A Real American Hero {OpLove} {St. Louis, Missouri Photographer}

There are no words to describe photographing a true American hero and his family. Four amazing people so in love with each other and just life in general that catching these moments behind my lens is truly an honor - especially when these four people sacrifice so much for me and my family to live in a free country.

I have known this family since our sons were in preschool together. Where did the time go? They are now in their last months of 1st grade. Then our youngest children are also the same age. Lisa and I were pregnant together while the boys were in preschool. I think there were actually 4 of us pregnant at the same time! LOL!

Please know that it was truly an honor to photograph your family! I better be photographing Rolando's arrival home!!! I can't wait to catch those beautiful moments of your family reuniting again.

Everyone, please keep Rolando in your prayers as he fights for Iraqi freedom and our great country!


Are they not the cutest????!!!??











Just in case you were wondering, Rolando is a huge, huge, huge Yankee's fan!















This image is so powerful!



Rolando is part of the 82nd Airborne. I had heard of it and knew a little about it but did more investigating:http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/82abn-history.htm. Pretty amazing, huh?
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/82abn-history.htm





Rolando and Lisa, thank you so much for the sacrifice the two of you give for all of us!

Dillon {Edwardsville, IL Senior Photographer}

I will call this the shoot that almost didn't happen because of the snow we were supposed to get this weekend and never did. Dillon had to drive THREE hours for these photos and I didn't want it to be cold and nasty outside. Well, once again the weather man (or woman) was wrong and we had a pretty decent day. Dillon is graduating this year and joining the Army after graduation, following in his father's footsteps. Dillon is a pretty cool kid :) I know he will go far in life.

Sweet Blossom of Humanity {Collinsville Illinois Photographer}

Sweet Blossom of Humanity is what Rian's mom calls her and when I first heard that I thought how true that statement is. Our children are such blessings and our future brighter because of them. Isn't Rian one of the sweetest blossoms you have ever seen? I think so :)

Oh Cara! I have known you almost all my life and here I am photographing your beautiful daughter. Where does the time go? It just seems like only yesterday we were in 2nd grade at Good Shepherd and me, you and Amy S. were Larry, Moe and Curly. God has poured his blessing upon you and Jason with Rian and I cannot wait to watch her grow! Even if you are far away. Hey, that is what Facebook is for right :)

Love you guys! Please have a safe trip home! Amanda




A little natural light even though it was dreary outside. Oh summer where art thou?






I broke out the speedlight at this point and captured what I know will be in my top 10 fav pics from 2010!!!! Love this :)

Happy Birthday Sweet Lucy {Edwardsville Illinois Children's Photographer}

Oh sweet Lucy, how your bright blue eyes made this gloomy day shine :) Lucy is truly a little angel here on earth. She was such a trooper throughout the shoot and when she started getting fussy we gave her some yummy, sugary case. Moments that I captured of the H family are the reason I do love what I do. Preserving moments for generations to look back on and remember loved ones. The photos tell a story of a loving family sharing the blessing of their daughter's first birthday. How honored I feel to be able to capture this - how honored.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me capture Lucy in all her glory with her little cake. Mwah little Lucy!














She was so tired! I loved how she sucked on her fingers when she was ready for a nap :)

Fate {Edwardsville, Illinois Photographer}

I am a firm believe that God brings people together for a reason. Sometimes the reasons go unknown, others are right in front of us. I truly believe that God brought Eve and I together for a reason when she contacted me for a session. Eve is a truly amazing person - she is beautiful on the inside and out, intelligent, giving,amazingly talented and has the kind of inner strength that can give hope. She is a fellow photographer, watercolorist and gifted writer. She has a blog {www.infertilityrocks.wordpress.com} that is raw and filled with hope, love, loss and happiness. I feel honored to photograph her and her beautiful family.

You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them."
Psalm 139:13-16

"The word of the Lord came to [Jeremiah], saying:
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you."
Jeremiah 1:4-5