ALEXIS - Central High School [Southern Illinois Senior Photographer]

Alexis' day started out with a bit of a hiccup. The location she had chosen for her country style images wasn't available any more. Although, it just took a few phone calls and viola! We had a location which turned out to be better than planned and I'm so glad that happened because we LOVED it! I knew her whole session was going to be amazing - She was actually a Junior ModelJunior Model of ours last year AND she helped us out by walking in the Aviston 150 Parade! :) She had it all from model style, to the beach, the barbed wire & hay bales on the farm, shopping and St. Louis! And, of course, we have to give a shout out to her mom, Michelle, for being such a trooper on a 90+ degree day, walking around StL shortly after knee surgery. Mom of the year, for sure :) Alexis - You are such a gorgeous girl, inside and out! I'm so thankful to have been able to work with you!

Cassandra + Chandler Engaged! [Southern Illinois Wedding Photogapher]

A few weeks ago we set out to create some beautiful city inspired engagement portraits for Cassandra and Chandler. We honestly could not have gotten a more beatiful day, 75 and sunny with a slight breeze. We started in the CWE, strolling up and down the streets finding cute locations here and there. Then, we headed to Soulard for more fun, relaxed images. Cassandra is a big fan of older architecture so we tried to include interesting building and locations in their shoot, while still making it clearly about the two of them. Cassandra is so sweet and it's easy to see that Chandler simply adores her. Our last stop of the day was a grassy area near Epic Pizza, so of course, we had to stop and sit outside for a slice. Perfect end to a great day! Can't wait for May 23, 2015! :):)

Andrea + Ashley Engagement [Southern Illinois Wedding Photographer]

When Andrea and Ashley came in to see us, they weren't sure which photographer, if any, they were going to have. After what I thought was a great meeting, I was crossing my fingers and toes we'd hear back from them. When we had an email the next morning asking to secure the date, I was thrilled! We decided to have dinner and drinks at Bella Milano and it was there was Andrea let us in on her idea for their engagement images. She wanted to tell their story. Amy and I were hooked - We LOVED IT! She told us how they met (at 54th St. Bar & Grill), how they have a mutal affection for the St. Louis Cardinals (don't we all?;)), and even how he proposed using a holiday ornament handwritten with, "Andrea, will you marry me? Love, Ashley". Of course, she agreed and the rest is history. After the proposal, they went to Subzero Vodka Bar in the Central West End where she appropriately ordered "The Bling Bling" Drink. As Andrea told me their story, I wrote note after note of how we could capture this story for them. After all, this story is the fondation for their future, we wanted to do it all the justice it deserved. We planned it out perfectly and the day was beautiful. From 54th St (where the staff and even a few patrons congratulated them and wished them luck), to Ashley's office building where they meet frequently to walk to Cardinal's games and other events downtown, to the Stadium & Ballpark Village and finally to Subzero Vodka Bar to sit at the exact table they did that night. It was perfect - I'm so thankful to have heard this story and even more thankful to be able to tell it for future generations to enjoy.

KATELYN - Central High School [Southern Illinois Seniors]

Rain or shine, we were going forward with Katelyn's session! We had random rain showers throughout her day, but each time we were lucky enough to squeeze it in before or after! And, ironically, the best light for photographs is during overcast skies so it worked out perfectly! I had such a great time with Katelyn and her family! Oh, and Snickers, their dog :) He's adorable, too! Katelyn's family has a strong history in community soccer, so of course we had to do some great soccer images along with her cheer jacket and bows! She loves to read so we decided for those images, we wanted something a little more relaxed yet scholarly - the outfit, the location and even the color of the books worked so well together! But, I have to say, my all time favorite (3rd from the bottom here), was a test shot. It wasn't planned or posed, I just asked her to turn around to check something and viola! Our favorite <3 Katelyn - You are so genuine and sweet! I'm so thankful to have gotten to work with you and your family! Can't wait to deliver your finished pieces! Especially the storyboard for your room! It's going to look AMAZING!!

JESSIE - Central High School [Southern Illinois Senior Photography]

We all had such a great time with Jessie, from start to finish! When she came for her pre-session consultation, we had a great time planning ideas and locations! One of the things I knew she wanted was to wear a flower headband and do something in a field or tall grass. I think she nailed it because those are my favorite images! Despite the fact that we were all itching non-stop for the next 24 hours, I think it was completely worth it! On the way to the location, we found a patch of white flowers so I quickly pulled over and grabbed a few and took them to wear we planned to photograph. It was totally meant to be! And another favorite of our is the green dress! She looks amazing in it! Green definitely works on her! :) Jessie - We all had such a great time with you and we wish you nothing but the best on your upcoming senior year! We know you're going to accomplish big things and we were so happy to work with you and your family!!

Katie & Chad - Engagements [Southern Illinois Wedding Photography]

When we first met Katie and Chad, it was at the Mexico on Main in Trenton (they do have the BEST margaritas!). We sat and talked about what their wedding was going to be like, what they had planned already and what they envisioned for their pictures! After the tacos and unlimited chips and queso were gone, we had a plan. We decided to go for a more rustic shoot, complete with the perfect red barn. It was gorgeous! The day of the shoot was incredible weather! White pillowy clouds, sunshine, light breeze... perfect! The first location was like a photographers dream - rustic barns, wodden swings, piles of logs, rows of gardens, hay lofts, metallic buildings, stone paths...just the most amazing little spots around every corner! Not to mention, Amy made a friend with their pet racoons - Lets just say I was less excited than her, but they were cute nonetheless ;) AIl together, it was a beautiful day!