MCCLUNG FAMILY

When I learned I was going back to Bee Tree Park for another family session, I started wondering where that charming old mansion came from so I did a little research (God bless the internet).  It turns out it was built in 1929 by SWB founder, Eugene Nims.  He used it as a  - get this - WEEKEND retreat...WOW.  It wasn't purchased by St. Louis County until 1986.  

Thought I'd throw in just a little bit of history behind the location of my fun filled photo session with The McClung FAM...Jim, Kerry, Jake, Ally & Darcy!  Mom, Kerry, grew up in South County and this is one of her favorite spots so it didn't take her long to figure out where we were heading :)  Jim just so happens to be another one of my favorite cousins and his adorable daughter, Darcy, is my husband's and my Godchild.  She is one smart and CUTE little cookie...pretty hilarious too!  Jake and Ally also have a special place in my heart as I used to babysit them when they were wee tikes...now they are (sniff sniff) not so wee!  I could have taken 100 photos of beautiful Miss Ally because she's at that perfect age where it's actually cool to get your picture taken...you know that age right in the middle of "no way if there's a playground in sight" and "what if my friends see these"...yeah, that age.  Love this family and had a great time hangin' out at the park with them....here are some of my favvvvesss!

I felt like Nigel Barker from ANTM when Ally started jumping...she really got into it and gave me so much to work with...and HEY is that a "shmize" I see?  

These two have the most gorgeous red locks, not to mention the curls...did I mention I love my job?

Sorry Jake, I know it's not "cool" but I have to say this.  You sure have turned out to be one handsome and polite young man...who REALLY knows his football...impressive.  Even if you aren't a U2 fan like your parents and I, you do me proud ;)

I think we all knew when this pose on the right came up that this would be a keeper....something about those "angel eyes"!!

Love you guys and had a blast....thank you!  Hope little Shadow comes home soon :(  

TAMMY + STEVE - ENGAGEMENT

No fare-weather fans here!  The Cards' season may not have gone the way we all had hoped, but Tammy & Steve love their Red Birds anyway.  Being a Cards fan myself, I was pretty stoked about starting our engagement session at Busch Stadium.  Their usual seats are in left field and they even dressed the part...so I knew we had to start where it all begins...TICKET BOOTHS!  No, we did not randomly pick these three numbers....this is actually the date these two are going to tie the knot next summer on the sunny beach of Anna Maria Island, FL!  Some of you might be saying...hmmmm that sounds familiar.  Well, that's because my hubby and I also exchanged vows on this beautiful isle!  Tammy just so happens to be my cousin and also has a family connection to this area....I am reminded constantly that the world is a small small place.  Tammy is as sweet as can be...she rarely misses a family gathering and is always upbeat and smiling.  I love and admire that about her and I can't imagine anyone that would compliment her better than Steve.  From the first time I met him, I just knew he was perfect for her...his sense of humor and the way he cares about my cuzz.....mmmmm....gives me that warm fuzzy feelin'!  Not to mention he fits in quite perfectly with the fam ;)  

So without further a do....here are my FAVES!!            

The waitress came out and kindly cleaned off the table for us and asked if we wanted the chess pieces....we all chuckled ;)  

Tammy & Steve, CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS, you guys are such a wonderful pair!  I was honored to take your engagement photos and had such a fun time strolling around downtown STL with you.  I can't wait to celebrate with you guys again next year after the BIG DAY!!

CHAMBERS FAMILY

How many people get to do what they love AND hang out with amazing people at the same time?  Not many...which is why I feel so fortunate to be following my dream and doing just that.  I feel even more lucky when dear old friends get in touch and want me to photograph their family.  In this case with Kari Chambers (she will always be Kari Hesselbach to me!), I hadn't even met her family yet!  So of course I just couldn't wait to see what they were all like.  It was no surprise they were all just as sweet as Kari, and she hit the jackpot with Jason, I could tell instantly he was a keeper!  I found out when they arrived that it was her son Parker's FIRST BIRTHDAY.  How cool that I got to photograph him on his actual birthday...awesome :)  He's so close to walking so he was up and down all morning (I bet he took a good nap that day!) in his little Sambas...first thing I noticed ;)  Then Audrey...who is a spitting image of her mom...was just full of personality and posing it up like crazy as you will see. 

We had more beautiful weather at Forest Park...started out a bit chilly but soon the sun was out in full force and it was just perfect for our session as you will see from my faves below!  

Kari, thank you so much for choosing me to take your family photos, it meant a lot to me!  It was so great to see you and meet your family, hopefully you guys had just as much fun as I did.  Hope Parker's 1st birthday party was a success and that he had lots of cake and ice cream :)  

NIKKI + BRYAN - ENGAGEMENT

The weather.....oh the weather....how you always keep me on my toes!  Luckily for Nikki & Bryan the weather was absolutely PERFECT for their session, which is about right considering how adorable and perfect these two are together.  They are so obviously in love and as you can see they are both good lookin' and well...that made my job prettttty darn easy!  

When Nikki and I chatted about everything before the session, she was having a hard time deciding on a location since she's originally from sunny California (and who can blame her considering there are so many great spots in 'The Lou').  Then, she casually mentions that their first kiss was at Forest Park and I think HELLO how cool is that??!  Sooooo....Forest Park it was!  We had so much fun and spent most of the session talking and laughing...and to be quite honest, I could probably photograph these two once a week and it would never get old.  They are tying the knot on July 3rd next year on a golf course back in California, I'm trying to convince them to pack me in their luggage :)  

Enjoy some of my faves!    

    

Just one more Forest Park kiss to add to the list....oh and believe me there were plenty that day ;)

Are those not the coolest eyes??  Beautiful!! 

CONGRATULATIONS and thank you so much for asking me to take your engagement photos, I had a wonderful time!  Oh and remember, I dig the West Coast so if things don't work out with your wedding photographer just lemme know ;)  

MEGAN + RICH - WEDDING

I was ever so excited when the talented Sherry Rosenberger asked me to 2nd shoot a wedding at Sunset Country Club with she and Liz, I just knew it was going to be a great experience and OH so much fun! 


Well the day started like this...I walked to the front door of the bride's mother's home with Sherry and Liz and to my surprise, (stay with me here) my husband's 2nd cousin's wife Barb answered the door.  To some that may seem pretty extended, but we celebrate Thanksgiving and 4th of July with their family every year so I know them well :)  The stunning bride, Megan, is Barb's daughter and since she lives out of state we've only met a couple times during holidays.  What a small world we live in, that just added to my excitement!!


Megan and Rich are a beautifully in love couple with wonderful families (of course!) and I felt really lucky to be a part of their special day.  Here are some of my favorite shots!         

An absolutely breathtaking couple and setting made for a gorgeous wedding.  Thanks to Sherry for giving me the opportunity to shoot with you, and to Megan and Rich and their families for being such gracious hosts for the day.  Congratulations!!