epaga FOTO

the new blog is FINALLY here!

2010-05-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

If you've been checking this blog and are continually disappointed in my embarrassing lack of blog posting in the last month, I am relieved to announce my new blog is up and running with it's first post! I'd love to carry one the faithful followers from this blog on...so join me at my new blog address:

www.epagafotoblog.com

AND...as a part of my movement towards better technology, I also joined the team of twitterers (yes, that's a word). I can't promise my tweets will be tantalizing, but you are invited to follow none the less...I am @jessicalroark. See you in cyberspace!

an update on the new blog...

2010-03-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

it's coming...soon...but not yet.

So in the meantime, let's have a look at someone near and dear to my heart... Allyson Cheney, one of epagaFOTO'S talented second shooters. Allyson is a mother of three beautifully energetic children, and is now pregnant with TWINS. Yes, in doing some simple mathmatics, this means they're up to five...which for some reason seems like way more than four. But if anyone can do it with grace, it's Allyson.

The little babes are growing well in the belly, but because they are mono-amniotic (look that one up), she's been assigned a room at St. Lukes where she'll stay until the babies are born. And if there's anyone who wouldn't do this with grace, it's Allyson:) Let's be honest, Allyson is, by definition, a free spirit and the LEAST likely to enjoy a long term stay at a hospital.

So once a week I make a visit, with starbucks in hand, and we break all the rules. This time, we escaped to the parking lot rooftop. Here's proof of our little adventure. And do take note of the fashionable bright orange hospital bracelet. It's all the rage this spring:)

Allyson- just three more weeks..you can do it! Keep hanging with Ellen at 3pm and soon enough, it'll be time to go home with your babies in hand. See you next week:)

rookie mistake:)

2010-02-26T08:52:00.001-08:00

In hindsight, I realize that putting a deadline on web design and anything internet related is a silly promise. Sitting 2 weeks passed our original deadline for going live with our new site, I'm ready to update *not promise* that our site is supposed to (in theory) go live by Monday (the 1st) at the latest.

I'll be honest, I've learned way too much about domain registrars, name servers, hosting preferences, blah blah blah in the last week, but in the end I'm a better business owner because of it. Still...I'll stick to photography, thank you.

Here's a preview of the new site's home page...I abosultely love the simplicity of the design and functionality. I love the light, fresh color palette, and I'm loving the way our images look on it. Thanks to all of you who have checked in on how things are going!

Next project...new BLOG! It's coming, but I'm not making promises as to when this time:) soon though...shouldn't be long.

The new, improved, and PUBLISHED Jesseca Hattey:)

2010-02-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

I continually feel so blessed to be doing the work I love, meeting the cool people who become my clients, and working with my incredibly talented staff. Jesseca Hattey came on board last year to shoot her own weddings for epagaFOTO because quite frankly...she was too good not to, AND there was a growing need for people wanting epagaFOTO's services and I simply couldn't be available for them all. Since Jesseca came on board, she's continued to impress me...with her beautifully intimate images and her devotion to her clients. This is what epagaFOTO is all about.

Hattey was recently published in INK magazine for her coverage of a charming, country barn wedding. Seeing that Hattey is a bit of a country girl herself, this was right up her alley.

Hattey is nearly booked for next year with 4 available weekends...I can't wait to see her success in the coming year. Way to go Jess!

New website and BLOG!

2010-01-21T10:27:00.000-08:00

It's been a long process, but I'm excited to announce we are in the process of designing our new epagaFOTO website, due to launch February 15th! The site is being designed to be super easy to navigate and packed with useful information for our clients. With this we'll also be rockin' a new blog. Both Jesseca Hattey (associate photogapher) and I have some fantastic weddings and engagement sessions we are excited to share, so do keep posted for our new blog address and stay with us!

Here is a sneak peak of our updated logo and new color pallette:

We're so very excited...it's been fun to work creatively on something new. I'll keep you updated!

never again...

2009-12-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

Never again will I take for granted my good health on a wedding day! Long story short, I arrive to Fort Myers, Florida and 24 hours before I was to shoot the wedding, I end up in the ER trying to recover from what had to have been food poisoning. It was rough. I thought I might die (and I'm not even being dramatic...well maybe a little:).

