Kauffman Gardens

Finally I was able to visit Kauffman Memorial Gardens today with Marlee and Leslie. I had a great time and I'm so glad Marlee let me use her as a model. I'm doing a wedding very close to there in June, and I wanted to scope it out for formal bridals! Marlee is going to be a Senior at Olathe North -and she is one of my ambassadors! If you know a senior from another school who would like "Ambassador Status" - let me know and we'll get rolling for 2010.

This what you get when photographing a beautiful young woman and have to say, "Wait a minute, there's a red muumuu in the background." :-)

And this is what you get after the muumuu has passed:

Thanks for a fun afternoon, ladies! And the Cherry Limeade afterward was great! Good luck with your senior year, Marlee!

Family Time!

I took a stroll down the neighborhood walking trail with Brenda, Tom, and the girls yesterday.

I put together some framing options to see what they might look like in the home.

It was just a bit challenging with a three-year-old and a seven-month-old, but we had some fun! You never know what children will say and do during a session. If you want a perfect pose - wait several years. But if you want to capture your child, just as she is, then photographer her at every age and stage!

I know for myself, that I treasure the images I have of my grown son when he was about four. His idea of a smile was to bare all teeth - he looked like a bear! But I'm glad now that I have those memories.

Thanks for sharing your girls . . .

. . .and your spring afternoon!

The Artistry of Jean Simmons

Jean Simmons is a lovely lady from Larned, Kansas, who loves to plan events and she decorates like none other! A few weeks back, she brought her crew of three to decorate for her daughter's wedding at the Pavilion in Shawnee. I have never seen anything as beautiful! Take a look at the Head Table: They offered a fabulous cookie bar - all home-made treats!

Here is a look at the little mice that enjoyed the party!Another view of the cookie bar. Jean and her crew did ALL the flower arrangements! The room smelled as beautiful as it looked.Each table and place setting was another work of art.

The cake table was a dream come true - not only Jean's beautiful decorating, but a delicious cake from our friend, Lynne Mueller at Icing on the Cake!Thanks, Jean - it was a fabulous! I know Emily and Thad were thrilled to be the centerpiece of such a beautiful evening.

GNP Frames

I have partnered with GNP to offer you full-service framing for your all your image display needs. One of my favorite sizes is this 5x10 desk frame. Here is Nathan in Chantilly Black. Here is another 5x10 of David and Katy in Rustic Black.

This is a 10x5 of Makenzie in Lisbon Black. These frames look great on your desk.

These next two are 20x10 wall frames with three 5x5 images. This is a great choice when you can't choose! Here are Katy and David again.

And here is Amber in the same 10x20 in Antigua Silver. This size is a great choice for a smaller space on your wall.

These next two are the same moulding and mat - an 11x14 image in a Greenwich Black 17x20 frame with an 8-ply white mat. The first vertical and the next in horizontal orientation.

I think of all the mouldings - this is my current favorite. Makenzie is again featured here in Rum Raisin Deluxe. This moulding also comes in Toffee and Vanilla.

I love this one. An 8x8 with five 5x5's in a 16x16 frame. You can also have this a bit larger - a 10x10 main image with 5 x5's in a 20x20 frame. This is the Bills Family in Cabernet with a double mat of Dull Grey over Black.

This is a beautiful large wall portrait of Katy, David and Sonny. It is a 20x24 Bourbon Night - no mat or glass, but the image is mounted, sprayed for protection, and has a canvas texture applied. It is stunning over a fireplace or sofa.

We can create any size frame with any moulding you would like. Let's measure your space and plan for a beautiful, personal, artistic display.

George III's birthday

Nephew George celebrated his 23rd birthday - posing here with Grand Daddy George who will soon celebrate a big birthday of his own!Tom and Josephine were having a good time!

And of course, Grand Daddy can't resist a baby - and Josephine knows an experienced grandpa when she's held by one.

Our Rock 'n Roll Remodeler, DJ friend Bill stopped by with his oldest daughter, Amelia. She will be starting kindergarten in the fall.

Happy Birthday, George! It was a great party!

Happy 75th Birthday, Soil Service!

Contgratulations to life-long friend, Steve Archer. Steve is the third generation owner of Soil Service Garden Center at 7130 Troost in Kansas City.The store was started by Steve's grandparents, Red and Naomi Archer in 1934. Ownership then passed to their son, Howard, and now to Steve.
Steve's brother, Gary Archer owns and operates Soil Service Nursery just across the street, and their sister, Jan Archer rounds out the third generation, keeping track of both brothers - a very big job!

Steve's sons Matt and Mark Archer are working here now, bringing on the fouth generation in fine style. There was a big celebration April 25. Toby Tobin broadcasted his show live from the store, and customers enjoyed refreshments and some great deals of the day.

Congratulations, Archer Family! We wish you another successful 75 years!

Here's Nathan

I guess I don't need to introduce my lastest senior - I'll let this pop-out do the work for me! Nathan is a great guy, so easy going, and willing to do whatever I asked. That makes a photographer's work a real joy!

Time was of the essence, so we just met at a walking trail, not too far from home.

After the State Golf Tournament and graduation, Nathan is headed off to Auburn to study either Business or Engineering. Whichever he chooses, he'll be great!

Thanks for a fun afternoon!