Sweet Carlie Jo {Edwardsville IL children's photographer}

Little Carlie is as sweet as apple pie on a warm summer's day! Her eyes are the brightest blue this side of the Mississippi and her little voice will have you wrapped around her little finger. She was a lot of fun this morning but it was really breezy so the shoot didn't last too long. But it did make for some great hair in her photos!

Also, Carlie is going to be a big sister! She is expecting a little brother this October. She says his name will be Mason but we will just have to wait and see!

Thank you Carlie for being such a great model this morning. I had a wonderful time :) ~ Amanda ~















And my favorite from the day and one of my favorite photos ever!

Ryan - Class of 2010 {Troy IL Photographer} {St. Louis Senior Photographer}

High school was probably the most memorable time of my life. I loved it. I am one of those people that would probably go back for a day if I could. But I am getting old and as my 10 year reunion approaches in July, I am getting excited to see all of my old friends. I met up with Ryan and his awesome mom Kay today. I think we might have done as much talking as I did shooting. I love meeting new people and Ryan and Kay are pretty darn cool! I always talk to my clients as I photograph them. I love to hear about people's life stories and what they hope for the future, ect. Of course, I do mostly shoot kids so their life stories are usually cute stories about Elmo or what they want for their birthdays. But while talking to Ryan, it seems like he really likes high school but I am sure he is more excited to see what the future holds for him after next year. Ryan seems like an incredible guy. When I was talking to him he didn't seem like a 17 year old. He is very mature, polite and charming.

Kay and Ryan, I had so much fun this morning. And yes, we did survive the heat. Thank God for the tall old buildings in downtown Eville to block the sun! It was an absolute pleasure meeting the two of you and I hope you love your senior photos!

Blessings ~
Amanda

Q: What is your favorite sport or activity?
A: Football, wrestling and weight lifting.


Q: What is your favorite thing to do?
A: Playing sports.


Q: What is your favorite part of high school?
A: Sports and history.


Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Southern France


Q: What are three adjectives that describe you the best?
A: Active, smart and laid back.


Q: What is your favorite music to listen to?
A: Country and classic rock.


Q: Who are your best friends?
A: Cameron Y., Caleb W., Kim R. and Erin S.


Q: What was your most embarrassing moment of high school?
A: Singing for TNT or dressing like a girl.
(Ryan, I don't even want to know. LOL!)


Q: What has been your proudest moment so far?
A: ACT/ playing varsity sports and biathlon.


Does anyone else think Ryan could model???? I totally think so!








Q: Who or what inspires you the most?
A: My passion is to be the best I can be. Family, friends and people in the military inspire me.


Q: What are your goals following high school?
A: Military/College. Be successful.
(Ryan, I am sure you will be. Good luck in whatever you do!)

Danielle and Rick Engagement Session {St. Louis MO Photographer}

Let's just say that Danielle is going to be one hot bride and Rick one hot groom! I am so excited to be shooting their wedding in August and with one of my best friends! Little Ellie, their gorgeous daughter, will be the flower girl! I am sure she will be the cutest flower girl ever! So, keep on the lookout for their wedding in the next couple of months!

Rick, Danielle, Ellie and Bryce (the helper) - Thank you guys for surviving a very, very hot and humid St. Louis summer day with me! Or I guess I should say evening. It was great to see you guys again and of course little Ellie is a pure delight. She sure loves the camera!













I love this picture!

Reese and Jimmy the Bear

Enjoy this little sneak peak of my friend's daughter. We met up this morning for a Reese and Company (a.k.a. her parents) photo shoot. Reese brought along her B.F.F. - a bear by the name of Jimmy. The bear is tattered and torn from much love throughout the years. You see, he was Reese's mommy's bear when she was a little girl. He is perfectly charming just like his owner :) Reese is such a sweetheart. She truly is. Her eyes and smile will light up any room and melt your heart. Happy 4th Birthday sweetheart! I honestly cannot believe you are four already!!!!










And this is Jimmy the Bear:

Jenny and Jim - My first wedding {St. Louis Wedding Photographer}

There are many different kinds of love - love for our friends, love for our parents, love for our children, love for God (most important) and true love. I think it is quite obvious that Jenny and Jim have true love. The everlasting, feel good, true blue, will be together forever kind of love. In fact, their love was so strong and they were so incredibly laid back on their wedding day that it made my job very easy. Especially since this was MY FIRST WEDDING! You would think I would have been a ball of nerves but once I got to the hotel and saw Jenny, her mom and her friends, everything just fell into place. I knew that God brought us all together and that I was mean to capture their memories. Their wedding took place at the lake on Scott Air Force Base. It was sooo beautiful. I would post pics but I have only looked at two cards of photos so far and randomly chose a few to show because I was so excited. (yes, I am a dork!). Then the reception took place at the oh, so lovely Officer's Club (I think that is what it is called). Wow, that place is nice. LOVED IT!

Well, I know that not only are Jenny and Jim clients but hopefully friends. I am sure Brett and I will be hanging out with them in the future because they are just that cool. I would like to say hello to their families too. These two have go the nicest parents I have ever met - and siblings too. I cannot imagine how spoiled their kids will be if they decide to have any.

Jenny and Jim - Thank you for letting me be part of your special day. May God grant you many, many years together and many blessings! Love ~ Amanda ~

P.S. Thank you Brett for helping me out! You are by far the best husband ever! I love you now and forever and can't wait for the day to come when we renew our vows.

Jenny got ready at the fabulous Four Seasons Hotel at Lumiere Place. Isn't she stunning?!?!






Yep, I knew these were cool as soon as I saw them!

One of my favorites I have seen so far!




Jim watching as his bride walks down the aisle.









She just loves him!!! I wish I had a nickel for everytime I saw her give him a kiss!









First kiss as husband and wife!


























Jenny loves Keiner Plaza so we stopped there for a few pics!




First dance as husband and wife! I love the dip :)


This cake was delicious! Yummy!






I saved this one for last. This necklace is very special. Jenny's grandma wore it on her wedding day too. I love the simplicity of it. It is so classic and beautiful.