Merry Christmas!

Winter Sunrise on the Prairie

I took these images yesterday at my parents' home where I'm currently enjoying some down time with family and friends. It has been too long since my last visit, but I must say that on a day like today (overcast, frigid, and blustery), I'm already looking forward to my next visit (which I oh so coincidentally plan to fall during sweet corn season when those prairie winds bring more pleasant relief).

Brooke & Brandon's Engagement Slideshow

It's been a flurry of placing Christmas and year-end orders! I apologize for the lull on the blogging front! Here is a slideshow from Brooke and Brandon's engagement session to bring back memories of warmer, sunnier days!

Brian and Randy: Senior Session

Last week I got to spend some time with Brian and Randy, twins graduating from West Jessamine in the spring. The scary thing is, I remember when I was a college student and they were barely out of the toddler stage and their parents would occasionally bring them to the college cafeteria with their baby sister for Sunday lunch (of course, I didn't tell them that because then they would think I was really old). Anyway, they were good sports, even letting me get a few shots of them together to humor their mom.

Local Vendor Spotlight: M.Ellen Designs

Thanks to one of my summer '09 brides, Kelly, I've met sweet Mary Ellen in Lexington who is living her dream to be a stationery designer! This young entrepreneur has some adorable original designs if you're looking for something different for your invitations or announcements. I encourage you to check out her website! The samples above are some of my favorites from her 'wedding whimsy' collection.
Note: she will also create a custom design for you at a very reasonable rate!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dustin and Kelly's Engagement Slideshow

Kris & Katie's Wedding Slideshow

Brooke & Brandon's Engagement Shoot

Have you ever walked through an airport and wondered if the people you are walking by know people you know, or if you've ever passed them before at the mall or a concert -- you know, the whole six degrees of separation thing? When meeting with Brooke and Brandon for their engagement session, I discovered that I've seen Brandon before as he's brings our deliveries when our regular UPS driver is on vacation! How cool is that?

Another cool thing is how much I enjoyed spending time with these two. They met her first Sunday visiting his church and as Brooke said, he snatched her right up and they've been dating ever since! I can't wait for their June wedding!

Kris and Katie Get Married!

Photo credit for the image above goes to my husband, Nathan (my occasional assistant and regular 2nd shooter, when a client wants the extra service). I'm thrilled that Nathan could capture this while I was waiting at the front of the sanctuary for them to make their entrance. Seeing moments like this reminds me of my own wedding and my relationship with my dad.

Can you tell they're happy to be married???

This (above) was shot just a few moments after walking out of the church

The reception was at the clubhouse of the totally cool Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, where Kris works.

It's a Saturday afternoon in November and I am sitting here working on Kris and Katie's wedding, enjoying some college football on TV with Nathan. It's appropriate considering that Kris is a former UK football player and when he and Katie set their wedding for a Saturday in the autumn, it was with the promise to their friends that it wouldn't fall on the same weekend as a UK home game.

And what a Saturday they picked! If you were in Central KY last Saturday, then you wouldn't be surprised to hear that the doors of the church were propped open allowing warm breezes to flow through. The ceremony was held at Mt. Horeb which boasts quintessential Kentucky views in any direction and the small sanctuary which gives an intimate feeling available at few other venues. It was full of family and friends who had traveled as far as Washington state and Scotland to support and celebrate Kris and Katie as they joined their lives together.

We traveled east to Frankfort for the reception, a fun party at Buffalo Trace Distillery where Kris works. Some of my favorite moments included some humorous and personal toasts and watching Katie, her mom, dad, and brother enjoy a couple of dances together (check back for some fun and touching images in the slideshow).

What a wonderful way to end my 2008 wedding season! Congratulations, Katie and Kris! It's been a pleasure!

DeShaun & Lindsey's Wedding Slideshow

Kelly and Dustin

Fall at Ashland provided a beautiful backdrop for Kelly and Dustin's engagement session. It was hard to stop shooting given the wonderful colors and a couple who were willing to try anything I asked! I think they are one most consistent couples I've shot -- which made editing their photos even more difficult (no blinking, great smiles every time)! I'm looking forward to their wedding next summer as they've selected some great venues (Central Christian and The Carrick House). And given what they gave me during their engagement session, I can only imagine how easy they'll make my job at their wedding. Congratulations, guys, on your engagement! July will be here before you know it!