Clayton and Kinsey :: Finally

I don't even know how I can possibly sum up the story of the people in this shoot. It feels like I've been waiting 5 years to take these photos... well, because I have. Let me explain...

Clayton and Kinsey both attended the University where my husband and I worked (Jon still works there, but not me). We knew Clayton and Kinsey in so many capacities... they both were undergrad students, then student workers, then part-time employees, then graduates, then full-time employees. In the middle of all that, though, they were Resident Assistants and worked really closely with my Jon. From the start, Clayton and Kinsey were really good friends and their banter was so familiar and easy and just so.... right.

Clayton would make a silly joke... Kinsey would call him Clay David... we would all watch, wondering when one of them would make the first move. "We're just friends," would be the response when they were asked about each other. I hated hearing that because it was so painfully obvious to me that were, without a doubt, made for each other. I wanted to hold a pillow over my face and scream into it every time I saw them. Ah, the suspense.

I think I was especially annoying to Clayton ... I was always trying to get information out of him and telling him to just ask her out, dang it. He was taking it slow, though... much to my watchful chagrin.

During the course of their time at the University, Clayton and Kinsey started dating. "Finally!" I thought to myself. But it was weird. Not to me, of course... I could see that they were destined to be together forever. What can I say, I have a gift. But it was weird, because it wasn't the right time. So their short stint as a couple ended. I was super bummed. My pillow screaming resumed.

In typical annoying fashion, though, I kept my finger on the pulse of their friendship (through my bff facebook, of course), and wondered if anything would happen between the two of them. And then, a few years after they graduate and when Clayton was on the brink of moving across the country, Clayton called and asked if he could stop by our place to talk.

I waited on pins and needles.

After what seemed like an eternity of small talk, he said it:
"I like Kinsey. I'm gonna talk to her."

Clayton seemed so mature in that moment... a far cry from the 17-year-old we had first met so many years ago... and I knew that he knew she was the one. It had always been her, and now the time was right.

And now they're getting married! It's been such a huge honor for me to witness their story unfold through the course of time. And now, I'll have the distinct privilege of documenting the culmination of something I've been looking forward to for years.

Just a few photos we took on a frigid winter's day. Actually, I think frigid may be putting it a bit lightly... I've NEVER been that cold before on a shoot. But it was worth it :). As always, more on facebook.









something about this photo looks kinda out of place....




Love this one of them. They're gonna be together forever.




I just can't believe they're getting married!!! So excited beyond belief!


Clayton is pretty excited too

Can't wait till July!

I'm terrible at waiting

Ugh. I hate waiting.

I'm terrible at it.

I remember one time when we were in Chicago with some friends, we were looking for a good restaurant for dinner on a Saturday night and had just a terrible time finding something. The first place we stopped was way over-priced for our walking attire, so we left just after looking over the menu posted outside the entrance. The second place we stopped featured all outdoor seating by the river... and a big fat rat who liked to dine on the leftovers. We were out of there before we could say "Ratatouille." Knowing that the Grande Luxe on Michigan Ave would for sure be delicious, we decided to head there. A friend had told us they had amazing beignets and dang it, I was going to have one and it was going to be delightful. Well actually... I didn't really know what a beignet was at that point, but I WAS going to find out. I heard it was like a donut but more fattening and better tasting and more expensive. That's my kind of food right there.

The wait at the Grande Luxe was about an hour. Did I mention I hate waiting?

We decided to just stick it out so we could finally get some food (two of us were pregnant at the time and waiting for food was like torture), but after an hour passed... and then an hour and a half... and then almost two hours... my patience had run very thin. Ok, who am I kidding... I didn't have any patience to begin with. I was so hungry that I started eating them lemon in my water. It was gross. I didn't care.

When we finally got a table, I immediately turned to the dessert section of the mene. And then I found the beignets. Score. Then I noticed they took 45 minutes to cook. Boo.

By the time we FINALLY got our food after waiting for honestly an unreasonable amount of time, it was well after 10pm. I didn't care about waiting for those beignets anymore. I just wanted to go back to our hotel and prop my swollen feet up and sleep. So I asked for them to be boxed up so I could take them with me.

We walked across the street to our hotel and I think I still had a scowl on my face. I told you I was terrible at waiting.

After we switched on the television, I settled into bed and started to drift off to sleep. And then I thought about the beignets. "I wonder if they're still warm," I pondered as I sat up and made my way toward the sweet smelling box of delights. "It's late, but maybe I'll just eat one right now. I did wait all that time. I think I deserve a reward."

A few moments passed and then I gave in. Just one beignet. And then one beignet turned into two. And then three. And then almost the whole order (and not surprisingly, I gained double the amount of pounds I should have during the course of the pregnancy.). Jon looked at me disapprovingly as I devoured the tasty french treats. I wouldn't look him straight in the eye because I just couldn't. I didn't want to take my gaze off my prize. Those beignets were incredible!! Everything about them delighted my palette and warmed my soul. If I had had a guitar with me that night, I would have written a sonnet about them at set it to music... and I don't even play the guitar. My scowl melted into a smile almost immediately and the world seemed like it suddenly became a better place. Every hurried bite was more delicious than the next.

