Kurt & Sandra

Willard, MO

I first met Kurt & Sandra last summer and then photographed their engagement photos in the fall.  It was one of my all time favorite sessions, because being kind of city girl myself, they took me around family farm land and were up for anything I asked them to do.  They climbed hay bails, laid in fields that had just been rained in the day before, climbed fences, and trotted through barns...I loved every minute of it.  And even better, it made me so incredibly anxious for the wedding day!

They both attend college in Kansas, and since I am a HUGE KU fan, well, it was if our paths were meant to cross.  : )  Being busy with school, I was absolutely blown away with every last detail that they managed to cover, including all the items that Sandra found using Ebay.  I had no idea that Ebay was such a useful tool.  But she was determined to have a fantastic wedding and stick to their budget, and wowzers, I think it's safe to say it was more than just fantastic, but a dream come true.

Getting to hang out with the girls while they get beautified is always a fun time, and these girls made it extra fun.  Rashel Fent did their hair and also Sandra's makeup.  I have had the pleasure of knowing Rashel for a while now but this was our first chance to work together.  This girl does some amazing work!

Neither Sandra, nor her sister ever wear makeup, and so we got some good laughs as their makeup was being applied, especially in this next photo as Sandra's sister asked what an eyeliner was.  In their defense though, these are two gorgeous gals that don't even need makeup...so jealous!

Why hello beautiful eyes!

In the midst of the waiting game as everyone gets ready, a couple of the girls snuck over to check out the cake a friend was setting up.  And wouldn't you know, she just happened to have a tub of extra buttercream icing.....YUMMMMMMMY!  Sorry, but there was just no way I could resist that.  : )

After hanging out with the guys a bit in their game room, we went out for some photos.  It was HOT, and the bluest of blue skies without a cloud in the sky.  This doesn't exactly make things easy for a photographer, or easy for guys in tuxes, but they did not complain at all.  In fact, they were determined to show off their handsome good looks!  I'd say mission accomplished!  : )

And one of my favs....

Well that WAS one of my favs until we went back inside.  The light was peaking through a tall window by the door so picture perfectly that I couldn't resist taking Kurt by my side and I got this....one of my all time favorite photos...

When it comes to weddings one thing that I love to do is use some of the waiting time to take special items such as the dress, shoes, and rings out on adventure all by myself.  For me, this part of the day is like setting the scene for a painting or something of the sorts you could say.   I had been excited for the moment with the brides dress and shoes before the day had even arrived because I just knew that girl would wear her cowboy boots, and sure enough...she did!  I giggled in excitement to say the least.

The girls were very anxious for the time in front of the camera and oh how I loved them!

This was one of my ideas for the girls...

And this was their idea...G-E-N-I-U-S, or should I say, L-O-V-E this pose!

It's never a wedding without an adorable flower girl and ring bearer...

While waiting for everyone to be seated the boys were sharing stories and then one of the groomsmen decided they needed to go over their "plays" one last time.  So funny...

Okay just another moment that I loved during the day was at the end of the ceremony.  The talk that day was about the "kiss" because Sandra has NEVER wanted or dared to kiss Kurt in public...like, ever!  So when the time came, even the minister got in a last joke and well Sandra, just in case anyone missed it, here ya go....

As I have made mention, Kurt and Sandra are all country, and tears even filled my eyes as Kurt made mention in his vows about how Sandra would be his hunting and fishing buddy.  (sniff, sniff...seriously the sweetest).  And so when I saw the cake topper, I thought wow, there's no doubt about it, this was made just for them!

And for the Groom's cake...perfection!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am an ice cream fanatic and therefore my opinion is a little biased, but still...this has to be one of the best ideas I have ever seen at a wedding reception...ice cream sundae's, are you kidding me???  I may have caved for the icing, but somehow I managed to just hide behind the camera for the sundae's, but my stomach growls every time I see these photos.

It's payback time for the Groom on this one.  Apparently at one of the groomsmen weddings, Kurt had participated in decorating the car and then put a dead fish in the car...that's right, a dead fish!  Needless to say, the wedding party couldn't get to Kurt and Sandra's car fast enough.  And yes, that is cellophane wrapped from top to bottom of the car.  When they were finished, Kurt's brother did go out on the back roads in hopes of finding a dead animal to put on top, but no such luck.  Still, as hot of a day it was, I was glad I wasn't Kyle when it was time to go home.  : )

After watching the battle take place on the car I head back inside.  It's the end of the reception and we are waiting to head out for shots with just Kurt and Sandra, and as I turn the corner I see this...oh my goodness, oh my goodness, so stinkin adorable!!!

