Reception of Tommy & Tonya :: Part One

I've known Tonya for a few years now, and was so honored when she asked me to photograph their Kansas City reception last Saturday evening.  They got married the weekend before in Mexico, and returned from their honeymoon in time to celebrate with their family and friends here in KC.

We met up a couple hours before the start of the reception for a few portraits.  I love this first set with their dog... so adorable!

Ummm... can someone say GORGEOUS!

For anyone who was out Saturday, you know it was hot out.  I'm pretty sure I sweated off about 5lbs.

Stay tuned... more images from their reception to come!

Cheesecake in the Raw

You may remember my post a while back on our recent decision to live a healthier life.  We're going on five weeks now, and so far so good.  We do feel better, and definitely more healthier than we have felt in quite a while.  It's also been fun discovering ways to create meals without all the sugar and processed ingredients.  For now, we're completely vegan... that's right no meat, and no dairy, and nothing processed or refined.  We eat organic, and raw as much as possible.  Just how long we'll stay 100% vegan, I'm not sure... I guess as long as possible.

Tonight, I decided to try a vegan version of a cheesecake.  Here are some of the ingredients I used for the "cheese" portion.

My crust consisted of pecans and raisins.  I soaked the pecans overnight, and then mixed them together with the raisins in a food processor.  The "cheese" mix was then poured over the crust (which was in a springform pan) and then placed in the freezer for a few hours.

The final product.

It was actually quite good, and I ended up having two pieces.  I will definitely make this recipe again.  Maybe next time I'll use a little cacao  :)

Hannah :: Senior 2011

I have known Hannah, and her family for years.  I met them back in 2003 (I think) through the Children's Center for the Visually Impaired.  Hannah's brother, Mitchell, was born with cerebral palsy, and had attended the school through kindergarten.  For a couple of years, I had the opportunity of working with Mitchell, and providing home care assistance for his family.  I loved the time I spent with Mitchell and his family... I was even able to dance with Mitchell at my wedding.

Hannah is an amazing sister, daughter, and friend.  She loves her family, especially her brother with all her heart.  In fact, she even wrote a book about her brother after he was born.

It had been awhile since I had seen the family when I was asked to shoot Hannah's senior pictures.  When I showed up at their home, I was blown away by the beautiful woman Hannah had become, and was even more amazed at the deep voice that Mitchell had developed as he now prepares to enter high school  :)

I was so honored to be able to document this special moment in Hannah's life.  She has such a sweet spirit, and a kind and generous heart.  She loves to volunteer her time as well, and is always finding ways to help out and give back.

Hannah, thank you so much for trusting me with this!  I feel so honored, and absolutely loved it!  I pray the very best for you as you enter into this new season in your life!

Gonzalez Family

Last Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet the Gonzalez family.  A good friend, and client of mine referred the family to me, and I'm so grateful she did!  Katie and her husband, Chris, have two darling boys... Andrew and Luke.

Luke is the youngest, and loves the camera.  The jury is still out on what Andrew thinks of me.  I'm sure he was wondering "Who is this crazy lady with a lens in my face!?"  :)

So precious!

Football time in the basement.

Brotherly love... too cute!

Katie and Chris, thank you so much for allowing me into your family for a day!  

It was truly a pleasure meeting and photographing you!