Even though my cheeks were puffy because I was eating so fast, I found the strength to look over at Jon and say, "This was SO worth it."


And on a related note, I wanted to let you in on a little behind the scenes info... I've been working on designing a new blog this winter with bigger images, easier navigation, and a couple of cool features that I really just adore. I told quite a few people about this, and I had planned to launch the blog on January 1, but, as you can clearly see, that didn't happen.

The design work for the blog is pretty much complete -and has been since December- but as I was evaluating my business goals for 2010, I kept circling back to the idea of developing better branding, and creating a clearer image of who I am and what I love.

So that's what I'm doing right now. I'm overhauling everything with the help of a fantastic creative team, and to encourage a cohesive design, I'm going to wait to launch my new blog until the creative process is complete. I haven't been super consistent about blogging new images from wedding and portrait sessions because I wanted to fill my new blog with content from my amazing 2009 clients. But I hate waiting :). I'm going to start posting like a fiend now. Just watch out... I have a lot to say :).

Until then, my nearly-finished, shiny new blog with giant images will sit hidden in the land of internet code. But someday in the future -hopefully sooner than later- I'll be able to share it with you.

I'm terrible at waiting, but I know when my creative team has put the finishing touches in place, I'll let me eyes peruse my blog and then I'll look over at my husband and say "This was SO worth it."

And as if I weren't already salivating at the thought my precious beignet's, here's a peek of a bridal luncheon I shot in 2009. Watch for the entire wedding soon!



Take a look at those eggs. I must have some now!




have you ever seen French Toast that looked like this? I'm much too hungry to be looking at this right now...




All yummity goodness served up by Companion in the CWE.

You know those days where you feel like you need to be inspired and renewed and just plain alive again? I feel like that every so often, and I always find myself waiting for inspiration to come along. But it usually doesn't. And I think that's because sometimes you have to go looking for it. Finding inspiration isn't really a passive gesture.

This year, I've determined to chase after what makes me feel alive, and for photography, that means pursuing personal projects for the sake of inspiration. There's nothing that makes my artistic heart beat wildly as much as capturing a beautiful story with my camera.

But sometimes it's nice to try something a little different.



...more to come

I've waited my whole life for this

At the end of 2009, on a wonderfully wintery day, I was honored to be a part of Phillip and Rachel's wedding day. I had met Rachel sometime last year and immediately knew she was the real deal. She's wise beyond her years, and her commitment to her convictions is pretty amazing. When I met Phillip, it was evident he was a worthy match :). He's her one and only, and she is his.

Rachel's the type of girl who values heritage and tradition, and the details of her wedding were a testament to that. The dress Rachel wore belonged to her aunt. And her boots... love them!


Rachel finished getting ready using the mirror of an old travel bag that belongs to her mother.


As Rachel's mother was putting her pearls on her daughter, Rachel smiled and said, "It's my something borrowed." Her mom paused and said, "No, it's your something new." One of the best parts of my job is getting to document moments like that. Melts my heart.


This is Bailey, who I adore :). Bailey is getting married in just a few months and I could just image the excitement that was building as she stood by Rachel's side as her maid of honor,


Beautiful Rachel.


Phillip doing some last minute prep before meeting his bride


Phillip and Rachel chose to each other before their ceremony, which is almost an absolute must in December when the sun sets in the afternoon :). While I was with Phillip waiting for Rachel's grand entry, his excitement was palpable. He looked over at me and said, "You know that song Lost in the Moment? There's a line that says 'I've waited my whole life for this' and that's how I feel right now. I've waited my whole life for this moment and it's finally here." Seriously. It was one of the sweetest, most genuine things I've ever heard.


So when Phillip saw this


this was his reaction






pre-wedding prayers with the ladies and Rachel's parents






The beautiful ceremony at Covenant Presbyterian






Jon grabbed this shot right before the reception




I couldn't stop watching Rachel's mom throughout the evening. Every time she saw her husband, she lit up. Such a beautiful picture of love.


The first dance




And there's Rachel's mom and dad again... adorable and in love.


The mid-reception caffeine bar.






Well look at that... two of Kaden's favorite ladies :)




Congrats, Phillip and Rachel!

So, what ya been doin....

I woke up the other day to this text message:

"This is your blog. I'm feeling neglected."

I know, I know, I'm horrible blogger and terribly behind in sharing with you what I've been working on BUT... I do have a good reason :). I'm working a brand spanking new blog, with much bigger images, along with a whole new look for Lisa Hessel Photography. I'm so excited to share with you!

Until then, however, here's a few photos from a wedding I shot in Kansas City at the end of the year. Much more to come!