Marvelous Monday :: Best Onesie Ever

Check out Kaden's new digs, courtesy of the marvelous Koth family. I think it goes without saying, but this has got to be the best onesie ever made. It's still a little big, but Kaden will be sporting it every Thursday night at 8pm from now on. Marvelous, I tell ya.

Love like it's Valentine's Day

I hate to brag, but seriously, I have the best husband in the world.
Fo shizzle.

This year, our Valentine's Day plans didn't consist of anything too fancy... just a day spent running errands together, holding hands in the mall, a papa murphy's pizza, and a chick flick. In other words, it was the perfect day.

I always look forward to Valentine's Day, because who doesn't love a day devoted to LOVE, but this year, it was a little a different. We have a baby now, and it really has changed everything. Not only has my heart been opened up to love in a way I've never loved before, but I've also felt Jon love me in a way I never even imagined. He gets up without fail every time our little guy needs a diaper change throughout the night, and every time he does, I feel so loved. He makes sure the kitchen is clean, and when he scrubs that sink, wow, I can tell just how much he loves me. And when he rocks little Kaden back to sleep at 1am so my sleep is uninterrupted, I feel like the luckiest girl in the whole world.

My Jon has has been loving like it's Valentine's Day for quite some time now. It almost seems unfair that I have such a good man. I surely don't deserve him. And I'll surely never stop loving him.

2009 is Closed!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's official.
It's a bone fide fact.
A sure thing.
Totally for real.
Certain as the sun rising in the east.
True as true can be.
A done deal.

I know what you're thinking... it sounds like someone's become a bit over-zealous with her use of synonyms again. I'm pretty sure it's a postpartum symptom.

Anyway...

As of today, I am completely booked for the 2009 wedding season. I'm so excited about all the amazing weddings I will have the opportunity shoot this year! If you're interested in finding a photographer for your event, however, please feel free to still send me an email because I have a slew of fabulous photographers that I'd love to recommend :).

In addition, I am so excited to be offering a limited number of family sessions in 2009 on selected dates in the spring and fall... if you're interested in booking a session for your family or would like more information, please let me know!


Have a wonderful day!

Marvelous Monday: Vote for Rick!

Remember my friend Rick? Well, he needs your help!
(here's a pic of him from his engagement shoot late last fall)



Not only is Rick lucky enough to be marrying the lovely Katie early this spring, but he's also got something else super-exciting in the works. Rick is fab graphic designer -and I do mean FAB. He did design my uber cool logo for me, afterall. And now, he's receiving national recognition for his work. Rascal Flats and People's Choice invited fans to submit original cover designs for their upcoming album. The top four submissions have been chosen by the band, and Rick's submission is in the final four! Now it's up to YOU to decide which cover wins.

You should check it out and vote for Rick here. His design is on the top left and has the guys sitting in chairs in front of a red curtain. You can vote from the same computer once per day. So that means you should vote every day. That would be just marvelous. The results will be announced at the Rascal Flats concert on February 14.

You can read more about it at USA Today or the Post-Dispatch.

Bill and Elizabeth are married

When I remember Elizabeth and Bill's wedding, two words come to mind:

Awesome.ness.

I shot Elizabeth and Bill's wedding late this fall, and they officially became the couple with the most photos from one day EVER! Elizabeth had factored in a ton of time for us to travel and get some great photos, which I LOVED. There was no way to narrow it down to just a few pics, so I apologize in advance for the overload of awesome.ness:

the beautiful bride getting ready

Jon grabbed this shot of the ceremony at FBC St. Peter's 


I was standing by the wedding coordinator when Bill and Elizabeth lit the candle and we both held our breath as the flame grew and grew.  And grew.  

Married!


the groom


the lovely ladies.  The wind was whipping like crazy, but the ladies worked it out like pros.


Kristen grabbed this great shot of the guys while we were at the Muny


so romantic


One of my favorite pics ever!




LOVED her bouquet


Elizabeth and Bill had a HUGE wedding party! Luckily, they were all good sports, despite the freezing temps and bone-chilling wind :).  Jon grabbed this shot as the party marched toward him.  


Because their wedding was in November after daylight savings time, it got dark pretty quickly, which made our time for taking photos outdoors pretty short. BUT, because Elizabeth planned ahead, we structured the schedule to include time for night photos.  I'm so glad they did, because I LOVE the way they turned out!

Main street in downtown St. Charles has some great spots.


awesome lighting courtesy of Jon and Kristen.


Jon, me and Kristen at the reception, thawing out after shooting outside.  Attractive, I know. 


first dance


I think this is probably my favorite dancing photo ever


the heart of St. Charles Banquet Center has great windows overlooking the river and city lights.  Even more beautiful, though, is the interaction between Elizabeth and her dad.  Man, he sure does love her. 


The dance floor was packed the entire night!  Jon did a great job of capturing all the excitement

Jackie and Steven :: Engaged

Another fun session from warmer days!
I met up with Jackie and Steven for their engagement photos at the archgrounds downtown and then headed over to the landing. Here are some of my favorites:



sunflare!

quite romantic, I must say.  They could be an ad for a Ralph Lauren fragrance.

What a great pair they make! This spot on Morgan street has magical light and I just love shooting there :).

Favorite!

Marvelous Monday :: Happy Birthday Joshie

Today is my little brother Josh's 25th birthday. I think that's quite marvelous. How lucky that he should share his birthday with a made up holiday involving superstition and a groundhog's shadow. Lucky indeed.

And all you ladies, listen up.  My little bro is single ;). He likes to work out, talk about C.S. Lewis, drink a French press in the evening, and ponder the stock market. Not all at the same time, though. That would just be silly.

Happy birthday, little bro.