Kevin and Melodie ~ MARRIED!
Posted on February 6, 2010
What a fun, meaningful, inspiring wedding this was. John, my husband, was a groomsman in this wedding, and I had the honor of shooting the wedding.
First of all, Kevin (a.k.a. Sarge to those of us who went to school together at John Brown University) and Melodie both grew up as missionary kids in Liberia. But they never met while they were kids in Africa. Fast forward many years and one day Melodie saw Kevin’s picture and blog as part of a missionary kid blogring…. She was immediately drawn to Kevin’s “manliness” and ruggedness. But Kevin was headed to the Sudan to do some mission work and Melodie was headed another direction. On a whim, she sent him a message on his blog… something to the effect of “God bless you on your mission in Africa.” And that was all it took. They wrote letters and emails while in separate countries and even continents. After quite some time, they were both in the USA at the same time and during one of the emails back and forth, Sarge Kevin suggested that they continue their conversation over coffee… even though he was in another state at that time than Melodie. But they met, and as cliche as it sounds, the rest really is history. Kevin moved to Liberia last year with a construction company to be near Melodie, who was volunteering for Acres of Hope taking care of many orphans and also doing some counseling.
Their story gets even better… Right before Melodie was air-vac’d out of Liberia to London because of some severe health issues, Kevin proposed. 
I have a feeling life is going to be somewhat of an adventure for these two.
The wedding was a fusion of Liberian culture….. and snow. Lots and lots of snow. Not so African, but definitely adventurous. Especially since we all traipsed out in the freezing cold to capture the african-inspired-wedding-turned-to-ice in real time. Brrrrr…..
Melodie incorporated many of the precious Liberian children who have been adopted by loving families here in the USA. It was so precious to see these children dressed up and participating in their own fairy tale of sorts.
As for us JBU (John Brown University) alumn, we had a ball together. I love photographing friends and helping freeze-frame some of the most significant moments of their lives for all time. I love seeing the jokes and laughter… I love seeing God fulfill their greatest dreams. I found myself smiling behind the camera over and over again, shaking my head even at times, remembering the early days and how none of us ever dreamed we would see the day Kevin Sarge got married. (you would have had to have been at the rehearsal dinner and the after party to understand why… ah, the stories, the stories)
Kevin and Melodie, I am SOOOOO thrilled for you guys. I am so thankful we got to be a significant part of this momentous occasion. Although I mourned the loss of the sunlight and warmth with you, Melodie, I so appreciated your “hey, who cares! I AM MARRYING THE MAN OF MY DREAMS TODAY” attitude. I loved watching you interact with your brothers and sisters and kids from Liberia. There was no room left for doubt about where your hearts are…. I pray God’s richest blessings on your marriage and life together!
Here are just a couple of my faves from the day… you can see more on my facebook page!
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Lacey & Mario ~ Married!! (Sedona Wedding Photography)
Posted on November 13, 2009
I just can’t say enough about this couple. I love it when I meet clients that become instant friends. And when I say instant, I mean instant. This past weekend, in Sedona, I felt like I was part of Lacey’s family during the whole intimate family wedding affair. It was so special and touching. We met up mid afternoon and I was able to set up some shots with Lacey’s dress and shoes and such while she was getting her hair done. Although we don’t have much of a fall in Arizona, there was definitely still some color left in the surrounding countryside. The view from the hotel balcony was truly surreal. The weather could not have been better.
We all stood in awe of how gorgeous Lacey looked in her dress. Perfection. After she got dressed, we headed over to the famous (and rightfully so) Tlaquepaque shopping area for some bridal pictures and eventually a “first look” session. Although we were all on pins and needles when the groom arrived just a wee bit late, all was forgiven and forgotten when we made it up the stairs to see the most breathtaking sunset. In fact, Lacey’s bed and breakfast owner told her the next day that the sunset that night was the most spectacular he had seen in 13 years. It was magical.
