I remember those mornings like they were yesterday. Nervous with anticipation the night before  (much like the night before the weddings I photograph now ) as the butterflies rolled around in my stomach and thoughts of what the next day, the new school year, would bring. New friends, new learning experiences, new sports teams, new fun. I remember my sophomore year of high school in particular—my first day at a new school in a suburb of Chicago. My apprehension was thick, sitting in the passenger seat of my dad’s car as he drove me to school in the Dodge. The burgandy velour left its felted fuzz on my new pair of JC Penney jeans and NPR quietly murmured its news on the radio, only to be broken in by the click, click, click of the turn signal. Inside those school doors was the lively voices of friends, teachers and classmates who changed my perspective on many things and helped to craft the person and artist I am today, and for those experiences I’m grateful.

I had those same butterflies on Tuesday evening. Nervous, unsettled, wondering what his experience would be like. We’ve been looking forward to, and talking about this day, for what has seemed like months. The backpack had arrived from our favorite online retailer. Lunchbox, check. Sharpened pencils, crayons, tissues, glue sticks. All ready to go.

Our car had the same nervous excitement yesterday morning as we drove little man to school that I had felt so many years ago. Our questions changed, but the answers didn’t, to the tune of: do you remember your teacher’s name? Yes, mom. Don’t forget to raise your hand when you have a question. Yes, mom. Be polite to new people you don’t know and introduce yourself. Yes, mom. Do you remember where the bathroom is? Yes, mom. Will you give me one more big hug? It will have to last me the WHOLE morning. Yes, mom.

I am so proud of him and the little man he’s become. As we got to school, I choked back the tears seeing him plunk down his backpack and eagerly look around the classroom, new adventures and experiences to be had. A note from the teacher was on his table, comforting those of us who were struggling with the reality that our little ones are becoming big kids. As if the portraits don’t show enough of how much he’s grown.

As we picked him up at the end of their half-day, we begged for all the details. It was awesome, he said. The best, ever. The playground a bumpy slide, and I love my new friends. Oh, Little Man, it’s just beginning.

When you begin planning for the biggest day of your life to date, you have a vision for how things will go :: how the centerpieces will look, the way the bridesmaids’ bouquets will be arranged. Sometimes, that vision is tack-sharp, and other times it’s a little subject to the forces of nature. Such was the latter with Adam and Jenna’s May wedding—yet, the overcast and misty skies didn’t dampen the spirit of those who celebrated with the happy couple! It didn’t matter in the end. What was important to them was that they were both standing in front of the ones they love, face to face, to pledge their commitment to one another.

They were so proud and happy to be together, especially after planning most of the wedding during Adam’s tour on the other side of the globe — Adam completely trusted Jenna’s vision to create a beautiful day for them to celebrate. And her lighthearted, modern look for the wedding did not disappoint one bit!

Jenna’s radiant beauty was as effervescent as the bottle of bubbly they shared, as the girls prepared ::

A few of their awesome details:

A last-minute peek at the radar didn’t allow for the ceremony to be held outside as planned, but with their alternate option, it was no big deal! With a quick transformation, the space was turned into a lovely, intimate setting for their nuptials.

As the skies dried up after the ceremony, we went out to the golf course to photograph a few romantics. What better way to incorporate one of the biggest memories they’ll have about their day into their portraits?

Adam and Jenna’s bridal party was a total blast and we laughed like this almost the entire day, as though we’d all known each other for much longer than a few hours.

I love this sweet moment from their first dance ::

And of course, their entire day wouldn’t have been possible without Adam and Jenna’s amazing team of vendors!

Cake/baker: Catherine Ramos-Gamon :: The Dreamery Bakery, Kansas City, MO
Flowers: Rhae Adams :: Found in Nature, Kansas City, MO
Ceremony/Reception: Painted Hills Golf Course, Kansas City KS
Dress: Celebrations of the Heart, Manhattan, KS
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair/Makeup: CaraSue Hall :: Freelance Esthetician and Cosmetologist, Kansas City, MO
DJ: AJ ::  Complete Music
Officiant: Rev. Tim Brooks ::  Simple 2 Elegant Weddings, Kansas City MO

Adam and Jenna :: it was an amazing day to spend with you, your friends and families! I wish you a wonderful, long and happy life together and I’m grateful to have been able to document this day for you. Cheers!

Oh, my! It’s been a while since I’ve posted. Sorry for the long pause between posts…my only excuse is all the amazing sessions I’ve been photographing over the past few weeks! Hang on, because there’s lots of beautiful portraits coming up.

Like the delightful Cajsa–I knew we were in for an amazing session when she said she adored these senior portraits from last fall. Little did I know, though, we’d be photographing her on the hottest days of the summer—where the mercury soared to 105º and 106º in the evening hours when we scheduled her session. Oy! So, here I was, a completely sweaty mess, and Cajsa didn’t seem to mind one bit, with the heat giving her a radiant glow.  (If you haven’t noticed, I’m totally jealous of those who swear they love the heat. Just so you know, we’ll still be friends, except in June, July and August. Call me in January when it’s 25º and snowing. Just sayin’.)

Cajsa absolutely sparkles. She loved putting on a black dress and pearls, yet her carefree, barefoot style shone through.We started her session at the Kansas State University Gardens —

Gorgeous.

Her laugh is just like her—easy and carefree, especially when we talked about the things she loves. Especially pandas.

We went to the Konza Prairie for more portraits, where she absolutely glowed in this dress. And the mirror? A garage-sale find! Totally magical…

And this sundress, which was delightfully Anthropologie-inspired… especially when in a field of prairie wildflowers.

Cajsa, it was a delight to meet you and photograph these portraits for you! Wishing you an amazing senior year and all the best of what’s to come. Cheers!