Cannon ball...

Hi - this blog has moved.  Check out sugarsnapskc.com/blog for new (non itty-bitty) photos.

Thanks for everyone's support and encouragement this past year - it's been a great adventure so far!

Emily & Tim - Wedding

The song had played many times over the radio waves.  It's beautiful. Peaceful.  Perhaps even a bit playful. And Jason Mraz performs it wonderfully.

So when Emily's brother and sister sang it for their first dance, accompanied solely by his guitar... um, whoa.   Tim and Emily were absolutely radiant.  It was evident the words of the song spoke deeply of their journey.

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again

They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will...

Emily and Tim's dedication to making their wedding day welcoming and personal to friends and family made for a very special day for everyone.  There were so many joyful greetings, tears, and hugs.  The church was rumbling with excited chatter and stories being exchanged.  The ceremony's opening song - Brother, Let Me be Your Servant - was heavenly.  Truly.  It can be a challenge to focus a camera with tears rolling down your face.  Another reason I enjoy this job so much.


That and the fact that sometime brides and grooms ride their bikes to their receptions...


You are both so warm, kind, and thoughtful - congrats, Emily and Tim.  Here's to many more lucky moments for the two of you.

Kolbe - Baby Session

Earlier last month I was spoiled.  I finally made it to Colorado and spent the day with my bestie and her new baby boy, Kolbe.

I could say a million things about little Kolbe.  How his mom and dad were overjoyed to be pregnant with their first child and filled with anticipation of seeing their new baby.  How he's a miracle baby to be healthy and happy after an early sonogram scare.  Or how he completely has his dad's personality and not a thing can shake him.  He is one chill dude. Maybe I could mention how perfectly his mom combs the hairs on his head.  It's the cutest thing...

But what I was reminded of most during the March visit is how absolutely special it is to see a mother with her newborn.  Plain and simple, the love for her child is like nothing else I've seen.  And witnessing someone close to you be so touched by such a little person is a just plain awesome.

Kolbe has his momma's heart completely.  And after I rocked him to sleep in his cute little pjs, he easily had mine as well.

Molly - Baby Session

It was such a joy to meet little Molly a few weeks ago.  She is so precious and beautiful - dark brown hair and bright round eyes.  And she was full of smiles.  Babies are so entertaining - they have so many expressions and show so much personality, even when only a few weeks old.  It is amazing!

Her parents were so sweet with her too - they are such proud parents.  Toward the end of the session Molly was getting a little fussy because we were imposing on her nap time.  Mom and dad made it seem it might take awhile to get her to calm down and fall asleep.  I was prepared for a lot of tears and cries.  And then I had to laugh because literally thirty seconds later Molly fast asleep.  She didn't even squirm when they laid her in her crib.  Shocked at how easy it seemed (I've never seen a baby be put to sleep so fast!), I asked if that was the norm.  Yep, they said.  A few rough days of sleep training and now a no hassle bed time.  Sign me up for parenting classes please - that was incredible.

Welcome to the big ol' world Molly - it's a blessing to have you here!

April & Tom - Engagement

Tom and April, April and Tom.  Could these two look any cuter together?  Both tall, thin, dark curly hair... and both as nice as can be.  I met Tom shortly after my move to KC.  He was the first to greet me on the ultimate Frisbee field.  I was a newbie, and a little (lot) scared, and his kindness meant the world to me.  When it comes to being warm and welcoming, Tom is absolutely king.  April and my meeting was a bit more unusual... I had an extra Sugarland ticket, and she, as Tom excitedly exclaimed, really wanted to go.  She just needed someone to go with...  So I called her up and we had a blind friend date and enjoyed the best performance I've seen at the Sprint Center.  Love me some Sugarland...

It was so fitting to hear these two were finally dating.  It just made sense.  And, as these things go, their dating soon turned into a proposal and which is quickly turning into a fall wedding.  This session was so wonderful - it was the first time back in nature since the icecapades this winter brought, and the sun, the light, the colors, the couple... ah.  Just wonderful.

And adding to the joy - April and Tom won their engagement session during a silent auction fundraiser held for City on a Hill.  If you haven't heard of it, check it out.  It's a ministry serving young adults in the KC Metro and they host a ton of great events throughout the year.  An easy way to meet others, grow in faith, and participate in the community.

City on a Hill is how April and Tom met, so you never know...