hocus outta focus

Party of Three | Sneak Peek

I'm sure you all remember Brian and Erin.   

Yeah, Mr. and Mrs. Mankameyer. 

Well, they're about to be a party of three.  

 

And I'm so happy for them.  They will be amazing parents.  More to come soon!

Happy Tuesday!

H

Andy and Faith | Lawrence Engagement Photographer

I was so excited to get the call to photograph this gorgeous couple!  Andy and Faith are part of our fire department family and we love spending time with them. 

I know my way around Lawrence (a little) but Andy grew up there and even though he's a full-time firefighter, he's also one hell of a location scout.  Add in Faith with her killer wardrobe and their stunning good looks and we had an absolutely fabulous evening!

Y'all know I'm a sucker for shoes...

I couldn't resist.  Her beauty is simply fierce (and flawless).

 

These next few are some of my faves.

 

This was another one of Andy's location ideas.  His school bus crossed this bridge every day when he was a kid and I love that he wanted to shoot there.  How thoughtful is he?  I have a feeling he's going to make a great husband. 

Andy and Faith, thank you for giving me the honor of documenting such an important time in your lives.  Chris and I adore you both and wish you all the best as you become Mr. and Mrs. Flory.

Love one another and you will be happy.  It's as simple and difficult as that. -Michael Leunig

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Love and Faith

Remember that facebook post from 4:25 this morning?  I can't sleep?  I want to blog, but I can't find the right words?  Yeah, that one. 

Well, I still haven't found the right words, but I've decided there just AREN'T words.  I assisted my dear friend Kathy Minor in photographing Ann and Hal's vow renewal ceremony.  No words can adequately describe the amazing love and faith of this beautiful family so I'll just let the images speak for themselves.

 



 

I wrote about Ann on the blog last summer.  She has bravely battled cancer for quite a few years now.  Her fight has been remarkable.  She has remained strong, positive and absolutely selfless through such a heart-wrenching journey.  I could only hope to be these things on even the best of my days.  Ann and her loving husband Hal are an inspiration to me and to many others. 

As one of Ann's friends said, "God is preparing his garden for one of his most vibrant and strong flowers."  Please visit Ann's blog and keep her and her beautiful family in your prayers.

Much love,

H

Move Over Michael Jordan

Mr. and Mrs. Mankameyer are about to get some serious air!

So, here's my official disclaimer: I DID a wedding, but I don't DO weddings.

It was an incredible experience, but I won't be taking on anymore.  I got super lucky and had THE most gorgeous bride and groom to work with and as you can see from the images above they were up for just about anything. 

I tip my hat to all the wedding photographers out there.  It's a TON of work and you all make it look so easy.

The Day After

Most of you know that I shot my first wedding this summer and it was incredible.  Because Erin and Brian chose not to see each other before the ceremony and there wasn't much time afterward we planned a Day After Session so we could create the kind of images we all wanted.  We spent a ridiculously hot morning running all over Kansas City shooting had a great time doing it. 

Two words.  HOLY.  HOTNESS! 

The bride and groom.  And the temperature in this parking garage.  But this fabulous duo never once complained.  And they even bought me a Babycakes when we were done.  How awesome are they? 

And here are a few shots from the killer photo booth they had at the reception.  At the end of the night, Misty and I grabbed Erin and Brian and drug them in there with us. 

We all had a great time working together and I cannot thank Erin and Brian enough for allowing us the honor of documenting their special day.  As soon as I can pull myself out of the weeds I'll get some more images posted.

(And speaking of Babycakes...I just might have to make a run this afternoon.  I'm dying for some sugar!)

Have a terrific Tuesday!
H

OH, HOW I LOVE SHOOTING LOVE!

I'm loving these engagement sessions.  Obviously, photographing adults is very different than photographing children.  I didn't have to make funny faces, cluck like a chicken or bribe anyone.  Well, I did have to cluck for Kerry.  Once.  (Just kidding, Kerry!)

I actually met Miriam at a Her Life Magazine party this spring and literally one week later she was engaged. I was so excited when she emailed me to book their engagement session.  Shooting them was such a blast!

Now, check out the gorgeousness that is Miriam and her soon to be husband Kerry.

 

GUSH!  Seriously a fave!





Then somebody they knew drove by...and they were busted making out on the sidewalk!

Time for a couple of headshots.

I love how his eyes totally match her shirt!   I'm SURE he planned that...right?

And that dress...OMG!  Doesn't Miriam have great style?

And this last shot is for a certain brother (who shall remain nameless).  He was poking fun at engagement photos, but I actually LOVE the way it turned out.  And I think I finally met a couple who love ice cream as much as Chris and I.  Funny thing is...we didn't end up eating any that day.  They just ran in for a quick shot and ran back out for some more photos elsewhere.  (I'm such a slavedriver, huh?)

Obviously Miriam and Kerry are beyond gorgeous, but they're also absolutely perfect for one another.  You should see they way they make each other laugh.  They're destined for a long, happy life together and I'm so honored that they chose me to capture their love. 

Did I mention that I love shooting love?

Coming Up For Air

WHEW!  Last week will go down in the record books as one of the craziest weeks of my life.  I won't bore you with all the details, but let me just say that my poor five year old had to have a tooth pulled.  UGH!  And she was such a trooper.  She did pretty well, but there were a few days I wasn't able to work so I'm running a bit behind.  I'm coming up for air long enough to blog and let everyone know I'm still alive. 

Here's a quick peek at a few things I've been working on.

A fashion shoot...
 

 

A super hot engagement session...

And a ridiculously fun kid session...

Now, back to work I go.  Have a terrific Monday!
H

Because I Know They're Dying...

And because they're so insanely gorgeous I almost can't stand it.  One of my favorite couples ever!  Erin and Brian were so at ease in front of the camera and so much fun to work with.  It's gonna be a long post so grab a drink, sit back and ENJOY!

This just might be one of my all-time favorite couple images!

And how hot are these shoes???

Oh, yeah...remember that BIG NEWS I blogged about a few weeks ago?  Any guesses at to what it might be?   Leave a comment here on the blog.  The first person to guess correctly wins a $10 iTunes Gift Card.  (Be sure to enter your email address when you comment.)

Have a great weekend, everyone!
H

Madly in Love

I had the pleasure of photographing this gorgeous couple yesterday.  They are so in love and it really shows in these shots so I'll just let the images speak for themselves.