Love from beautiful Kansas City

I can't think of anywhere else i would have rather been that afternoon. I haven't seen Aaron and Joy since photographing their wedding in June but, just like always, they sat close sharing a smile and laugh. Clear blue skies and 65 degrees waited for us as we headed out the fancy doors of our hotel for the Country Club Plaza! True to typical form, I Ooo-ed and Ahhh-ed making a huge deal over every beautiful spot we found. It wasn't difficult wIth 15 lovely blocks of fabulous architecture and 20 plus ornate fountains - each one seemingly more perfect them the last. By sunset our stomaches were growling and Aaron lead us to one of the trendiest most decadent burger joints I have ever been to, Blanc Burgers + Bottles. Dave being Mr. adventurous ordered a burger decorated with a fried egg, ham, homeade pickles and topped with Blanc's own ketchup and mustard recipe! It sounded a bit out there for my nearly vegetarian taste but, ended up - AMAZING! The entire experience at the Plaza was so delightful we stayed an extra day! Joy and Aaron you are a beautiful couple from the inside out. It was our pleasure to photograph your new life together in Kansas City - thank you for allowing us to capture your love.

xoxo, Laura and Dave

I heart bikers.

True story. I have found a new love, photographing cyclists! Not only are the bikes sparkly and cool but my latest subject was pretty terrific as well!! Andrew and I had a fun afternoon snapping shots of him in his team gear and sweet bike. Training five days a week and competing in races nearly every weekend during the summer Andrew doesn't have much free time. I am looking forward to seeing a race next season!! (I'll bring my camera too!) Love the vintage bike? Complements of Russell Cycle in Washington. Stay tuned for more images from Andrew's session!

Lily's Quinceanera

I raced to out the door and up Rt. 39 just ahead of the dark clouds that quickly were closing in. My doggie co-pilot, Stella was beside me with her face planted against the window enjoying the attention she was getting from passing cars. Lily and I had been planning this session for over a month and we both knew we didn't have much time to make it happen - especially with her Quinceanera celebration just a few months off! Finally arriving, we followed Lily and her father, Rick, to the most beautiful park just outside the city. Lily and I raced around shooting pictures while the wind picked up and the sky grew even darker! Thrilled with the lush location and sparkling stream I quietly pray for just a few more minutes. As we finished the session Lily, Stella and I are still bouncing with energy as we jump in our cards to drive off ... the first few rain drops hit my window as we turn onto the interstate and head for home.

Lily, we can't wait to celebrate your Quinceanera with you this December! xoxo - Laura (and Stella)

it was a warm summer evening...

The countdown was on... I think this particular summer evening there were only 7 days left. Not that anyone was counting. :) Taylor, headed for U of I in only a matter of days was all smiles and a beautiful family portrait was in session! Even the Puggle, (Pug-Beagle Hybrid) Jack took his place in the front row sporting a bright red (matching) collar. Nice touch! The perfectly polished cream convertible was looking stunning as it sparkled in the late afternoon light with everyone lounged around it. What a fun way to end the summer and begin a new chapter... Lovely job everyone!

cannon beach and plane fires

This image makes me happy. I look at it sometimes just to brighten my day. Weird, I know. I forget about the fact that it was frigid outside, that the west coast rain was getting the best of me and defiantly stealing all the fabulous shots I had been planning in my head for months, not to mention the idea of my fluffy pet being thousands of miles away. I don't like to play the pessimist so, a few redeeming points... a mini teepee that sat in the middle of our brightly colored room, the natural night lights like I have never seen before, the lawn wedding of two of my dearest friends, camp fires on the beach, maybe some of the best food I have ever eaten - it felt like a fairy tale. Now I will leave out the part where the blissful honeymooners plane to Tuscany catches fire...

summer bliss

We have some history together... Mr. and Mrs. W., their beautiful daughters with their dark AMAZING hair, (seriously, these girls can pull off ANY hairstyle in 100% humidity and look fabulous - trust me! I've seen it twice now!!) sweet smiles and energetic husbands I haven't even got to the best part yet! Five wonderful LITTLE people with very big personalities! Yes, little people! It wouldn't be fair to call them just kids or even children - they are truly little people! Perhaps its the fact that they live states away on the scenic west coast, or maybe its just been that long - two years since their last session - my have they grown up! .... "A picture is worth more than a thousand words." and I whole heartedly agree! Especially in this case!! I will stop my ramblings now and let their images speak for them selves!

xo - Laura

Baby M!

Just received a text from Emily... baby M is on the way today! They have been anxiously waiting all this week for the moment when they meet the little one! Wanted to share a few special shots from Emily and Derek's maternity session a few months ago. Hope everything goes well - I can't wait to meet Lil' M!

xoxo,

Laura