Shelby + Lisa = Engaged! - {Lawrence, KS- engagement photographer}

My title should probably read, Shelby + Lisa + Bentley = Family. How could I have left him out? Oh, but we didn't. He was right with us the whole time & not too happy if he wasn't included in the photo.

Newly engaged. Sigh. They met as many couples do these days, online. I will date myself now, as that was not an option in my prime dating days. Maybe a few personals in the paper (ewww) but no real online presence like there is now. A first date to El Mezcal, a yummy Mexican restaurant in town, & the rest is history. They could not have been any cuter. So happy together and so excited to be getting married. I got an email from Lisa just a few days (maybe a week or so) after the proposal and we had engagement photos planned. A check mark on the long list of wedding planning. Although they are planning a small destination wedding. Smart, very smart.

We decided on a rural location and ended up at an apple orchard not too far out of town. Sadly their crop has a fungus this year so no apples. But the scenery was just as beautiful. The owners couldn't have been nicer to us. They allowed us to roam all over their beautiful property (in a golf cart even!)

I am so happy to have met you both - even though Lisa, we sorta met in our past.- Yes, Lisa figured out she use to be our mail carrier. How funny is that? You better be sharing photos of your fabulous wedding!

Front & center where he probably belongs

In the middle of the orchard

How funny is he?

After an outfit change, we drove up to the top of the property.

It was a gorgeous spot for the sunset.

Hawaii bound in May for the wedding!

Seriously?

This was the very last shot.

We were already in the cars, it was almost totally dark & I made them stop for one more

I like the feel...

Krannawitter family - Lawrence, KS family photographer

We finally made it happen. You see, we have talked about taking photos since last winter. Kim, aka mom, and I would see each other almost everyday last school year while dropping of our girls at pre-school. We often talked in passing about her desire to get some photos taken. Now that we don't see each other everyday, we got it scheduled. I think it was worth the wait. The weather was perfect, the setting was peaceful and the subjects were willing. A pretty good combination if you ask me! Not to mention a great reason to show off some cute clothes. Both Kim and the youngest are in their clothes they got from my Matilda Jane trunk show in August. Love it! In fact I have all those same pieces.

Enjoy your sneak!

I was feeling the black & white and wow, gorgeous!

Havin' a little fun right before we called it a night.

Seriously photogenic & she was having fun with it too!

This is so her, or the way I see her!

Thanks for letting me hang with you, empty bellies and all!

Last of the Colorado vacation - Day 3

Day 3 of our trip to Colorado was the day our girls were looking forward to the most. We had made arrangements to head over to a ranch and go horseback riding. It was about an hour and a half drive but we had zero problems getting everyone up and going that morning! We watched the temp drop as we climbed in elevation but honestly, it was a picture perfect day.

As we pulled up to the ranch (who does not have a website or I would share it here) they were cleaning up from a party the night before. The owner of the ranch was getting married the next day so they had a big bash with friends and family. Evidence was everywhere that they had a wonderful time! Our guides admitted to being a little "slower" on this morning but they didn't show it at all.

There were dogs everywhere, I am talking something like 20. All different breeds and all of them totally laid back and just chillin'. Two of them joined up on our ride, what a big playground they have to romp on each day! We met our horses, got quickly acquainted and headed out. The horses were great and it was evident the confidence the guides have in them. My girls hadn't ever ridden a horse on their own (think pony rides at the fair), but you wouldn't ever have known it. No one showed any concern...so off we went! I do have to say it was a little tough to ride a horse and take photos, I did my best!

They were so excited for this day!

Harper and daddy were the first ones up and ready to roll!

She was a total natural, she was up in the front of the pack most of the ride.

Bringing up the rear.

Emme was ready to trot shortly after this & she did!

What fun is horseback riding if you don't go a little "faster"!

Although the horses pretty nautrally just followed each other our guides encouraged us to do and go as we desired. If we wanted to get off the path or trot, whatever, they allowed it.

It was such a beautiful day.

The blue skies and puffy clouds almost look fake.

This was the top or the turn around of our ride.

The view was breathtaking.

Josh, one of our guides snapped this for us!

We saw some elk moments after this...

It is such therapy to be in this environment.

crossing through a creek

Yes, she really is asleep. How in the world do you fall asleep while horseback riding?

Like I said though relaxing & therapeutic!

Oh & it was a two hour ride.

She too was such a natural and was not even slightly intimidated.

Our awesome guides.

They were so laid back, it was just like going for a

ride with friends.

A model moment when done riding.

On the drive over to the ranch I had seen this little spot that was yelling at me to stop.

This happens alot but I don't always listen. More often no one wants to be in front of the camera for me. But on the drive back home I asked if we could just pull over to the side of the road and Emme was a willing subject. A cute one at that...

Old (but colorful) buildings, mountains, wild flowers.

See what I mean,

it was literally yelling at me to stop!

What an incredible day. We went over to Breckinridge for lunch then headed back to Canon City in time to watch football. It was a day we will not forget for a long time. My girls expectations of horseback riding are forever ruined.

Madison 6 months - {Lawrence, Kansas infant photographer}

Wow, has this little cute thing grown! We took her 3 months photos this spring (here), now she is already 6 months old and very mobile. Often when taking photos of babies at this age they can sit but don't do much else. Just hang out. Well, not Madison. She can crawl and is trying to walk! She was happiest when we let her stand up hanging out on a chair. Either that or eat rocks, flower petals, grass, you know the usual. Too busy to smile at us most of the time. No doubt her mom and I looked silly trying all the usual games to get some laughs. Oh but the things we will do...

These thighs...

oh these thighs!

Gotta show 'em while we can and it is still considered cute!

Just hanging out

happy to stand

love it!

Hmmm, what can I do with this flower?

She is probably smiling huge here...that's ok, I love toes!

though it is hard to pick I do believe this is my favorite photo of the day!

how many times in life can we get away with this?

& be so

darn cute while just hangin' in the buff.

she was having lots of fun standing on the chair and was not happy when we got her down.