I literally think I experienced a miracle in that my ER doctor's wife is a photographer also and knowing just how important it was for me to get back to 100%, he hooked me up with some extra IV fluids and meds:) I'd like to give a little shout out to Dr. Keith Lafferty...thank you for your good care (Tami and Corey thank you as well)! And another heartfelt thank you to my talented second shooter (and good friend) Amy Guerreri, who not only took care of me during some rough moments, but also pulled through and shot some fantastic moments. Amy G- you earned some serious treasures in heaven:)

All that to say, the wedding day was absolutely beautiful in every sense. Tami and Corey's excitement for the day was intoxicating, as was the scenery we were shooting in. The images aren't completely done, but here's a sneak peak of their day...

deep breath...

i love this shot of Tami with our good friend (and my second shooter) amy...so fun to be photographing a friend with a friend:)

corey's expression was priceless upon seeing his "muse" as he called her...

not a cloud in the sky.

windy by the beach.

a peaceful moment.

woo hoo!

we did it!

and here's a pedal in the face to prove it!

corey has such a sweet connection with his nephew...i love this captured moment.

corey on cloud 9.

sun is going....going...

and gone.

I out of town again tomorrow to San Fransisco. I can only hope to not have a similar setback here, right? California here I come:)

Heading South.

2009-11-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

As of 5am tomorrow morning, I'm heading out of KC and on my way to warmer places (a beach near West Bay, Florida) where I get to shoot a dear friend's wedding. This gal is someone who has spoken a lot of truth into my life, and I'm loving that I get to live her wedding day with her. And I suppose the Florida part is a perk:)

But first- wanted to share a few images from a recent engagement session with Laura and Brett. Here they be:

Laura and Brett- I felt so creatively inspired during your engagement session...such fun images for fun people. Thanks for bringing your energy and sweet selves to the shoot. Now...let's get excited for the wedding!

baby owen...the definition of the "trigger baby"...

2009-11-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

If anyone out there is looking for a reason to "pull the trigger" and have a baby...this post is for you. How can you resist?

silly.

crazy.

surprised.

disgruntled.

dissatisfied.

satisfied:)

word!

holla!

peace!

i love babies.

a little rivalry never hurt anyone...

2009-11-09T20:52:00.001-08:00

might as well start the competition when they're young:)

blast, I'm behind again.

2009-11-09T19:24:00.000-08:00

Amidst shooting, editing, meetings, website development, new logo design, spending time with my family, and keeping sane, something has to get the boot...and for a while now it's been the blog:) I'll be working hard to play catch up this month for sure. I've had so many great shooting experiences to share and literally no time to do it (which probably says more about my time management than anything).

Enough with the excuses- I can't wait to share some of the images from Mark and Emily Webster's wedding. Emily and Mark were married August 1, 2009. I've loved spending time with these guys because they can't help but to be genuine people...willing to share their joy, nerves, and even tears. This is what makes my job most fulfilling.

Amidst the meaningful moments of their day, I was equally energized creating some beautiful portraits, feeling very inspired by the vibrant colors that seemed to present them selves effortlessly....so here we are, my favorite portraits and moments of the day:

excitement....

and then tears the next...which made for a sweet sister moment. sisters are the best:)

and a comforting hand from mom.

another deep breath...

and here they go:)

Mark's brother (and best man) looks endearingly innocent holding those rings...

a slight candle mishap at the altar :)

and a recipricated sigh of relief from Mark...

a stolen kiss after the cermony...

and the party starts in the limo:)

can you feel the joy?!

i love it all:)

keeping it real.

2009-10-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

This was a fun one for me. On a personal level, I find it creatively reviving to take time to shoot something totally different as a way of keeping oneself inspired...and fresh...and loving the art of shooting. Last week I was given the chance to come along side Ryan Strong, the creative director for Standard Style, to document their fall fashion show. Two things: 1. I love and am inspired by fashion, and 2. I love shopping at Standard Style Boutique. The two things combined made for a very fulfilling photo assignment.

the fashion show was in the basement level of a plaza parking garage...dark, moody, and extreme, much like the rocker fall clothing line.

the event was catered by a selection of plaza restaurants...baja 600, reverse, plaza III, etc.

some of the fall trends? rock it out with studs.

neckline jewelry pieces.

patterned tights and ankle boots.

waiting for the show to begin.

