Oh, those sweet, sleepy, early days of a little one’s life. Those fleeting, don’t-close-your-eyes-for-a-second days where you don’t dare blink for fear you’ll miss a first yawn or the way he’ll stretch and move just so. Exhausting, yes. Exhilarating, absolutely.

This little guy was just seven days old when I photographed him :: beginning to be aware of his surroundings, familiar voices and his momma’s presence near to him. We photographed him at their home, their two beautiful dogs watching my every move to ensure I didn’t make a false step toward their prized new possession.

I love black and white newborn portraits, and they had some lovely ones of their older daughter hanging in their home already, so it was a delight to create these to add to their wall collections, of their newest addition ::

These are the things we mommas tend to forget as our babies grow up. The quickening pace of their breath on your neck as they lean in close. The smell of their freshly-washed hair. The way they pull up their legs in close. These are the reasons we photograph the early days. To never forget their innocence. Our wonder at the miracle and joy for their new life.

He was so content with his momma :: secure, loving, comfortable.

A moment in his life to always remember.

Hooray! The summer issue of Manhattan Magazine is out in all its glory. I’m really excited for this issue… filled with my two favorite things—lovely homes and yummy food. How do you go wrong?

I had two really fun assignments for this issue; one, a multi-location story about a food crawl through the heart of Aggieville. All your favorite restaurants that you know and love about Manhattan, featuring a highlight from each. (Think sushi, lattés, raspberry chipotle bean dip, the most delicious sandwich you could stuff your face with, and pizza…) All I could think about when I photographed each location was om nom nom nom… I wish I could eat half the stuff!

The other story I photographed was a beautiful, historical home located near the Kansas State University campus. As you’ll read in the story, the home was originally on the outskirts of town at the time it was built in 1872. A couple, both instructors at KSU, have delicately transformed the home into a functional, modern abode while maintaining the home’s character and charm. The owners were a delight to work with and their pups curiously followed while we photographed elements of their beautiful space.

Enjoy!

One of the reasons why I love photographing weddings so much is the electricity in the air — a day that’s been anticipated in their hearts in minds for countless years, from the first time a little girl drapes her mom’s curtains behind her head and dreams of the day she marries her Prince Charming. It’s such a day filled with joy, laughter and just a few tears…but the good kind, of course.

Jessica and Justin’s wedding day was like that, completely filled with sparks of anticipation and the delight of knowing that this day was opening a brand new chapter in their life together. I was so honored and pleased to photograph their day as a second shooter for Chris of La Brisa Photography. (Thanks again for the invitation, Chris!) It was a delight to work with someone so seamlessly and laugh. SO. much!

Jessica was positively radiant, her smile shining as brightly as the mid-May skies on the afternoon of their wedding, and Justin’s eyes sparkled with anticipation at seeing his bride. The sounds of laughter from their best friends in the bridal party rippled throughout the day—their joy in celebrating this day with Jessica and Justin was evident in every glance between the couple and each of their dearest companions.

We started out at Gaia Salon as Jessica began her preparations…

I loved the pop of color of Jessica’s bouquet. And the scent was DIVINE!

As the ladies prepared, Justin opened a lovely groom’s gift from his bride ::

Justin absolutely beamed with delight and anticipation of seeing Jessica for the first time as we did his groom’s portraits.

Jessica had nannied for these little sweethearts and had watched them grow from their very early days.

Tears of joy before walking down the aisle :: this was a powerful moment to document.

I love capturing moments like these, when you think nobody else is looking ::

After the ceremony the bridal party went to the Kansas State University campus, in front of Anderson Hall, for a few portraits. The light was amazing!

The reception was held at the KSU Alumni Center :: as recent graduates, with purple in their blood, there wasn’t any better place to celebrate their day!

I owe a huge debt of gratitude, once again, to Chris for the invitation to photograph Jessica and Justin’s day with him—it was such fun and I hope we have the opportunity to work together again! And, to Jessica and Justin, a deep well of thanks for allowing me to be part of documenting the joy and love surrounding your wedding day, and I wish you many, many happy years together! Cheers!

While I’m not a huge fan of the dog days of summer, this is one of the times of year I look to the most—being at the lake. Just our little family, open water, and carefree days to enjoy as we wish. This week has certainly not disappointed any of us. The smell of sunscreen and bug spray permeates every fiber of our clothes and our cheeks are sore from laughing so much. The sweet smell of honeysuckle graces my morning runs as I can see the flocks of geese quietly paddling by. They are silent, other than an occasional dip in the water for a drink. The waves on the lake are still, gently lapping against the supports of the dock, as the sun sprinkles its early morning rays of light.

We end each day in nearly the same way with an evening boat ride. Little Man sometimes brings his fishing pole or some cars to play with, and we do nothing but drive. We enjoy the company of one another, feel the glow of sunlight as another day closes, with the promise of more adventures to be had tomorrow.

Your captain for the evening ::

You can feel cool air kiss our cheeks and the sound of the water behind us, while the motor rumbles beneath our feet. Little Man begs to take a turn at the wheel.

The boat dances between the bridges of the adjoining lakes; the water is much higher this year and hubs can put his palm on the bottom of the bridge decks.

The fading sunlight glimmers off the edge of the boat.

Little Man has finally succumbed to the gentle motion of the waves, falling asleep in my arms, as we watch the sun fall below the horizon.

Another day is done, more adventures to be had tomorrow.