Remember When...

your major frustrations were with Playdough? Or the jelly on your face? Remember those days? I would take kid frustrations any day over adult ones. Any other takers?

More Catching Up...The Pre-Show: Jennie and Patrick's Wedding

I left for Utah on a Sunday morning at 6:00am. The Saturday before we had a wedding to attend. Our neighbors, who have become great friends, got married. I shot some pre-show wedding stuff for Jennie. It was fun to be able to spend some time with her before the ceremony.

Jennie and Patrick are married! Hooray!! We are so happy for them. We couldn't ask for better neighbors and friends on our street. It has been a joy to see them prepare for their special day, and it has been a pleasure to take some pictures of them along the way. I shot an engagement session with them, some non-bridals with Jennie and some pre-wedding shots before the big event. Jennie is an absolute sweetheart; taking these photographs and spending a little bit of time with her and her greatest gals was an absolute treat.

I loved her dress. The gown she first had in mind was completely different than the one she chose. When you try the dress on you just know. When it is your dress there is something magical that happens when it slips over your head in the dressing room and you see yourself in multiple reflections. Jennie's dress was stunning and perfect for her and personality.

Details...

She knew she wanted a tiarra, but took some convincing on the veil part; I am glad she opted for it. It is just kind of something you have to have at your wedding. ;)

Jennie's best friend Jen, her maid of honor, is also her hairdresser; she was busy that day. She did everyone's hair, including her own. Props to you Jen for all that work. (I am so sorry I didn't get a shot of you all dolled up. I had to go before your final appearance...)

What's wrong with it like this? ;)

I loved the little touches in the back.

And I am a sucker for flowers. In my next life I will learn to arrange them perfectly.

I also love it when brides choose a colorful shoe. It is so distinctive and fun. (The thought of wearing these makes my swollen feet ache, but they were still an excellent choice. I might ask to borrow them when I get my normal feet back. ;))

Jennie's bridal party was filled with gorgeous women; I could tell there was a great respect and love for her from the women who stood beside her on her wedding day.

This is Erica; she is another neighbor that I really, really like.

Why are they called bride's maids? I think they should be called Bride's Best Girls. Or Bride's Lovelies. Or Bride's Most Favorite People in the Whole World. Or the Bride's Women She Would Marry if They Were Men.

Jennie took her turn at the make up counter. Oh, great Mac God, how I love you.

Jennie had practiced with her make up artist before hand so they knew exactly what to do.

I am also a sucker for fake eyelashes. (Funny story. There was some down time with pictures and all the girls were done with their make up so the mac professional had some time for me. She had some extra eyelashes that I jumped on. I had to take more pictures after I was done and my eye kept rubbing against the back of my camera. My make up totally held up, but when I got in the car and took a look at myself I noticed that one of the eyelashes had started lifting. I was so so bummed. I headed to the drug store, even though I didn't have time but needed to remedy this crisis, for some special glue. They didn't have any. I laughed thinking about the scene in Freaky Friday when the "mom" was trying to fix her falsies. I figured if there had been glue that would have been me...they unfortunately didn't make it to the ceremony. Jennie's did, and that's all that matters.

I loved this picture.

I took this picture at the very end. I was running way late, and needed to get home to take care of Gunnar, pick up the babysitter, and get myself completely ready to be an attendee at the wedding. I was standing on a chair that spins and almost lost my balance before I snapped this final shot. It isn't nearly as sharp as I wanted it to be, but you still get a great idea of how beautiful she looked pre-dress. ;) (I know. Excuses. Excuses. There is always time to get a sharp picture, but that is really what happened. I swear it. ;))

TA-DA!!! The beautiful bride sans dress, shoes, jewelery and veil. ;)

Jennie and Pat- It was a beautiful wedding. Congratulations again. We are excited to be neighbors and to share in each others' lives. We are so happy for you. xoxo kam and fam

Some Catching-up to do: A Father's Day Surprise a Few Week's Late

I am home from Utah. I came home to several really great surprises!! ;) I will share those later. First some catching up to do...

A few weeks ago I posted something about how I had taken pictures that were meant to be a surprise. Here they are. ;)

This kind, good, and pretty mom

and her two boys

had a photo shoot to surprise Dad for Father's Day. (I meant to post this sooner, but was waiting for the green light from Shannon. I didn't know if you had seen them or not Bri. Sorry...;))

One son was very sweet, the entire time.

The other...

decided to be a flasher. ;)

Seriously, both boys are so sweet and I know their Daddy is a very special part of their life. That's why I thought this was such a great idea as a gift!

We have know their family for a few years now; Shannon and I became immediate friends. We have much in common and I found a certain comfortableness with her instantaneously. She is a teacher too so we were able to share war stories, and found we had similar creative interests as well. I have always enjoyed her company and our conversations. When we don't chat for a while we pick back up right where we left off.

We had our first babies close together too. She was a great mom to turn to for advice. I remember holding Braden right after he was born and marveling at how much he looked like his dad. It is so amazing to me how similar we are to our parents yet how different our spirits can be. Brian, the ultra cool dad and father who was gifted these photographs, looks just like this, only a bit older. ;)

I loved this one. He was becoming so bored with all the picture taking. I love how kids are so transparent and just tell it or show it like it is.

He too, like most young boys loves trains. He was worried that another one wasn't coming. It was so smart to shoot where we did. He loved seeing the trains pass by, and that helped keep him still, at least for a minute. ;)

Braden loves his mommy almost as much as he love trains.

Tanner came to the family next. He is such a mellow baby. (I hope our second is the same. ;))

He was totally cool going along for the ride.

They are lucky to have eachother. There is something really cool about brothers.

Our shoot wasn't without a few mommy moments. You mothers out there will understand this perfectly. ;) Shannon was such a good sport; pictures can be hard enough with two littles, but without extra hands...phewww. She did a great job juggling.

She was able to wrangle everyone in for some pictures for dad.

Brian,

Happy Father's Day a few weeks late. You are lucky your schedule allows you so much time with your family; that is something I have always been envious of: how much you have been able to see your boys grow. That is a gift. You are such an outstanding father to these boys and such a sweet husband to Shannon. Jaren and I have always admired you and enjoyed your relaxed, helpful, and jovial attitude. Your family is special, but you already knew that. ;) May each day feel like Father's Day to you!!