Sneak Peek :: Lisa and Brandon

I had an amazing time yesterday with Brandon and Lisa! Their wedding is set for next May, and I have the wonderful opportunity to be their photographer. These two were so much fun to work with that I just couldn't wait to show a few teaser images!

My finger got a little shutter happy, so I have Many images to go through! Keep a lookout for a full blog post on these two later this week!

Happy Father's Day!

A friend of mine sent me this picture shortly after Paul and I got married. I have this one framed... I love the look on my Dad's face! I am so blessed and honored to have a Father like him! He has always given his best, and has taught me so much throughout the years. He never expected or pushed us to become doctors or lawyers or better than the rest of the world... He only expected and encouraged us to be our very best and strive for what we were meant to be. I don't think I'd be where I am today if it wasn't for my Dad cheering me on and standing beside me in all I do. From learning algebra, creating science fair projects, (one even involved mold), helping me move 400 miles away, to walking me down the aisle... He has been a mentor, a friend, and above all, the best Father I could have ever asked for!
I know that there are many out there, maybe some of you, who don't have a father to spend today with. There are some who have never even known what it's like to have a father. I can't imagine what that is like, and my heart goes out to you. Knowing this makes me even more grateful for mine! Daddy, I love you so very much. Thank you for being the best Dad in the world!
Happy Father's Day!

~ Love Always.... your baby girl

Image of the Day :: Kansas City Engagement Photography

I ran across this image the other day from Shanna and David's engagement session last summer. I love the feeling and movement of this shot.... it's one of those images that gives me warm fuzzies inside :)

Meanwhile...Back at the Ranch

For the past few nights, my husband and I have been doing a very rare thing.... we turned off our TV and read... Yes, read. We read books. Crazy huh? I grew up reading tons of books... I would even read while eating. I loved getting lost in a story or living out an adventure through the letters on a page.
Paul and I are currently in the process of searching for an apartment, and last weekend, after a day of searching, we ended with a trip to Barnes and Noble. I love going there! The smell of Starbucks and paperbacks attack my nostrils as I enter through the heavy double wooden doors. Each shelf is neatly lined with books of all shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Each one promises a new adventure... deep mysteries and new levels of knowledge and creative thinking. Paul headed straight toward the finance and trading aisle... I, of course, made myself at home in the photography and business section. If you were to try and find me there, I would be the one sitting on the floor surrounded by books :) So now, I have four shiny new books sitting on my nightstand, and I've already started reading each one. I'm so excited to read each of them that I start them all at the same time instead of waiting to finish one and move on to the next... I've never been good at waiting :)
Well, I know these images are old news, Memorial Day was ages ago, but better late than never :) Paul and I spent Memorial Day with some good friends of ours... Jack Stack catered. They are amazing!!!

Someone brought this fruit platter that just screamed to be photographed!

Paradise in Kansas! Who needs to fly anywhere when you have this to relax at?!

Hmmm... we both could use a little more sun :)

I have an engagement session later this weekend that I am super excited about. Lisa and Brandon are a very cute couple, and I can't wait to give them some amazing images!

Vendor Spotlight :: Victorian Gardens

The sweet fragrance of lilacs filled my senses as I stepped into the home studio of Victorian Gardens; the aroma of orchids and tulips were soon to follow. As I entered the room, I found Amy, the owner of Victorian Gardens, and her mother and husband dutifully at work. A little snip here... a little spray there... a few steps back to make sure each arrangement was just right. Without even knowing Amy, you could sense she takes great pride and care in what she does; and she does it well! I met Amy several months ago at the wedding of Rebecca and Eric. I was impressed with her work, and asked her if I could do a spotlight on her and her business. I asked her a few questions in which you can find her answers throughout the images below:

How long have you been a florist?

I have been a florist for 14 years. As a child, I developed an eye for design and a passion for flowers and natural elements. I remember picking flowers from my mothers garden, spending time to place each flower in its special place in a glass until the flowers looked perfect. The dread of the first frost knowing I'd have to wait until spring to see the little heads of daffadills and crocus poking through. The desire never subsided and I knew that this is what I was designed to do.

What got you interested in starting your business?

Working in retail flower shops for years, I learned of the markup on flowers. Most people had to pick-up their own flowers or just get them dropped off to weddings. There was no personal attachment to the brides, and It seemed to make their day much more hectic.

I realized that I could supply a better product without the mark up, while offering a personal touch with the delivery, set up, and helping to remove items for the clean up afterwards. This helped to personalize each wedding for each bride. Each bride is different and should be treated as such.

What do you feel sets you apart from other florists in the wedding industry?

My personal touch to each bride, attention to detail, and I love when a bride adds any sentimental items, or heirlooms from her collection. The more creativity brought in, the more personalized and unique each wedding becomes.

What kind of flowers did you use in your own wedding? Would you still make the same choice now if you were getting married today?

I used calla lilies, roses and Queen Anne's lace. I was married 13 years ago and the styles have definitely changed. My bouquet was quite large. That was the style, but it was very heavy and most of my dress was covered in the pictures. Now, I meet with each bride so that her bouquet is custom fit for her.

What do you enjoy most about working in the wedding industry?

Every bride has a vision of what her day is to look like. Some since they were a young girl or others that have just started to plan the day with their new love. I enjoy bringing that vision to life and helping their dreams come true.

I also enjoy the artistic design of bringing several element together to create a complete and finished look. Transforming a blank space into a breath taking new venue or complementing an already lovely existence by magnifying or accenting its beauty.

When meeting with brides who don’t know much about flowers, what is the biggest tip you find yourself giving them?

Find pictures or look through ideas supplied by me. Trust is an important aspect in planning a big day. I will put ideas together and make sure we are always on the same page. It is the brides vision I want to create, not mine. I love ideas and am open to any suggestions from our brides no matter how challenging others may think. Creating is what keeps life fresh and new.

What current trend in wedding flowers do you most like personally?

I love the variety and addition of taboo flowers. Years ago certain elements would have been unheard of. Thistle was a weed and grasses and branches were never added. Now pods, mosses and many other elements are adding textures and details. Nothing is off limits and floral design is now more of an art form and an expression of ones self.

Are there any other fun facts that you would like my readers to know about you?

I am very much a people pleaser. I want each of my brides day and the process to be as stress free as possible, and I want to help create their dream day wedding. I will help with ideas for strict budgets and add special details to every wedding. I have a hand in all of the work and get to know my brides personally. Many times I miss them after their time with me is done. My business, Victorian Gardens, has thrived in this business over the past several years through referrals. We know that a respectful reputation is what will keep us at the top of our league. Along with quality, product, and helpfulness, is exceptional service. We focus entirely on weddings and events, so we can offer levels of design and service that retail florists can not. Making your day as stress free as possible is our goal.

I have to admit, I did not hire a florist for my own wedding, but after meeting Amy, I want to get married all over again and have her put her personal touch on it! Amy is very genuine, and her personality shines. She truly cares about each client she works with, and strives to give them her very best. If your in the market for a florist... especially for your wedding, I highly recommend Victorian Gardens! For more information, or to contact Amy, visit her website at
http://www.victoriangardens.com