Lacey and Mario and 12 of their closest friends and family members gathered at the Tlaquepaque Chapel for the evening wedding ceremony. It was short, but full of significance and deep emotions. I was so thrilled to have been the one to document this special day. After the ceremony, we all headed over to the Heartline Cafe for a delightful and cozy reception dinner in an outdoor courtyard with its own fireplace. Invariably, we all ended up huddling around Lacey and Mario’s table as they were the ones closest to the fireplace. Again, I didn’t feel like a vendor or “just” the photographer…. I felt like part of the family. When everyone was giving toasts, I felt like piping up and telling the story (only a week or so old) of how after stopping by Lacey and Mario’s house for about 20 minutes with my two girls, my oldest daughter RAVED about how “nice that lady Lacey” was and how she wanted me to drop her off to hang out with Lacey next time, alone.
Mario and Lacey, I wish you the very best as you begin this new chapter of life together. I really am looking forward to hanging out more in the near future… movies, pizza, Jamaica water, and eventually pool time to come! I pray God’s blessings on you both as you expand your family!
I can’ t decide which of the following i like better…. they both just WOW me. Lacey, you rocked this shot like none other!!
Love me some “first look” goodness…
Yup, this was THE sunset of sunsets….. truly amazing. God was so good to paint up the sky like that for this sweet couple!
The inside of the chapel had the coolest light fixtures.
And onto the Heartline Cafe….
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Amanda & Jerrod ~ Texas Wedding Photography
Posted on October 14, 2009
I returned to the homeland two weekends ago to photograph this lovely couple’s wedding. And when I say “lovely,” i mean L O V E L Y inside and out! It was such a treat to get to know them through the testimonies of others, through their wedding vows, through their interaction with their friends and especially family. Because I am out of state, I didn’t get to meet them until the night before their wedding. And now I really wish we could just hang out and be friends! Hear that Amanda and Jerrod??!! Want to come hang out in Phoenix sometime? I can make pizza for you (next to Jesus and Jerrod, Amanda loves her pizza), and we can talk Africa, missions and basketball!
I also learned that they both have a very strong character…. which was evidenced by their acceptance and contentment when their hopes of a sunny outdoor wedding were dashed with torrential rain. Some people would have fallen apart at the seams…. but these two made the most of it and held on to the very important fact that rain or shine they were GETTIN’ HITCHED!
The wedding and reception was held at the beautiful Gardens of Cranesbury View in New Braunfels, Texas. Amy, owner and coordinator, directed everything as well as created the amazing floral arrangements and bouquets.
Because of the unrelenting rain, everything was moved into the reception hall/ballroom. Thankfully, the rain let up enough to snag some outdoor shots.
And last but definitely not least, the incredibly talented Ashley Canfield second shot with me and many of the following images are from her… she did a stellar job on details especially. Thanks again, Ashley! It is always great to shoot with you!
imagine arriving to your wedding in THIS kind of rain??!!
and she has a smile on her face!!!!
Ashley got this next AWESOME shot!
look at the rain behind the flowers! yikes!
i love the emotion in this next image…. waiting… ready….
this almost makes me cry looking at it…. look at the tear stained cheeks… and the expression of PURE JOY!!! its just beautiful!
the mr. and mrs….
sassy! i like it!!
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Stephanie & Jon - sneaky peaky…
Posted on August 22, 2009
Just had to post a sneak peak of Stephanie and Jon’s awesome wedding in Houston. The venue, Agave Road, was just a phenomenal site. Stephanie looked so incredibly stunning. Jon was about the happiest groom I think I have EVER seen. The reception dancing was hopping - you know its good when Grandma and Grandpa are freestyling on the dance floor! That means there are some serious dancing genetics on that floor!! (those pics to come soon) So many more than this to share (and I haven’t even made it through all the processing yet), but wanted to give Steph and Jon a little something something to hold them over.
EDIT: I can’t believe I forgot to mention the incredibly talented Ashley Canfield, who second shot with me. Thats what I get for posting at 1am in the morning. Ashley and I have been friends since high school and have since lived in completely different states and even countries. She has a fantastic photography business in Houston. Check her out! Thanks, Ash, for being my wingman woman at the wedding. You were a huge help! Looking forward to October!!
