Our Second Annual Sunflower Sessions!

(This event has sold out)

Nothing epitomizes Fall quite like glorious sunflowers. And, said sunflower season is upon us! We are excited to host our second annual sunflower sessions again this year at Brookdale Farms in Eureka.

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Last year was such a hit, we doubled our availability, and it’s nearly sold out! We only have a few early morning sessions left — so if you’re interested, contact us today!

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This year, KC Photo’s second shooter, Alyssa, will also be helping with the sunflower sessions! This is how we were able to double our bookings!

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Surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly), our sunset sessions sold out within the first day. Last year, the morning sessions were the most popular, but that’s likely due to there not being much of an evening offering. We changed that this year, and people were excited for the option! Although, morning sessions are equally as gorgeous!

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I did have one client reach out concerned about the sunflowers “furling” their leaves at night. Sunflowers don’t do this, so we are good to take gorgeous photos no matter the time of day for these sunflowers.

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We can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday, August 29th!

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Our Top 7 Photo Sessions of 2019

We are at that time of year where we sit back and reflect on how far we’ve come. The year 2019 is no different, except that we probably have even more reflecting to do than usual.

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This year marks the end of a decade! Whoa. That’s a really big deal. While we will have an entire post on our 2020 plans, this post is about reflecting back on our top 7 photo sessions of 2019. While all of them are very near and dear to my heart, these stuck out for their own special reasons! Read on to find out why!

7. Sunflower Mini Sessions! 

This was the first year Kansas City Photography decided to do sunflower mini sessions! The event took place at Brookdale Farms in Eureka, and I rented out the field on a Sunday morning. It was an absolute hit — spots sold out in 24 hours.

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It had rained the previous two days, and the field had been closed the day before due to the mud, but everyone made the trek in the mud for these beauties!

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It is technically supposed to be a sunflower “maze,” but with the puddles and mud, I picked out a few favorite spots and we stuck to those instead of walking through all of the soggy earth.

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We’ve had popular mini sessions before, but never to this magnitude. Definitely one for the books, and absolutely something we will do again!

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6. Lisa & Jason’s Wedding

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Lisa & Jason’s wedding stuck out for a few reasons, that photo above included. 🙂

I wasn’t actually their first photographer. Lisa had another photographer lined up for her wedding … who dropped out just months before they said “I Do.” Her now mother-in-law, who is my neighbor, reached out to me to see if I had their date available. I did, and we were able to meet up for coffee. Lisa told me I wasn’t allowed to back out, to which I told her “I have never missed a wedding in my life, you are safe!”

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Fast forward to a week before her wedding. Guess who gets bacterial pneumonia? This kid, that’s who. But, I absolutely kept my word. There was no way I was going to miss Lisa & Jason’s wedding, fever, pneumonia, or not!

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The next reason their wedding was rememberable (aside from their cuteness!) was the location. It was a location I had never been to before, in St. Louis, on the riverfront. It was someone’s home they had remodeled so that it could also work as a wedding venue. This place had the most unique artwork, including a statue that was so tall, even if several groomsmen stood on each other’s shoulders, they still wouldn’t reach the top!

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This piece was also inside …

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5. Lindsey’s “Breaking Free” Session 

As a photographer, sometimes we are approached and given a responsibility to tell a story. Lindsey’s story was not only important, but worth sharing to the world. At only 23, she has experienced a lot of loss in her life, especially in 2019 with the loss of both and uncle to cancer and a best friend … to murder.

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Lindsey came to me and said she wanted a “breaking free” theme for her 23rd birthday. She wanted to make 23 her best year yet, cherishing those she lost, but also becoming stronger because of the trials she has faced already at such a young age.

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Lindsey is studying to earn her EMT license, so she can help save lives — even after having lost so many in her own life. I look forward to seeing her flourish in 2020.

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4. Naka Kon 2019

Kansas City Photography has been a vendor at Naka Kon since 2012, setting up a photobooth in their vendor’s room every year. This year was different because it was the first year we had a double booth space, and it was all by a fluke, too!

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When Alyssa and I arrived at Naka Kon, we noticed the vendor to our left wasn’t there … and they still weren’t there even as time ticked closer and closer to opening.  One of the coordinator’s came by and told us the vendor was coming in from Colorado, and they had gotten hit by a big ice storm and were unable to make it in. She offered for us to purchase the space — so we went for it!

