Kenison-Smally : A Rustic, Country Wedding
It’s amazing how complicated life gets sometimes. It seems so wonderfully simple when people see you in the grocery store, they say hello, smile at your kids, you both agree the summer is going to quickly and the kids are growing so fast, and you move on… but when you own a business, things are never quite a simple as they seem. LOL!
Case in point: I had been talking back and forth with a bride, answering questions about wedding pricing and she had told me I would be the photographer for their wedding. She was excited and so was I. A few weeks later, I get a call from a wonderful family friend, Jordan…
Jordan is a girl I took senior portraits for back when I was just getting started doing photography full-time. She loved her photos, we ended up doing a “cousins” family photoshoot, then I photographed one of those cousins the next year for her senior portraits as well. After all that, I asked this same gal to babysit my oldest son for me when he was born (I was pregnant when she was graduating and she seemed so genuinely excited and interested I knew I could trust her with my new precious baby boy.) She was beyond amazing. She brought him back to her mom & dad’s house and was never impatient to get him back to me even though I worried he must be getting in the way of her social life. She didn’t feel that way at all, in fact, her and her mom took him all over the place to eat out for lunch with the rest of their extended family, go on little shopping trips and all sorts of other interesting adventures. He (and I) inadvertently became “adopted” members of their extended family and we often celebrated birthdays, holidays and just regular old Sunday afternoons with them. I also ended up photographing her older sister’s son’s newborn portraits a few years back. Needless to say, we are all very close.
… back to the phone call…
she’s asking me about wedding photography and the date has not been set, but she’s thinking about the same date as the other bride I’ve been talking to and who “unofficially” has booked me (AKA: no deposit has been given or contract signed). I beg her to pick one of the other dates but she warns me it’s pretty likely this will be the date because it also happens to be her parent’s anniversary! How can I argue with that?!
{It also just so happens to have another element of ginormous significance… it’s my BIRTHDAY!!! 😉 Hahaa!}
… When it all was said and done, that was the date, June 25th, so I had to debate whether or not I risk upsetting the other bride, possibly ruining my reputation and delicately retract my commitment to photograph her wedding, or risk missing one of the most exciting moments in one of my friend Jordan’s life… Oh, decisions!
Obviously, I knew I couldn’t miss out on Jordan’s wedding, even if I wasn’t photographing it. So, I picked up the phone and gave the unlucky bride a call. She was so amazingly gracious and I was so full of gratitude and relief that she still had plenty of time to find another photographer and not to worry. Happy dance time!
Fast forward to Engagement Pictures… which you can find HERE.
And now it’s time to share some from the BIG DAY!!! It was the most beautiful, rustic country wedding. Set at her parent’s home with all her closest family and friends in attendance. It was a nail-biter though! There was predictions of lots of rain but we only ended up with LOTS of wind, and no rain until later that night around 10pm when everyone was safely under the tent and a little too tipsy to care that their feet were getting all wet.
The wind did make portraits quite challenging. Think wispy hair and ties flying sideways… yeah… not cool. I just had to let go of some of the ideas I had to take pictures in other parts of the yard and stick to an area behind a couple of sheds to keep my subjects from looking like they were about to be swept away. But even with all that, we have a TON of amazing images to choose from for Jordan’s wedding album which I’m excited to start designing soon.
Don’t miss noticing the amazing bridal party flowers that were created by Flowers By Bree. She is a local, Kensett, IA florist that works out of her home and she has a God-given gift for coordinating colors and textures with flowers in the most amazing ways. She can take any bride’s vision/request and bring it into a spectacularly beautiful reality. (Was that enough adjectives for you??? Seriously, she is THAT good!)
Enjoy!
Becca
Little Abel : Newborn Portraits
As I wrap up 2015 I’m pleased to share this little hunk of sweet baby goodness with you. Isn’t he such a stud? I love his eyes!!! And all that hair!?
**Swoon**
His big sister was one of my past baby portrait clients so I was so happy to get this wonderful family back in the studio again.
Needless to say, it was a bit of a challenge to get big sister to sit still… at 3 years old, it’s just hard to behave sometimes! We just rolled with it and got some AMAZING family portraits and just a couple of the baby and older sister Eve together, that’s all their parents really wanted anyway. No need to push them too hard at that age so they might dread the thought of portraits in the future. Best to keep it easy and fun.