Thieves, a local KC band played an impressive set to open the show.

and then it began...a much anticipated display of some of falls hottest fashions.

plaid. boots.

furs and distressed jeans.

boots galore.

the a-symmetrical bow.

and that's a wrap.

very cool deal...had a great time plugging into something different. Standard Style- you rock!

Katelyn +Tony...horse fever.

2009-09-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

Remember these two? I blogged Katelyn and Tony's engagement session awhile back when we headed out to her horse ranch (and I nearly was kissed by one of her horses on the back of my neck!). As fate would have it, we stumbled upon more horses on the wedding day. Loved shooting this wedding...such wonderful moments throughout. Take a peak:

cheers...ting!

this was such a cute moment... As Katelyn was getting ready to put on her dress, all her bridesmaids climbed on the bed like little girls at a slumber party...ready for the show.

katelyn and tony seeing eachother for the first time...

found some fun grasses to play in for a bit...

getting a bit emotional before the ceremony with mom and dad...

great shot by jesseca hattey (associate photographer)!

three strands can never be broken...

it's official!

pop!

sweet moments on the way to the reception at Lone Summit Ranch...

we went out to do some creative portraits and found some horses! perfect.

time to par-tay :)

how's that for a high kick?

the greenest green and golden sunlight....

2009-08-19T09:33:00.001-07:00

a lovely pairing.... Sometimes the most beautiful combinations are the one's God created to compliment each other so well. Nature and sunlight. They are beautiful in and of themselves, but even more so when paired together.

I could say the same about Emily and Adam. Each have hearts of gold, and their outer beauty is darn near overwhelming, but they are some of the most down to earth, genuine people you'll ever meet. Their wedding day was set outside in the midst of some of the most beautiful, albeit natural setting... I loved playing and interacting with this scene all day long.

The Otto family holds a dear place in my heart... the kind of family you hope to mimic, bonded by their faith and dedication to each other. I first worked with their middle daughter, Kaley, when I shot her senior portraits two years ago...so fun to reconnect with her as we celebrated her older sister's wedding.

these guys were fun...

a tender moment with mother and son...

allyson, my second shooter, shot this scene so well...such anticipation in these last moments before taking the isle...

another sweet shot by allyson...she's got such a genuine connection with the little one's..

sweet sister...

classic Adam...

praying mama...depicting proverbs 31 so well. I can feel her yearning heart hoping, praying, loving....

alas, the party begins...

another proud mama:)

the party isn't complete until there's a shot of me somewhere (but yes, I did know these people...well sort of).

What a beautiful day for a beautiful couple with beautiful friends and family. Can't get much better:)

sarah + nick...a refreshing wedding day.

2009-08-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Sarah and Nick were married on a lovely blue-skied day with the most perfect cotton ball clouds, May 23, 2009. I love shooting on days like this. Shooting the many weddings I do, I watch the process each couple goes through when planning their wedding. Yes, it's a fun and creative process, but lets be honest...it can be stressful. And with the months of planning, and thinking, and coordinating, inevitably every couple begins to build in their minds expectations of how their day will be. It just happens. And when you fast forward to the wedding day, there is a crucial moment that every couple crosses where they can decide to let go of any anxieties or expectations for the wedding day and just ENJOY IT. It is in this moment, that they choose to take in the day's events, regardless if things go perfectly, and welcome it all. Let go and ride the ride. But this is a choice they must make.

Sarah and Nick made this choice. They let go of any expectations and loved their wedding day...focusing on each other and the time they had with their closest friends and family. I love being a part of this. And I love watching a couple make this determined choice on their wedding day. Here are some of my favorites from their day:

color overload! man, i love those clouds.

Jesseca Hattey, my associate photographer, had a great spot during the ceremony...way to go Jess!

Sarah and Nick are downtown city dwellers and wanted a shot of the city line- here they become a part of the skyline.

Their reception was at The Sawyer Room, one of my favorite reception venues. I love the golden light and beautiful windows.

the clouds were still working their magic at 8pm...

Sarah and Nick- you two were a treat and a real testament to how stress-free a wedding day can be. Let's get moving with your album design!

rachel + danny...engagement and wedding sneak peak.

2009-07-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ahhh Danny and Rachel...these two are a feisty, crazy, lively pair. Every time I see these two, I am taken to a new level of fashion sense... so it's no suprise that upon showing up to shoot their wedding last weekend Rachel whipped out her sassy, ruffled, SHORT wedding dress. I had fun with this one.

