Alexis : Class of 2018

Her Mama has done so much for our family that I was elated when she asked me to do her senior photos. Finally! Finally, I could somewhat repay her good service to our family. Alexis' mom is a nurse for our family doctor and has done so many favors when it comes to our health! I had a blast working with Alexis on making her session come to life and Sonya did a fabulous job of bringing huge props to suit Alexis' interests. Namely, the family's motorcycle and a friends' '49 Chevy truck. What fun to photograph!! 

We used every square inch of that motorcycle and just as Alexis was heading to change outfits, here rolls up a 1949 Chevy truck. I'm assured that everything in it is new. Key word: IN it. The outside, well....it's well loved. :)  I felt like I was meeting Mater from the movie 'Cars'. And I'm not sure how much more "Iowa" you can get than a vintage vehicle, jean material and cowgirl boots!!

We headed back to the way back of Waterworks Park. That storm that finished my family session early? Well, it downed this tree in the back of the park and was an awesome backdrop for Alexis!! I make lemonade out of lemons all the time...;) 

Sonya: I hope I've done Alexis justice!! And Alexis-girl, you just upped the anty as they say for props on a senior session! I wish you all the best as you pursue canine law enforcement! How incredibly special.

Blessings on your senior year and every day,

Carrie
PS You can view more of our time together HERE. 

Katie + Phil

"That is so Katie..." I heard those words over and over again throughout their wedding day. If their wedding day so closely reflected Katie + Phil, you can rest assured that they are considerate of others, loving, laid back, but have a very clear vision for their lives together, serving the Lord, those around them, and each other.  Katie has designed bouquets for friends' wedding days, so I knew her florals and details would be a feast for the eyes. From their programs, bouquets, choice of music and the florals on each reception table (that Katie constructed herself), the day did not disappoint! 

I have to give a shout out to my second shooter for the day, Sarah Heimbruch. She is ever-amazing and we always split to cover the guys and gals in an efficient use of time. I'm pretty sure the groups of men she's helped photograph for me in the past year have been some of the most hilarious of my career, which makes for awesome results. :) 

In her Matron of Honor toast, MaryBeth commented that Katie hates to be in high temperature surroundings. So, it made total sense that they opted to have their First Look indoors in the best natural light option of our church. (A bride that requests "natural light" is one after my own heart and speaks to Katie's eye for design!) But really, when you see the smiles on their faces, any backdrop would take a back seat to their joy!!

We headed out, briefly, for bridal party and a few more couple portraits, since the day was a scorcher close to 100 degrees. We might have found the only spot of shade in the whole of Raccoon River Park! Phew! And while I mentioned that the boys were a fun bunch, the ladies certainly had entertaining personalities to boot. I love hanging out with friends for the day with my camera-it really doesn't feel like work at all!

This ceremony probably breaks a record in how many Ring Bearers and Flower Girls made it down the aisle. The gaggle of nine did an outstanding job and had everyone either laughing in their cuteness or choking up from just how sweet all NINE of them were in making their big entrance (and exits!) But, the photos that Sarah captured of Katie with her dad take the cake!

Katie + Phil had cocktail hour with their guests in the lounge area of Embassy Suites and it gave them ample time to greet everyone in attendance. It was here I learned that the parents of the bridal party had all been invited too! Like I said, consideration of others. Most of the bridal party are parents to small children and would need childcare assistance, but Katie + Phil were good friends with all those parents already too! What a way to say "thank you for giving us fantastic friends and great examples of Godly marriages"!!

Phil + Katie: Your wedding day will not soon be forgotten in my heart! What sweet moments you had throughout the day and I'm honored to be along for the ride! Know that you are covered in prayer for a fantastic God-honoring marriage, and that your support system runs deep!! 

Best wishes in EVERYTHING, 

Carrie

PS You can view their slideshow HERE. And their entire gallery HERE. 

