Monday, February 13, 2012

Nick & Kayla's Wedding Day

Nick & Kayla were married last year at First Baptist Church. I met Kayla at the Bridal Fair & then we met up again to discuss options. I was so excited about doing their wedding.... they were such a great couple and I was anxious to try out some new poses and techniques. The day dawned lovely and warm, perfect for a beautiful wedding.  My young assistant Hannah met me at the church and we got to work.  I'm sure Hannah was quite tired that night - I kept her hopping! She was excellent help to me, holding reflectors, running errands and much more. I was able to get some absolutely stunning shots of a very stunning Bride & Groom. The day was somewhat Fast & Furious (as usual), but very fun.  Nick & Kayla, you were great - love what we came up with!





















Is she not absolutely gogeous?

Love those eyes







This little ring-bearer was so cute - he stopped every few steps to say (in a rather loud voice) "Cheeseburger" to me.  He was very confident on what to do when he saw a camera!

Kayla wanted me on-stage during the ceremony getting pictures. Not too many Brides are comfotable with that. Gave me an oppurtunity for this amazing shot - one of my all-time favorites.
















And then it was time for our Bride & Groom shoot - just the two of them, no one else around. A definite must in order to capture true feelings and emotions.  Love the end result.














Thursday, February 9, 2012

Last Year

At this time last year, I was readying for a 10 day visit to Kentucky.  In an earlier post I talked about my first trip to Kentucky - to work at the Galilean Children's Home.  Last year, I went back to visit.  I saw old friends, made new ones and saw "my girl" Abigail again.  Just think, she's been at the home since her birth, but should go home with her mommy this Spring.  How wonderful for her!  I only wish I could see her again. :( 
I made two very good friends during my first stay - and was happy to see them again last year.  Angie is superviser at the Angel House, and Rachel was a volunteer.  I shared their room and we had a great time.  I worked while I was there - why go if you can't be a part of everything?  On our day off, we went to Mammoth Cave National Park.  That was so awesome!  Our tour guide kept us moving at a brisk pace, so I didn't get as many pictures as I would've liked, but here are some of the better ones.  A tripod would've been nice, but wouldn't you know I left it at home!

At the entrance (At Galilean Home dresses/skirts are required - so I brought no pants along. I had a little difficulty manuevering in a dress down in the cave!)

At the Mouth - a little blurry though it is!

Inside
Angie & I at the stairs - I need a tri-pod!
Rachel & I - this is known as Fat Man's Misery, and indeed it was on the tight side!

We stopped for pizza on the way home
Rachel & I just before I headed for the airport. She was raised Amish - we have such great times & interesting conversations!

I just found out last week that Rachel is coming out here to visit me!  I am so excited.  When we first met in 2009 we were both new Volunteers at the Home. She'd been there about a month before I came and she was so nice in helping me find my way around after I arrived. We have kept closely in touch since then.  Looking forward to her coming next week!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Fashion .... itty bitty style

My little sister decided to play dress-up yesterday and asked me to help her find outfits. I had already worked earlier in the day, so I was home for the afternoon and more than happy to "help". :)  We had a blast. We dug up old pinafores, leotards, gloves, a parasol, swishy skirts & plastic jewelry. She also instructed me to get her "pink trunk" from the top shelf in her closet so she could have her "make-up". (That's what she calls her lip balm!)  Once she was dressed, I had to get out the camera.  Unfortunately for me, she was more interested in playing than posing, so I entirely missed the Ballet costume she put on ...... and she let me know at some point that she was tired of "taking pictures".  Nevertheless, I was happy with what I got, and I must say she's absolutely adorable!



A beautiful "Swishy" skirt


A victorian flair - teddy bear and all!


Here she told me she wanted to wear "all white", so we went for a beach look



...and here she just wanted to wear this dress, one of her summertime favorites

I so love this girl - she brings extra joy to all our lives