Here's a sneak peak of a few of their creative portraits...much more to come.

did I mention there were red patent leather shoes involved? too much fun.

notice the hard core pregnant bridesmaid on the far right with her hand delicately placed under her blooming belly:)

And we mustn't forget danny + rachel's engagement session...love these two:

Back to blogging....

2009-07-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how silly crazy things get during wedding season...we are working hard to meet editing deadlines, design albums, and keep up with meetings and emails. Unfortunately, blogging takes the back seat. So once again, it's time to play catch up and showcase some of the great images I've been blessed to create over the past month.

I haven't posted much for engagement sessions as of late so let's start there...had so much fun with Cordeus and Kristen for their session...what a fun and magnetic pair, these two. They tie the knot the first day of the new year...January 1, 2010. Let the party begin:)

having some fun with colors and shapes here...and the fact that Cordeus makes lifting anything look effortless:

Kristen and Cordeus...can't wait to see these in print. Your order/framing should be ready soon!

A little R&R...

2009-06-23T20:01:00.001-07:00

I'm officially leaving for a full week of vacation with my man! We are celebrating the fact that I have two free weekends and are heading to Isle Mujeres. Jarrod has requested the following...no laptop, no iphone, and my cameras are getting fresh clean sensors while I'm away. So I guess that leaves me with my hunny, the warm breeze, and the deep blue sea. I think I can handle that.

Thanks to Jen Fields for taking the time to bless Jarrod and I with some family portraits. Your work is such a treat:)

Distance makes the heart grow fonder...

2009-06-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

This sweet couple spent a good majority of their engagement apart...Nate's job took him to San Antonio and only had weeks back in Kansas City before the big day. Then, after being married less than a few weeks he had to go back to San Antonio and has been there ever since. I can't imagine...what a bummer. Jessica has been a trooper through it all. Stay strong Jess- he'll be back soon!

I loved shooting this wedding, and spending the day with Jessica and Nate...here are some of my favorites:

Weddings galore!

2009-06-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

I've had a wedding every weekend since the beginning of april and no time to blog about them...so here we go! I leave to head out of the country with my husband in three days, and it's my goal to blog a wedding everyday until we leave:)

This first wedding was such a treat. I knew from the minute I met Andy and Melissa that they were going to be great to work with. Let's just say this...they play on an intramural dodgeball team, Andy laughs like Mufasa from the Lion King, and Melissa is straight up Brazilian. They keep things entertaining and fun, and I had a blast shooting their wedding. Here are some of my favorites from their day:

Melissa getting ready at their loft downtown:

Andy and Melissa seeing eachother for the first time on the rooftop of their loft...the Western Auto building...

a bridal party isn't complete without a guy in an Irish Kilt:)

the sweetest grandma you'll ever meet...

life as a flower girl can be so stressful...

Andy's "Mufasa laugh" is contagious!

And finally...the party! At at Em Chamas, a Brazilian Steakhouse in Parkville...quite appropriate for the Brazilian bride:)

we all need somebody to lean on...

2009-06-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Jon and Alissa Shirley are exceptional people. They love people...they love dogs...and they have a heart for social justice. They pour their lives into their ministry at Heartland Community Church (where my husband and I met). They live life abundantly, and I love it that my husband and I can call them dear friends. Three years ago, Alissa was my matron of honor. She stood beside me while Jon officiated Jarrod and I's wedding ceremony. These two have played an integral part in our life ever since.

I photographed these two recently as they were closing a chapter to their life and beginning a new one...moving from their cute house to a new one...a house that will have room for their first baby! Sweet friends, we are so happy for you...enjoy these portraits and get ready for some more because baby shirley is on the way!

Don't mess with their watchdog pups...they have little dog syndrome like you wouldn't believe:)

lots of love for Faye and Ese!

This is the "Jon just said something wildly inapproapriate...Alissa laughs unapprovingly" moment...classic.

If there's a couple to demonstrate this well, it's the Shirleys...

me with Lis...just a couple of silly girls.

a rocker/indie combo.