Abel wasn’t too sleepy, but he was content to just lay and gaze at me contently with those big, beautiful eyes of his. I did finally succeed in getting a few of him sleeping and those are just so angelic.
What do you think? Leave a comment below to let me know!
Happy New Year!
Love, Rebecca
The Johnson Family Portraits : Albert Lea, MN Photographer
Happy Friday Everyone! I’m sad to see the beautiful fall foliage disappear off the trees, but today I get to re-live some of that amazing fall weather we were having a couple weeks ago. This family has been customers of mine for a while now and this year they decided to update their professional family portrait I had taken for them back when they’d first discovered me.
They are amazing and helped me find a great location to do their family portrait in the town where they live. I always like to take that responsibility on my shoulders, because my clients who are busy moms & dads don’t need one more thing on their to-do list. But, in the fall, every day the leaves are changing and what might have looked great Friday morning is a brown, bare tree come Saturday afternoon. Right?!
I love the outfits the Johnson family chose to wear. They just coordinate so well. I love jewel-tones and the rich peacock blue color just harmonizes so pleasantly with the rusty reds and golden tones of the leaves.
I am excited to meet with them and find out which ones they decide to use as wall art to decorate their lovely home. I know she’s used this color throughout her home-decor so the images are going to tie into that so nicely.
If you ever need help planning clothing for your session, I’d love to assist you so you can have portraits that truely become part of your home decor just like the Johnson family.
Enjoy!
Becca
P.S. These are going to make some AMAZING holiday greeting cards!!!
The Acton Family : Extended Family Photo Session
This on-location family session was just down the road from my studio! It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and everyone had gathered for a little celebration.
The two sisters were going to be together with their husbands, grown children and all their spouses and grandchildren, so it just struck them as the perfect opportunity to get a family portrait captured.
Once your kids have grown and married we all know how hard it is to get everyone back together at the same time. I was so glad they decided to give me a call, and though it was a little short-notice, we were in luck and it just so happened to work out for me as well.
Normally though, if you want to schedule for a specific date, especially a weekend, it’s good to call at least a six weeks in advance.
We did lots of fun combinations of the smaller family groups and then the whole big clan. By the time we got done, the kids were really tired and ready for their naps. I have to admit, I was ready for one too!
Enjoy!
Rebecca
The Ebbings : Sioux Falls Area Family Portrait Photography
I’m excited to share some beautiful images from the Ebbing family’s portrait session. I recently had to head out to Sioux Falls to photograph my husband’s cousin’s son who is going to be a senior. They have a neighbor that had me take family portraits quite often when I’ve been out there in past years. When I sent her a message to say I’d be out there again, she was happy to take advantage of the opportunity to have me capture their family once again.
It’s been a few years since our last session.
Here’s a throwback portrait for you… aren’t they cute??!
Now, their youngest daughter isn’t a baby anymore! Both of their girls are so lovely, and it almost feels like I’m visiting relatives when I take their pictures too, because I’ve known and photographed them for so long.
I was just giddy with excitement when I sent the email to share the gallery of images with their mom, and I got this lovely email in return this morning…
“I love the pictures! I realized I was showing coworkers and friends and I never let you know that they turned out great. The pictures of Allison with Mike & Anna with me are amazing.
Thank you!”
I love getting those messages in my inbox on Monday morning. Such a perfect way to start the week!
Enjoy!
Rebecca
McNaughton Family : Professional Family Portraits
Hello again!
I’m excited to share a few great images from my most recent session with you. They are of the McNaughton family who has done several sessions with me over the last few years and it’s extra special because they come all the way from the Washington D.C. area! They are just THAT loyal! … Oh, and her parents live about an hour from my studio so they stop by there for a visit since they’re in the area. 😉
This time around, we have the little guy who is 2 years old, almost 3… and little miss who is 5 years old now. I laughed when I was taking these because for her 2 year old portraits, she was “challenging” my photo taking skills and her brother tried to follow suit, but in both cases I worked my magic and captured some of the family’s favorite portraits.
Carys now, after 5 years of working with me was amazing! Last session I was so impressed by her willing and eager attitude, but this time she just blew me away. I think she’s taken up watching America’s Next Top Model, judging from some of the poses this girl was giving me! Love her so!
Here’s a sampling of a few of my favorites. I really love the outdoor ones of Carys with the flowers and the family ones turned out great too!
Enjoy!