The love between these two is so evident, and heartwarming.  And the fact that after a long wedding day when it was over 100 degrees, that they still were so anxious and determined to get some great shots of just the two of them...well, I definitely felt honored.

The sweat that was pouring down these two was crazy, and look...pure beauty still just radiates from this bride!  

We forgot the bouquet, but no worries, because her friend's mom who's house we were at had flowers in all directions and so she picked a few...you are a life saver, thank you!

Always having fun it seems...

Kurt & Sandra, I truly hope this is not the last that we will see of one another, because I have enjoyed every minute I have been around you.  The two of you are such an inspiration and are the definition of true love.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing day, and I wish you nothing but the absolute best!!!

Now...don't forget...I love comments, so be sure to post yours below!!!

Mom + Dad + Fat Bob!

Lions Club Park in Rolla, MO

This past summer, my parents wanted to go out and get some photos of one of their toys.  The other was left at home (1996 Corvette).  I have a vision to eventually get both toys out to a picture perfect place and get photos of them both together, and I'm hoping we can do this someday.  Until then, I felt like I was making a stride in the right direction by at least getting my parents in some of the photos with the bike (my dad is not exactly one to be in front of the camera).

I wish I could tell you all the data, stats, whatever guys talk about with their bikes and cars, but uh...I just know it looks great and is incredibly amazing to ride!  My dad had a yamaha bike when I was a little girl and he would always take me for rides around St. Joe.  Then we moved to Rolla, and the bike quickly got sold.  So now, about 15 years later, he got another one.  He started with a Sporster but only after a few short months realized there was a reason mostly girls rode these bikes, and upgraded to the Fat Bob.  My parents are now very rarely home, because even if it's cold, they can go for a ride in the Vette, but I love to see them enjoying life the way they are and hope someday way, way, way in the future (lol) I can do the same!  I'm enjoying life, but uh, not in such a carefree fashion you could say. 

So here are some of the photos of my amazingly wonderful parents and the bike...

And remember...I LOVE comments, so share away!!!

Joe & Barbara's Anniversary

First Baptist Church in Willard, MO

60 Years, Wow!  Joe & Barbara are such a neat and amazing couple and I have absolutely enjoyed every bit of time I have spent with them lately.  It started with some head-shots back in July, followed up with the anniversary party in early August.  They always would have fascinating stories to share that I just couldn't seem to get enough of.  Joe was the former mayor of Willard, and the family knows so much history of the small town of Willard...I LOVE it!  And just a couple of fascinating tidbits of the two...  they have a set of photographs in their bedroom that contains a family tree of sorts that is everyone's  6 month baby photos starting with theirs, then their two girls, and the girls children.  Unfortunately the great grandchildren are not included though.  Another fact... Barbara has kept a journal since she was a young girl and has wrote a little something in it every single day!  That's right, she has never missed a day of her life!  This just absolutely blew my mind and I was in awe to say the least.

Living the life that they have, meant a room full of people that had so much love, joy, happy stories, and well wishes to share with the couple as they celebrated such an honorable occasion in their life  Congratulations Joe & Barbara and may there be many more happy years in your future!

And now for a few photos of the wonderful day...

Loved the music this man could play on the piano!

The FOOD...sooooo good, and also so endless!

The hugs never seemed to end...

Holy cow, this was hands down the BEST cake, moist, yummy, and mmmm...the buttercream icing!  I can't wait to pay a visit to this baker in Ash Grove, MO

A person couldn't help but smile with all the cutie pies that were running around and also think of the number of generations that filled the room.

The daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren put on a little presentation for the wonderful couple.  It started with a song with the melody of "Father Abraham", but with their own lyrics.  So cute!

And finally...Let's Eat Cake!

CONGRATULATIONS Joe & Barbara...you guys are amazing, wonderful, and such a delite to be around!  ~ Heather

Silver Dollar City

Branson, MO

Yes, believe it or not, I do actually get a few days off from photo shoots here and there.  It's rarely a full day, meaning once we are done with whatever activities and I get those boys tucked back into bed it's back to work on the computer for me.  But I LOVE what I do and never dread a single moment of it.  Because my boys are my life, even more than photography, I wanted to share with everyone one of our favorite destinations....

Silver Dollar City (a.k.a. Steal Your Dollar City) has always been a special place to me.  I have been visiting this place every since I was a very little girl.  My Dad even worked there for a summer or two before he met my mom and I can remember so many things about the place through the years.  Some of it has stayed the same, and some things have changed.  And it's special to me that I can share these memories now with my own children.  Yes it can be extremely crowded at timess, and yes most things are overpriced, but then this is how most vacation destinations are I suppose.

