Brianna : Anytime : Sneak Peek : Kansas City Photographer

I couldn't help but share a quick favorite from my session tonight! Love this picture, her eyes and her!

1,095 Days and Counting

David and I have been married for 3 years today. That is 1,095 days, 26,280 hours, 1,576,800 minutes, 94,608,000 seconds. I look at all these numbers I am reminded how times flies when you are having fun!

The picture above is by far not the best wedding photo David and I have. It wasn't even from our photographer. When, I was going through our wedding photo file in my computer I found this. I found the one. I have photo files from friends, family and our photographer. I looked though the time stamps for the very first photograph of us. This one was technically the first. This was the first photo as we walked out The Nauvoo Temple doors as a true union. Husband and wife. I have no idea who's camera it came out of and I am not sure I really care, but this one to me is the best.

Honestly, this was the best day of my life. Sappy, I know. Nonetheless, all too true. I am amazed at all the fun David and I have had and the inside jokes that keep us laughing. The past few months have been a reality check for David and I. A test of faith. A reminder that God has a plan for us that may not be our plan. David is the one that reminds me to roll with the punches. Shake it off. Keep movin'.

Here's to love! Happy Tuesday everyone!

Brook : Anytime : Kansas City Photographer

I have been asked more than once if I would pledge a sorority if I had it to do all over again. Sometimes, I think about the question for a second. However, it never fails that my answer is always YES. Being an Alpha Chi Omega helped me define my 4 years of college as being some of the best years of my life.

I am not going to lie. By the time my Senior Year at KSU rolled around I was pretty sick of chapter meetings, chanting AXO at every philanthropy under the sun and the general BS that can happen when 150 girls live in one house. That was by far out weighed by the amazing, lifelong friends I made.

Brook is one of those friends. Brook and I would stay up until all hours of the night talking about boys, playing Snood and doing laundry. Our beds were right next to each other in the sleeping dorm and she always gave me a ride to my 8:35 a.m. (bain of my existance) Macroeconomics class. I know it may sound cheesy, but AXO gave me sisters, like Brook, I would have never had otherwise!

Happy Birthday Brook-ie!!!

I am going to start off with my favorite...


Just in case you all were wondering how fun I really am on a shoot...


This next one is so Brook.

In cause you couldn't tell already, the light this particular evening was perfect.

Up next is my second... first... second... one of my favorites!

Happy Birthday again Brook! I hope you love your pictures!

Bus Full of Bullies

As a kid I was not one for arguing or fighting. Not at home and certainly not at school. Besides *maybe* hitting my sister, Kyle, for stealing one of my many coveted My Little Ponies I had never hit anyone. Until that day. That day on the bus.

Every morning, when my Mom was already at work my Dad was the one that made us picture perfect for school. *If* my Dad got us ready in time we rode the bus to Walnut Grove Elementary School. Riding the bus in the morning was questionable. However, in the afternoon, when that 3:30 p.m. dismissal bell rang I knew to high tail it to Larry's Bus #52 to go home.

The bus ride home was by far not my favorite part of the day. I was tired. The kids were loud and the back of my brown legs always stuck to the synthetic leather seat. Not to mention the fact I was always perturbed at why this bus, that transported kids, had no seat belts.

I could never forget that I was brown on the bus. I was teased mercilessly. I am not sure when it started, but every afternoon... without fail I was reminded in the nastiest of ways. Black-y. Brownie. Afro-head. Curly top. Occasionally the N word would fly. One I couldn't take anymore. I had enough. A boy, Brett, called me an Oreo. He called me an Oreo. I was up and out of my synthetic leather, non-seat belted seat so fast I think I may have had lightning up my butt. I punched him. I balled up my fist as tight at I could and I punched him. I punched him once. As hard as I possibly could in the stomach. Larry's Bus #52 was never the same.

I can honestly say that now, looking back, the only thing that kept me from a major meltdown everyday of my Walnut Grove Elementary School life was knowing my Mom would be waiting for my siblings and me at the bus stop. Everyday. Monday though Friday. I knew she would waiting for us so we could get the mail and walk home together.

I only told his story because this week is Bully Prevention Week and bullies are real! I am sure almost everyone can remember a time they were bullied. It stinks! Being bullied can reshape how a child looks at themselves. It can make them feel less than they are. I hope that this week everyone with kids, grand kids, nieces, nephews, etc. will remember to talk to them about what bullying is and how they can make sure that they are not one!






*Please know that I am in NO way saying that violence is a good way to address those pesky bullies! When kids are pushed to their brink, however, they can act out of the ordinary. I mean I only fight when My Ponies need me!*

Julia, My German Schnitzel : Kansas City Boudoir Photographer

We met in 8th Grade, at Harmony Middle School, in choir. We sat next to each other, in the back row, of the alto section. She had just moved to America with her family from Germany. I was new to the school since my parents' new house was just competed. I heard her ask for a rubber (eraser) one day I knew we were going to be fast friends! Through the break-ups, choir auditions, trips to Washington D.C and New York, family drama, crappy dorm roommates, sorority rush, fraternity parties and 15 years later we are still BFFs.