Rebecca
The Carlson Family : Austin, MN : Family Portraits
This is one of my most loyal customers, and I have grown to love her and her children dearly! (Her hubs is pretty great too!) 😉
I’m always in for a treat when she calls to book her session… we’ve photographed her kids with baby chicks, and balloons, and their favorite things… well, this time we did an update of their favorite things and … wait for it… (pause for effect)… Fainting Goats!!! How fun is that???
Check out all these great pictures. Taking the time to plan something with your photographer that is unique to your family makes for much more meaningful family portraits = better memories!
Enjoy,
Rebecca
Walker Family Portraits : Clear Lake Photographer
When I got a call from this gal about taking her family portraits she made one thing clear, her kids and husband were not going to be real thrilled about having to get off their boat and get dressed up to take a new family portrait. I know all about that feeling. My husband equates getting our family portraits taken to going to the dentist or visiting the doctor for his annual physical. Something he knows he needs to do, but not something he will pretend to enjoy. LOL! Even if it is a lot less painless than he makes it out to be.
I reassured her, I had this covered. We had discussed what I thought would be a good location to get a nice uncluttered (the hard part) view of Clear Lake on a late summer afternoon. I made sure to be there ahead of time to make sure the location was going to work as I had planned. I was thanking my lucky stars that it worked out because if I remember right it was a Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend so everyone and their brother seemed to be out on the water or enjoying the public parks.
I am thinking it was really only a 20 minute session, tops, because when you have full grown children, it’s much easier to get everyone posed and looking at the camera. (Although I’ll admit sometimes it is the older children that surprise me with how much attention I need to spend making sure they’re listening.)
I made sure not to drag things out and they were happy to be on their way back to the boat so quickly. I think I even heard one of her boys say it was actually kind of fun. (Who would’ve thought?! *wink*)
The best part is that the mom was thrilled with the results of our photoshoot and now has a lovely updated family portrait to hang in her home. Gotta love those happy customers!
Are you thinking it’s time to move out that family portrait you had taken for the church directory and your youngest who is now almost in highschool was only a toddler? Better give me a call and I’ll tell you all about the amazing experience you could have with your family here at my studio.
Cheers!
Rebecca
Emilie : One Year Old
This little honey was featured on the blog as a newborn a while back and I never got around to sharing her one year session on the blog. It turned out so cute I just had to share it, even if I am a bit behind in doing so!
A little FYI tidbit: Emilie’s mom gives the best massages! If you ever want to book one, she’s the person to call! Now, she’s based right out of her home in Freeborn, MN and has a beautiful, professional massage therapy business. Here’s a link to her facebook page if you’re interested.
We started the session with some family portraits, and then did lots with just Emilie. They are serious farmers and love their John Deere tractors so we HAD to get one on the pedal tractor in the cute pink tutu. Her mommy got the cute personalized chalkboard designed through a shop on Etsy and I can’t remember the name of it, but if you want, I can find that out for you. Or you could just do a search and you can find lots of options, if you’re planning a birthday party soon.
Wouldn’t it be fun to get one of those made each year (well, at least the first 5 or 6 years) and then display them all at a high school graduation party? So fun!
Enjoy!
Rebecca
5 Reasons To Buy Holiday Cards from your Photographer
So you did it! You hired a professional to take your family portraits! And you knew you wanted to use the images on your Christmas cards, but you’re thinking maybe you could save a little extra money if you order them yourself through one of the many online printing sites out there??? I’d encourage you to think again and read on.
Here are 5 good great reasons to let your pro photog take care of your holiday cards for you.
1) Saving time – This is a huge one! Chances are, you’re a parent (usually the mom gets charged with this duty) and you can literally spend hours online looking at different sites and designs. The options are endless… and as much as you might feel a bit limited when you look at your own photographer’s spread of a dozen or so samples, it’s really much easier to choose from 12 amazing designs than it is from 2,000 sort-of-good ones. Because heaven knows, once you find one you like… you’re going to want to customize it.
2) One-of-a-kind – Another key benefit! Who wants their card to be pretty much EXACTLY the same as hundreds, maybe even thousands of other peoples??? Not me. I love the idea that I have created the card designs I sell at Rebecca Lynne Photography from scratch or used bits and pieces of different templates I’ve purchased to make designs tailored specifically to showcase the images chose by my client for their card.