2009-05-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Chris are a fun and fashionable pair...Ashley works in the fashion industry, and Chris...well, he just likes fashionable clothes:) We shot their session with hopes of capturing the two styles and personalities: their "indie/layed back" mentality and their "rocker....we love 80's hair bands" side:) If you can imagine, we had a good time. And for the record, this was the shoot where I fell victim to the pigeon poo. That was a good laugh...

For the love of beautiful babies!

2009-05-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

I'm finding it so interesting how drastically different one baby is from the next. Sure, they all share common traits...which I don't need to get into here:) BUT how fascinating to observe that even at 3 weeks old, there is no denying that every baby is carefully and wonderfully created...with personalities so unique. Baby Reece has one heck of a personality. While most babies are content to sleep through their photo sessions, she took took a more active role...smiling, stretching, and observing this great big world.

If couples could be superheroes, these guys would be it....

2009-04-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

A couple of things to know about Colleen and Josh:

1. hands down, the most creative, fun proposal I've ever seen..I cry AND got the goosebumps everytime I watch it. The video is SO worth watching...

2. Josh, a fantastic photographer himself, and Colleen gave me complete creative freedom to do whatever the heck I wanted, which was so refreshing. Thanks guys...I had so much fun.

3. Collectively, these two have more talents, interests, and skills than I can possibly get into. They both embody a dangerous combination of ambition and faith, a sure-fire formula for crazy amounts of success in life. I find this inspiring.

3. Let's be honest, these two belong on America's next top model. I'm sending a few of these to Tyra :)

Here are a few of my favorites from the day:

a bunch of horse poo.

2009-04-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

If you're up to date on facebbook, you might have heard that a few days ago, that while out on a shoot, I got pooped on by a pigeon. Right on my neck. Sick. The unfortunate thing about this? This is the second time I've been poo'd on by a pigeon, on my neck, in the same exact place. Now, what are the chances of that? luck? i think not...

My pigeon poo anticdote serves as a perfect segway to my next engagement session. I spent this lovely afternoon shooting Katelyn and Tony's engagement at a barn where Katelyn keeps her horses. Katelyn rides horses as a sport, and while she competes, Tony supports her and drinks wine from the sideline :) It all sounds so very romantic and picturesque, and it really is....except there is a lot (and I mean A LOT) of horse poo involved.

Amidst the sensory difficulties, I loved shooting this session. I love that we were able to capture Katelyn and Tony, exactly as they are. This shoot was especially enjoyable because my associate photographer, Jesseca Hattey, second shot with me AND Mike Varel (a fantastic local videographer and good friend of mine) came and filmed the "adventure" (Stay tuned for the short film he's creating...should be interesting).

Here are a few sneak peaks from the session...

Loving Lawrence.

2009-04-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

So many things make Pam and Tony great people. They enjoy art, laughter, texture, good food, music, learning, and good coffee...all great things.

But beyond this, they live a bittersweet story that leaves me with such respect for who they are. Tony lost his late wife to cancer. And though I can't imagine the hardship this must have been for him and his kids, I see such hope and pure joy in his eyes every time he looks at Pam. Tony met Pam two years ago. He and his kids had packed their bags and left the good state of California in search of a new beginning and to find support from his family...they landed in Lawrence and it was here that Tony met Pam. It brings me joy like no other to watch them together...loving, laughing, and embracing life. Here are a few of my favorites.

Thank you Pam and Tony for inviting me to document your story...I'm honored to be a part of it. Let the wedding countdown begin:)

baby Katie.

2009-03-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

It is a surreal experience to know and photograph a woman as a beautiful bride and then watch them gracefully transition to becoming a mama. Somehow it just happens...as natural as can be. I love this. Meet baby Katie...coming into the world weighing a mere 3 pounds, 14 oz. Watch out world, here she comes:

The immaculate wedding of Mandy and Paul...

2009-03-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

Immaculate it was...beautiful in every way. The gown, the flowers, the church, the bridal party themselves...all full of such unique beauty. I had a great time with Mandy, Paul, and their friends and families documenting their wedding Feb. 21, 2009. Here are the details of their wedding day:

Church: The Immaculate Conception
Reception: Hotel President
Wedding day cordinator: Soirre Events
Florist: Branches and Twigs
Wedding gown: Nolte's Bridal

just beautiful, Mandy...bridal portraits in the hotel room-This first shot is one of my favorites and was shot by Jesseca Hattey (epagaFOTO's associate photographer)...

an awkward moment in the elevator:)

The fella's here hanging out at in the Drum room at Hotel President-

and the wedding begins...

another great shot by Jesseca Hattey ...a classic Mandy face, full of expression:)

let the reception fun begin!

