{Meet Claire}

She’s two.

Claire is a girl on the go…

Claire is FAST!

Real fast…

…but Claire knows when to stop and smell the roses

…or spend some QT with mom & dad

Claire is awesome

Thank you to the Troutwine family! I had a blast chasing your silly little cutie around the park. It was a pleasure to capture these moments when she’s such a fun age.

Rachel + Drew | Married

I think there is nothing more satisfying than seeing good things happen to good people. Years back, Rachel and I worked together as servers at a restaurant in Columbia, Missouri. We were both going through that “post-grad” period of our lives, trying to find our dream jobs in our perspective fields. It was nice having someone to commiserate with while rolling silverware in the back of the restaurant. I enjoyed working with Rachel and getting to know her through countless lunch and dinner shifts. Rachel is a truly kind, genuine and thoughtful person.

Fast forward to earlier this year…

I received a message from Rachel telling me the good news; that she had met an amazing man, that they were getting married and that she wanted to have me photograph the big day. I was more than honored to accept the duty.

Rachel and Drew were married on one of those perfect Missouri fall days. The weather was warm, the trees were colorful and there was not a cloud in the sky. Both the ceremony and reception were held in Rocheport, Missouri. The ceremony took place at Rocheport United Methodist Church, a quaint little church in the heart of town. The reception was celebrated at the lovely Mount Nebo Cottage, a B&B owned by Rachel’s mother, Angela. (Fun fact: this B&B, steps away from the Katy Trail, was actually a church back in the day.) With help from their family and friends Rachel and Drew transformed the grounds of the B&B into a wedding-reception-wonderland. Fresh flowers, beautiful table settings, twinkle lights, KETTLE KORN!?!?! It.Was.Perfect.

Below is the story of the wedding day, told through my favorite photos. A big thank you to Rachel Coward for her second shooting and assistance throughout the wedding day. Enjoy!

Rachel, helping her dad get ready–he’s starting to get misty-eyed.

The girls got ready in a classroom area inside the church that featured these footprints on the wall.

A proud papa sees his little girl all done up in her bridal gown for the first time.

Handmade bridal sash, from Etsy designer The Paisley Moon.

Hair by Amanda Griffith at Clip Joint-Downtown Columbia, MO.

After a special moment of prayer with her parents Rachel dabs away her father’s tears.

Rachel’s dad had these handkerchiefs made for himself and Rachel. Stitched onto the handkerchiefs is a bible verse very special to Rachel and Drew.

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Rocheport United Methodist Church in historic Rocheport, Missouri.

Drew’s grandparents.

Beautiful ceremony music performed by the talented James and Emily Adams.

One of my favorite moments of the whole wedding day, when our Groom first sees his Bride.

I love this look–each bridesmaid in a different dress, so cool!

Flowers from fiftyflowers.com. All floral arrangements handmade by bridesmaid, Amber McIntosh.

Glass jars and bottles collected over 5 months + 20 hours of de-labeling + 8 hours of hot-gluing on twine = A DIY table-setting masterpiece. 

Guests snacked on kettle corn before dining on a delicious meal catered by Ward Hine. Dinner was served on eco-friendly disposable bamboo plates and silverware from Joanne Hudson Basics.

Drew’s grandfather gave a sweet toast where he recounted what it was like to watch his own son, Drew’s dad, get married.

Those two with the big smiles on their faces are Drew’s parents.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Clark!

{Thank you for letting me be a part of your amazing day.}

If you’re curious about having me photograph your wedding day, you can reach me via email. Please be sure to include the wedding date and location in your message. Thank you!

After a Summer of drought, the day of Katy and Joel’s wedding seemed to be the day that Mother Nature decided to make up for her deficits. Despite the relentless showers, Katy and Joel never let the rain deter them from having a wonderful wedding. Below is a recap of Katy and Joel’s big day. Thank you to Rose Duong for your second shooting and assistance!

Katy’s sister, Sara, helps her zip up her gown.

Katy’s gown was handmade by the designer–see the “exclusively for..” that was sewn inside her dress.

The shoes Katy wore belonged to her mother, Linda. Katy used to play dress up in those heels as a little girl.

Katy & Joel’s “first look”.

Joel, our groom, looking quite dapper.

This is for you, guys.

A few quick photos on campus before the rain let loose.

A lady bug landed on Katy.

A quick stop at Quinton’s for shelter from the rain…

…and a little refreshment before the ceremony .

Katy’s parents.

Katy’s dad rubbing it in to Joel’s parents about the Cardinals win over the Nationals.

Katy’s sister and Maid of Honor, Sara.

Joel’s brother and Best Man, James.

Katy and her dad danced to Kermit the Frog’s, “Rainbow Connection”–and they were singing along the whole time.

Joel and his mom have a dance.

This is Katy’s nephew showing a budding interest in the world of digital photography.

And here are his parents, doing the fish-hook

Take note: This is how you slow dance and hold onto your beer at the same time.

These are my favorites, the series of these 4 with Joel steering the train–makes me smile.

Emily + Stephen | Part I

Emily and Stephen were wed on a crisp fall day at the family home of bride. Their backyard wedding was no small feat, her parent’s property was transformed for the wedding celebration–family and friends worked up to the final days to put on all the final touches. All the hard work and love that went into planning and executing this lovely rustic wedding day shows–the theme was pulled off seamlessly and there are so many details, that to do the wedding justice, I have to share this wedding day in two parts.  A big thank you to Parker Miles Blohm for his great second shooting and assistance throughout the wedding day. Without further ado,  here’s the Part I–the first peek at this awesome backyard wedding:

When I think about a way to describe Maggie & Trey the saying “never met a stranger” comes to mind. Upon meeting these two you feel instantly welcome. Talk to them for a just little while and you feel as if you might be old friends.

Remember baby Lucas from a few months ago? (Click here for a recap of all the cuteness.) Lucas’ proud parents shared their happy news with friends and family via customized flat cards designed by yours truly. I’ve waited to share these on the blog as to not spoil the surprise, aren’t they cute? The best part is that the solid image on the back showcases perfectly in any standard 5×7 frame.

(front of card)

(back of card)

Thinking postcards featuring your family photos would make for the perfect holiday card?
Contact me for additional information!

Emily & Stephen were married this past Saturday in Columbia, Missouri. I’m busy editing like crazy to get a post up soon to show off this beautiful day. Until then here’s a sneak peek–the bride, Emily, looking simply flawless. This photo was taken just a few minutes before walking down the aisle. LOVE this dress, hair, everything–so perfect, and Emily totally rocked it!