3) The Price is Right – When you first look at your photographer’s price list and compare it to an online site, it is probably going to be significantly more… but once you start spending all that time perfecting the limited options for customization you realize this isn’t such a cheap option after all! The sites are notorious for having the base-line price to grab your attention, but then as you finalize your order with a design on the back, your own quantity, paper options, envelopes and finishing touches they add-on and add-on to the price until it rivals that of the professional’s.
4) Showing off your portraits – Why on earth did you spend all that time and money coordinating outfits, dragging your reluctant family members and narrowing down the beautiful proofs to your top 10 favorites, only to pay a little extra to use ONE for your holiday card? If you get your card through your photographer, they often have designs that showcase 3-4 images at no additional cost. They want you to share the more standard image AND the fun ones because they want all your friends to know how much you loved your experience at their studio.
5) One less thing to worry about – Who doesn’t enjoy letting someone take a weight off their shoulders? Honestly, it’s fun browsing the card options for about the first 15-20 minutes, but after that it seriously turns into a chore. Having someone who will say, “Don’t worry, I’ll create a design you will love, proof read it all, send you a preview, AND if you see anything that needs changing I will take care of that for you, too! Plus, I will order them and have them ready in time for you to mail to all your family and friends.” Now that, is worth every penny!
Designs from a professional photographer – Rebecca Lynne Photography
Thanks for reading! Best of luck with the task of sending holiday cards.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Rebecca Houg
Little Keira : Newborn Portraits
You know that feeling that you get, when a kid you used to babysit is graduating from high school, or worse yet, college? For me it’s like this sinking realization that I really am aging, even though most of the time I don’t feel like I am. Do you know what I mean?
I felt that way when the mommy to this baby girl came into my studio for their newborn session. I did Senior portraits for her when she graduated from highschool, she’s done with college, been working for a while, got married, and now has a little baby!
I know the answer, but it always makes me want to ask the question, “How did this happen?!”
But enough about me… back to this little blessing.
Little Keira was already a month old so I wasn’t going to hold my breath and wait for her to go to sleep, but I knew if I worked carefully, I could still get some of those really cute artsy type of portraits with my favorite props. Lucky for me, she decided to play along and I got some of these beautiful images for her parents (and grandparents!) to treasure for years to come.
Let it be said again, because as much as we get annoyed hearing it, the phrase bears repeating… “They really do change so fast.”
I know, I’m in the midst of it right now with my little guy, Henry. He’s almost 8 1/2 months and he’s pulling himself up on things all the time and loves it when you help him stand on his own two feet! It really was only a few months ago I was cheering him on as he made his first attempts to crawl.
It’s crazy, but we need to do our best as parents to relish every joyful minute of it. And capturing it with beautiful, professional portraits is definitely a great place to start. Kudos to Keira’s parents for investing in her memories!
Enjoy,
Rebecca
Little Reese : Newborn Boy Portrait Session
A lot of people seem to think I must have the most ideal life, being self-employed. Especially when I announced we’d be having another son and they all seemed to think I would be taking as much time off as I wanted… to just snuggle at home with my new bundle of joy.
Reality is a much different thing. LOL!
Reality is that I was working on paperwork and tax reports the week I got home from the hospital. And reality is that although my dear, dear customers who totally respect my time and honor me by asking who I would recommend they have take their portraits while I enjoy some much deserved maternity leave…well, I just can’t have someone else taking their portraits, now, can I??? 🙂
I just love them too much, and I want both of their son’s first year of portraits to be taken by yours truly so when they hang on their wall in the family gallery they look totally cohesive.
To tell the truth, I was a bit nervous. It had only been two weeks since our son, Henry, was born and so I had some legit concerns about this little newborn thinking I was his lunch ticket. (If you know what I mean!)
Luckily, he must like his own mama’s scent more than mine, so after battling his hunger cravings for an hour or so he FINALLY submitted to those heavy, heavy eyelids!
Success!
Needless to say, I also love these first images we caught with mom and dad when he was still awake.
Enjoy!
Becca
P.S. I’m pretty sure you all know I wouldn’t be photographing right now if I didn’t absolutely love doing this. I just want to make sure it didn’t sound like I was complaining because I was very thankful I had scheduled the session. It was actually a relief to have a couple hours away from Henry and feel like a regular person and not a mombie (mom/zombie) LOL!