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This, combined with our on-site sessions, made it our most successful Naka Kon to date! We’ve already signed up for 2020, with a double booth space again! This year, we will have our Magic Mirror photobooth, too!

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3. Triplets Sessions

You’d think having one session with triplets would be amazing, but I actually had two sessions with triplets this year! One of my favorite families, the Sharp family, had triplets —

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And I also met Andrew, Gabby, and Cameron this year — triplets in very different walks of life! These three are seniors!

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It’s going to break my heart when the Sharp toddler triplets are old enough to do a senior session with me! Slow down, time!

2. A New York City Photo Session!

My husband, Bryan, has a cousin that lives in New York City. Although, since I frequent NYC several times a year, and always make sure to grab a bite with said cousin … Christie and I have decided we are actually cousins. Move over, Bryan!

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So, of course, when Christie mentioned a photo session, I couldn’t wait to fly out and explore the city with her, camera in hand! We definitely got yelled at over an intercom for the shot below.

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Worth it, though, right?! Thank you so much for this treat of a photo session, Christie!

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Plus, it’s true, she’s totally an icon. With an amazing voice. You’re gonna rock the $h!+ outta 2020!! I can’t wait to see it, and then be like … “Hey! That’s my cousin!”

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1. Gina & Rob’s Pouring Rain Engagement Session

Have you ever seen one of those romance movies where they run outside to meet, and kiss in the rain?! Like, every romance movie ever, right?

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I had the opportunity, for the first time in my photography career, to do a pouring rain engagement session!!

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Usually, when there is rain in the forecast, I will have clients reach out to me and ask about re-scheduling. I usually give the option to have a fun rain session, but I understand when they go ahead with re-booking for a different day. Then, my dreams came true.

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Gina opted not to re-schedule. So, away to St. Charles we went — umbrella in hand. I stood in the rain and got drenched while taking these amazing rain photos, and it was completely worth it. Thank goodness Canon is water-resistant!

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A few weeks after the session, I met with Gina for a coffee to finalize the wedding photography plans, and she told me she thought it was the most romantic thing that Rob waited until the final, in the middle of the street shot, to take off his outer shirt. He was excited for that shot, and that made her heart swoon!

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Plus, we were in the heart of St. Charles, so we had plenty of amazing natural backdrops to work with while the rain was pouring down.

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By the end of this session, I was drenched. Gina and Rob were drenched. It was cold … but it was 1,000 percent worth every second in that monsoon!

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We definitely had lost the umbrella by the end … but a little rain never hurt anybody. Plus, these two are happily ever after married now — ready to weather any storm together!

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Make sure to follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook — and don’t forget we are in both Kansas City and St. Louis!

The Pouring Rain Didn’t Stop This Engagement Session!

Gina reached out to me a few days before the session, telling me it was going to rain. I told her I didn’t mind it if she didn’t … and she didn’t … so we had a gorgeous session in the pouring rain!

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Check this off the bucket list, I have always wanted to do a rain session. Plus, with Gina and Rob being such good sports, we even did a little dancing in the rain!

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Gina and Rob met online and talked for a month before deciding to meet up in person. Gina told me they loved that it was so easy to talk and hangout with each other, even after only meeting once!

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Fast forward — and here we are! That first date turned into a second, a second into a third … and the rest was history!

Rob proposed at their home. He told me he was really nervous, and had convinced himself Gina would say no. She didn’t. 😉

Gina said the at-home proposal made it special, and then they were able to go pick out a ring together. Aww!

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I asked each person to tell me their favorite things about one another.

Gina: “My favorite thing about him is that he is very easy to love. He is always so nice and always does little things to help me out or make me feel loved.”

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Rob: “My favorite thing about Gina is her smile because it lights up the entire room.”

Aren’t these two just the sweetest?!

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Gina said the fact Rob, a man who hates getting pictures, wanted to do the outside kiss in the rain shot made her swoon! And, boy, was it worth it!

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It was cold. It was wet. But, you know what? Gina and Rob are troopers – and their beautiful engagement photos are all thanks to that! Dance in the rain, my friends! It’s always worth it.

Can’t wait for the wedding!

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Apple & Lemonade Stand Sessions! Pumpkins Are Next!

Last Sunday, the St. Louis branch of Kansas City Photography set up its lemonade / apple stand for some adorable mini sessions!

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Christine has two signs. One says “Love & Lemonade,” and the other says “Appes & Ale.” She’s getting a third sign that says “Pumpkins & Potions” to use in October! The talented Crafted by Danyelle helps her make the different signs for her stand.

