We’re celebrating moms today! These smiling, beautiful, fabulous women are the crazy glue of our lives — they keep us together and stick to us when we need it the most. (Think about it. She does, doesn’t she?!) I admire so many amazing women and moms in my life for their incredible multitasking and ability to laugh in this journey we’re all on.

So often moms are caught behind the camera as the ones who document our families but are rarely seen in front of the lens. If you’re a mom yourself, and took a quick count of portraits you had taken in the last twelve months, could you count them on your two hands? Instagram doesn’t count! (I fall into the group of people who can barely count them on one hand… let alone two!)

Let’s honor our amazing moms this year with a short and sweet mini session for her and the kiddos. There are only a handful of these sessions and they will sell out crazy fast! You’ll receive a lovely gift certificate just in time for giving this Sunday, and we’ll schedule her mini session in the next few weeks. These sessions are only for mom and the kids; family fine art portrait sessions are available year-round.

Here’s the details:

20 minute session on location / 10-15 images in preview gallery / 5 printable images to 5×7 / 1 gift portrait (8×10 or 5×7) :: $250 (session must be paid at time of booking and scheduled before August 1, 2013)

Use the contact form to reserve your session because these will be gone in a snap!

I’m thrilled to be featured today for portraits of Nosara, Costa Rica on Brides without Borders — a lovely blog for planning the ultimate destination wedding. Check out the feature here! Huge thanks to Kirsten and her editorial team for including me and allowing me to share more about this beautiful country!

If you’re planning a destination wedding, let’s talk about photographing your day!

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!)

Next week’s spring break has me thinking all things tropical… like the oh, so beautiful beaches in Costa Rica we visited a few months ago. Check out more of my travel photography on today’s feature post at  Far and Far Away (a fantastic travel blog women who love to explore the world) or walk along those amazing volcanic black-sandy beaches along with me!

My heart is so full — I’m so incredibly honored to be featured today on Rêverie Bébé with Oliver’s beautiful newborn portraits. I love this sweet and modern blog, curated by the editors of the fabulous Rêverie wedding blog & magazine. It’s absolutely lovely and I’m so humbled to be featured!

I’m catching up on a few wedding posts…and gosh, I can’t believe how much I love photographing the emotions and love surrounding a wedding day. I traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska, to be part of an amazing day. Stacy and Nate are an adorable couple —he’s calm and laid back, while she radiates joy — and together, they’re so glamorous. Pair them with the amazing architecture and beautiful light in the Nebraska state capitol building… and it looked a little like these two stepped out of the pages of Grace Ormonde. And their wedding party was. SO. much. fun!!

I had the privilege of photographing their wedding day as a second photographer to Brandi (better known as B) of La Brisa Photography. Making portraits with her is sheer fun–everyone’s relaxed and laughing–which is the best way to celebrate a wedding day, don’tcha think?

Here’s a few of my favorites from the day:

Stacy & Nate, I’m thrilled to have been part of your celebration and wish you all the very best! Cheers!

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