Fundraiser Night :: New House Shelter

Last night, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a fundraiser for New House. New House offers a 24 hour-a-day fully staffed residential domestic violence education program and shelter for battered women and their children. Leslie, the president of New House, and Susan who is in charge of development, were there to speak for and about New House. These women truly have a passion for what they do, and the women they serve.
We were also treated to the culinary skills of Joe Avelluto, who was the owner of the former Il Trullo's in Overland Park.

My dear friend, Jayne, provided the pastry's for dessert. She does an outstanding job, and every time she starts baking, my diet goes flying out the window.... but it's well worth it!

Before our main course, Joe provided us with a cooking demonstration of his famous Vodka Rigatoni.... sooo delicious! Mine was gone way too fast; I kept checking everyone's plate to see if anyone had any left for me to confiscate :)

It was a wonderful evening for a wonderful cause!

Victoria Danielle :: Senior 2010

Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to shoot a senior session for Danielle.  I met Danielle years ago when she was only a child, and now she's all grown up and beginning her senior year.  I'm not sure I like how fast time has flown by.  Danielle's mom also catered Paul and I's wedding.  She did a fabulous job, and now supports her husband and his ministry, Full Circle Ministry.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous!... Especially for August!  

I love this next image... hands down one of my favorites!

I love her eyes.... they are simply stunning!

Okay, this is my favorite as well!

Danielle's friend, Rachel, tagged along with us, and helped me out with my equipment.  I shot a few images of her and Danielle along the way.

There's no doubt that these two are good friends.  Thanks for you help, Rachel!

We took some time out for a little trampoline fun :)

Danielle's brother, Ethan, joined us for this last image.

Danielle, thank you trusting me with your images, I am truly honored!  I wish you all the best in your senior year!

On another note...

I've had a few ideas floating around in my head lately and, I am so grateful for friends in my life who support me, and allow me to try out my ideas on them. One of these dear friends spent some time with me yesterday for a special portrait session. Although I am unable to share what I've been working on just yet, I will share these images of my friend's son who was eager to get in on the action. And yes, he's wearing a wig :)

The Day I Said Yes

Four years ago today, I was in Biloxi, Mississippi with my then boyfriend, Paul. We had been in Louisiana the day before for his sister's wedding. I was exhausted as I had spent my time at the wedding as the photographer. Everything in me ached... I was emotionally and physically spent. Paul and I had decided to make the most of our trip by taking a couple of extra days driving along the gulf coast.
The weather was beautiful. It was a time before Katrina even existed... there were no stimulus packages... and the word "foreclosure" was seldom said. The world was beautiful, and my own world was about to change forever.
Our first night in Biloxi, Paul and I went out for a casual dinner, and then decided on a nighttime stroll along the beach. We stood out on a small sand bar and gazed out over the water; the city's night lights flickered and reflected off the water's surface. As we stood there, Paul told me he wanted to show me something and asked that I keep my back to him. He knelt behind me and began drawing in the sand. I turned around and found the image below...my heart almost stopped... could this be real?

Paul began to share with me how much I meant to him and how he loved me so much that he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. On this night he asked me to marry him!

...and I gave him my answer :)

Needless to say, he was very excited!

I have many happy moments in my life... this moment was one of the best!

Shhh... It's a secret

I have a secret.... and no, I'm not pregnant, nor did I win the lottery. I'm working on a little "secret" project that I'm really excited about, and someday I may be able to share some of it with you. In the meantime, I'll leave you with this little tease...

Crave Effect 2009 :: Part 3

Well, here it is... my final post on last week's youth conference. Thursday night's session was a blast! The evening began with pre-service prayer.

... and then Antioch's own (American) Idol... complete with judges :)

Jeff Deyo led in worship; which was amazing! These guys are very humble, and extremely in love with God!

Joel Stockstill was the guest speaker for the evening. What an anointed man of God!

I always feel a bit of sadness at the end of each conference. It's always such a great week, with lots of excitement and friends. I'm looking forward to next year!