My friend Cathy had called wanting to get our boys together and do something fun before school started so we decided to go here since we both had season passes.  The only clincher being that the heat index was expected to be well over 100 degrees that day.  So we dressed cool, packed lots of water, did many run throughs of the sprinklers at the park and bee lined to the water rides on more than one occasion.   We had a blast to say the least!!!


So this is the boys when we first arrived.  Micah (my oldest) and his friend Jake in the back, and then Shane and Kyle (my youngest) in the front.  This is the first time Micah and Kyle have been here with friends, and all of them were so excited!  Cathy and I on the other hand were wondering if we were in a little over our heads as we headed inside with all these balls of energy.  : )

The first place we headed was for the big roller coaster, Powder Keg.  This would be Kyle's first time riding this ride and being as adventurous as he is, he was jumping up and down in excitement.

Jake on the other hand, was terrified and had made up his mind he was NOT getting on this ride.  He was simply going to cross over to the other side and wait for us.  This was his expression as soon as he saw how fast the ride shoots out at the beginning.  Lol!!!  I love this photo!  We kept letting people go in front of us in hopes that Micah could talk Jake into just getting on the ride.

And so after about 30 minutes of talking...Micah succeeded and Jake got on the ride!  I kept looking back at him telling him to just close his eyes and it would be all over in just a couple of minutes.  As this fabulous ride came to an end Jake threw his arms up in the air and exclaimed "That was the best time of my life!".  I absolutely was shocked.  I thought for sure we were going to be carrying a very sad little boy out of there.  But instead, they all walked out telling each other how "incredibly awesome" this place is.  Lol, so that meant, photo opt!  Psst...yes Micah (the one slouched by the tree) was happy, but never all that happy about his "momarazzi" that has to take her camera everywhere.

I always love this...it's simply a hole in an old barn that has this sign, and so of course what does everyone do...well look in it of course!  It's just a mannequin of a bad guy holding a gun inside (sorry to spoil the surprise).

All the boys wanted to pretend they were dead and pose in the coffin that stands outside Grandfather's Mansion.  Shane's was my favorite though, he was a dead dog.  Gotta love those imaginations!

Next up was the giant Tom Sawyer playhouse which is a HUGE place that's about 3 stories high full of balls that you shoot everywhere.  As a mom, I truly and utterly hate this place.  It has to be the number one place in America to get the biggest headache and loose not just one child but all of the children you have with you.  Luckily, Cathy had bribery with her to get us the heck out of there...snacks, worked like a charm!  : )  Thank you Cathy!

Getting to ride the roller coaster with your best bud...they LOVED this!  Mom's weren't allowed unless we rode together they told us, lol, so we watched from the side.

And one of my favorites from the day...

Well we did it, we accomplished the near impossible...we wore them out!

Soooooo....the next week, we got asked to go yet again.  This time by their Dad, and I knew the boys would love it, so I couldn't say no, even though, it was expected yet again, to be well over 100 degrees!

This is a clock that is inside the entrance and somewhere in the shoeboxes of all photos my mom has, there is a photo of me as a little girl in this exact same spot.  Aaron did a great job taking the photo...but he kind of missed the top of the clock, lol, oh well!  I still like it!

The Elephant ride as Kyle calls it, and it's one of his favorites.  Micah was determined to ride this by himself and Kyle and his Dad wanted to ride together, so I thought I'd take a pic on the side.

Kyle didn't get in on this photo opt the first time we came, so he wanted me to take his picture this time.  But don't ask me what he's doing...I'm thinking he's holding a light saber, but not sure.  : )

They were asked to be the sheriff's deputies and help capture the bad guys that were robbing the ice cream parlor.  Oh and by the way, we had just walked out of the parlor after we found out it was at least  a 30 minute wait to get to order a $5.99 single scoop ice cream cone.  Being asked to participate in this mini stage act cheered them up though!

Don't know about you, but I thought the bad guys were awfully scary looking.

And now it's time to shoot them!!!  Their favorite part...love how Kyle kept loading up his shot gun.  Once again, love those imaginations.

The bad guys were caught and then the boys got to help put them in jail!  And then pose for the camera of course.  : )

Phew...so that was one of the many activities we did the last few days of summer break.  I think I'll be waiting a month or two before heading back for the fall festival...thank goodness for cooler days ahead!