Little Eve – 6 Month Baby Portraits
Another fun session with this little beauty and her mommy. I just love getting booked for the whole first year of a baby’s portraits because I know I’ll be able to see that customer again and again and see their child grow up and really get a strong grasp of their personal taste and style. By the one year session, I can almost predict what they’ll order and lots of moms and dads let me take the wheel and steer them in the direction I know they’ll love in terms of wall portraits or framed collage prints.
I hope you love these images from Eve’s six month session as much as I do. The half-way point for baby’s first year… if you’d like to see her newborn portraits, click here.
Enjoy!
Becca
Kris + Katie : Wedding Photography
My brother-in-law, Kris, got on April 13th to the loveliest gal. Her name is Katie and her mom owns Addie’s Floral in Albert Lea, Minnesota. So I knew their wedding flowers were going to be beautiful for sure!
(Funny fact: I chose Addie for my wedding flowers when I got married to Andy over 10 years ago!)
After quite a bit of thought over having an outdoor wedding at their place in a rustic barn setting, wedding was held in Albert Lea, MN at the Methodist Church. Which was a good thing because there was quite the crowd for this beautiful couple!
I had the honor of being chose as their photographer, Andy was an usher, and our son, Collin was ring bearer! He looked so handsome in his suit!!! I was so excited to see him and Andy all dressed up for the wedding.
I’ll admit there are quite a few extra pictures of Collin mixed in the proofs.
*insert guilty grin*
After the wedding, the couple stopped at Pub 69 in Twin Lakes for a quick drink before heading to Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, IA for the reception.
I was thrilled with their reception choice. #1 because it’s a very photogenic venue inside. #2 the food is awesome and served very fast! #3 it’s only 7 miles from my studio/home!
(Another fun fact: My younger brother also had his wedding reception there.)
They had me take portraits from “getting ready” until their first dance and the father-daughter/mother-son dance. Which is just right for designing a storybook wedding album. I can’t wait to get to work on it! Although I must say, I’m going to be a little jealous since my own wedding portraits aren’t this good!
Enjoy!
Becca
P.S. I apologize (sort of) for sharing so many images. Usually I can narrow it down a bit more, but it’s hard when it’s your own family!!!
The Hagen Family : Northwood, IA
The Hagen family are return customers that loved the fun, colorful shots we created at their campground, Happy Time Resort so much they called me up to do it again the following year!
I just love this mom because she is INTO her family photos. She’s been dedicated about having them professionally photographed and I really give her credit for that. It’s all too easy to make excuses for not having them done… I want to lose that extra 5 lbs, or my hair isn’t quite the way I want it, or it costs too much.
Well, I’m here to say, I can make you look thinner by the way I pose you, that you can set up your appointment weeks ahead so you have time to get into your favorite hairdresser, and the biggest investment doesn’t come until a couple weeks AFTER the session… and even then, I only require 1/2 down. You have plenty of time to save up. Right?!
The memories we create are priceless and I truly believe that, with every ounce of my being.
Check out these great images. I love these kids, they are beautiful, great kids… but the oldest boy hates getting his picture taken… not sure why… I’m thinking it might be the braces… but whatever the reason, I’m slowly but surely breaking down walls with this one.
Then there’s the youngest… isn’t she ADORABLE?! Well, she always loves to put me through the wringer, too! I am pretty sure she likes me… but for some reason she thinks it’s fun to make it a challenge by playing the “I’m going to turn my back to the camera and do everything I can not to smile” game.
*Insert Evil Laugh*
Oh yeah??? This ain’t my first rodeo!
I must admit, they don’t make my job easy, but they sure as heck make it a whole lot more interesting and I’m the kind of girl that loves a challenge… so I say, “Bring it!”
Enjoy!
Becca
P.S. To her daughter and middle boy, I thank you for being so easy going and cooperative. You’re the ones that keep me sane! 
Annabel : 6 Months Portrait Session
My sweet niece was in the studio on Palm Sunday after our family dinner to celebrate the Easter holiday. I was so happy to finally have her in my studio since Eric and Melissa live 6 hours away in Sheyboygan, WI and with us just finishing up our new house and them with a baby and full-time jobs that require some weekends, evenings and holidays… I don’t get to see them near as much as I’d like… let alone get to photograph them when they are home since they’re usually spreading their limited time between the grandparents.
I must admit, my little niece is a stunner. She has these big blue eyes that look right into your heart! And if she’s not smiling, she’s just got this laid-back relaxed expression… I know she must have some fussy times, but I haven’t witnessed anything yet to suggest she’ll be a little drama queen.