Is it me, or does Paul look like he's stabbing the cake?!?

It didn't take long for me to see that this was going to be a fun reception...check out this expressive group (and notice the interesting use of hands..could this be a theme for the night?)

hands...

hands...

hands...

hands...

and the great finale...hands :)

and yes, a fun ring shot...

Mandy and Paul...thanks for a great start to wedding season 2009. And thanks to Jesseca Hattey and Allyson Chaney (from Blink photography) for the great help documenting such a day as this!

Trevor + Ashley...married!

2009-02-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

Here it is...the beautiful wedding day of Trevor and Ashley. Both ceremony and reception at Loose Mansion on a romantic, winter day, December 28, 2009. Trevor and Ashley's day was flooded with tender moments and beautiful interactions. A few of my favorites from their day:

What a beautiful story they had...Trevor and Ashley, thank you for inviting me to tell it. I loved every second.

Trevor + Ashley. engaged.

2009-01-22T08:54:00.000-08:00

Meet Trevor and Ashley. They met in dental school. After the wedding? They're putting braces on each other. For some reason, this is so romantic to me :) Here they are engaged:

The wedding was December 27, 2008. Next post is their wedding!

A delightful day at Natasha's Mulberry and Mott.

2009-01-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

On this beautiful Sunday afternoon, a gathering of lovely ladies celebrated the upcoming birth of our dear friend, Becca Spears', soon-to-come baby girl at Natasha's Mulberry and Mott, a specialty wedding cake and desert boutique. Becca, my friend but also a talented photographer, did me the honor of shooting my wedding two years ago. She's an inspirational artist and will be a radiant mother...and I was pleased to snap a few images of her celebration.

Such a cute idea here- personalized, hand-made flash cards for Becca's baby girl...

yummy...

the mama-to-be...

a hand-stitched onesie...yes, hand-stitched...

Ashley, of The Parsons photography, having a moment in the mirror...

having fun with the flashcards.

proud papa, looking a bit out of place and yet right at home:)
all the ladies...

A lovely day, for a lovely lady...Becca and Mark, I wish you the best, and can't wait to celebrate the day your baby girl comes!

Baby V...

2009-01-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

Scott and Stacie fell in love...

they waited 9 months...

and they marvel every day...

and I get to marvel with them. i love my job.

The new studio: a virtual tour...sort of.

2008-12-10T18:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who could make it to our studio opening last month…what a fantastic celebration it was! A special thanks to Branches and Twigs for the amazing floral displays, to Expressive Catering for the delicious spread of desserts, and to Baby Cakes for providing the best cupcakes in town.

For those who couldn’t make it, I thought I could give a brief virtual tour (if you will)...

The front door...not too terribly exciting, but yet essential none the less:

the entry way, facing the gallery wall

from the gallery wall, facing the viewing area

the viewing area...a great place for viewing your personalized slideshow of images

from the back of the studio, facing the front

and alas, the bathroom/changing area...another non-exciting, yet essential part of the studio

There are two other rooms yet...our office (which was too messy to photograph :), and the indoor studio area (which seemed a bit boring to post...it's just a big open room with lights).

I am incredibly pleased with the outcome of the studio...worth all the stress and work to get it where it is...though, like wedding planning, not sure I want to do it again :) Hope to see you all in the studio sometime soon!

The Cheney family...

2008-12-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

I'm back on my way to regular blogging...and with this next post, I smile. I loved working with the adorable, albeit crazy Cheney family. Alison (mama) gave warning before the session that her family was a crazy crew...and that they were :) But with three kids under the age of 5, what family isn't? Alison and her husband, Matt, are raising some of the cutest, most independent and imaginative kids I have been around. Perhaps this is why I love photographing kids so much...they bring me back to the care-free state of being a child.

I shot this portrait session much like I would shoot a wedding...no time or need for posing...shooting the moments as they reveal themselves...and loving the unpredictability. Here are a few of the shining moments of family life :)

the most chill baby you ever met...

Does anyone remember the week there seemed to be lady bugs everywhere you looked? The ladybugs became a point of fascination for the Cheney kids...

