Our family's Christmas

2011 was a year of bounteous blessings for our family. One of those blessing was being able to take my photography to the next level by opening my studio on main street Wakonda and through my photography I have met so many wonderful people. Through the year I have had the opportunity to photograph some children as many as 4 times! Wow, what fun it has been to see these babies grow up right before my eyes (lens). My head is a whirl with ideas for my business in 2012! But I'll share those ideas a little later. This post is on the personal side, a little bit about our family's Christmas.

Our tradition is to have our main celebration on Christmas Eve. We start by attending church at our country church that I attended growing up (my parents farm was just to the east of the church, we always walked over); Pleasant Valley Lutheran between Vermillion and Wakonda.

I love seeing all the families who live away return for Christmas Eve service. My favorite part is singing Silent Night with all the candles lit. Above is my great nephew Sam. As you can see, he needed a nap to get him through the rest of Christmas Eve.

And then it is home to begin feasting and opening presents. We only get a few quick pics done before we kick back and enjoy the rest of the evening; below are our daughters Emily and Ashley. Emily and John Freeburg were married Nov. 5th and live in Gayville. Ashley and Nick and Noah live in Beresford. I love having our girls close by! 

And here is my husband and I; proud grandparents to Noah who was a big part of my inspiration to specialize in child photography!

We are blest with two great son-in-laws who take very good care of us (and our girls); Nick keeps our computers running and helps with emergencies, and John spoiled us with a gourmet feast of giant king crab legs. Life is good!

From our house to yours, wishing you health and happiness in 2012. And thank you for letting me be a part of your family this past year - I hope you are enjoying your photos!

Kelly - Vermillion High School Senior

Kelly came into the studio for her indoor portraits - she was very relaxed in front of the camera and we had a very fun session! The bonus of being a photographer is how fun it is to meet new people - I know Kelly's parents and other relatives (her uncle and I were classmates) but I never had the opportunity to spend time with Kelly - her personality is as sparkling as her smile :) I don't think we attempted too many serious photos with Kelly because that is just not her as you can imagine when you look at these photos!

Lauren - Vermillion High School Senior

Wow, Lauren, you have the most amazing eyes; a photographer's dream. Hope you are having a wonderful senior year and are making enough memories for a life time!

Taylor - Yankton High School Senior

To Taylor, Class of 2012, Yankton High School, it was so much fun working with you last summer on our photography safaris! You endured mosquitos and an attck by a St. Bernard puppy with style and grace. Whenever I need a good laugh, I just think about Dakota's exuberent run by your Mom and the look on her face :) I hope you have a wonderful senior year!

 

 

Samantha - Vermillion High School Senior

I love this photo of Samantha, in fact it is one of my all time favorites. Thank you Samantha for bringing your sweet little kitty cat :)

You can't imagine how tickled my husband was when Samantha chose one of his tractors as a "prop!"

Tiffany & Jason are Wed!

 I had the privelege of helping Jared Hybertson photograph Tiffany & Jason's wedding held in Wakonda at the beautiful St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Thanks Jared for letting me tag along - you have a wonderful photographic style and super personality for working with a large wedding party! I had fun and it was a great opportunity for me to take these photos for my portfollio.



Cassie and Shanon's Sioux Falls Wedding at the Gathering Place

Cassie and Shanon were married in a small intimate ceremony on October 26th at the Gathering Place in Sioux Falls. The Gathering Place is a historic house that is rented out for different occasions and it was the perfect setting as this couple said their vows surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Cassie's beautiful eyes framed by her beautiful bouquet, when I see this photo the memory of the scent of those roses comes right back to me!

This photo was one of my favorites, as well as Cassie's. I just love the romantic feel of the photo.

 

Wishing you many happy years as Mr. and Mrs. Reed!

Abby & Don's Wedding

A belated congratulations to Abby & Don Kuper who tied the knot on October 1st in Sturgis! This was an incredibly fun wedding, but then why wouldn't it be, Abby and Don are such a fun couple!

The weather was perfect, although it felt more like summer than fall. It was a little warm for the outdoor photos but no one was complaining!

A special moment - Abby with her Dad, this is just a glimpse of the laughter that was shared on Abby and Don's wedding day.

And here is one of Abby and her Mom.....so sweet.

Wishing you much happiness Mr. and Mrs. Kuper!