Author Archive
ryker william {newborn}
It was not that long ago that I captured Robin and Eric just before they were expecting. Ryker William was born on February 5, and what a sweet little boy he is, and so lucky to have Robin and Eric as parents. I can’t say that he thoroughly enjoyed being my baby model, but, I could tell that he was always most comfortable right in the arms of his parents. We captured some super sweet moments with them, as well as a few here and there when he would close his eyes momentarily. It was too cute though as he always seemed to be peeking with just one eye — making sure he knew what was going on! I’m excited to see this little guy grow in the next year — soon enough, he will be walkin’ and talkin’. 😉
Congrats again to Robin and Eric!
jeanna & conor {engaged}
With the cold winter days, it’s sometimes hard to find a great location indoors for an engagement shoot, but, knowing that Jeanna and Conor’s wedding reception will be held at the Hilton in downtown Omaha, I wanted to take advantage of using that location as I knew it was beautiful with lots of natural light. Thankfully we had the whole place pretty much to ourselves being that it was on a Tuesday, and, we fortunately missed any guests that may have been leftover from the Justin Timberlake concert the night before too. 😉 Jeanna and Conor are a sweet couple and I really enjoyed getting to know them! Both were naturals in front of the camera, and their eyes are just amazing and really draw you in. When I asked Conor to spin Jeanna, he just lit up and stated that it was probably his most favorite pose of the day. I’m pretty sure that he is already looking forward to the first dance at their wedding… 😉
Here’s a peek from the day! Congrations, Jeanna and Conor, on your engagement, and I can’t wait until your big day!
audra & brett {engaged} //omaha
If you haven’t already checked out Audra and Brett’s adooorable proposal, feel free to go to this link!
I was excited to shoot that moment for them, even more excited to shoot their engagement photos, and honored that my husband, daughter and I will be in their wedding! Audra is such a sweet sister-in-law, and since I met her almost 8 years ago (wow!;) — I was always hoping that she would find a great guy. So happy that she and Brett found each other, because they could not be more perfect together. On our car ride to downtown, Brett kept glancing over at Audra. When she asked, “what?” — he replied with, “You just look so amazing.” — which she did. He kept giving her that look throughout the shoot, and I can tell that they are so in love and excited to start this next chapter of their lives together.
We started the shoot off at the zoo, and after, went out to Brett’s house in the country and got some gorgeous photos at sunset. Although it was freezing out, a fresh coat of light snow made for a beautiful setting, so it was worth it to freeze our toes and fingers for just awhile. 😉 They are a beautiful couple, both inside and out, and we are all so excited for these two love birds to tie the knot this August!
jeannie & alex {engaged}
With the sun shining and a break from the bitter cold temperatures, I roamed around the streets of downtown Omaha last weekend with a couple that was willing to explore and whom laughed the whole way. Our adventure started out with some random guy who asked if we’d like to venture up on his building rooftop for some photos. Of course I said “fun” when I heard it, because I would love the chance to take some rooftop shots, but then I backtracked a bit with not knowing who this guy was. I really try to trust people, but there was something odd about the situation, and, we could tell that he had been drinking…. We left that scene, but were approached a few minutes later by the same guy with the same request. After that, we were thinking that he was following us, lurking around every corner…. this thought gave us a comical approach to the whole session, along with several other people who asked to take OUR picture. 😉 Before all of this, I had a chance to meet their sweet daughter who took part in a few photos. They are an adorable family, and I had so much fun getting to know Jeannie and Alex better as a couple. I am excited for their wedding coming up this summer!
**We ended our shoot with whistles from “that guy” on the top of his roof. It was our time to say goodbye for the evening… ;o)
Thanks for the laughs and beautiful moments, Jeannie and Alex, and CONGRATS once again!
justin & aliya {proposal}
I have now witnessed 2 proposals live — within a few months! — thanks to my soon-to-be brother-in-law who also referred one of his friends, Justin, to me after his recently successful proposal. When I received a call from Justin about wanting to have me capture his special moment, I once again got very excited, but also a little nervous! There is something about proposals that is different from anything I’ve ever shot. Maybe it is the anticipation, not really knowing when exactly it’s going to happen. I’m not sure. All I know is that it’s an amazing experience, and I’m so happy that I was able to capture it for Justin and Aliya.