Congratulations Steph and Jon! It was just a pleasure to be a part of this incredible day… I hope you can relive the moments over and over again through these images! (and of course lots more to come…)
the stunning bride:
there is something so emotive and beautiful about the next two images… i am just in love with them.
um, yeah, stunning just doesn’t cut it does it?
the couple
the details:
the lace on her dress was mesmerizing… i have so many photos of the lace its ridiculous!
such happy colors!
some special moments:
this is one of my very favorite shots of the whole day… such precious moments being shared here between mother, bride and sister.
Nicole, the sister of the bride, was my one and only college roomie, and thus the best roommate ever. And also one of my dearest friends in the world.
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Jordan & Jeff ~ the slideshow
Posted on July 27, 2009
**EDIT: Jordan and Jeff’s wedding galleries are up! Go to my website and click on “clients.” The password is the groom’s last name. Let me know if you have any questions or problems accessing the galleries.**
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Jordan & Jeff ~ Married in Missouri (part 2 of 2)
Posted on July 27, 2009
Jordan and Jeff picked the cutest little outdoor venue. It was such a serene, peaceful setting for a wedding. If you could only hear the waterfalls when looking at the pictures, it would be so much better. The venue, Cedar Valley Events, is a mom-daughter run venue in Jane, Missouri. They did a fantastic job on the set-up, preparation, decoration, reception etc. Everything ran so smoothly and peacefully - a rare thing at times in the wedding industry.
Jeff and Jordan are such fun-loving people. It is always fun for me to watch people interact with family and friends and see the special connections they have. I love being able to capture those connections via my camera.
some lovely details
friends & family
the party
so awesome…. both of them had SWORN to themselves that when/if they ever got married, they would so shove the cake in the other’s face… because they always wanted to see it happen at all the weddings they had been to, but never saw it happen. and so it happened. and it was good.
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Jeff & Jordan ~ Married in Missouri! (part 1 of 2)
Posted on July 22, 2009
Oh boy, get ready ya’ll. This is going to be a monster two-part post. I just can’t help it. So sit back and let the load and then ENJOY some seriously fun pictures.
Jordan and Jeff and I all went to college together at John Brown University. Although we majored in different things and had different circles of friends, we all ended up doing some things together (like RA or student activities council etc..) at some point in college. And since then, we have all kept up via facebook and xanga once in a while over the years. Jordan is also a photographer, and wedding photography was a big deal to her to say the least. I always feel doubly honored when a photographer picks me to be their photographer. So thanks, guys, for picking me to capture this momentous day!
Because she/they understood the significance of wedding photography on their wedding day, they did all they could to carve out as much time as possible for pictures BEFORE the actual ceremony that evening. And because of that little bit of planning, we had an entire day of being able to document and capture every moment of this special day… from the bride and groom getting ready at their own “first house” to their emotional and tender “first look” session at their house, to fun urban shots at a local town and field, to posing with family and friends at the venue. And all of that before the actual wedding and reception. It was awesome. Its so refreshing working with couples who know that when all is said and done, when all the guests go home and the cake is eaten, when the lights go out at the cool venue…. its their photos that will continue to carry them back to the moments and tastes and smells and memories of their day year after year. Jordan told me that they are SO happy they did the “first look” session because she was able to spend the whole day with her best friend and love of her life… enjoying all of THEIR day together.
So, Jeff and Jordan have an awesome, unique love story. If my last bride and groom, Gabriel and Andrea, win the prize for the craziest, shortest relationship-to-marriage journey, Jordan and Jeff win the craziest longest friend-to-relationship-to-marriage journey. For Jordan, its been 7 years, and for Jeff 5. There have been proposals, refusals, travels abroad without the other, ups, downs, on’s, off’s…. but in the end, they realized they didn’t want to spend life without each other and that they were meant to be together. And they are very obviously meant to be together. And from strictly a photographic point of view, they look AMAZING together!
Here are the first batch of photos…. in chronological order of the day’s events:
Jeff and Jordan got ready in the morning at their newly purchased house, but in separate rooms. He didn’t see her until the “first look” session… he also hadn’t seen the dress. Jordan was/is a gorgeous, breathtaking bride.
