Southern Illinois Wedding Photographer - Nikki and Chris

An hour before the wedding, Nikki was as calm as could be.  You would never know that two weeks before, she had cut her hand on a glass and had to get stitches.  It had also been raining nonstop the entire week, causing the ceremony location to be moved thanks to the mud.  But that didn't seem to bother Nikki at all.  Even when one of the waiters kept having to send someone in the room to grab table linens (multiple times), Nikki just laughed hysterically and seemed as happy as can be.  After all of those obstacles, you may expect a bride to become a bit of a "bridezilla", but not Nikki.  She's one of those people you want to be around all the time.  She's funny, witty, has a huge heart, and has a contagious, awesome, AH-mazing laugh that just makes everyone else laugh.  And when Nikki and Chris are in each other's presence, Chris just has to look at Nikki and she smiles.....which I love.  They compliment each other so well and I know they will be OH so happy!

See...all laughs....all smiles... :)

The sweetest thing ever....

The men in her family are keepers.... :)

The awesome crew from Xcursions Salon

And then we found an old barn....SWOON!

PS:  Thank you Nikki and Chris for being such troopers!  So laid back and easy going...

Love couples like you... :)

"OKAY now a serious sexy look!"....hehe....

SO GORGEOUS!

♥ ♥ ♥

Their ceremony and reception were held at the lovely Villa Marie Winery

Congratulations you two! ♥

Thank you so much for letting me capture your special day!

Happy Mother's Day ♥

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!  My husband and I took my Mom to the Missouri Botanical Garden.  My mom LOVES flowers, plants, and gardening so this place is like heaven.  When we arrived there was a long line wrapped around the building full of families waiting to enter.  My mom turned to me and said "We need to stop by the Gift Shop so I can get a disposable camera!".....Um what???  That's when I opened my gigantic purse and pulled out my camera.  "Don't worry Mom, I got you covered!"  We spent all afternoon walking around looking at the pretty flowers and dodging bumble bees.  My mom was completely in her element wandering around the different gardens and speed walking to the next.  It was a special day. 

And OF COURSE I brought my camera.  Not only to take pictures of the flowers but also to take a few with my Mom.  I have a million photos of other people, pretty things, and my dog...but I recently made a "note to self" to take more pictures of my family....especially my Mom and Dad.  Just wanted to share a few..

Oh and I got my Mom tickets to see Earth Wind and Fire next month.  :)

GOOD TIMES!

Love you Mom! ♥

Happy Birthday Gracie! ♥

So today is Gracie's Birthday....and not just any Birthday, her golden birthday.  My baby is 6 years old!  Awwww she is growing up so fast.... :)  Seems just like yesterday I was wandering the aisles of Petsmart looking at all of the dogs up for adoption and then our eyes met, it was love at first sight.  My little pookie wookie... :)  Okay I'll stop, but I just wanted to wish my little boo boo a HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY!  Doggy sundae and candles to follow...

Pay it Forward.....Thank you Allie!

So my friend Allie posted something called "Pay it Forward" on Facebook a while back.  Allie said she would be doing a "pay it forward" project in which you make something and then the first person to comment will receive that special something.  I'm pretty sure I responded with a smiley face...and that's it.  Allie is famous for her knitted creations and I am a big fan of her work.  Well last week I received a a package from Allie all the way from Maine and  it made me smile...big time!  I LOVE it!  And I can't wait to wear it around town and show it off.  THANK YOU SO MUCH Allie!  Make sure to check out Allie's Etsy Shop and her Knit Designs!  She also makes AH-dorbale Mary Jane Booties and Mittens....which I am adding to my shopping list. :)

And with that said....I am now going to "Pay it Forward"....  So the first person who leaves a comment on my Blog AND the first person to leave a comment on my Fan Page will receive a gift...from me....  And that gift will be an artistic print.....of mine.  YAY!

Gorgeous huh?????  AND I love handwritten letters....keep them all on my "inspiration" board...

It fits perfectly! :)

THANKS ALLIE!

Flower Shop....

So I have been neglecting my blog a bit and I miss my blog....I miss you bloggy blog....so I will try to do better.  I've been mad busy editing and editing....and working on my new website & logo which launched yesterday.  OH you haven't seen it???...Well feel free to hop on over and check it out!

Yesterday I decided to take a break from my editing party and ventured out into our front yard.  I'm so glad that I did....  We have a beautiful hydrangea plant/bush that I love SO much, and it is in full bloom.  Love it...

AND our peonies (love love love) are about to bloom in our backyard...  Squeeee!

Thinking about opening up a flower shop.... :)

Have a fabulous week!

Belleville Senior Portrait Photographer - {RaShaun}

I recently got to spend some time with RaShaun who is a Senior at Belleville East.  This was a HUGE deal for me because I am a graduate of Belleville East (go Lancers) and had not been back on campus in *drum roll*....10 years!  GAH!  RaShaun and I strutted (yes we strut) around downtown Belleville and then around campus.  We chatted about teachers and how Coach Skaer gives out homework in PE (lame Coach Skaer...lame), running track, and how they have flat screen televisions in the cafeteria (say whaaa???).  Good times.  Oh and RaShaun has the best smile, so that made my job easy.  Here are a few from RaShaun's Senior Session.  Enjoy!

See....best smile ever....love it....

Of course I had to find me a red wall.....very excited about that one....

Then we roamed around campus....which is very fancy now....

RaShaun is a big track star....and I love the school colors (way better than icky maroon) 

RaShaun had a huge bag full of medals....oh RaShaun just wear them ALL....

(I picked out the pretty ribbon ones)

Congratulations RaShaun!  Good luck in college and keep on kickin butt in track!