that's a wrap!

This past weekend I finished editing my last full wedding of 2012, the wedding of Amy and Paul, whose engagement session you can view here. It was such a wonderful wedding to go back and relive through the photographs . . . it reminded me of what an incredibly blessed year I have had, in so many ways. Not only were all of my couples truly so lovely to work with, and many of them became friends, but I have come to such a place of confidence and trust in myself as a photographer and a business woman. It takes time to learn all of this, and many mistakes are made along the way, but I write this with awareness of knowing what works, what doesn’t work, and what my max is that allows me to be successful and enjoy this wonderful path. My boudoir clients were a remarkable group of women who showed so much appreciation, joy and excitement towards me . . . and while it is up to them to have the confidence to be a part of something that is so far outside most people’s comfort zone, to be able to make the experience fun and memorable for them is invaluable to me. And while I don’t shoot a whole ton of other portraits throughout the year, the families and individuals I did get the opportunity to work with on this front make me feel so honored in that they trust my ability to capture them being exactly as they are - candid, funny, romantic, silly. So as I move into the off-season and enjoy some time behind the computer, revamping the business and opening myself up to a new creativity for 2013, please know how grateful I am for what you’ve all given me this past year . . . it’s been an amazing season!

a simple portrait

If you've followed this blog and wedding photography in general for some time now, you know more than anything how much the style of wedding photographs have changed . . . how interaction, snuggling and laughing are shown so much more than two simple smiles, with a bouquet front and center. When I began shooting weddings professionally, it was very important to me to stand out from what the rest of the industry in my community was doing. Five years later, while I still strive to stand out, I've learned the importance and power of what is known as a simple wedding portrait. Yes, the kind your parents want to frame. The kind your grandchildren will cherish. Not two faces buried in each other's necks, or running through a field in a fit of laughter. Just simple, beautiful love . . . There are a hundred styles, poses and ways to engage a couple for a simple portrait that still reflects your style of photography . . . the ones above are just a couple of my favorites. :) Happy Thursday, y'all!

oh, christmas tree!

Before the fierce wind moved in this weekend, my little family and I ventured deep into the Bridger Mountains for what was the beginning of the annual cutting-of-the-Christmas-tree tradition. I know we probably should have implemented this earlier, but it was definitely much more enjoyable with the girls being the ages they are. They were in snow up to their thighs, giddy with excitement, and when we got back into the truck after the perfect tree had been found, Stella looked at me and said, "Best. Day. Ever." :) Next year I better be in good shape . . . there will be a little man on my back, and if he takes after his Daddy, he isn't going to be a peanut! I'm not sure why I'm asking everyone to wave lately in photos . . .Hi, Stella! She surprised me with how ambitious she was to hike up the hills in the deep snow. Stella is probably very typically the "babied" one - she's a little munchkin, has soft curly blonde hair, and very, fair, smooth baby skin. She is 5 years old and probably weighs 35 pounds, so she's easily scoopable and quite a snuggler. Miss Ava, taking a rest . . . this is pretty accurate for this little beauty queen. Ava prefers dancing and applying lipgloss to being active, but she is one hell of a little baseball player, and a super fast runner. However, breaks were needed on this little adventure. :) I hope you are making beautiful holiday memories with your families this year, staying warm, listening to LOTS of Christmas music, and enjoying the spirit of the season!

kate and wade: august 4, 2012

Happy Monday to all! Thanksgiving week is officially over, and it's back to the work station until Christmas . . . I thought today's wedding was a perfect way to get you girls inspired for your own special day. Kate's DIY talents were amazing! I had no idea she was so talented and creative. Beautiful, yes, this I knew. Stylish? Absolutely - her Priscilla of Boston gown was drop-dead gorgeous. But her ability to design a dream vintage tablescape, unique decor ideas, and gather the most beautiful bridesmaids all into one wedding made the day a masterpiece. She did get help from the very talented Angela with Fresh Designs for the gorgeous flowers you will see . . . I loved every moment with this beautiful couple and their families. Enjoy the photographs!

thankful

Happy Monday, everyone! Today kicks off Thanksgiving week, one of my favorite times of year . . . I've always had fond memories of this holiday. I grew up with a large, close extended family who were all in the same town, and so the holidays were always a guarantee that we would be together. As we grew up, wandered, got lost, left home, stayed in New York, etc., we still always tried our hardest to get back home for the holidays. Now, I celebrate Thanksgiving in Montana with my husband, daughters, the blessings of a little BOY growing happy and active inside me, and our wonderful extended family. The shorties make it all the more fun, and I hope that no matter where they end up, they always wander home for the holidays . . .

alicia: maternity

You don't see many maternity photos on this blog, because I don't shoot them very often . . . and I think it's because I can't possibly let myself be involved in the type of maternity shoot that doesn't turn out like this. Alicia's maternity session was a vision I have had for a long time, right down to her stunning Free People dress, handmade head piece, and willingness to reschedule to an evening that gave us the most perfect light. Alicia is an amazing portrait photographer in Montana, and here she is expecting her third little boy in January. She is an amazing mother, a kind and warm person, and becoming a lovely friend. Alicia, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this such a wonderful experience for me!

lyndsey and doug: july 28, 2012

Lyndsey and Doug were such a wonderful couple to celebrate with this past summer! They held their ceremony at Rock Haven Camp and a beautiful reception followed at Lazy B Farm in Bozeman. The weather challenged us that day, but I always say there's nothing better than back light than overcast light. :) Lyndsey wore her mother's wedding dress and carried flowers by Avant Floral, and Doug wore a suit from Avant Bridal. They were gorgeous, happy, and a joy to spend the day with. Congratulations you two!