Alison and Mat...what a blessing these crazy kids are. Enjoy the portraits for the years to come :) Can't wait to have a "play date" photo session again next year!

Tanya+Scott...the wedding, and their two seated bike.

2008-10-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that in the last month, I've had ZERO time to tend to even the simplest blog update? November was a busy busy month. I look forward to spending some time updating the blog over the next month.

As mentioned in the before post, Tanya and Scott creatively found a role for their two seated, bright orange bicycle on their wedding day...it stood in their drive way, greeting their guests into their tented reception in their back yard. The day was simple, genuine, and full of laughter....refreshing in every way. Take a look at some of my favorites from their day:

Tanya getting ready:

mom sends Tanya off with one of her signature kisses...something I saw quite a few times through out the day

Scott's first sight of the beautiful Tanya...

Scott had a minor fixation on Tanya's bouquet...this shot shows one of the many times I caught Scott with the flowers :)

the ceremony was held at Pilgrams Chapel near Hyde Park...beautifully rich in color and texture, and perfectly intimate for a small ceremony.

being a creative person and working in a creative field, Tanya had one of her designer friends design some fantastic invitations and programs...lovely.

I love this...the orange, two seated bike we used in their engagement session stood in the driveway, greeting guests as they arrived to the tented reception in Tanya and Scott's backyard.

Tanya and Scott did so well in personalizing their wedding...at the bar, they each gave their drink recommendations.

As a side source of entertainment, the Huskers game played in Tanya and Scott's family room...here Scott's cousin celebrates a good play :)

bike ride for two...

2008-10-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

I knew these two were a cool pair when they brought a two person, bright orange bike to their engagement session. Scott and Tanya share a similar passion for cycling- which is how they met. I love that we were able to incorporate this aspect of their lives creatively through their portraits. And better yet, this orange piece of work played an important role in their wedding too...loved it!

talking politics...

2008-10-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

Kara and Mike are a wonderful, intelligent, witty pair...they met as chaplains at KU medical center, and the rest is history. It didn't take but 5 minutes to realize Mike has a fervor for politics (but who can't when we're three weeks away from elections, right?) Ahhhhh....There's nothing like talking politics while shooting an engagement session. It was a rare but fun occurance...and we managed to create some goodness along the way. Here are a few of my favorites:

I've been waiting for a reason to shoot at this chapel... Kara and Mike were it:

Playing blog catch up...

2008-10-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

Amidst a move and getting settled into our new studio, I must admit I've fallen behind on my blogging duties :) This summer has been filled with so many memorable and fantastically unique weddings...each deserving to be highlighted. To begin, let's look at the story of Rebekah and Todd Heitshusen...the story begins and ends at Longview Mansion on a beautiful June day. Everything about this day was picturesque...take a peek:

We've moved!

2008-09-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

It's official. EpagaFOTO now has it’s own space…custom built to our needs; more spacious and yet still an intimate and cozy place to meet. I am thrilled with the final results and can hardly wait for our first set of clients to come over! The studio officially opens this week…we are ready for visitors. We’ve got coffee, chocolate, and a comfy couch awaiting your arrivals!

***image shot by epagaFOTO's second photographer, Jesseca Hattey***

We've spent the last week getting our new home and studio situated, and can't wait to have everyone over for our studio opening. Mark your calendars (clients, friends, and fellow photographers), for Friday evening, November 14th,2008. There will be local deserts and drinks galore...what better way to celebrate the end of the week! I did take some quick shots of the house/studio the week before we closed...there was still a lot of work to be done at that point, but here's a sneak peak from what seems like forever ago:

charming exterior, isn't it?

house entry way...

house dining room...

galley kitchen...

and the great room...

The studio entrance will be down a set of stairs along the side of the house which lead to this deck area, which leads to the door...a bit of an adventure:)

the studio entrance view...

from the opposite side...

the client viewing area...

We've come so far since these images were taken...we (Jarrod, Rachel and I) are SO pleased with our new home and studio...again, prioritize coming to our opening. We'd love to have you...The drinks and deserts will be worth it:)

More Cancun paradise...

