A Mystery and a Gift {Christine Kay, Chicago Newborn Photographer}

It just blows my mind. You go for 24 years of your life without knowing someone and the second you meet them, it’s the most amazing feeling and you know you don’t want to ever be apart. 

These are the words of this little newborn’s dad as he held her in his arms during our photoshoot. She- the one whose birth made him a father for the very first time.

If you’re a parent you understand his sentiments. Becoming a parent changes you in the most profound ways. It truly is one of the most amazing seasons of life. And a mysterious one. This mystery naturally requires less and more. Less talking and more studying. Less explaining and more absorbing. Less of yourself, more of him or her.

That’s why I love doing newborn hospital sessions. The images are a way to tangibly remind yourself of those initial, overwhelming, unexplainable emotions- the ones you’ll want to linger on later, after the busyness of life and familiarity of routine naturally vie for your attention. When you first become a parent, you study every square inch of your child. And you should. Because as the old adage goes, they grow up too quickly. Having images of those precious, tiny little fingers, toes, noses, lips . . . truly priceless. To be able to do this for new parents? . . . I really do have the best job ever.

This couple goes to my church and I couldn’t have been happier to create these images for them. A mutual friend of this couple called me after they gave birth and requested a newborn shoot for them as a gift.  She explained how the parents had a very long and difficult birth story which was completely different than what they had hoped for. In the end, S and L are just happy to have a healthy baby girl in their arms and they are grateful. Still, this friend wanted to make sure they had some beautiful images done at the hospital to sort of ‘redeem’ their bad experience. I was honored to do this for them and am so glad for the friend’s call.

Meet Talitha, a mystery. And a gift.


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More Than Sparrows {Christine Kay, Chicago Photographer}

Meet Alisha. Singer. Songwriter. People-lover. Lover of Jesus. Not in that order. In fact, as I got to know Alisha during the course of our shoot I discovered the inverse order is actually most accurate. Because of her love for Jesus, she has a heart to love and serve others, both local and overseas. She has a God-given talent for composing songs and a beautiful and (might I add) pure voice. She has one of those voices that makes you want to just close your eyes, take a slow breath, and soak deeply so as to fully absorb the beauty. You can’t help but smile softly when she sings.

In order to raise money for an upcoming trip to work with an orphanage in Uganda, Alisha is putting together an album of her original songs. We did some photos for her album cover. Her desire was to highlight the messages in her music, so many of the images we came up with have a deeper meaning behind them.

One of the songs on her album is called More Than Sparrows. In it, she tells about the great love of God. I can’t wait to hear it. . . . I’m quite sure I’ll close my eyes, take a slow breath, and soak deeply.

“Indeed, the very hairs on your head on all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

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A Vineyard Wedding, Part II (Christine Kay, Destination Wedding Photographer)

I’m excited to share with you the second batch of images from Scott and Lela’s dreamy vineyard wedding. Click here to see the first batch if you haven’t already. Everything about this wedding read beauty and romance. The vineyard at just the peak of harvest made the most beautiful backdrop for pictures. The gorgeous grapes were picked the following Monday! Amazing timing, right!?

Monica McQueen of Tres Chic Events styled the wedding beautifully. The color palette was inspired by the varied colors within a fig- both the light, airy pinks of the flesh of the fruit and the bluish-purples of the outside. Monica’s tablescape design was to die for. Including blackberries, plums, eggplant, and grapes into the floral designs added to the feel of ‘harvest’. It almost felt like a wedding at the family’s own vineyard. So classy. Soooo romantical. . .

Here are our fabulous vendors:

Event Design: Monica McQueen of Tres Chic Events
Venue: The Dancing Apache Lodge and Vineyard
Photographer’s Second Shooter: Christopher Maddox Photography
Invitations and Beer Labels: Todd McQueen
Floral: Garage By Ivy  
Welcome Basket Cookies: Marilyn of Pink Martinis and Pearls
Band: EastonAshe 
Catering: Main St. Caterers (Flagstaff)
Rentals and linens: Classic Party Rentals 
Special linens: BBJ Linens
Makeup: Liz Margin 

 

I loved this “heart-leaf” and the huge trees on the property. I knew immediately I needed to make the most of them.