First up, Miss Elena! Her mom, Alyssa, fell in love with the stand when Christine got it this summer, and had to have the lemonade sign!

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Then, we moved onto the Apples & Ale minis because ’tis the season! Our own little Harry Potter fan, Jaxton, was all about those apples, let me tell ya!

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Next up, some of my very favorite people — the Nelson clan! Lochlan and Aislyn were rocking the apple stand! And Aislyn was all about eating those apples, too! Maybe the reason the stand was such a hit is because kids love apples?!

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We also snuck in some family photos!

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We will be using the stand for “Pumpkins & Potions” mini sessions next! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for the latest!

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A Maternity Shoot In The Woods!

Four acres, a belly bump, and a growing family! It’s baby number two for the Adams family! Genevieve is going to be a big sister!

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You may remember Jenn & James from the surprise gender reveal shoot. Her face was completely priceless when she pulled the confetti cannon and BLUE popped out! Everyone, including myself, was thinking it was a girl before this moment!

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Of course, we documented her first pregnancy, too! And the baby shower that involved plungers … but today we are here to talk about Genevieve’s soon-to-be little brother, Oliver!

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Jenn is all belly! I’m sure it also helps that she has been exercising throughout her entire pregnancy, just like with Genevieve! I can see her being a Body Pump instructor one day.

Of course, these parents are over the moon to welcome their little boy into the world this August!

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Genevieve was hamming it up! My husband was standing behind me and making silly faces and jumping around. She thought that was absolutely hilarious. Hey, whatever gets that cheeky grin!

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We also need to take a moment to talk about how ADORABLE Genevieve is. We were worried she wouldn’t want to touch Jenn’s stomach, but as we sat down for the shot, she wouldn’t move her hand! So precious!

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She’s going to be a great big sister!

Since these photos were done on my property, my two children were there. And being raised with a mom who is a photographer … they kept trying to jump into the pictures. Apparently it’s rubbed off on my husband, too.

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We are so excited to meet you, Oliver!

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Rolling Around at Briarcliff: Ashley and Skyelar’s 1-Year Engagement Shoot!

Hey there, bloggy world! Tatiana here again to take you on another photoshoot adventure!

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One year ago, our now retired photographer Dawn captured Ashley and Skyelar’s “Save the Date” photos which was the first photoshoot I ever attended as a photographer with Kansas City Photography!

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Ashley and Skyelar are KC Photo for-lifers! With me as her best friend and Maid of Honor, and Christine as her wedding photographer, we’ve pretty much planned the next three April’s worth of shoots for them!

For this shoot, Ashley chose The Village at Briarcliff, which is a location I’ve been dying to shoot at again! It has a sweet lake with iconic Kansas City fountains, a waterfall pathway, and a beautiful cityscape up the biggest hill EVER.

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Skyelar claims to hate photos but his big smile and even bigger personality suggest otherwise. 😉

Now, we thought Skyelar was the rascal of the day, but my chronological camera reel exposes Ashley as the first licker in question.

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Sorry, girl. Gotta call you out!

But seriously, if we’re keeping score, Skyelar definitely wins for most “charismatic” fiance of the year.

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Aw, how sweet! A kiss on the hold from her gallant prince.

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Oh wait, no. It’s just the Knight of Slobber. HE LOOKS SO PROUD!

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They both definitely have the signature husband/wife “I’m gonna do the thing/ Don’t do the thing” look down. Ashley already knew he was up to no good… again.

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Now, he probably thinks these antics will get him out of more photoshoots — but it only makes us want MORE! This reminds us of “Superstar.” Seen it? The tree scene? Go watch!

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Since their last shoot was more on the fancy dress side, they wanted to do a more casual look to showcase their nerdy side. Their wedding is Sci Fi/ Galaxy themed so the “Doctor Who/ Star Wars” combo suits them perfectly!

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Seeing them together always tugs on my heartstrings because I have never seen Ashley so alive and glowing as I see with her and Skyelar. Without getting into a whole mushy speech (gotta save it for the wedding!), I’m just so grateful that she has found a man who treats her like the princess she is!

Now, although Skyelar had us rolling with laughter the whole shoot, Ashley took the prize at the end for most memorable moment.

