Yesterday was a double header of sweet senior photo shoots with two really beautiful and sweet seniors.  Kylie is a senior at Lees Summit West and we met up at the River Market for some fun times and great pictures.  I really think the Kylie is so gorgeous and I could not believe how many perfect pictures she took.  I was flattered beyond belief that she choose Thrive out of the hundreds of studios she said she looked at and I sincerely hope that not only did she have a great experience last night, but that she loves her pictures.   I know she’s happy that I didn’t put her in grass… haha, inside joke.  Thanks Kylie and Donna – it was such a pleasure!

Wow, the pressure is on when you get booked by a client that is traveling 2 hours one way to get their senior pictures done!  No really, what a wonderful compliment and what a great opportunity.  Shelby and her mom met me yesterday morning, which was an ultra fab weather day, for a fun, fun time.  Shelby was a lot of fun to shoot with and had some great outfits and kickin’ shoes.    I am so thrilled about all the shots I got and had a hard time picking just a few to share.    Shelby and Pam, once again, thanks so much!  You were awesome!!

I know that it seems like I say this over and over and over again…but…I was so blessed to meet Emily, her mom and her BFF for Emily’s senior photo shoot.  The skies looked “iffy”, but I knew that with the right settings on my Nikon, you’d never know gray clouds loomed above Emily beautiful self.    I kept trying to put my finger on who Emily reminded me of and even though she might not look just like this actress, something about her sweet demeanor and smile reminded me of Alexis Bledel from the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies and Gilmore Girls.    We had an interesting encounter with a very friendly cat at the farm.  We seriously thought this kitty might jump in our car and go home with us.  I had to add one picture of the cat after it jumped up on the chair Emily was to sit on.       Thank you Emily for choosing Thrive for your senior pictures.  I hope your experience was all you hoped it would be.

You just don’t get days like we got in the middle of July!  Unbelievably mild weather gave Jessica a picture perfect day for her senior pictures.  We had a great time traipsing all over the River Market and getting so many amazing shots of this sweet and gorgeous Shawnee Mission North Senior.  I am so excited about shooting the Class of 2010 and having Jessica being one of my first was great.

Yeah for great graffiti walls!

I loved her outfits – the sparkles rock!

You know I love K-State.  I love the intensity of her blue eyes – wowza!

Today my baby boy is 20!  Wow!  How in the world did that happen?  It just seems like yesterday that he was dressing up in his Power Rangers costume and karate chopping his little sister.  It just seems like yesterday that he was sitting on my lap reading the Fireman book over and over and over and over.  We still remember the words.  It just seems like yesterday that he was fighting me over wearing the patch over his eye when we found out he was legally blind.  It just seems like yesterday that he was locking our babysitter out of the house while we were out buying our first van.   It seems like just yesterday he was crying over leaving Ohio when the Lord brought us to Kansas.  It seems like just yesterday that we watched with pride as he crossed over that line to score the winning touchdown in the State Championship.  Wow – time flies when you are having fun!    Now, 20 years later, I am flooded with memories and emotion over how blessed a woman I am to have been given such a great son to raise.  He has been a joy.    I don’t know how I got such a respectful, caring and generous son, who has rarely brought us much stress.  I look forward with great anticipation Brandon’s future.  He has vision and purpose and a great head on his shoulders.  I love you Son!

I’m making my very first entry into I “heart” faces.  Funny thing is, is that this week’s challenge is a pet picture challenge and although I have a dog, everyone who knows me will tell you I’m not the hugest “pet person”.    I’m not even going to enter a picture of my own dog, Zack, but my sister’s dog, Sadie.  I just met this gorgeous puppy a month ago and had fun taking pictures of her shiny black coat, her pretty white teeth (Zack has some chronic halitosis and major plaque) and sparkly eyes.    You should check out the other entries at www.iheartfaces.com!

I had the distinct honor of second shooting Lauren and Eric’s wedding yesterday at Loose Park.  This was my first step into adding wedding photography to my offerings.  Lauren was a beautiful and o, so relaxed bride.  Her groom an officer in the Army.  Unfortunately, I won’t be able to share any images of him because of regulations regarding posting images of him in uniform.  It’s a shame because I captured some wonderful moments between the two of them. 

Yesterday started out with down-pouring rain for hours, but gave way to sunshine just in time for pictures and the big event.  It was a steamy day, but it never showed on Lauren.  She is gorgeous through and through.  What a wonderful family they both have.  What a blessing to be a part of this special day!

I love this shot with her authentic laugh at her wonderful friend, Kristen. 

Lauren’s boss gave her an authentic blue Japenese fan.  It was perfect for something blue and for the heat!

Lauren and her dad were precious!   Left : a pre-wedding shot   Middle:  Right before he walked her in   Right:  After the ceremony

Gorgeous, right?  Right!

The reception was held on 51st and Main at Eggtc.  and very charming and cozy place.  I knew it would be neat when I saw their glass door knob.