Bekah & The Blameless {Portrait Session #4}

As I plan to endear myself to all things that speak of summer in the coming days, I can often be found sitting in front of a window, staring out at the great green foliage, making plans for picnics and pool days.  The colors of summer have already long been a companion though, as you can see in the following photos from late March!  But with life whirling by, I’ve been amiss in keeping the world updated on my lovely sister Bekah’s inspired musical project, The Blameless, and the album print shoot we did several weeks ago.  Now that the album is recorded, designed and being printed, I have express permission to share some of the photos from this series.

These photos, though as I said were taken in March, remind me of summer.  They are full of the life, color, humor and exquisite grace that many call Bekah Wagner.  Her album is full of the same and I hope you’ll mark your calendars to purchase it on June 12^th.  Until then, let the color and Joy of summer, shown here, inspire you to turn on your favorite song (mine is currently any off of this album) and soak up some sunshine.

Find out more about Bekah’s upcoming album at www.bekahwagner.com 

See Bekah’s writing session HERE! 

See Bekah in the studio HERE! 

See Bekah in an intimate house show HERE!

Finally, see the making of The Blameless HERE!

 

If you have a journey you’d like to capture to film, please contact us!  We’d love to collaborate.  

on a personal note... {personal portrait photography: Denver, CO}

“Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly little house with its spirit of divine discontent and longing.” –Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows 

As it so often does, May has descended on our family with its typical force of frenzied schedules and dreaded life change.  Because of this, I apologize for my absence of late. 

Over the last 10 days our family has been mourning the loss of Drew’s beloved Grandmother.  He came home yesterday from time in Buffalo, NY with family celebrating her memory, life and legacy.  She was a lovely and precious woman whose love for Jesus makes her passing full of peace and joy for many those she left behind.  It can truly be said that she is in a better place, for which we are all grateful. 

Since Henry and I could not join Drew and his family, we took a few days off to be in the Springs with my family as we prepare to celebrate my little brother’s recent graduation from High School, as well as his departure to the USAF Special Forces in just two weeks.  Time with him is precious now so I’ve been neglecting my work of late to soak up these last moments with my courageous ‘baby’ brother.

With all the heartache of change, even when change is good, May will also bring some gorgeous weddings, some babies, a photography conference, styled photo shoots, a bit of travel, and the beginning of an exciting personal photo project on our family blog. That means more posts soon, so please keep checking in AND thinking of me as you makes plans to capture the summer fun ahead for each of your beautiful families. 

The quote I began with, from one of my all time favorite books, reminds me that there is light that can penetrate even the darkest moments of sadness and change, creating a longing for something more joyful and adventurous. Personally, I often need a physical reminder, so I close with images from one of Henry and I’s recent adventures, hunting for dandelions and sunshine.  I brought some film along, something I like to do but rarely share here.  I hope these inspire you to spend some time in nature this week.  Nothing will inspire your life and art more then a bit of fresh air.

  

Muir Woods {Personal Travel Photography: San Francisco, CA}

Drew and I adventured to San Francisco a few weeks ago, and while our trip was full of Professional Exams (for Drew,) and time alone for me, we spent our one full day together exploring the redwoods of Muir Woods.  It was a long time dream to see these beautiful forests and the experience and pictures did not disappoint.  I hope you’ll feel the same.

These photos were minimally edited or color corrected (except the very last one.)  The greens were that green and it was all really this beautiful.  No digital help needed.  I’m definitely going to blow some of these up for our home.

If you’d like to see more photos from our trip to San Fran you can check out our family blog HERE!

the 2012 Mendoza Family {Colorado Springs, CO: a simple session}

One of the benefits to being a photographer is the relationships and friendships created through sharing life’s wonderful moments together. This morning I’m ecstatic to share photos birthed from a friendship with the Mendoza family, which long predates my professional photography career. These wonderful friends where friends and models in the very beginning and if you’ve followed the blog for awhile you’ve seen their radiant smiles gracing these pages before.

This time around, we caught up over cozy afternoon, in their cozy and gorgeous home, celebrating Auggie and Lisa’s 25^th wedding anniversary, several BIG birthdays for the kids, and Augustine’s imminent High School graduation.  It’s a big year for this family and I’m honored to celebrate with them, as a friend and photographer. 

All my love Mendoza family.  I can’t wait for a summer of BBQ’s and Flea Markets with you all!

 

Kasi & Jeremy {Wedding Photography: Colorado Springs, CO}

When I’m writing about especially special couples, I often look above me to the cork boards above my glowing computer screen where I keep many of my favorite photos, things to remember, and lots of scraps of paper with scribbled quotes, poems and saying.  As I did this tonight thinking about Jeremy and Kasi, one of my favorite quotes from Emily Dickenson popped out:

“ Love is anterior to life,

Posterior to death,

Initial to creation, and

The exponent of breath.”

This is the kind of love I was honored to witness working with Jeremy and Kasi on their wedding day.  Their love was obviously the kind that produces joy and laughter, not only in each other, but also in their family and friends.  It was built on a foundation of patience, making the wedding day even more extravagantly lovely to watch. 

Let’s just say that these two breathed their love for each other all day on their wedding day.  I’m sure that they will continue to create love for the rest of their lives.  

The bride writing her vows.

A very emotional At First Sight.

The moments before walking down the aisle.

The Bride & Groom exited the Chapel into the most beautiful sun set...I obviously couldn't resist photographing the the intimate celebration.

Beautiful details.

PARTY!

Yes, they cut the cake with a saber.  

It's Caitlin & I, sneaking in a picture before this gorgeous night came to a close.

All Photos & Events took place at The Pinery, Colorado Springs, CO

A special thanks as always to my amazing 2nd shooter, Caitlin, who is my second pair of eyes and who helps me be in two places at once.  I owe her credit for some of the celebration and detail shots here. :)