Miss "B" Sneak-Peek!

I love this girl! When her mom contacted me to set up an appointment for Senior pictures, she proceeded to tell me that she and her family went to Kenya this summer on a short-term mission trip with their church. It is so fun to find connections like this around the Valley.

Miss "S" is every bit as beautiful inside and she is out! She has got some killer eyes with crazy color combos - orange, green, brown - just gorgeous! I don't know what it is about me getting to photograph people with such gorgeous eyes, but I sure am lucky!

We started off down at Lucky Peak. I've never photographed there, so it was really fun exploring some different areas with "S" and her mom. So - if you are thinking of a really cool, unique place to be photographed, don't hesitate to tell me about it! As a matter of fact, I just might kiss you for it :).

Thanks, "S", for letting me photograph you the other day - it was a joy!!! Thanks for helping me "break the rules"...

Wallace/Veatch Wedding Sneak-Peek!

I had a blast shooting this wedding last weekend! I shot Alaina & Levi's engagement photographs a few weeks ago. It made me super excited to shoot their wedding. We ended up using their photographs to make a guest signature book. Have you seen those? They are so cool - I'll have to post a pic sometime soon! Click HERE to view the engagement pictures.

We began our day at a suite in The Grove Hotel. The Suite was Sweet! HA! - okay - bad pun. I love "getting ready" shots. It really helps tell the story of your day...Alaina had most of her hair done when I got to the hotel and it looked absolutely gorgeous! I love her hair :). She finished getting ready and we headed down to the lobby where she would meet her "soon-to-be" groom. After their time of connection, we headed out to the Boise Depot for photographs.









I have little tricks to try to get people to loosen up. As much as I love photography, I understand that smiling for so long can get old after awhile. So - I do things to try to get people to give me sincere expressions. I love this result of one of my tricks. No - I will not reveal my secrets!




We headed back out to The Grove for the wedding on The Terrace. My second shooter, Valerie Davenport, made sure to get these beautiful shots of The Terrace before the wedding. It was beautifully decorated. We had clear blue skies and a lot of friends and family to witness this lovely couple becoming one!




After the wedding, we headed to the Ballroom for the reception. There was an amazing "Grand Entrance" for the guests. It was grand indeed! The flowers, the linens, the settings, the lighting. It was just beautiful!








The wedding included another masterpiece by Greg Marsh. His cakes not only look good - they taste great, too!




Two of my favorite guests from the whole evening were Alaina's Mana & Papa. They were just absolutely darling. I *heart* them both.





However - as much as I love Mana & Papa, I still have enough love left over for the rest of the guests...




We ended the evening with a great dance by Alaina & Levi. Dancing continued with Levi & Mom and Alaina & Dad. No matter how many times I see these dances, I cry at almost every single one. I love these dances...they are so touching...and as a Mama myself, I now understand the feeling of the parent.




Boy - could these two cut-up-a-rug!!!


Thanks, Alaina & Levi, for letting me be a part of your special day! Enjoy your Sneak-Peek and consider yourselves loved!

Miss "L" Sneak-Peek!

I had the wonderful opportunity of photography this beauty last Thursday evening. She has such a beautiful smile and those freckles!!! Just beautiful!!! She also brought about 10 outfits that I got to take my pick from. I love it when that happens :).

"L" was a referral from a wedding I shot in December. She had some great ideas - like going into the water fountain in front of the old courthouse :). She was so good at modeling for the camera. It sure made for a fun session!!!!

Thanks, "L" for helping me "break the rules" - enjoy your Sneak-Peek!

Fire in Boise - very close to our home.

Last night, my husband and I were looking out our back windows at the gorgeous view we are blessed with and saw about 10 on-lookers across the way. We thought there was a wreck at Surprise Way and E. Amity. However, when we walked outside to get a better view, we saw that a massive fire had erupted in the middle of the field just west of our home. It was at that time that the wind was crazy strong and we saw the fires blow right up the hills to the homes on the rim. Everyone in our neighborhood was watering down their houses and turning on their sprinklers. Lumuli and I began to remove important items from our home into our cars and were successfully evacuated around 8:00 p.m. We left our house not knowing whether it would remain.

The fire went from a few feet many acres in a matter of seconds because of the massive wind and heat we had last evening.

We stayed the night with some good friends and came home this morning to our home still standing. We are thankful for the firemen who successfully saved lives and homes. It could have been so much worse.

For a more academic report, click here.

This photo was taken by our nieghbor...literal neighbor. We are just east of him.

Telitha & John's Sneak-Peek!

When Telitha wrote to me and said that she and her fiance wanted to have their engagement session take place at the fair, I literally screamed out loud!!! She told me that the fair has always had a special place in their heats, since that's where he proposed! I have always wanted to do an engagement session at the fair, so I knew this would be a fun opportunity!

Telitha and John are such a sweet couple! I loved hanging out with them. They are so care-free :). And John? He ADORES Telitha and it is just so fun to see that :).

The Carnies (Carnival Workers - pardon me if that is not PC) were fantastic. They allowed us to take an extra trip in the Ferris Wheel to make sure we got sunset shots. They also allowed me to ride the Carousel for free!!!

Thanks, Telitha & John, for letting me be part of your annual trip to the fair! Enjoy your Sneak-Peek and consider yourselves loved.