Evan & Erica

So I'm a little behind on the blog front. I know I know! Lay off me, I'm busy! Just kidding. I'm excited to finally get some of these on the blog. Evan and Erica were referred to me by some mutual friends and, I must say, I could not be more thrilled. These two are some of the kindest and laid back people I've met.

If you're not familiar, The Lesters is a music group that is made up of members of Evan's family. In fact, Evan still plays drums for them. This sign that used to reside in front of their old music store has been there so long that it has become a permanant fixation on this wall. So naturally we needed to capture a few shots underneath the sign.

Just down the street was this amazing church. As some of you may know, I'm kind of a fan of big cool doors such as this one. I couldn't resist!

Erica kept asking me when they would get to kiss! True sign of a love bird. ;)

So I can't remember the whole story, but if I remember correctly, Evan always comes equipt with a toothpick. I love people who want their photos to be personal to their unique quirks.

One last moment stolen amognst the trees......

....a quick outfit change and then off too.....

On the way there we saw these awesome little carts lined up on the side of the rode. I love them! Not gonna lie.....I kind of want one.

This just makes me smile every time I see it. :)

So I asked the two of them if they would be willing to climb to the top of these stairs and they were more than willing. They were so excited when they got to the top. This makes me laugh.

The crazy artist coming out in me. Wasn't sure what I was going to end up with, but I kind of love it. It makes me feel like I stole a shared moment of a couple passing by me.

Congratulations to the two of you! Can't wait for the big day!!!

Chris&Angie

So on one of the most hot and humid days I ventured downtown. After chatting with Angie for a few minutes I came to find out that their engagement session shared the night of three other events that night. A concert, a football game, and a baseball game. Needless to say we had a few challenges, but we worked it out. Between the blue skies and the sunset we had some pretty great photo opportunities ahead of us.

Since Angie and Chris are originally from out of town, but have spent several years of their life, while in school, living in St. Louis they wanted to make sure they got a good local landmark as a backdrop. I think we succeeded! ;)

Angie has been studying law while attending school at SLU so she brought a little something that represents her view over the past couple years.

A girl has to have a little break from her studies, right?

I seriously may get used to shooting downtown more. I kind of fell in love with shooting down there this time. This was the first session I have shot in that area. Not really sure why?

I will leave you with one of my favorite portrait session photos yet. I. LOVE. THIS. PERIOD. The daunting heat and humidity was completely worth capturing this moment!

I wish you two the best in your last year before marriage. Good Luck!

Marshall/Hornberger Family

So it's been a while since I've blogged. I have a lot of sessions to come, but for now I will share with you a very wonderful and entertaining family. I had such a fun night and as always what started as a photo session ended in a time of hanging out with friends. This is why I love what I do. Not just photographing people, but being a part of their lives as well. Enjoy!

Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad with the kids.

Aunt Stacey

Grandma and Grandpa

Great grandma

Boys!

Ladies.

Now time for some fun!

This family was full of aspiring little photographers. :)

And of course the perfect way to end the evening. Baking!

Now there is a fun family for you!

Thank you for all the good times you guys!

Sneak Peak~Evan&Erica

One of my faves from their downtown engagement shoot.

The Trotter Family

So about 5 months ago I started to get to know my now good friends Adam and Jessica. Unlike most of my friendships we became close...fast. When I met these two they were expecting their first child. A HUGE adjustment in life after being married for such a short time. They were excited, obviously, just like every new parent. Jess had pictures of the baby bump and Adam would boast about the fact that he would soon be a dad.

It wasn't long after knowing these two that I got a message from Adam saying : "Found out today that we lost Baby Trotter, appreciate the prayers." What a blow, like sucker punch to the stomach. Obviously myself as well as an abundance of other friends and family began to pray for these two....and pray hard. Jessica had a LONG road ahead of her physically as they both did emotionally. After the loss of baby Trotter, Adam bought a necklace for Jessica that they designed. On one side is engraved the date they found out they were pregnant as well as the date of the surgery. On the other side it says "baby Trotter, we love and miss you, love mommy and daddy". Attatched to the necklace is an angel and the march birth stone.

I know that there are so many people out there in the world that know what these two have had to go through, but I can't even imagine. It's heartbreaking to know that your close friends, who you love, have to go through something so devistating. There comes a point when your words aren't going to do anything. All you can do is pray and let them know that you will be there. It's such a helpless feeling, but I know that these two feel the love of the people around them knowing they have people they can lean on in this hard time.

As I've grown to know these two better something I can tell without question is how much Adam is in love with his wife. I asked the two of them some questions about their relationship and this is what Jessica had to say about Adam:

"I have never had anyone (a man) be by my side (besides God) as much as Adam. During this time he truly showed me unconditional love, "in sickness and in health". He went to all the doctors appointments with me and never once made me feel like he would rather be doing anything else besides being right by my side.....In the past 6 months Adam has truly learned how to put me before himself. Unfortunately, on March 1st, 2010 I have never seen so much pain in anybodies eyes as I did my husbands when the doctor said " I am sorry to say there is no heartbeat coming from your baby". With this pain I have seen Adam grow into the man/husband I know God set out for Adam to be and I have seen Adam and I's love not only grow much more for each other but also for our Creator!"

Every week Jessica has had to go get her blood work done. She has had to receive a form of chemo treatment. There was even a night when I went over to their house to spend time with friends and it ended up in a trip to the Emergency Room. Yes this woman is strong. She is one of the tiniest people I know, but have no doubts, this woman is STRONG.

When I asked Adam what he admired most about Jessica as she went through all of this he answered:

I admire her strength both physically, and spiritually! She's a trooper and can handle a lot more than I can!.....it would be easy to turn to other "things" to help her through these times, but she turns to God as her source of strength and encouragement!

I love how much he loves her.

As their friend, the amazing thing I find about these two is that they haven't lost their sense of humor. While at times they are down, as ANYONE would be, their spirit has shown through incredibly. The times I have laughed the hardest in the last 6 months have been with these two. Even in their trials they know how to bring a smile to the faces of the people around them.

Some time back Adam wrote a song called Trials before all of this had happend. Part of the song reads:

"Send me through the fire. Send me through the pain. I would go through suffering, all for your name."

I'm sure he had no idea what path their lives would take when he wrote that, but these two have definitely been through the fire and pain and have had their share of suffering. Another line in that song reads:

"I'm praying for your presence now."

I'm pretty sure whether they have said those words or not that that has been the prayer of their heart more than a few times through all of this.

Adam and Jessica,

This is not a tragedy that has just happened to you. This is a story that is bigger than anyone can understand that you have a part in. I would never wish what has happened to you upon anyone, but the fact is that you are going to play a HUGE role in some people's lives. I can't even imagine what God's plan is for you. Whatever it is, I know it is big. The time that I have known you two has been short, but I do love you guys and am so very grateful for your friendship.

Love & Peace to you both!