Shannon, I love you. And I love the way that Andy loves you. He sees how special you are, and I know he will treat you better than you would treat yourself for the rest of your lives. And how can I ask for anything better for such a dear friend?

I was so glad to be able to document a little slice of y’all’s love, and I can’t wait to stand up in full support of the amazing union that God is bringing to pass.

This couple is sweet, quiet, and seems to just fit perfectly together. I knew I would enjoy their sense of humor when Michael recounted the way that they met on their J.Grace “Getting to Know You” survey. He wrote that they met “In my minivan, she was dating my best friends older brother and she picked us up at a party and drove my red mini van. Ever since then she has loved vans.” Hahaha. Theresa was quick to dispel the myth contained in that last sentence. Dang, if only I’d thought to center our shoot around a red minivan

She and Scott were classic and gorgeous (which I don’t have to tell you, once you see the photos.) And there was raw and sweet emotion that followed us throughout the day, which made for some very special shots.

You guys were SUCH a pleasure to work with, and your day was so perfect in so many ways!

Every bride needs a little minute to breathe…

First look. Could this be more tender and special? Jennifer hadn’t been feeling well all morning, and though she really didn’t think it was nerves, seeing her Scott made it all go away!!

First moments as husband and wife!

I loved loved loved the gorgeous florals by Jaclyn Journey.

A sweet toast between brothers… and an adorable nephew who tried to steal the show!

Wedding Coordination and Florals: Jaclyn Journey Dress: Maggie Sottero  Shoes: Nine West Bridesmaid Dresses: Liz Fields Venue: Seelbach Hilton and Mellwood Art Center Hair: Shawna Blair and Shannon Meyers Makeup: Ashley Corsi DJ and Photobooth: A to Z Productions Catering and Cake: Taste Catering Officiant: David Huddleston

Denise and John were gorgeous models, weren’t they? Can’t wait to meet little Amelia once she’s outside of the belly!

We took a few with Gabe playing his guitar, but for whatever reason, Barrett didn’t bring his piano to the shoot.

A couple of weeks ago, I said my final goodbyes to our childhood home in St. Louis. We moved in, Mom, Dad, baby sister and I when I was two and a half. Our little brother never knew another family home.

It’s hard to put into words the familiarity and comfort that a place can bring. When we were there, even though almost all the furniture was gone and things were off the walls, we were there, and we were together. I remarked that there is nowhere in the world that I feel more comfortable than there.

I actually held it together, pregnancy hormones and all. I knew the potential was there for me turning into a big hot mess, because two Christmases ago (our last one in the house) as we began to sort through our childhood toys and books to take what we wanted, I just lost it. I was crying so hard that I was halfway laughing at myself for it. Nobody knew what to do with me. So, I held it together this time. But as we drove away for the final time, Miranda Lambert’s The House that Built Me comes on the radio. For real.

Ugh, I shouldn’t have let myself watch that video right now.

We were busy while I was there, packing, moving and more packing. But I of course had to snag a few photos (lots of my adorable niece) and some of the house. And although I won’t share it here, we made a movie, walking through the house, sharing our memories. It’s hard to mourn a place. It’s not like a person, where you know they are gone. The place is still there, you just know you can’t go back and that things will never be the same. But God, I thank you for my family and our home.

We found this random little red robe from China in one of the closets. It fit Becca perfectly!

This next one is blurry, but I can’t even make myself care, its too cute!

Becca got to go on a trampoline for the first time. She looooved it. And I loved her crazy static hair and amazing sense of style. Could she not be a baby model, especially in the bottom left pic?

Goodbye house.

Last family photo ever, in our living room. It was accidentally taken in JPG, and pretty far underexposed, which is why it looks not so great, but I still love it! And sister- I just noticed we are both doing the GG leg thing!

Goodbye, #930. There’s no place like home.

I’m pleased to announce that I’m doing a day of mini-sessions on Saturday, March 30th. Not only are you going to get some beautiful, professional photos, but you are also going to help my dear friends, the Tappmeyers, bring home their son from China! This incredible family of 5 has felt led by God to expand their family to include one more. The Tappmeyers’ son, Blaise, was born deaf. Blaise can now hear wonderfully with a cochlear implant, but through this process the Tappmeyers learned some sign language and learned much about raising a deaf child. With this experience, they hope to adopt a brother for Blaise who is also deaf, so that they are able to love him and provide him with opportunities he may not have had in his homeland. 50% of the fee for your mini-sessions will go straight toward the Tappmeyers’ adoption fee!

Please contact me soon if you are interested!

When I met sweet little 6 month old Alethea the other week, I have to only hope that I will not have the same effect on my own babe. Alethea pretty much hated me. I would forget this fact and go in to touch her sweet little leg rolls or caress her little baby face to only be greeted with a frown and cry that could only mean “Mommy, why is she touching me again?!”

So, it is for this reason that I was pretty excited to discover that we actually had gotten some frames of this little girl while she was not upset with me.

I just had to include this next one. This was her more typical face for this session and I kinda just think its so cute!