It all started at Charlie’s — a very special place in my eyes, as it was the location of my first date with my husband! 😉 While Justin and Aliya were wrapping up Justin’s birthday dinner with their parents, my husband and I waited patiently for their exit. Along with dinner plans, Justin had a limo waiting outside with close friends and family also waiting eagerly for their exit. What a great group they were as it wasn’t the warmest of weather. I admit that my fingers got a little frozen, and it was hard to press the shutter at times! When we saw them making their way out the doors, Aliya started to go the other way! I am not sure if she didn’t see us, but it was a cute moment as Justin had to turn her back around, and I think it was then that she realized what was going on. Brief words were said that only the two of them could hear, and I could sense some nervousness and excitement. Soon after, a cheerful yes was said as Justin got down on one knee, and hugs were given all around. Even though I only met Justin and Aliya briefly, my first impression is that they are an absolutely adorable couple with so much love for not only each other, but also their friends and family. It was a beautiful moment to witness, and I wish them all the best as they plan this next chapter of their lives together!
Congrats to Aliya & Justin!! Thank you for having me capture this special time. 🙂
slobotskis {family}
This last weekend, I went to our friends, Ally and Mark’s, gorgeous house on Bennington Lake for a family shoot. I was really hoping to take advantage of being both indoors and out, but the weather was not so pleasant, so indoors it was! The whole Slobotski family got together and what a lively group they are! With extended family photos, I particularly like shots with grandpa and grandma and all their grandchildren. You can always tell how proud they are. 😉 And as I always say, letting kids just be kids brings out the best type of smiles. Jumping on beds, tickling, and Elmo definitely helped out during this particular shoot! 😉
Here’s a peek at our fun shoot. Happy New Year, everyone!
audra & brett {proposal} ;)
To start off, this might be a little long…but so cute! You have to read. 😉
A little over a month ago, my sister-in-law’s boyfriend (now fiance), Brett, came to me with some exciting news and a fantastic idea. He first informed me that he was going to propose to my sister-in-law, Audra, and that he wanted me to capture the moment! I was SO excited for them, and, I have to admit, a little nervous to take on the challenge as we would have to be hidden in the dark, far away from the subjects of course, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before. I gladly said yes though, and we met one evening in the place he had planned for to scope out an exact spot to make it happen. For those that don’t know, every year Omaha has an amazing light display in the Leahy Mall area. Since this is a place Audra and Brett go see every year, he thought it would be a perfect time and place to do it. Unfortunately when we went to scope out a location, none of the actual Christmas lights were on yet, so, we picked the one place that we knew would have some constant light, and, where I could hide out, paparazzi style, behind the trees. 😉 We were hoping all the planning would work out!
The night of the proposal, my husband and I plotted our place to “stalk” them, and sat waiting…and waiting… Since they were at dinner beforehand, we really didn’t know exactly when they’d show up, all I knew is that Brett was going to text me. I soon saw the words “now” come across my phone from him. We waited some more and watched and finally spotted them heading in the right direction. I seriously became really nervous for him, but also super excited as I had never seen an actual proposal take place! Audra looked in our direction for one second and was so nervous she spotted us! She did not, thankfully. As I watched him stop in the exact spot we chose and turned her the right direction, he soon after got down on one knee and all we could hear were squeals echoing across the river — coming from Audra of course! It was a magical moment and so wonderful because it almost looked like they had the place all to themselves! People were nearby, and some actually cheered, but, in that moment, I could tell they were in their own little bubble.