Fingers crossed that she loves her Auntie Becca as much as I love her!
So back to the session… Melissa had a cute outfit on her when they arrived. The black and white zebra print dress and bright coral cardigan seemed to call for a simple background so we just used the white wall. I had to work a bit in the beginning for those smiles. She seemed confused that her daddy was acting like such a maroon. 😉 LOL! KIDDING!!! Love you bro!
The next outfit was my favorite! A vivid purple lacy top. We didn’t have a matching bottom so we just used a white diaper cover I had on hand and sat her so we couldn’t really see it anyway.
I love the way the purple and teal coordinate with the gray background and it all showcases her gorgeous porcelain skin and makes her eyes pop!
They also had a fun, more casual pink and lime green number that we paired with a super soft rug I have. She was giving me lots of smiles still, but reaching her limit. I could see her eyes getting a little sleepy.
So we quick switched her into a pettiromper I had wanted to photograph her in with a cute little baby sized bed and some pearls to top it all off. So precious!
Enjoy!
Becca
Jill + Brent : Anniversary Session
Do you recognize the cute couple in these images? You should. Their engagement and wedding images were featured on the blog a year or two ago. Jill is one of my favorite clients for the reason that she is a great “cheerleader” of my business. If you ask her who to use for professional photography, I know she would always say my name. Gotta love that!
Also, it’s just so much fun for me to maintain a life-long relationship with my customers and I look forward to photographing their future together.
This session was mainly in place to add a few new images in their home and give as holiday gifts, but also to create Christmas Cards to mail to all their family and friends.
Here’s what the front of their card looked like. Isn’t it pretty?
It’s really a good idea to plan ahead when you want to do holiday cards/gifts.
We photographed this session in early October (and booked it about 6-8 weeks before to get her ideal time with the leaves changing color), which is just right for the end goal of holiday gifts and cards. It gives me plenty of time for proofing the session, scheduling the ordering appointment, designing the cards, and picking up the order in time to mail out the cards and frame & wrap the gifts.
Aren’t these two just so adorable and sweet together? I love that Brent is the kind of guy that is totally okay with all the pictures Jill likes to take of them, because having those images is such a treasure.
Enjoy,
Becca
Brooklyn : One Year Old : Child Portrait Session
If you’re a follower of my blog, I’m sure you’ll recognize this sweet face! It’s little baby Brooklyn, looking all grown up at her first birthday portrait session!
I adore my customers who come for newborn portraits and sign up for “Baby’s First Year” because I get to develop such a close relationship with them and hear all about the trials and triumphs of their child’s first twelve months. (And often times the years following.)
This session we captured some in a little black corduroy dress with Brooklyn by her first pumpkin since her birthday is close to Halloween.
Then we changed her into a cute Iowa State cheerleader outfit and did some with daddy and played in the leaves. Don’t you just love how the red and yellow work with the fall colors?
Next, we went inside and did a couple more outfits and ended with the insanely fun birthday cake images. A friend of theirs made this huge cupcake for Brooklyn’s portrait session and I love how the colors go so well with the little onesie her mom picked out and then I added the cute little leg warmers with the polka dots to tie it all together.
Enjoy!
Becca
Aubrey : Family Portrait Session
I was really thrilled when one of my past brides, who lives out in Vancouver, Washington emailed and said they’d be coming home for a visit during August and wondering if I’d be available to photograph their family/daughter while here.
Of course, I made sure I had time! When someone wants you to photograph them that bad, I’ll move mountains to make sure we can make it happen.
The session went well. Aubrey was in a great mood. She had mastered crawling not long before their visit and already loved standing while holding onto daddy’s hands.
Her mommy had picked out a pretty dresses. I love the one of her peeking out of the tissue paper pom-pom blossoms. So sweet!
And of course, she had to represent mom and daddy’s alma mater, Iowa State.
Enjoy!
Becca
Christine + Jeff : A Love Story Session
Happy Monday to all my blog readers out there! I’m sharing some images from a fall session I photographed for the parents of one of my ’12 seniors, Lila. Her parents have been together for a looong time! I want to say 20 years? If I remember right. (Sorry, it’s been a few months since I heard the story, so Christine, feel free to comment if I get something wrong.)
