While their careers in the Army was the auspice that brought them together, their love is as strong and beautiful as each of them. As she prepared, Kendall excitedly moved from one side of the hotel room to another, as the television murmured in the background and conversations bubbled over the evening’s dinner plans and how much she was looking forward to being married. Her hands steady as she cooly applied mascara and lip gloss and yet giddy as she stepped into her gown, her emotion was overflowing.

As Dan and one of his closest friends prepared the site for the wedding, cracking one-liners and bits of wedding advice, he nervously watched over his shoulder for Kendall’s car to appear. Soon, she was walking toward him as he strummed on his favorite ukelele as the prairie winds blew — the warmth of their love, the only protection they needed.

On a cold, blustery, rain-threatening, only-in-Kansas-in-May kind of evening, Kendall and Dan pledged their forevers as their very best of friends stood witness. Planning such an intimate affair didn’t leave much opportunity for surprise (other than the weather), but each one had a little something up their sleeve for their beloved. Kendall surprised Dan with her beautiful dress, and Dan delighted Kendall with gorgeous, colorful bouquet from Steve’s Floral and the decor for the altar overlooking the beautiful, springtime view of the Konza Prairie.

Kendall and Dan, I wish you all the very best of what lies ahead for you both, and am honored to have been a special part of your celebration! Cheers!

The Spring issue is here, and oh my goodness, how fast have five years flown by? It wasn’t that long ago that I white-knuckled my first assignment with the magazine—and fast forward many assignments and stories told later, and we’re celebrating the fifth anniversary issue.

This issue’s departments feature the home of Tim Lindemuth, the former editor of the K-Stater magazine and now owner of an incredibly charming bed & breakfast. He is an incredible cook and historian! The home is delightfully filled with beautiful antiques and publishing ephemera.  And don’t miss the tasty feature on Wahoo Fire & Ice Grill in Aggieville–I couldn’t leave the session without indulging a little, myself.

Much of the issue is devoted to a then and now from five years ago, which was great fun to photograph a couple of families who had been featured during the first year, including the owners of Tallgrass Brewery and K-State’s First Family, the Schulz’s.

Here’s to another five years and many more incredible stories to share about the people and places who shape our community! (click to read the issue for yourself!)

He’s an angel.

A little, 5 pound, 4 ounce angel sent through the gift of adoption to two people who waited, wished, prayed and dreamed that someday he would grace their lives. My heart is bursting for them to have such a beautiful addition to their family—newborns always make me a little tearful at the amazing gift their lives are—and this one is extraordinarily special.

Meet Oliver.

Little man, we are so happy you are here. I am so honored to photograph these precious first moments for you.

So much love, Cathy

Seriously, I’m so ready for spring, and am having to eat my words with the huge snowstorm headed our way…and I’m guessing the tulips and daffodils in my yard are thinking the same thing!

I created this photograph of Anderson Hall on the Kansas State University campus after the last snowfall a couple of weeks ago. I have a feeling it’ll be a still-life playground the next few days if we get as much as they’re predicting. Messy to get around in, but so beautiful to look at and curl up by the fire while the snow falls.

Be safe out there!

These little beauties popped up in my backyard the last couple of days — aren’t they lovely? I’m so ready for spring, and it sounds like winter isn’t quite done with us yet. Enjoy the snow later this week (and be safe out there!)!

I’m guest blogging over at A Good Run and talking about Dando Amor (and my birthday week!). Join us there this week and I hope you’re inspired to pay it forward.

Wishing you and yours the very best of the season! We set up this sweet little shot in our own backyard this year (although we didn’t have snow at the time, so it was fun to pretend.)

I’ll be back next week with lots of goodies to share… Cheers!