In order to get our cityscape shots of downtown KC, we had to hike up this huge hill with a sharp incline. As the shoot came to a close and we had to safely get down the hill, I just hear Ashley proclaim:

“F$%# it!”

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AND DOWN SHE GOES!

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LITERALLY ROLLING DOWN THE HILL!

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She is truly a Princess Bride!

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And Skyelar’s eyes say it all every time — he knows he’s the luckiest man in the world. <3

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You’ll see these two again next April on the big day! I CAN’T WAIT!

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Our Top 3 Tips For A Successful Newborn Photoshoot

Everyone loves babies! Seriously. Who doesn’t? But these newborn wiggle worms don’t make it easy to get cute, snuggly photos of them! Here are our top 3 tips for a successful newborn photoshoot!

1. Make sure the house is WARM.

We usually recommend turning the heat on and having the house set around 78. No matter the season! If the adults aren’t sweating a little, it isn’t warm enough! Keep in mind, these new little snuggle bugs get cold easily. And if they’re cold, they’re going to cry. It needs to be comfortable enough in the house that the baby can have no clothes on and feel warm.

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2. Feed Baby 30 Min. Before The Shoot

A hungry baby is a crabby baby. And we want your little nugget of love to be happy and smiling during the photoshoot! Feeding your snuggle bug 30 minutes before the shoot ensure they won’t be hungry come closeup time! It also gives some time for any stomach rumblies or spit up to happen. Now, not that we still won’t get pooped on from time to time … but at least the babies are happy!

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3. Schedule Within The First Two Weeks

Babies grow — FAST!! We’ve found they really retain that new “baby” look within the first two weeks after birth. After that, they really start changing into their own little person very rapidly. The “baby” cheeks go away so quickly, it’s actually kind of heartbreaking! If you want true “newborn” photos, we need to take them when they actually are newly born!

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We hope these helpful tips will make your newborn photoshoot a success!

~*~

Are you currently expecting, or have you already given birth to your bundle of joy? We’d love to help you capture these first couple weeks with a newborn session! Contact us to set a date and time (don’t forget — we are in both KC & St. Louis)!

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OH, BOY! A Surprise Gender Reveal!

Yesterday, I went over to Jenn and James’ house for a very important photoshoot — a gender reveal of their second baby! Big sister Genevieve is pretty stoked about it, let me tell ya:

 

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Jenn got the secret envelope that said the gender early last week. Somehow, she refrained from looking, and made sure to hide it so her husband wouldn’t peek (he told her he would if he found it).

We called in our friend Alyssa, who is the Queen of Props. She delivered! She brought chalkboards, letter boards, and the item that made the shoot: the confetti cannon!

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Jenn had been prepping her husband the entire week that he wasn’t allowed to make a weird face when it was a girl. Everyone was expecting them to have another girl, which is why we got these priceless faces when blue shot out of the cannon!

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I seriously don’t think I have ever seen Jenn make that face. She is notoriously bad with surprises, but the look of pure shock on her face is priceless! James thought we for sure accidentally fired the wrong cannon. He kept asking: “Are you serious? Are you serious?”

No mistakes here! It was all boy! We also tried to do another fun reveal photo that involved Genevieve dipping her hands in blue ink. You can see how well that went:

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It must have been really hard for Jenn to wait, too, because they had the envelope for nearly a week before I was able to make it over there for the shoot. I am proud of their patience! And, capturing this moment was definitely well worth the wait!

We all know Genevieve is going to be the best big sister!

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Jenn is due at the end of August! I am not allowed to reveal the name just yet, but it’s adorable. I can’t wait to take photos of Genevieve and her new baby brother!

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We’d love to capture your special moment, too! Message us to set up your gender reveal (and don’t forget we are in KC and St. Louis)!

UPDATE: Want to meet Genevieve’s baby brother, Oliver?! Click here!

A Surprise Pregnancy Reveal!

I was raised at the Lake of the Ozarks, so going back is always a treat for me. Last weekend, I went down for a very special reason — for a surprise pregnancy reveal photoshoot with the Shackelford family!

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They are beyond excited to welcome baby number 4 into their family! No word on the name or gender yet, though! 😉

Poor Ayden and Jordon are outnumbered, so I am personally #teamgirl over here!

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I loved Jordon’s chalkboard! “This is the last one we swear.” And I could tell Jordon and Ethan were beyond excited for their newest edition!

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We also snuck in some family photos after the reveal!

