Josh, Abby, and Cade - Family Session

We made it time for the gorgeous colors, and just before the chilly weather set in.  Being from Western Kansas, I grew up seeing more cows than trees, and now Kansas City has me spoiled. Trees galore.  I had the pleasure of spending the morning with Josh, Abby, and Cade.  How cute is their little family?  I met Josh and Abby on a road trip to Chicago to watch my high school BFF, Bridget, run her first marathon many years ago.  Josh and Bridget's husband are brothers.  Their family was even so kind to share Thanksgiving dinner with me last year, when I wasn't able to go home.  It is so fun to see their family growing.  Cade can crawl so fast now - I can't wait to see him walking soon!

Matt & Genie - Engagement

It was a perfect fall day to enjoy the changing leaves and smiling faces.  Genie and Matt are both med students and met during classes in KC.  She is a classmate of my college roomate, Megan (who - sidenote - owns a paper design company, Little Yellow Leaf, which I highly recommend checking out because... she is awesome) and his hometown is the shared by a few friends from college, and a friend I have here in KC too.  I suppose I mention all of this simply because it never ceases to amaze me how many connections we have with one another if we take the time to find out.  So, Genie and Matt are incredibly smart and fun and I was so happy to spend Saturday afternoon with them.  Thank you both so much!  Please note some photos had minor color correction.  You know, to make them look extra awesome.

Genie & Matt - Preview

Sneak peek of Genie and Matt's engagement session tonight... what an amazing October evening we had!  And a beautiful couple to show off the fall colors too - it was so nice to meet you both.

Oakley, Maddie, and Family

What a gift last Saturday was!  Sunbeams shined through the tree tops, and warmth surrounded us like a comforting cup of hot tea (preferably green with honey).   October days such as these are a rare blessing.  Even more warming to my heart was that it was spent with friends.  Brian and Ashley have been a huge support to the photography dream, in the most special, unique way.  Brian and I met my junior year in college.  We were in three classes together that semester.  Naturally, “we should be friends,” I told him.  And so we were.  Back then, I never knew what impact his friendship would have on my life.

Fast forward four-ish years.  Brian and I work together at a wonderful little burrito company as human resources generalists.  And, as time continued to fly by, so did my dream to pursue photography on a larger scale.  Eventually it was time to take a leap - to leave the security and comfort of a steady job and nice paycheck.   Time, instead, for a risk.  Life is too short not to, right?

This change created a lot more work for Brian.  I mean a lotta.  He now had additional cities and states to cover, and double the amount of restaurants to support.  But did Brian complain about the extra hours, travel, and stress?  Not once.  In fact, Brian did quite the opposite - he encouraged me to go for it.  He said I could do it.  He supported me.

What a gift.

And Ashley?  She was instrumental in the change as well.  She was leaving her job as a dental assistant to be a nanny and mom - coincidentally, her long-term dream.  And Kelly, the dentist, hired me to cover Ashley’s position.  It was a dream come true - an amazing group of girls to work with, 9am to 5pm hours, and closed on Wednesdays.  I had my life back, and more than enough time to build a photography business.

This Saturday was a beautiful day.  Not only due to the perfect weather, but primarily because of who I was able to share it with.  Ashley's sisters and their families joined the session as well.  They are all so beautiful!  And I could not get enough of Oakley and Maddie.  Are you kidding me?  So darn cute, with lively personalities to match.

Thank you both for your incredible friendship - you are a continuous, wonderful blessing!

Travis - Senior Session

He is chill and easy-going.  He loves playing basketball and hanging out with his friends.   And he might even look a little familiar.  Remember Miranda's wedding in August?  Travis is her younger brother, and it was a joy to see him again and have a session just for him.  It was especially fun because he requested a few spots I hadn't shot at before - Liberty Memorial (I know, right - I can't believe the camera hasn't been here yet!) and Power & Light District.  He also brought little Cooper, the much loved family dog, along for a few photos during his senior session.

Here's to a happy, fun-filled senior year, Travis!