They had Lila together, their only child, and just have been “non-traditional” in the whole “marriage thing”. I’m guessing that kept the spark going… calling someone your boyfriend, significant other, etc. is a little more “fun and young” in my opinion… but there is definitely comfort and a nice ring to the words “husband and wife” if you ask me. 😉
It’s not my place to judge anyone’s life decisions, and you shouldn’t either because it seemed to work just fine for them! But I’m happy to announce that they finally decided to “get hitched!” Of course, they went “non-traditional” with a mid-week wedding and Christine wore the chic light blue lace sheath and Jeff, the linen suit you see below.
I adored working with them and if you scroll down and see the images from the session we captured of Christine and Jeff, you can definitely see they still have that spark, even after tying the knot!
Enjoy!
Becca
Baby Gabriel : Maternity and Newborn Sessions
I love new mommies! They are just the best people on Earth. The poor girls are going through a million changes, so many of them overwhelming, and yet they hold it all together for their new little ones.
I had the blessing of photographing this couple’s wedding and they are returning soon after… (within a year!)… to have me photograph the arrival of their first baby!
Adding another dimension of cuteness to the whole story, is the fact that their due date was their first anniversary! Did I hear you go, “Awwwww!”? … if not, you should have! 😉
This sweet new mommy had total faith in me, after being thrilled with their engagement and wedding portraits she knew I wasn’t about to disappoint her.
I have taken enough maternity portraits now to know the most popular images are a few of the expecting mom and dad together, and the interesting “belly shots”. And don’t worry ladies… stretch marks are all taken care of, unless of course you like that kind of thing.
It wasn’t long after the maternity session I was blessed once again with the news that their son, Gabriel had arrived. Healthy at 10+ lbs!
We were in the studio with him before he was even two weeks old. Which is the best time frame to be in by, so you can get them to curl up all cute and sleepy.
Isn’t he just precious! A little chunka-love!
Enjoy!
Becca
P.S. I want to mention Ryan is an insurance agent for Farm Bureau in Northwood, IA and has always taken excellent care of us as customers. Look him up if you are in need of insurance! 🙂
Ryan’s Contact Info:
http://www.fbfs.com/Pages/AgentOfficeLocator/AgentInformation.aspx?AgentId=14801
Parker Thomas : A Newborn Boy Session
Oh goodness. Isn’t Parker Thomas just the sweetest? I adored him from the moment I met him. I took his mom and dad’s wedding portraits and newborn and 6 month portraits of his older sister!
This little honey makes me want to have another baby just so I could stay home and snuggle with him. 🙂 I’m not sure what Andy would have to say about that though! … Well, actually I do know. 😉
So we had to get some family portraits with everyone, and then some of just Parker and his big sister, Gabriella. She’s only two, so it was a bit of a challenge to get them both just the way we liked… Try negotiating with a two year old, it’s not easy. But after trying different methods I resorted to bribery… Oh yeah. I haven’t met a kid yet that doesn’t want a sucker. (Those dum-dums are so small, and they only suck on it a little while before they ask you to take it so they get into something with both hands!) LOL!
I love the sock monkey hats their mommy brought… and matching dolls too! So adorable.
Then we had to incorporate John Deere at Grandma’s request… so in went Parker, in the back of a John Deere dump truck.
I also did a few of my classic “baby with a hat in the basket” image because it’s so simple and timeless.
Enjoy!
Becca
Eve Rose : Newborn Session
Ahhhh, sweet, sweet baby! I can smell her fresh little, cozy milky goodness just looking at these pictures.
I love newborns! Boys or girls, doesn’t matter. Oh, but this little sweetheart, Eve, was just a doll. And it’s always fun to add a flowers and bonnets on little girls.
I loved her parents, they were such a treat! She’s their first baby and they are just GA GA over her! I laughed so much watching them! I’m sure I was the same exact way when Collin was brand new.
There is just so much love in these images. I hope you’re feeling it too.
Enjoy!
Becca
Senne Family : Northwood, Iowa
This sweet, young family was lucky they got a beautiful day of warm fall weather before this recent damp, chilly air set in.
We started with some indoor portraits of the kids and the whole family. Isn’t this one of the two kids together just perfect?
I also love the funny expressions they did.
After the indoor stuff, we headed outside to see if we could find some fall foliage still hanging on. It wasn’t easy but we found a patch of golden leaves…
Enjoy!
Becca
Rebecca Lynne Photography : Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota's Best Photographer! 