The sweet S Family - Edwardsville, IL Photographer

I think that most people think of me as "that crazy (but fun) girl with the camera". Since I was a small child I have had a camera in my hand and once I was a teenager spent many, many days and nights at school in a darkroom. I think kids love the fact that I am fun and make pictures easy - well, at least I hope I do! And grown-ups laugh at me as I roll on the ground with my honka camera to get "the shot". The funny thing is those make great portraits. So I make little kids laugh and grown ups think I am crazy, so what about the in between age. What do they think of me? Well, just ask Luke. He is 10 and I think I entertained him quit well. He was so stinking cute too! He just has one of those bubbly personalities and a big heart! But, if you know his parents then you know where he gets it from. His mom is one of the sweetest women I have ever met and one heck of a teacher if you ask me. She was Connor's first teacher and she is amazing. Luckily, Maddie will have her next year in pre-school and then maybe baby Zika 3 (not here yet!) a few years down the road. But enough about me! Anyway, I then met Mark, Lynn's husband a few months ago at the GSLS auction while we were volunteering together. Let me tell you, he is one fun guy! I can't wait to work with him again next year! His parents joined us for the session for some great family photos. My heart burst when I found out they have been married 51 years. Yep, 51 YEARS!!!! That is truly amazing. Their love is a blessing from God.

I had fun with you guys this evening and Luke, thank you for being such a sweet young man!

Speechless - St. Louis, MO Photographer

You may be wondering why I titled this post "Speechless". Well, maybe because of the beauty of friendship, true love that is hard to find, all the details of a wedding day and two people that you know are meant to grow old together and sip tea on the front porch of their home. Some moments don't need words to make them. Some are captured in time, whether it be in your own memory or through a photograph.

There were three times I wanted to cry (happy tears of course) at Karen and Jason's wedding on Saturday. The first time was the actual ceremony. I saw Karen, the most beautiful, radiant bride you can imagine, walking down the aisle on the arm of her father. I then turned and saw Jason, someone I have known a long time and words cannot describe what a wonderful person he is. I am not kidding when I say that you can see the love he has for her, and her for him, in their eyes. The second time was during their first dance. It was so personal no one else but Karen and Jason should have been in the room. It was as if we were intruding on a magical moment between the two of them. The third was when Jason was dancing with him mom. I know why that dance probably meant a lot...

Anyway, Karen asked me a while back to come and take photos of her and her friends getting ready. I have so many photos that I randomly chose a few. I wanted to post one of each bridesmaid but then I decided to do a few group shots. Karen has such a fun group of friends. They were so welcoming and friendly to me and I had such a great time hanging out with them. I also had to take a few shots of the details at the wedding. This wedding had more details than any other wedding I have ever been too. It seriously should be featured in The Knot.

Karen and Jason, I wish you all the best. May God grant you a life full of much love and happiness....and children for me to photograph! I love you guys!

One cute dude! Edwardsville, Illinois Family Photographer

Besides Connor and Maddie, there is one other little angel that melts my heart - my nephew Bryson. He is the world's most laid back, happy baby. His little smile is guaranteed to melt your heart! I feel so blessed to have him and his mommy and daddy in my life. If you know my sister and I, we are exactly alike - well, besides the fact that she is more Bohemian Chic and I am more preppy. We are both super artistic and creative and have laid back personalities. We look and act like our dad. So there is probably no doubt that Bryson and Connor will be a little similiar. And for anybody that knows Connor, they know what an awesome little boy he is. I am sure Bryson is going to grow up and be such a little gentleman like Connor.

I love you guys! Your the best ever!!!! Mwah!

What a gorgeous moment!

My sissy and I! Thank you Bryan for taking this picture for us! Note: Please ignore my undereye circle. LOL!

So what do ya think?

Since I got my awesome new blog, thanks to the very talented ladies at www.sugarlimedesigns.com, I am in the process of revamping my site too. I am amazed the wonderful clients I have through word of mouth. Maybe someday I will decide to advertise, but for now, I am happy where I am at. Thank you for letting me do the job that I love! It is such a great gift to capture memories through my lens. ~Amanda~

So, if you would like a new blog design, logo for something, etc. go visit www.sugarlimedesigns.com!

Happy Mother's Day Jessica! Edwardsville, IL Children's Photographer

Wow! I cannot believe that Payton is 4! I remember when I first met Jessica and Payton was only a couple of months old. I didn't think it was possible that a baby could be so beautiful but now I am astonished. She truly is gorgeous. She is also a pretty snazzy dresser thanks to her mom! Does anyone else not think that Payton probably looks exactly like her mom did when she was a child? They look identical. I love when I see mothers and daughters that look alike. Thank you guys sooo much for letting me step into your life for a little while and capturing some beautiful memories. I had a great time :)

Dancing in the Street!!! Yep, their was a band playing and Payton was breaking it down the entire time so why not join them!

I wanted to save my favorites for last!

Happy Mother's Day Amy!!! Edwardsville, IL Family Photographer

I was really bummed out last weekend when I had to cancel two shoots due to the weather. J.D.'s 6th month session was one of them. I haven't seen them in so long so I was really looking forward to it. J.D. has grown soooo much since I last saw him. He is too cute for words and has such a sweet personality. The poor little guy even took two falls during the shoot and didn't even cry! I still am trying to figure out who he looks like. I definitely see both Amy and Jeremy in him but I don't think he likes like one more than the other. Amy told me that everyone thinks he looks just like Jeremy. Well, why don't you take a look and let me know what you think.

Once again, this is Amy's very first Mother's Day so Happy Mother's Day again!

I LOVE the matching shades! Lookin' cool!

You can tell he loves his mommy!