I wanted to show another angle of the beautiful venue. . .

And now to the party! My second-shooter, Chris shot the cocktail hour while I did the family photos. Chris did a fantastic job capturing the party. The band for the evening, Easton Ashe, set the mood with a cool acoustic set . . .

There were lots of fun things for the guests to do- lawn games, custom wedding-themed Mad Libs, even a custom coloring book for the kids. Really, the thought that went into this was amazing. It made for a fun, memorable party completely unique to Scott and Lela.

Beautiful details . . . Loved the blackberry in the center of the rose. Hand-made wine charms as placecards were a huge hit with the guests.

After family photos, I photographed the reception details before the guests entered. The long table was my favorite part of the design. I’ll say it again- it felt like they were married at the family vineyard. Loved it. The details were full of crystal, mirrors, and sparkle that shone beautifully as the sun set. Garage by Ivy’s florals were divine.

The unique menu, penned on a beautifully scalloped mirror, and the sparkling mirrored candelabras were gorgeous touches.

Each guest was greeted by a nameplate mirror at their placesetting. . . wow. And the napkin rings, . . . . whew! So pretty.

The first dance was pretty much epic with the sun setting low in the background. Can I hear a collective *SIGH*?!?

After the first dance, we headed off to the vineyard for the most amazing, gorgeous sunset session . . . Scott and Lela’s adoring love really shown through. . .

One of my favorites of the day-

The warm sunlight and the beautiful vines made for some very romantic moments. . . In the words of Rachel Zoe, I die.

The dry eyes were few during the beautiful toasts . . .

Easton Ashe could not have done a better job keeping the party lively and fun. They are so so talented. LOVED them!

Sedona Cake Couture’s stunning creation, complete with real champagne grapes, berries, and unripened figs. Fantastic.

This was one wild and crazy party! I mean, really, who doesn’t love a few surprises?!?

I’ve never been to a wedding that ended like this! – A bonfire complete with smores and the most a-maz-ing  jam-session by the most ridiculously talented friends a bride and groom could possibly have. It made me wonder why all weddings don’t end like this. I was completely in love with it and didn’t want it to end. As a photographer, it’s times like these I just feel privileged to be a fly on the wall. Hearing the laughter, seeing the content, happy faces of the guests, and snapping away at all the beautiful, intimate moments the bonfire-ambiance provided was the perfect way to end my shooting day.

And we’ll end with the sweetest, sweetest moment. Lela wrapped her arms around her mom and nuzzled in. She lingered there for quite a while holding her mom close as if to say, “Everything’s just alright in the world, isn’t it Mama?”

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A Vineyard Wedding, Part I (Christine Kay, Destination Wedding Photographer)

Scott and Lela’s vineyard wedding was nothing short of a dream. There were so many quaint and special touches to this destination wedding, I hardly know where to begin. The bride and groom are two of the sweetest people you will meet. The Dancing Apache Lodge and Vineyard in Page Springs, AZ was the perfect backdrop for the kind of storybook love these two share. Who knew there are romantic vineyards just north of the desert?! Monica McQueen of Tres Chic Events outdid herself on this one. She made sure that every single detail reflected the beautiful love and fine taste of the bride and groom.  I can’t wait for you to see all the details. . .

A special thanks for Chris Maddox for second-shooting with me. You are amazing!

The “Save the Dates” and the Invitations were incredibly unique. Designed by Todd McQueen, they could not have been any more perfect. The invitations were actually letterpressed onto cherrywood. Stunning.

These adorable Arizona-themed welcome baskets awaited us at the hotel. Can you say “LOVE”?!?

Chris did a great job capturing the florals . . .

Lela was so adorable and beautiful. She was an absolute vision. Her sister and mom helped her get into her dress . . .

Lela found a special way to keep the memory of her dad close on her big day. She kept an image of her father in a family heirloom locket attached to her bouquet. Such a lovely way to remember her dad and keep him close to her heart on this important day. . .

