September 11, 2009: Tiandra

I have been photographing Tiandra and her family for a several years now, and we have all become close friends. She called me this year and said, "All I want for my birthday is awesome photos. I already told Will, and that's what we're doing. No fancy presents. Just the photos you take."

These photos were not only a gift for her, but a gift for me... she is such a wonderful friend. I felt so blessed to be able to capture her on such a beautiful day!! You'll even notice her singing in some of these images. She is one incredible talent!! I fully expect to see some of these pictures on the front of her album someday...

I haven't forgotten about my blog....

I can't begin to explain how blessed I have become since the last time I updated this blog. My business is better than ever, and I make sure to tell at least three people a day that I have THE BEST JOB IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD! However, with blessed success, also comes the fact that I have been CRAZY BUSY!

I'm making you a promise to you that I'm going to get you all caught up with some of the work I've done over the last few months. You're going to be seeing some great shoots being posted in the next few weeks, but remember - they were shot back in 2009. Rounding out last year was a GREAT experience, and I want you to be able to see those images. (I promise: I have made it one of my top goals and priorities to update this blog weekly in 2010!)

Now on to me tootin' my own horn: (hardy har har!)

1. I received the Bride’s Choice Award™ 2010 from Wedding Wire and Martha Stewart Weddings!!! This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals who demonstrate excellence in quality, service & professionalism. Awarded exclusively by recent newlyweds through extensive surveys & reviews. It's a huge milestone for me, and I just couldn't be more thankful to my amazing clients who made this possible!

2. I was nominated as the BEST PHOTOGRAPHER IN SAINT LOUIS! It's the Best of 2010 KTVI FOX 2 HOT LIST!! Help Abbie Takes Pictures be named #1 ... GO VOTE NOW! http://ktvi.cityvoter.com/abbie-takes-pictures/biz/527026 In order for your vote to count, you need to verify it through your email. I promise, it doesn't take longer than 30 seconds to do this... MY TEAM AND I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!! I would also encourage you could pass this information along to all of your family and friends. I need all the votes I can get because I AM going to WIN!!

In closing, I changed my hair (again!). I cut over 7 inches off, got some funky bangs, and died it red. :) Enjoy these silly photos that I just couldn't help but snapping... I got a nerdy pair of glasses that were screaming to be photographed!

Walk For Recovery 2009

I was chosen to be the official photographer for the 2009 Walk For Recovery! After weeks of major planning, and much excitement, we were bummed to wake up to major rain that day. With my team (Theresa and Tyler), and Katie Hotze doing video, we trudged through the puddles and downpours. We managed to survive, with all equipment (barely) intact, and were able to get some really great shots. Keynote speakers included Paul Cook (from Y98 and KMOV), and Tina Meier (the mother of Megan Meier www.meganmeierfoundation.org). A huge thanks goes out to Steve Curran for his invitation, as well as to my team of awesome girls. I couldn't have done it without you guys!



This is the last photo taken that day... Theresa, Katie, Tyler and myself... THE DREAM TEAM!

Congratulations Delea & Corey!

Delea was referred to me through another client of mine. We met just a few months before their wedding, and the rest is history! Planning their wedding was a total whirlwind for them, but in the end, the big day was absolutely perfect. We were scared to death when it poured the night before the wedding rehearsal, but really lucked out the next day!

Amani rocked out on her ipod while the girls got ready...

I, of course, played with the bridesmaid's shoes... who can refuse a mean pair of strappy, gold, high heels?

The ceremony was in the Lehmann Rose Garden at the Botanical Gardens, which is stunningly beautiful!

There are lots of ceremony photos, but there are even more amazing photos to share! After the gorgeous ceremony, we headed out to the Gardens...

After we were done at the Garden, we were all in for a special treat...

Delea's dad passed in 2003, and Delea wanted to remember him on her wedding day by making his (mint condition!) 1949 Packard a big part of her special day.




Little Amani didn't keep her eyes open, and took a nap while we were shooting photos with the fancy car. I couldn't help but snap this photo of the sweet baby angel...



The reception was a huge success, as well! From an awesome first dance, to a grand tribute from Delea's sorority sisters, it was perfect.




Congratulations, Delea & Corey! Good luck with the big move... I'm gonna miss you guys!
I can't wait for you to see all the photos!!



A BIG THANKS goes out to my second shooter (Tyler) and my assistant (Amber) for all of their help that day. You guys rock! <3>

Alissa: Senior Session

Alissa's mom, Sharon, was referred to me from Salon Dacota. She was excited to use her coupon from the salon, and called me right away to book her daughter's Senior Session. Alissa, Sharon, and I ran around Tower Grove Park on a breezy, beautiful, Sunday morning. We really had a great time, and Alissa was a natural... she is so gorgeous!

I got this cute shot of her toes while we were shooting in the fountain.

On a side note, I want to thank Alissa and Sharon for waiting so patiently for me that morning. I went to get my cameras ready when I arrived at the park, and realized that I had accidentally left my memory cards in my other bag!! (I've literally had nightmares about doing this.) It was a momentary disaster, but they waited while I ran to buy a few cards. THANKS, GUYS!