After capturing that moment, we had to keep quiet that we did so — for almost an entire month!! On Christmas day, Brett presented her with a canvas print and I captured Audra’s expression (tears of joy) as she had NO idea any of this took place! Thank you to all the other friends and family that kept quiet and allowed for a fun surprise. 😉
I am so excited for these two! They are an amazing, fun and sweet couple. Truly made for each other. I am excited to be taking their engagement photos and honored to be in their wedding!
kamin {maternity}
I photographed Robin and Eric’s wedding back in April, so I was so excited when they came to me with the wonderful news of expecting their first little one come February 2014! They are not finding out if it is a boy or girl, and I give them so much credit for being able to hold out! Robin looks absolutely amazing — a glowing soon-to-be mommy. You can tell that they are truly excited to become parents, and I wish them all the best as they approach this new journey. I am also so happy to be able to photograph their baby’s first year! Can’t wait to meet the little one.
bacino & magnusson {family} // omaha
So glad that Laura contacted me about a family shoot while they were in town visiting from Las Vegas! Almost 2 years ago, I took Laura and Chris’s engagement photos. It was the end of December, so it was freezing cold out and there were little snow flakes falling. Now they’ve added a handsome little man, Tyler, to the family! Thankfully, it wasn’t as frigid cold this time, but Tyler was a champ, nonetheless, for staying out as long as he did. I can tell that Jan and Paul absolutely love being grandparents, and I’m sure they soak up every second of the time they get to spend with him. It was a fun little shoot, and it was even a nice surprise to capture some hot air balloons that were taking off nearby. Here’s a peek at a few shots from the day!
cassidy {newborn}
It feels like just yesterday that I captured Joyce and Jeff’s first born, Lindsey, as a newborn. Here she is almost 2 years old, and they’ve now welcomed a sweet new little lady into their family — Cassidy Lynn. If the two girls were born at the same time, they might have been mistaken as twins — they have so many similar features! And check out all that hair! So cute. Cassidy did wonderful during her first shoot, with exception to the grand finale (which we won’t get into — it’s not her fault we were slow in putting a diaper on!) 😉 She was a great little sleeper which allowed for some fun posing! Thank you, Joyce and Jeff, for coming to my place for the shoot! You have adorable girls and I can’t wait to capture more of your sweet family in the future. 🙂
{Kugler & Clasen} family shoot
This last weekend may have been one of the last “warm” days of the year, as today I actually saw some snow flakes!!! It was beautiful out, and once again, I had some amazing lighting to work with. I always love doing shoots with the Kuglers. Not only are they our good friends, they are SUCH naturals in front of the camera! This time, we included Leila’s grandparents, which made it even more special. I particularly like that they were great helpers in making Leila smile with their goofiness. I think I am sometimes oblivious to the craziness going on right above or behind me — but hey, whatever it takes to get an adorable smile –that’s what I watch for. 😉 Here’s a peek at their sweet family shoot.
hannah & ethan {sweet siblings}
Hannah is 2, and Ethan 4, and they sure are adorable kids! A two year old’s emotions can go from happy to sad in a matter of minutes, so, capturing things quickly is key. 😉 I always find that when I just let them play, the most natural poses are then captured. I love seeing the world through a child’s eyes too, as, it’s sometimes the little things that can really make you happy. Like picking cherries from a tree. Or throwing leaves up in the air. Or running through the field while playing tag. Their energy and spunk brought a smile to my face. Here’s a peek at our fun little shoot!
cole {6 months}
Seriously, where does the time go? Cole is now 6 months! Since his newborn photos, it has been so much fun to watch this handsome little guy grow up. Already, there is so much life and tons of smiles! Every time he makes eye contact, an immediate smile. And, I’m pretty sure he should be a baby model — the last few shots with the hat and diaper cover — oh my! Absolutely adorable and look at his blue eyes!! Love him. Here’s a peek at the latest Toland family shoot! 🙂
fall {family} fun!
I have always enjoyed shoots which take place in the country. There is something about the stillness and less (if not any) noise that makes you stop to think more and just enjoy the simple things…like spending time with your family! The location for my latest family shoot took place on the Platte River at the family’s cabin which they have had forever. I really enjoyed getting to know them and mentioned that they shouldn’t be surprised if they find me just hanging out at their cabin randomly from here on out… 😉 They were all so sweet and willing to do some fun poses too! Here are just a few moments from the shoot. It was a gorgeous fall day, and we were surrounded by the most beautiful light and colors.
samantha & shem {married} // omaha, ne
A few weekends ago, we celebrated Samantha and Shem’s big day! Since their engagement photos, and, since I’ve photographed others within the wedding party, I knew it would be a fun day. Speaking of wedding party, I believe it is the largest one I have ever worked with — 23 total! It only makes sense though considering Shem’s 8 brothers and 1 sister made up almost half of that! I’ve mentioned this before, but how fun would it be to have that many siblings!? The ceremony took place at the beautiful Our Lady of Lourdes church and reception at Legacy Hall. In between, we went to a pretty little park, and even though it looks nice out, it was quite chilly! I always appreciate when the party is willing to step out into the cold for a few shots. 🙂 After going to a few of their favorite bars, they went to the reception to dance the night away! And let me tell you, there was definitely A LOT of dancing! Such a fun crowd. I don’t think anyone was too shy in breaking out their best dance moves.
