Gianna : New Arrival

My best friend had a BABY!!

You may remember Katie and Micah from their maternity session in June (here).  Well... sweet, beautiful, amazing little Giavanni (Gianna) Bentley entered the world on July 22nd, 2013.  Katie and I live a few hours away from each other, so I was SO thankful I got to be at the hospital on her daughter's BIRTHday!  The next time I was able to see Gianna was when she was just shy of 3 weeks old... but it wasn't too late for newborn pics! (I would have insisted on them even if she was 6 months old... but this was much easier, so I'm glad it worked out this way ;)).  Katie and Micah have a beautiful home - perfect setting for a photo shoot!

I have way too many favorites... so it was hard to narrow them down for a sneak peak!  Here goes!

On this one I was testing my light and setup... she wasn't quite where I wanted her yet, but LOOK!  She smiled! :)

Had to include the three besties and Baby Gianna! Jacklyn was also my amazing assistant ;)

Jessica, Brian, and Baby Belly

These two are so cute.  They are so laid back and go with the flow... they joke about being parents, but I know they're going to be incredible.  Their little boy is going to be adored and loved - and well-dressed to boot!  Literally... he already has the most adorable boots.  Jessica couldn't resist - and I don't blame her!
We made it through our whole shoot without any rain - which is saying a lot considering how our weather has been lately!  It was a bit soupy, but not too bad.  Oh and thankfully Brian was there to trim branches and scare away birds. :)

Congratulations you two - I can't wait to meet your little boy!

Here are a few of my favorites from our session:

Shay's Adoption Party!

My friend Holly is an incredible person.  If you haven't met her, you should.  For over a year, she has been a foster mom to the cutest, sweetest little girl.  Shay has only known Holly as her mom, and Holly is an amazing one.  Last week we got to celebrate Shay and Holly, as Holly is officially adopting her!  I couldn't be happier for them.  Shay, you are so blessed to have Holly as your mom - and I am excited to be a part of your life as you grow up!  Holly - congrats!!

Here are a few of my favorites from Shay's adoption party:

Ryker : New Arrival

I feel like I've known Brie and Ryan my whole life... we've been friends since middle school.  We grew up together, got married around the same time, and now we all have kids and are in ministry together.  Crazy.  Ryan and Brie had two boys - Kenan and Micah... now they have three boys!  I got to meet sweet baby Ryker when he was just 3 days old.  He's so tiny!

I snapped a few pictures while we visited... these are a few of my favorites.  Congrats, Brie and Ryan!

Lena : One

It's hard to believe that little Lena is ONE!  I can remember Angie and Casey's wedding so vividly... because it was the first wedding Joe and I attended as a married couple!  It's crazy that they have a little one and that they've been parents for a year now... Lena's grandparents (Lawrence and Jacque) gave her a photo shoot for her birthday and I was ecstatic when they asked me to do the honors!  Lena did GREAT - she was chill and happy through the whole shoot - and didn't even mind a few raindrops!  When she smiles really big, she sticks her tongue out the side of her mouth and it's beyond adorable.  We took a few pictures at Angie and Casey's house, then headed to a park for the rest.  The weather cooperated - and so did Lena. :)

Here are a few of my favorites from yesterday!  Happy birthday, Lena!

Katie, Micah, & Baby Belly

Sharing the joy of new life has got to be one of the best experiences... and sharing that joy with my best friend - well, let's just say I had a few "moments" during our photo shoot. :) I was honored that Katie and Micah chose to have me take pictures of their growing family (and Katie's growing belly :)).  It worked out perfectly to go up to Kansas City for her baby shower up there, and sneak in pics the night before.  We started in the nursery (Katie did an incredible chevron wall!), then went to a nearby park.  The weather was perfect!  Diesel had to come with - he's family! :) Katie was 33 weeks at the time of our shoot, and I think she looks amazing - you'll agree, I know.

Katie and Micah... I am ecstatic for you both.  You will be phenomenal parents and I love you.

Here are some of my favorites from our session :)

Lydia : Senior

Okay, I officially feel old.  Lydia was a "camper" of mine back when I was a camp counselor during the summers (during high school & college).  I remember when she was only 6 years old... so it's impossible that she is a senior.  Or not... :)
In the midst of the crazy weather we've been having, we had a beautiful evening Sunday!  It was perfect for pictures.
Lydia is super fun and quirky.  She has so much personality... and I love it!  She claims that she isn't photogenic, but I beg to differ... and I think you'll agree with me when you see her pics.

Here are a few of my favorites.  Congrats on your upcoming graduation, Lydia!