The groom is known for his home brew so as a personal touch, he brewed up two special beers as party favors. I adored the custom labels designed by the fabulous Todd McQueen. They provided just the right amount of swagger, don’t you think? 

Scott and Lela, your love is so completely sweet. You two make me smile from ear to ear.

I loved the special pillows Monica included in the design for the front porch of the lodge. They were perfect.

My angle . . .

And Chris’ angle . . . (and a strong case for the value of a second shooter!!!)

The ceremony details were uber-romantic. Scott hand-made the beautiful wooden arbor that served as the backdrop for their ceremony. (I know! Multi-talented, isn’t he? Props to you, Scott!)

The hanging glass orbs, floating florals, champagne grapes, and Spanish moss completed this charming vision. I was crazy about how the glass sparkled when the sunlight hit them. So dreamyyyyyy.

I caught the boys reaching for one final “hands-in” right before lining up for their entrance. Seriously, how adorable are they?!

True confession: I totally had a crush on the ring-bearer.

A sweet moment between Lela and her brother as he gave her away. *SIGH*

Favorite moments from the exchange of vows . . .

Immediately after the ceremony, Lela had a little moment. Her sister was quick to hand her a handkerchief for the assist. These two images just make me happy. I can’t take my eyes off of the love in each of their faces.

That’s it for today. In the next post I will share the images of the amazing cocktail hour, sunset shots, and reception. Yourrrrrrr gonna want to check back real soon. The next post is a not-to-miss!:)Details, details, details!

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Ashley and Morris’ Burberry Inspired Wedding in the Pines (Christine Kay, Destination Wedding Photographer)

If you haven’t already seen the first post from this gorgeous wedding weekend, click here to catch up. Today it’s time to show wedding images! It has been a fun project to create this wedding post because each image holds such beautiful feelings and thoughts for me. Ashley and Morris’ love combined with the love of the two uniting families was nothing short of breathtaking. The atmosphere of this wedding was love and warmth through and through. And Monica McQueen of Tres Chic Events made sure that love showed in every last detail. I adored all the Burberry accents from ribbon ties to table runners, the color palette of yummy caramel, rich cabernet, chocolate, and a hint of ivory . . . and even a guest in a matching Burberry tie. The details were all gorgeous, rich, and luxurious.

To my bride and groom and their families, thank you so much for inviting me in and loving me like one of your own.

And many thanks to Sadie Such for being my second shooter and reading my mind throughout the day!

Venue and Catering by White Mountain Country Club

Event Planning by Tres Chic Events

Cake and Cupcakes by Cakes by Shellie of Pinetop, AZ

Flowers by Wendell Florist

Make-up by Mary Fennello of Palmina Leone 

Hair by Becky Gerblick

Rentals and Linens by Classic Party Rentals

Ceremony Live Guitar and Reception DJ by the unparalleled Rich Mancini of Mancini Entertainment

Thanks to my second shooter, Sadie, for these beautiful images of the men getting ready . . . Those flasks are hysterical!

One of many sweet, sweet images from the first look. . .

Morris and Ashley were most radiant when they were looking at each other which, I say, is the truest compliment to their love.

I love this image of Ashley- her smile is infectious, isn’t it?

She’s killin’ it again!

The bridal party pulled out mustache and lip sticks for the bridal party images . . . very saucy I think!

The ceremony site was absolutely stunning. (Am I using that word a lot? Because I sure am thinking it a lot.)

and Sadie’s angle:

I loved the caramel apple placecards . . . what an original idea!

The cake flower was designed after the flower on Ashley’s wedding dress . . . a perfect replica!

A tender moment during the father of the bride’s speech . . .

I had to post these two images of the garter toss. The guy in the blue ends up with it, but keep an eye on all the gentlemen on the right hand side of the image. Seriously, boys. You had me rolling when I discovered this upon editing . . .

Thank you, Ashley and Morris, for inviting me to photograph your wedding weekend. Much love to you both as you start off your married life together.

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