When I wanted to try something new and I knew just who to call first! Julia! I wanted a gal who was real. It was important for me to showcase a real woman. I wanted a gal who loved herself, her curves and knew she was it. I could have thought of no one, but her first.

Here is Gina doing her thing. So you know, Gina doing your make-up and hair equals ah-maz-in'.

I couldn't decided. Black and white or Color.

Those eyes...



I am a big fan of this series.



The killer smile in the next one is so Julia. Just in case you were wondering... my Mom is totally her dentist.

This last one is seriously (seriously) my favorite!


I know right? She is gorgeous! Sexy is always in... but if it was every out of style, this little schnitzel (What? She's German.) would be the one bringin' it back in. Way to rock it out Julia! You are beautiful!

FYI: I hope this helps shine some light on the common misconception that boudior photography is pornographic. It isn't. It is about women being themselves. Sexy. Embracing who they are and looking wonderful. Please let me know if you are interested in a boudior session.

Boudior sessions are great for brides to be, wives who want to spice things up for their honey and any gal who wants to see how beautiful they really are in case they are prone to forget.

I offer Boudior Sessions as well as Couture Boudior Sessions where Gina (a licensed cosmetologist) glams you up!

Brighton + Tanner = Love : Utah Wedding Photographer

Last weekend there were a few highlights. I had a wonderful stay in Park City, Utah. The breezes there were cool. Not full of humidity and wetness like here in Kansas. I woke up every morning to a beautiful view of the mountains and the 2002 Olympic Park. I had some great head shots of moi for my up coming custom website and blog. Lululemon was right down the street from my hotel.

However, the highlight was shooting this amazing couple. Brighton and Tanner were married in The Draper Temple on August 21, 2009. My friend Mollie was nice enough to let me tag along while I was in town. Sadly, I was unable to go to the reception because I had a flight to catch, but she said it was great.

Lets get to what you all came to see...

The Beautiful Bride



The Dapper Groom

I am not going to lie to you. This next one makes my heart melt. I love it.

Yep. Her eyes are that amazing in real life. Get a load of those lashes.

Fierce.

Mollie posed this and I love it.

I am not sure what they were laughing at, but I will take it.

My favorite series... ever! Can you say canvas in my studio?

Totally American Gothic, but cuter. Way cuter. Loves.

My favorite of the whole day. No joke. These two are smokin'.

Best wishes to you two! Marriage is such a blessing. Enjoy it.

Pretty Positive

I am so in love with this store! I am pretty sure (a.k.a. positive) that I am going to buy one... soon!

Bubbies Need Bras

I know that this is SO totally random. I ask for your forgiveness in advance.

I look at a lot... okay... a TON of blogs a day. Mostly photography blogs. Mostly wedding photography blogs. Every time I see strapless bridesmaids dresses I cringe. Not because I am Molly Mormon and feel like they are not being modest. Spare me.

It is because in every bunch of strapless dress wearing bridesmaids there is that One. The One that thinks her bubbies (thanks Real Housewives of NJ) are perky enough to go without a bra in said strapless bridesmaid dress. I am going to be honest here. They are not that perky... and especially in a sea of strapless bra wearing bridesmaids in the same dress.

Please let this be a lesson learned!

Wordless Wednesday : Kansas City Boudior Photographer

Empty Seats

I am (crazy) scared of Ferris Wheels and I am quite frightened to ride them. In fact, I am terrified. It took a lot for me not to have a conniption fit riding for these images. The things we do for our businesses, right? Even though Ferris Wheels scare me, they intrigue me at the same time. They always have.

Especially the ones with empty seats. I was so excited when I starting backing up my images because I had forgotten that I took this shot:



Post processed with Totally Rad Actions. The frame is made by Paislee Press Designs. I am so excited to send this little baby off to print!

Sitting on Top of the World

In the words of Audrey, Oh My. What a weekend this has been! Busy to say the least, but I am not sure that I would have it any other way! My Couples Casting Call was a success.

Gina, the Momma of these little cuties, got back to me first. So, she and her hubby Orin, went on a little ride with me!

My absolute favorite!


Not my usual black and white edit, but I love it all the same.


I just love how she is looking at him!


I am loving this smoky black and white right now!


I am glad that these little girls have not idea what is going on behind them!


I think the almost kiss is even better than a real kiss in photos.


Seriously? This image is so hot! Children avert your eyes.


So hot I could not decided between color and black and white! These two are too foxy for words right now!


We felt like we were sitting on top of the world riding this Ferris Wheel. In reality we only had a view of Gardner, Kansas. Yes, I said Gardner, Kansas. Yes, it is as small of a town as the name makes it sound.

Thanks again Orin and Gina! No couple as rocked a The Johnson County Fair or a Ferris Wheel quite like you!