Thank you again, Samantha and Shem, for having me capture your beautiful day!
megan & alex {married} // baldwin, wi
A few weekends ago, we traveled up to Baldwin, WI for my little cousin’s wedding. Years ago, I recall her saying that one day (when she finally got that ring ;)), that she would love to have me as her photographer. I was so happy when I received the news of her engagement and that she truly wanted me to be her photographer! There is something special about capturing the big day of someone within your own family. It is especially nice having much of your family (whom we don’t get to see often) there too. The only problem was when my daughter called out “mommy mommy mommy” during the entire ceremony! Sorry, Megan and Alex! 😉 Hopefully that was only distracting to myself. And, thanks to my hubby for keeping her preoccupied.
Megan was an absolutely stunning bride. I couldn’t be more proud of her and was so happy to capture this special day. Even though it rained much of the morning, it did not stop the adorable couple from having fun! The rain let up just in time to have the ceremony outside in the beautiful garden, and then sun popped out for the only time just after they exchanged rings and said a prayer. It was breathtaking. I am going to share far too many photos, but, it’s hard not to when it was such a perfect day.
Congrats again to the sweet couple, and, welcome to the family, Alex! 😉 I wish you both years of happiness and love together.
norman {family}
This last weekend, I did a fun shoot with another mother that I met in MOMS group. Her daughter, Violet, is just about 20 months, and such a beauty this little one is. Her eyes are amazing and really draw you in. I always tell parents that I love children’s serious looks (even though I know most want the super smiley shots), and Violet definitely had a great serious look. It was a nice mix between the two — serious and happy — although she definitely made me work harder to get some smiles out….including tossing her doll up in the air to “fly” all while trying to hold my camera steady. 😉 Here’s a peek at some of those moments.
heaven gained two angels {my grandma & grandpa}
{February 19, 2014}
Exactly 5 months ago today, my grandmother passed. Today, I found that my grandfather passed late last night. After 60+ years of marriage, it was not very often that they were apart, and even now, it was not long before they were once again joined in heaven. Truly sole mates if you ask me. 🙂 I posted the original in memory of my grandma, and have added a few photos in memory of my grandpa.
He was — Kind. Goofy. An avid canoer. An amazing campfire builder. A brother. A pastor. A husband. A father of 5. A grandfather of 8. A great-grandfather of 5 — he was my grandpa.
{September 19, 2013}
Today, Heaven gained an angel.
She was — Sweet. Creative. Caring. Spiritual. A daughter. A sister. A wife. A mother of 5. A grandmother of 8. A great-grandmother of 5. — she was my grandma.
After battling cancer for what seems like forever, it was her time to go, and we pray that she is now in peace and no longer in pain. Below are just a few sweet moments to remember her by — some of our last visits with her. I will always remember our fun memories with her — especially those at Lake Camelot in WI. We love you, grandma, and will miss you!
June 2010
dakota {senior} fremont, ne
Although I haven’t done a lot of Senior photos, I’ve really enjoyed the few that I have shot as it brings me back to the time when I had them done myself. To me, it is a time to express yourself. They are a symbol of everything you have accomplished during your schooling days, and moving on to whatever it is that your heart desires. It is a time of possibly moving away from your parents and becoming more independent, all while finding out new things about yourself. Quite a drastic change in life if you ask me! It is fun to capture that time just before those big changes happen — and, of course share those images with all your buddies and those that are closest to you. Here’s just a few shots from our shoot in Fremont, NE!