2008-08-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

I just finished editing Julie and Nap's breathtaking Cancun wedding and wanted to share a few highlights, but first, an interesting tid bit about Julie and Nap... These two actually had TWO full- blown, beautiful weddings...the first an intimate family wedding in Cancun, and the second a 900 guest celebration in Wichita, KS (which was just last weekend). yep...900 guests. that's an epagaFOTO first. After spending two weddings and an engagement session with this pair, I've grown quite fond of them and their families...I'll be looking for a reason to visit them in Wichita:)

For the cancun wedding, Julie chose a modern resort, which made for some great photographic opportunities:

I love the expression in this next shot. This is Julie's "I don't wear make up...is this what it should look like?" face:)

Julie and Nap wrote their wedding vows...periodically through out the day, we caught Nap doing a quick study of his vows on his phone...so sweet.

These two saw eachother for the first time under the bamboo walkway...such anticipation.

time for some creative portraits...

I'm going to miss this bridal party...

Nap taking another wedding vow sneak:)

these sweet little boys were friends at first sight...

You guessed it...out came the phone when it was time to rehearse the vows. The periodic study breaks weren't enough:)

Seal the day with a kiss, and it's time to celebrate!

Ashley + Eric Moore...engagement.

2008-08-17T19:54:00.001-07:00

It was evident to me, from the start of our engagement session, that these two have a unique comfort with each other, an intimacy every couple gets to...eventually. These two have known each other and dated for 5 years ...they have learned to live life together and love each other through it all. I have loved observing the beauty of this in Ashley and Eric. Here are a few hightlights from their engagement session...

Hola from Cancun, Mexico!

2008-08-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

Why is it that I always end up in Spanish countries and still don't know a lick of Spanish? :)

Hattey and I are here in Cancun shooting Julie and Nap's beach wedding...the wedding is tomorrow, but in the meantime, we've been shooting some of the incredible beauty found here on the resort. We also had the opportunity to shoot Julie's cousin's bridal portraits early this morning..., and will post a few favorites. Julie and Naps family and friends have been trickling in, and have been such a treat to be around. We feel like part of the fam :)

here..some shots of the resort:

here you see Julie's good friends, living it up in the pool massage chairs,

These next few images are from Amie's bridal session (Julie's cousin). Amie will be married in November in Dallas, TX...

And lastly, Hattey and I...our first day in Cancun, before we had the chance to burn:)...and yes, we are so very burnt (even with the 50 spf). ouch.

three's company...

2008-07-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

Though I'm a strong believer in having a second photographer at every wedding, Erica and Paul lucked out on their wedding day...they had THREE photographers running about on their wedding. A photographer friend of mine, Oscar Setiawan from S1 studios in Chicago, made a trip to KC and spent the day shooting with Hattey and I. It was an honor to have him shooting with us. Between the three of us, we shot some fun images...here are some of my favorites:

here we see Oscar working his magic...

and here's his beautiful shot...

I posted way too many...as I typically do when posting a wedding. More to come as I'm backed up from a crazy busy wedding season!

Mama V!

2008-07-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

Again, I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work along side my former brides to help document their next stages in family life...Stacie and Scott Ventimiglia were married September 15, 2007 . In fact, if you look at the header of my blog, you will see these two in the far left image...you can't miss Stacie's genuine smile. She wore that thing all day long on her wedding day:) In anycase, soon there after we had her in the studio again to take some of the most beautiful maternity images...my my...she was radiant at 9 months. Here are a few highlights:

Stacie and Scott gave birth to sweet Ava Marie Ventimiglia on June 18th, 2008 at 8:47am. I made a little house visit, just happened to grab my camera before I left, and caught a few of ava's newborn expressions.

I can't wait to see ms. ava in the studio for her next session. Keep posted...if she's anything like her mom, we are sure to see some good expressions!

Sweet Eden...6 month portraits.

2008-07-05T09:52:00.001-07:00

I first worked with Amy and Tim to document their wedding day, back in 2006 (I can't believe it's been that long ago). Since then, they gave birth to their first baby...a sweet little girl named Eden. I worked with Amy to shoot her maternity and newborn session, and now am documenting the first year of Eden's life. I have found that after sharing such intimate, meaningful moments with a couple on their wedding day, there becomes such a natural care and love for that couple that I ultimately want to walk the next stages of their life with them. I absolutely love having a reason to see/work with my former brides for such fun occasions as this. So here we are with Eden's 6 month portraits. She keeps getting cuter by the minute: