hocus outta focus

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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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?

Suh-Suh-Suh-SEXY!

I've had so much fun shooting for the covers of Her Life Magazine, but this one takes the cake!  One of my first shoots after returning to work was for the April cover of the magazine.  I got to shoot THE Jenny Matthews from Mix 93.   

Jenny is just as sweet as she is gorgeous.  She's incredibly fun to be with and up for anything.  She braved the chilly weather in amazing clothes from the infamous Molly's Jayne's.  (And y'all know how much I love shooting the clothes from Molly Jayne's.)

We started at the studio, crashing in on Michelle while she was on the air.  (She was so sweet to let all  SEVEN of us barge in on her!  Thanks, Michelle!)

After the studio we headed out for some fun, urban shots.  Let me just tell you guys, Jenny is fearless!  And sooooooooo easy to photograph.  Can I seriously call what I do a job?  I loved this old school desk.  The second I saw it sitting by the dumpster I knew we just had to use it.  (You should have seen my hands after wiping it off.  And would you believe that Jenny, the only non-mom there, was the only one with wet wipes in her purse?  Thank God.  My hands were COMPLETELY BLACK!)

This is one of my favorites...told ya she was fearless!

And you know I couldn't resist busting out the zebra!

We gave Jenny my iPod so she could rock out for a few shots.  She listened to everything from Hey Mickey to Hip Hop Hooray.  Although it was a little tough to give her direction while she was jammin'.  I just had to TALK. REALLY. LOUD. And use hand signals.  *wink*wink*

After the zebra chair we headed out to our last location for one more wardrobe change.  The sun was starting to set and the air was getting a bit chilly, but Jenny never complained.  She did everything we asked of her and looked amazing!  At one point I was giving her some direction (not that she even needed it) and I said something about being sexy when Jenny said, "Sure, Heather, I'll be suh-suh-suh-sexy!"  Poor thing was shivering, but you'd never know by looking at these. 

Listen to Jenny Matthews on Mix 93 weekdays from 10am-3pm and watch for her on the cover of Her Life Magazine in April. 

Thanks, Jenny, for an incredible afternoon!  It's definitely one I won't soon forget! 

Much love,
H

Counting Her Blessings

I recently had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Miss Kelly Littmann of Farmstead Lifestyle.  Kelly has an amazing story and I feel like a better person for having met her.  In just the small amount of time I spent with her I learned a very important lesson.  Count your blessings.  And count them one day at a time. 

Kelly owns Farmstead Lifestyle, a boutique in the historic Liberty Square.  Farmstead is filled with interiors, antiquities, jewels, clothing, inspiration and more (and a pair of cowboy boots I'm dying to bring home - just as soon as she gets them in my size). 

I photographed Kelly for Her Life Magazine at her Missouri farm house.  A lovely home, a barn and carriage house, a riding arena and lots of gorgeous trees filled Kelly and her husband's 30 plus acre estate, which would not be complete without Kelly's beautiful horses.  I won't spill too much of Kelly's story because I want you to read about her in the magazine, but let me just say I'm honored to now call her a friend.  She's a beautiful woman - inside and out, so full of energy, passion and love.

Meet my friend Kelly.

We also had the pleasure of working with makeup artist Karin Barragato of KAE Makeup, who did a fabulous job of making Kelly look her best.  Even if you're just having family portraits done I would highly recommend using a makeup artist.  Not only will you feel fantastic after being pampered but you'll look like a million bucks, too!  There's a big difference between everyday makeup and camera makeup and Karin is AMAZING!  I plan to use her for our family portraits this fall. 

Wishing you all a day filled with more blessings than you can count.
H