treiber {family}
It had been awhile since I had seen the Treiber family, so it was fun to do a shoot with them since Jack is now three years old!! He is growing up too fast. They have always been a photogenic family, so I am never worried when Jack takes off and gets in kid mode, as we always seem to get great shots. 😉 I thought it was cute when you ask Jack to show his teeth, he gives the biggest grin — or rather really shows you all his teeth. He apparently is a fan of the dentist. 😉 I think he also got a little more adventurous since the last time I had seen him. He was jumping off walls into his father’s arms…. and kept going back for more. I think our whole shoot could have revolved around that activity. Here’s a peek at our fun evening!
gwendy & wayne {engaged} downtown omaha
I love when you meet people for the first time, and within minutes, it feels like you’ve known them forever. That was the case with Gwendy and Wayne when I first met them this last weekend. Wayne was in town from California, so we decided it was a great time to sneak in their engagement session. Having dated long distance for quite some time now, it was fun to capture the love that these two share with one another during the short visiting time they had together. We started the evening off at Pinnacle Bank downtown where Gwendy works. I am in love with that staircase that sits nestled in the branches of a beautiful, large, green tree. The second image feels very tropical to me, especially with Gwendy’s colorful dress. Midway through, we stopped at Ted and Wally’s icecream shop — a favorite spot of theirs, and super cute might I add. After sunset, we ended at Parliament Pub which had the coolest lighting.
Congrats again to the adorable couple, Gwendy and Wayne!
rachyl & peter {married} nebraska
A few weekends ago I traveled to the small town of Beemer, NE for Rachyl and Peter’s wedding. I was happy when Rachyl asked me to be their photographer as I had photographed her brother’s wedding years ago, that of which was my second official wedding shot alone. Rachyl is one of 7 siblings, all of which were a part of the wedding. What a fun group the whole wedding party was, and, how fun would it be to have that many siblings!? After the ceremony, all the guests threw bags full of Rice Krispies! That was a first for me to see, and such a good idea! They then took a hay rack ride out to the cornfields where we got a few more shots before dancing the night away at the Beemer Ballroom.
Thank you, Rachyl and Peter, for having me be a part of your special day! You are a sweet couple and I wish you all the best in this next chapter of your lives. ** Oh, and btw, did you forget that it was agreed upon to pack me in your suitcase for your honeymoon? We will have to talk about that…. 😉 Ha. Hope you had a great time!
kenzie & ander {newborn}
Back in April, I took these photos of a beautiful momma-to-be expecting triplets. Just a few months later, I was told both the exciting and sad news — the babies were delivered, but about two months early. Kenzie and Ander are the surviving triplets, and Gabriel, their angel brother, is now watching over them. As a mother, I could not imagine the pain of losing one that you’ve carried inside you for so long, but knowing how strong Kasey is, and with the support of her amazing husband, I know that they will continue to be the incredible parents they are meant to be for their two little sweethearts, and forever keep Gabriel in their hearts. I was honored to capture this bittersweet time of their lives, and so happy to meet Kenzie and Ander, who are absolute dolls. Although much of the time they decided to be on the complete opposite page — one sleeping while the other was wide awake, and visa versa, we got some adorable moments. I love the hats that they chose as well! So cute. 🙂
**Please keep this family in your prayers, and any other that has ever experienced a story similar to theirs. Here is a peek from our shoot!
christina & heath {married} minnesota
Last weekend, I went back to my old stomping grounds of Hutchinson, MN for Christina and Heath’s wedding! I’m so glad that my high school friend, Annie, sent Christina my way last year. Even though I didn’t meet the bride or groom until the day of the wedding, I felt like I’d known them forever! Such a sweet couple, and, their friends and family were all so welcoming. The whole wedding took place at Crow River Winery, and wow, what a beautiful place! Although there were drops of rain throughout the day, including during the ceremony, Christina and Heath seemed so happy. I have never seen a bigger smile from a groom — he was seriously beaming from ear to ear as he watched his beautiful bride throughout the day. I always love to capture the adorable children at weddings, and one in particular that I probably took far too many photos of at this wedding was the flower girl, who is Heather’s daughter. What an absolute doll she was. There was so much laughter, a few tears, lots of hugs, tons of dancing and just overall fun. I’m so happy to have met this lovely couple and wish them the same joy they experienced on their wedding day throughout the rest of their lives!