I saw the Shackelfords this summer at their family reunion — and Ayden already looks more mature!! Stop growing, kiddo! The first photo is from this summer. The second is one from this shoot last weekend!

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And it has only been a few months!! She’s rockin’ some fun blue hair right now, too! She is also entering a pageant this summer!

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Now, Cameron … I can usually only get a few smiles out of him before he decides he’s just done. So, we took the reveal photos first when we could get a good cheeser. Then, we moved onto our usual —

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We can add it to the gallery, though!

Holden, however, was all about those grins!

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He’s gotten a lot bigger since this summer, too! I have a feeling he’s gonna be a good smiler for me during our photoshoots!

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Congratulations, Shackelford family!

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Christine’s 7 Most Romantic Photoshoots of 2017!

2017 was full of amazing photoshoots! From anime conventions to a haunted winery — we had a lot of fun!

But I really wanted to “focus in” (get it? Hahaha) on some of my most romantic photoshoots from 2017. Because why not start off the new year with a little bit of love?

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This isn’t a favorites list, just some fond and romantic memories from 2017!

1. Bret & Hannah

I’ve known Bret since college, and was tickled when he filled me in on his secret proposal plan for his then-girlfriend, Hannah!

As far as romance goes — it’s hard to beat a surprise proposal!

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Bret’s grand plan was to drive Hannah out to the wineries for their anniversary, so she thought he was being sweet and celebrating that. She didn’t realize he was going to pull out a ring! Now, a tornado watch was also in effect on the day of the proposal, because Mother Nature does what she wants.

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Bret & I had a “secret spy mission” going so we could talk about the proposal in secret. You can read more about this fun shoot, here.

2.  Lindsey & Dan

Lindsey and Dan made the list because they are so in love, they booked two engagement shoots! Dan loves hockey, so the first shoot was done at an ice rink. Look closely at the scoreboard – that’s actually their wedding date!

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The second shoot was a more country setting, which was Lindsey’s dream! Plus, she had 7 outfits all planned out, with what shots she wanted in each outfit. She is the most prepared bride ever!

3. Genevieve, Theodore, Elena, & Jaxton!

And love leads to babies!!!

Let’s start with Jenn and James. They were so tickled to welcome their baby girl, Genevieve, into the world in 2017. She is their first, and very loved by all their friends and family!

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But 2017 also welcomed other baby cuties that Christine was tickled pink about! Three of Christine’s very best friends all had them within months of each other!!

Mr. TJ (Amanda & Jordan) and Miss Elena (Steve & Alyssa) need to be highlighted, too! Elena actually POOPED on me during her shoot.

Plus, Christine’s little nephew was born this year. His name is Jaxton! SO MANY CUTE SNUGGLES WERE HAD!!!

TJ also gave everyone quite a scare. Amanda went into labor early.

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He was in the NICU after birth, but he’s a tough lil’ guy!! Plus, his guard dog, Truman, is always at the ready! 😉

4. Emily & Stephen

Romance in the windy city! Emily is another one of my dear college friends. We worked together at the state Capitol and graduated from Mizzou together! I try to make it to Chicago at least once a year to visit — and after Stephen’s proposal … it was a must to make it out there ASAP!

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With the romantic backdrop of Chicago against the water, it was a breathtaking photoshoot to celebrate their love!

5. Katherine & Josh 

These two lovebirds just couldn’t stop kissing each other! I mean, of course it was their wedding day, but even during their engagement session, they kept sneaking little kisses! It was so adorable. A peck on the end of her nose, a kiss ever so gently on his cheek. It just made me squeak from the romance of it all!

Plus, Josh loves kissing Kathy’s hand!

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6. Oye Engagement

I really wanted to highlight this adorable engagement shoot because these two lovebirds are in a long distance relationship, but they still made it work!

Months ago, Oye asked Sayo hypothetically, “If I happened to ask you to marry me, what would be your answer?”

Sayo gets so many bonus point for her answer: “You have to ask to find out!”

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The happy couple is getting married back on the East coast in South New Jersey at Lucien’s Manor this October.

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7. Jeremy & Amanda

This was definitely one of the most romantic settings this year – a gorgeous wedding at a country club.

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Amanda & Jeremy had the entire property to themselves. It was spacious, and beautiful, both the land on the outside and the property on the inside! Bright grass, tall trees, a white picket fence surrounding the roadway, plus a deck to stand on.

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We hope you had some romantic moments in 2017, and many more in 2018! After all, love makes the world go ’round!

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