And then the big moment… I set Jeff up with his back to Jordan, and she was standing on the staircase behind him… There was much anticipation of this moment, and it was precious. There were tears, lots of “wow” expressions from Jeff, and lots of hugs. It was so touching to watch. Jeff said that he had never known exactly what he had dreamed his bride would look like or what he would want her to look like, but that when he saw Jordan in her dress, it was EXACTLY what he had dreamed of… and so much more.
And geez, who wouldn’t be speechless when seeing this bride for the first time…….
And finally (for this post), the bride and groom together…..
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just a teeny, tiny, KILLER teaser of what is to come soon….
Posted on July 20, 2009
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Gabe & Andrea’s Slideshow!
Posted on June 3, 2009
YAY! All the wedding galleries are live, folks. Check them out in the client section of my website. If you don’t have the password, email me for it. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
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Gabe & Andrea ~ Crazy Love
Posted on May 26, 2009
Gabe and my husband have been good friends since freshman year at our college…. Gabe and I have been friends since our sophomore year. Andrea was in a little Bible study group I led our sophomore year. Andrea and Gabe have been friends since college days. Good friends. Never dated each other. Never expressed interest. But flirted alot. Fast forward four years since graduation…. Gabe is in Uganda working with New Hope Children’s Center. Andrea is in Siloam Springs, Arkansas running a Crisis Pregnancy Center. Andrea’s family is in Kenya (she grew up there as a missionary kid). Uganda is basically as close to Kenya as California is to Arizona. Andrea’s family invites Gabe to spend Christmas with them at the beach in Kenya. Andrea didn’t know this. She also didn’t know that one of Gabe’s prayers to God around this time was (paraphrased by Chelsea) “God, if Andrea comes to Africa, I will take that as a green light to pursue a relationship with her.” And so she came. And he pursued. The 4 hour conversation started with 9and again, paraphrased by yours truly) “Hey, I am interested in you… you interested?” and ended with Andrea asking how they were going to tell their friends about their new relationship status and Gabe ended it with a bang: “Well, I would really like to introduce you as my fiance.” Thats our Gabe… slow and steady, cautious and calculated. Nope. From friends to fiance’s in 4.0 hours. What a story for the grandkids! I remember reading stories like this in the old missionary biographies… it is so fun and refreshing to see God still throws people together in His time and His crazy, fun ways!
And so we all got to reunite in Arkansas for this very cool couple’s wedding. It was basically a 5 year college reunion as well, and there were tons of us there. What a great time of reconnection. My husband was a groomsman and I was photographing the wedding. Jonathan Seauve of Jonathan Edward Photography shot with me and it was a blast working with him! Check out his uber cool stuff on their photography blog. Thanks again Jonathan all of your help, perspective and expertise!
Gabe and Andrea - we love you guys and John and I were so excited to be a part of your incredible day! I can’t wait to get the slideshow up and the rest of the pictures to you. What a day! What a life you have before you!!
You know the drill by now… just a few faves to share.
* Note - i am working remotely on all of this because of home renovations and have not been able to put together a slideshow just yet…. but please check back soon for way more photo fun and a slideshow in the near future!!! *
A few of the details:
We did a “first look” session with Gabe and Andrea before the wedding… It was so special. Just them and the photographers really. We set Gabriel up and put Andrea behind him. She walked up and tapped his shoulder and he was able to see her in her dress for the first time. And REALLY take it all in. I encourage all my brides and grooms to do it this way if possible. They not only had that “wow” moment, but they had an hour of that moment. They had time together to just be… to talk, kiss, pray, hug, and really enjoy those moments without the masses. And then when it was time to face the masses, they were ready to party and enjoyed every moment!
I love the softness and emotion of this one…
This is Gabe saying something like , “CHECK HER OUT! Ow ow!!!!” Or something along those lines. :)
And then he got a little frisky. You will have to ask them the story behind him picking Andrea up like this. :)
The Ceremony:
The wedding party:
Although we did tons of couple shots before the wedding, we did steal them away once more during the reception for some “just married” shots. So glad we did!
this is such a perfect capture of these two…. pure happiness… pure bliss… and I just have to say that their kids are going to have the most killer smiles ever!
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