Just Young Kids Full of Young Love.

They met outside of the girls bathroom. After all, that was the cool place to hang out back then according to Kathleen. Her friend and her met the new boy in school, DJ and his friend. That is where it all started. They were twelve years old. Just young kids full of young love.

Time passed. The first time DJ asked Kathleen out was when they were thirteen years old. A doorbell rung at the Chiles' home. A thirteen year old boy otherwise known as DJ's friend was at the door to ask Kathleen out...for DJ. Still just a couple of young kids full of young love.

Well, they are no longer thirteen years old. DJ no longer needs his friend to ask Kathleen out for him. Yet, they are still young. Young in the heart. Just young kids full of young love.

DJ and Kathleen hold a very special place in Bryan and I's hearts for more reasons than I can count on both of my hands. One of the most fun, interesting and funniest being we share the SAME EXACT engagement date. Yes, our (now) fiances had no idea they would be proposing on the same day. The emotions ran wild with all of our friends that weekend, but to say the least, I am honored to share such a memorable date with one of my best gals.

With that said, they are getting married this June, and to celebrate DJ and Kathleen's upcoming wedding, a surprise shower was thrown for the stunning Bride-to-Be! The shower was amazing and quite beautiful with many thanks to the beautiful bridesmaids and DJ and Kathleen's families! DJ and Kathleen are incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many people who just adore them to a million pieces!

Kathleen, I do not even know how to sum up what an amazing friend you are other than I pretty much heart you! I hope DJ and you forever remain young kids full of young love. Enjoy the pictures!

Shout out to Martha, you did a fantastic job with the decorations! Loved. Them.

Event: American Royal BBQ.

What better way to welcome the lovely month of October than the American Royal, KC's largest BBQ party! I got a call last week from Hilary asking me to photograph her boyfriend, Scott's event as a surprise. After talking to her on the phone, I got really excited and nervous about taking pictures for this event. It isn't a secret that photographers love working with natural light, but the event wasn't taking place until the evening, which meant I would be working with a flash. I took this as an exciting challenge! You can only imagine my nerves starting to build up as Friday evening approached. However, as soon as I met Hilary, my nerves were calmed. When you meet Hilary, you will probably think the same thing I did: gorgeous gal and ever so sweet! Seriously. Not to mention, she is really photogenic. Her friends and her made me feel so comfortable, and it made taking pictures a better experience. As soon as I met Scott, my nerves were definitely put to rest. He was extremely laid-back and friendly, which made my job much easier!

When looking around, I couldn't help but think what an awesome party Scott had put together. He hired a great DJ, had my mouth watering at the buffet line, and even had an open bar full of delicious drinks that made the Celiac in me incredibly jealous! The weather was crisp and cool, and everyone seemed to have an awesome time dancing, drinking, eating, and hanging out with good friends! That is what the American Royal is all about. I have to say Drink, Smoke, & Smoke put on a memorable event! Hilary and Scott, I am so glad I got the chance to meet you both. You are a beautiful couple that made my job so fun. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to photograph your event and making my first American Royal a wonderful one!

Event: Jenna's First Birthday Party.

Imagine a CUPCAKE-themed birthday party for a darling one year old girl. Now imagine being me (who loves anything that has cake in its name) and actually being a guest to take pictures at a party like this. I'm talking a big cupcake cake, cupcakes of course, the cutest pink dress, pink decorations, and just the happiest family and friends of this adorable baby girl. This past weekend, my friend, Amy, invited me to join her to take pictures of Jenna's first birthday party in St. Louis. I, of course, accepted, and we ended up having a blast. Alright, I will admit, the cupcake-themed birthday party pretty much sealed the deal, but it was more fun than I imagined. Jenna was a doll. No, seriously. She had the most fun expressions and had a look on her face the whole afternoon wondering what the heck was going on. However, when it came time for cake and presents, this doll was full of smiles and giggles. I guess a part of me was wishing I could be turing one instead of (ahem, cough, ahem) 25 tomorrow. Mainly, so I could have a cupcake-themed birthday party. A gal can wish, right?

Amy, thank you so much for inviting me along. I hope when Jenna is all grown-up, she can enjoy these pictures as much as I did!