VENDORS OF NOTE: 

Florals: Hy-Vee, ask for Michelle  

Bridal Dress: Perry Bridal in Valley Junction 

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Hair & Make Up: Trixie's Salon 

Tuxes: The Back Room 

Ceremony: WalnutCreek Church

Reception: Embassy Suites Downtown Des Moines 

DJ: Patrick Porto 

Colleen + Johnny

Honestly, I never thought I'd see this family again! I photographed their sweet crew YEARS ago. They brought their two girls, their puppy and on their way to our time together, they backed into their garage door! When that kind of a memory is associated with family photos, I didn't blame them for not coming back the next year! :) 

So, when Colleen contacted me last summer to photograph Ellen's senior photos, I was floored and saddened-I was on maternity leave and my fall was booked! We touched base again to schedule family photos in the spring, had to reschedule due to rain and almost lost our rescheduling because of rain again. I would not be deterred! We met at Waterworks Park and as the storm rolled in, we snapped photos super quickly-I had 30 minutes, at most, before the downpour was to start! 

Colleen and Johnny rolled up in the same mini van, sporting a little rust spot as a scar from its run-in with the garage door all those years ago. When their girls got out, I was floored, again, to see what lovely young ladies they've become!

Ellen and Claire were such sweethearts! I was thankful to learn they were still pursuing music and fun activities through 4H, gearing up for the state fair in August. And then we started feeling little rain drops, so we kicked it into high gear! 

In the photos right above of just the girls, you can even see the rain drops falling in front of my lens. We hustled back to our cars just in time before the cloud broke open for the remainder of the morning! 

Colleen + Johnny: Thank you so much for braving the storm clouds and knocking this outta the park so quickly!! You guys are the best and I'm so thankful that no further damage was done to your van in the process. ;) Best of luck this summer with 4H exhibits, Ellen, and Claire-enjoy the stage with show choir!! 

Blessings, 

Carrie

PS You can view the rest of our time together HERE. 

Emma : Class of 2018

This girl has flitted through my life at different touch points and I couldn't be prouder to have the honor of taking her senior photos. Emma was a quiet but quick-witted 6th grader who walked into the middle school confidently despite her use of a cane. This cane accompanied her eyes and helped support her vision for the world around her. Emma has Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and has started her dream of educating those around her on this challenge to her eye sight. Her first student on it during our time together? Me. 

How to show a student a pose if I typically demonstrate it myself? How would she see me and what I wanted her to do? Would she be ok if I asked her the best way I could educate her on poses so we could work together on this? Absolutely, she was ok. She can see things very very close to her and with some additional direction, we worked it out beautifully. For gorgeous results if I do say so myself. :) 

We started at the Art Center, using a couple of backdrops and different ideas, we then crafted our map of locations for the rest of our time together. Emma was game for any challenge we brought her way.

We headed downtown to the water feature outside the Des Moines Public Library. From her vantage point, the ground under her was probably looking shimmery and unstable, so for a few minutes, we oriented her so she felt safe and then let her natural smiles and laughter take center stage.

One last spot near the Science Center, where Emma again overcame her lack of comfort in her new surroundings and did an amazing job working with to get results that are absolutely wonderful!!

Emma-You are an inspiration! Each time we hit a hurdle or challenge, you met it and overcame it. I'm so proud of you, all the work you've done in and outside of the classroom. Thank you for making my job so easy and for lovingly educating me on how to best help you pose and work with my camera. Judging by the way you succeeded during your session, you will go so far in your life beyond high school. 

I'm so proud of you!!

Carrie

PS You can view more of our time together HERE. 

Paula + Tom

I've watched this couple from afar for several years, photographing them one other occasion. Mainly, I've followed their journey with Tom's fight with cancer. So, when Kelsey let me know it was their 40th anniversary and they'd like to celebrate with photos, I was honored to be with them holding a camera. Every year is an accomplishment, but to add a cancer fight to the mix makes every day a gift, and love dig deeper. 

We initially thought we'd be struggling to hash out the photos in the >90 degree heat, but the wind was actually our nemesis! The ladies really got the windswept look even as we tried for calms between gusts!

We gathered everyone and the littles for the larger group shots in between feedings of the littlest (whom you've already met!). Kelsey, Greg and their three, in addition to Kelsey's brother, Kyle, and his lovely wife, Kelly.

Like I said, super gusty strong winds! But it kept us decently cool amidst the humidity! 

Paula + Tom: Thank you so much for having me out to document this stage of your family's life! I'm thankful for your 40 years of marriage and your example to your children because it's made them pretty awesome to have as friends and fellow parents at this stage of OUR life. Your legacy is great and has impacted many! 

Blessings, 

Carrie

PS You can view more of our time together HERE.