Guys. I thought my favorite places to shoot couples at were National Parks or ridiculously beautiful locations, but DANG. Jade & Tanner got me feeling some sort of way about in home sessions. These two taught me that sometimes the most magical, breathtaking moments don't always happen in canyons or on sand dunes, but right in our homes. There's something so raw and authentic about capturing a couple in their element. There's no distractions, just two people totally and completely in love. Jade and Tanner welcomed me into their home so graciously, and let me capture a glimmer of their intimacy so beautifully. It's so hard to choose which part of this session is my favorite, but I think some of the real gems are when their little pup Finn makes an appearance in bed with them. ;)
Most of you might be familiar with Jade & Tanner from the TV show Bachelor In Paradise, where they met, fell in love, and got engaged last year. I've been a fan of the whole Bachelor Franchise since 5th grade. (And I'm just now realizing how probably inappropriate it was for my 11 year old self to be watching The Bachelor but I digress.. :P) I've seen these shows create so many couples, a lot of who don't make it, but I've always been fascinated with the ones that have. Because despite the odds stacked against them, and despite the mass skepticism from people who don't believe these shows are the real deal, their love won out in the end. And guys, getting to witness Jade and Tanner's love, with no camera's (well except mine ha) and no TV interviews, was truly something special. At one point during our shoot I asked them the question, "What are you most proud of in the other person?" and told them to answer to each other. As Jade began answering the question to Tanner, her eyes filled with tears. I don't even remember what her answer was, and that's ok. I don't need to know, because their answers were meant for one another. But what I do remember is the raw, unashamed emotion expressed in that moment. Pure love. You could feel it in the air; you could see it on their faces. And that moment is why I love this job, and why it doesn't even feel like a job to me. Because I'm betting when they look back on these photos they'll remember those answers, and this special time in their first year of marriage where they overcame the odds and fought for something beautiful. And dang guys, beautiful it sure was. To view their gallery, click the first photo and scroll through with your arrow keys. Listen to The Civil Wars for added effect. <3
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There is nothing my heart enjoys more than photographing couples in love in wildly beautiful locations. When Allyson contacted me on Instagram begging me to take photos of her and her boyfriend Andrew, she was nervous I wouldn't want to travel to Odessa, TX. Girl please. ;) Traveling is my middle name! Not only did I scream "YAASSS!" & bring my hubby with me, but we went even farther south and met them in Big Bend National Park! (Which is seriously one of the more underrated parks; it's beautiful and freaking huge!)
For these adventure sessions, what happens plays out more like a double date with a camera rather than a formal portrait session. Allyson, me, and our Andrews (they were twinning all day on more accounts than just their names) adventured all over Big Bend, hiking, stopping occasionally to take photos, and laughing so hard. This couple had me doubled over laughing all day, and I don't think I've ever photographed such a funny couple. (Sidetone: my voice was pretty much non existent for this shoot so when they made me laugh I sounded like a wheezing coyote...) Andrew and Allyson had such a connection to each other that was beautiful to watch. They could be making jokes and laughing one second, and look like models the next. They met as kids when Allyson was an ice skater (SO COOL! pun intended..) and was friends with Andrew's little sister. So growing up he was always her friend's cool older brother. Fast forward a few years, they were both older, and suddenly things changed. For Andrew, Allyson wasn't just his little sister's friend anymore. I'm such an fan of relationships that begin as friendship and turn into something more, and that's just what happened with these two. They fell in love in the best way. Once we were done hiking and taking photos we drove back to our Airbnb, and the hubs made us all dinner under the stars. It was seriously the perfect day, and I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else other than these two beautiful friends. Check out their session below! You'll see lots of cuteness, Texas mountains & canyons, a few cacti, and lots of looooovvveeee. <3 <3 <3 Click the first photo and use the arrow keys to view. Goodness I love autumn and I love the UK, so maybe I'm biased, but this wedding easily shot up there as one of my favorites I've captured. Introducing Ryan & Allie Rafferty everyone! Allie is from the same small Kansas town I am from, McPherson, while Ryan was born and raised in Northern Ireland. They met when Ryan came to Kansas for the Ulster Project, an organization seeking to build relationships, friendships, and leadership between Northern Irish teens and American teens. They met as students in the Ulster Project and started dating when they were both leaders. They fell in love and never looked back.
October 7, 2016 was such a beautiful day. The weather couldn't have been a more perfect autumn day, and this wedding was filled with so much love it overwhelmed me (in a good way.) Since Ryan was from so far away, the only people on his side able to be there were his brother and father. So there was no wedding party, but that actually allowed us more time for bride & groom portraits, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE. Then during the reception Allie surprised Ryan with a video she had made of all his friends and family back in Ireland wishing him congratulations and condolences that they couldn't be there. Ryan started tearing up, so cue me bawling like a maniac in the corner. The feels were real guys. It's really such an honor to be welcomed into people's lives on the best day of their life. Getting to capture such sweet love never gets old. Allie & Ryan, you both are so beautiful. Your love even more beautiful. You showed me that love knows no bounds. It can span from Kansas to Ireland and be stronger than ever. I wish you both the very best in the adventure to come. <3 To view, click the first photo and use the arrow keys to scroll. And if you're feeling extra spicy listen to Sleeping at Last while viewing cause I promise it enhances the experience 1000 times more ;) We joked that the sun clearly doesn't like her as I began to photograph Ally for her second session. Ally wanted to do her senior portraits in 2 different sessions, one summer shoot and one fall shoot. So I first photographed her back in August, and last week we shot her fall session. For both of her photoshoots we were met with overcast skies and the presence of a potential ominous storm on its way. Lucky for this girl, cloudy skies look soon good on her. She rocked Lawrence as we frolicked in parks and on Mass street. Check out this girl. She was SO much fun to work with! And if you happen to be needing senior photos yourself let me know! ;)
P.S. Also guys, Ally is hands down the best hair flipper ever. No competition. ;P |
About Me
Wedding Photographer. Adventurer. Newlywed. Obsessed with twinkle lights, drinking my coffee black, and living a life full of love & grace. Categories
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