Jet Lag....

We are back from Europe!  If you are my friend on Facebook then you have seen most of my pics from our trip....one of the advantages of being my friend on FB! ;)  But for those of you who haven't seen a single one (Nicole) don't worry...I will be posting each city as well as hotel, restaurant, and activity recs for those interested.  But for now we are dealing with some serious jet lag....Arriving in Europe we seemed to skip Europe time and went straight to Russian time.  All messed up, then when we finally got used to the time change, it was time to come home.  So now we are going to bed at 9pm (fighting to stay awake) and waking up at 5 or 6am.  I am not a mornng person, but this morning I woke up ready to go!  I piled my hair on top of my head and threw on my "fo" Uggs and set out on a mini morning shoot.  Then I came home, ate some breakfast, and took Gracie for an early morning walk.....which we all enjoyed very much.  Maybe this getting up early thing will be a permanent thing?  We shall see.... :)  Hope you all have a great weekend!

Have a fabulous day! :)

Europe...here we come!

So today we set off on our Euro Vacay!  I am SOOOOOO excited!  We have been planning this trip for a while and it is FINALLY here!  I have never been to Europe and plan on taking a million bazillion pictures!  We will be spending our days in Amsterdam, then Paris, and finally Germany.  We have our itinerary set, and I have packed my brain with helpful information from travel blogs and travel books.  I still laugh at myself when I attempt to speak french, but I am looking forward to experiencing the different cultures and taking in as much as I possibly can.  I will be taking my computer and camera with me, so stay tuned for some Euro Vacay awesomeness! :) 

St. Louis Destination Wedding Photographer - Amarillo Texas

On a hot August day in Amarillo Texas, Erin and Aaron gathered with friends and family and became husband and wife.  Who knew that two strangers who met on a somewhat blind date (I explain here) would fall in love and get married?  I did.  The first time I met them, was the first time they met each other face to face.  During dinner you could tell that they had a real connection.  At the end of dinner we all hugged and said our goodbyes and walked to our cars.  As we walked away I looked back and saw them reach for each others hand.  I knew they were going to get married, because I'm just good like that. ;)  Over the last year or so I have become really good friends with Erin and Aaron.  They have the have the biggest hearts, and will forever hold a special place in mine.

Back in November, I started my photography business and in order to build my portfolio, I messaged a few friends on Facebook asking if I could do a few photo sessions to get the ball rolling.  Erin and Aaron were the first ones to say yes, and the first engagement session I ever shot.  I guess they saw something in me because a few months later they asked me to shoot their wedding.  Excited and terrified, I said yes.  That was HUGE for me.  The fact that they believed in me and trusted me to capture their special day meant the world to me.  Thank you SO much Erin and Aaron for letting me capture your special day.  You both crack me up and just being in you presence makes me smile.  You two have a very special connection and I couldn't be happier for the both of you!  Congratulations! :)

Erin started off her day at MAC.  I love MAC....

Huge shout ot to MAC make up artist Anne Evans who did an amazing job!  Isn't she gorgeous??? 

I want her red hair!

Erin's GORGEOUS wedding dress!

The shoes!  And I adored Erin's Bridal Suite.  Very vintage....love it....

The pearl necklace belonged to her grandmother.  Love that...

Erin...you are stunning my dear....

Classic...

So classic.... :)

The handsome Aaron....

They decided to have a First Look.  Yes I know, seeing each other before the ceremony is a non-traditional thing, but I know for a fact how special it is.  My husband and I had a First Look when we got married.  It's a special moment just between just the two of you.  And if you're a big bubbly sap like me and cry your butt off, it gives you that extra time to calm your emotions and take in the moment. 

Hehe...have you ever seen a more excited groom??? :)

They blocked off a good hour and a half to take photos before their ceremony.  So we drove around downtown Amarillo for a bit.  :)

JUMP! JUMP!

Back to the church to get hitched!

While we were out and about, Erin got a mosquito bite...hehe...just put some windex on it.... :)

Her facial expression is priceless!

The Bling Bling!

BLING!

So the church where the ceremony was held had VERY strict rules when it came to wedding photography.  I could only take a picture of the bride walking in while remaining in the 6th row...(I like a good challenge)...

And then to remian in the CENTER balcony for the ceremony...."so I can't go in the left or right balcony???"  NO.....only the center balcony....  I just thought I would ask just to make sure.... ;)

Aaron smiled like that the entore day....love it.....

Great shot huh?  I had to remain in the center balcony until they were announced husband and wife.  THEN I strapped on my PF Flyers (because they make you run faster) and ran to the opposite side of the center balcony, super hero speed down 2 flights of stairs, then jetted across to the opposite side of the church....to get THIS shot.  OH YA.....Superman aint got NOTHIN on me.... ;)  And FYI...that PF Flyers bit is from Sandlot.  The best movie ever.....FOOOOOREVVVVVVER....Okay moving on.... :)

Rollin out in style....that's how you do it....

Aren't they gorgeous???

LOOOOOOVE it!

On to the reception!

Both of those cakes were super yummy.....I have that in my contract....you must let me eat cake... ;)

"From this moment"...Shania Twain...

"He didn't have to be" Brad Paisley....this song makes me cry every time...


"You'll be in my heart" Phil Collins


Time to open up the dance floor!  WOOT! WOOT!






Remember when you were in 7th grade???  HAHA!...


Dollar dance.... ;)




Congratulations you two!  THANK YOU again for letting me be a part of your special day! :)

AND for a slideshow and more photos of Erin and Aaron's wedding
CLICK HERE


Have a fabulous day! :)