Burning Man

As my husband packs up his gear for next week’s burning man festivities and chats with our camp mates about the upcoming plans, schedule and logistics, I can not help but to feel a tiny bit of FOMO begin to creep in. I have been to Black Rock Desert two times, and they were mind blowing experiences.

Every one always asks “WHAT is burning man?” or they just assume it is a bunch of psychadelic hippies on drugs….and although yes, you will certainly run into some of those people…..It is a beautiful mixture of everyone. A temporary city. An experiment in community. It is a culture based on 10 guiding principles. You can look all of that stuff up, but basically, it is a place free of judgement, bursting with creativity, empty of commerce and a beautiful break from your phone and the outside world. It is a culture.

It’s crazy how intensely you bond with your camp mates. I have only spent two full weeks collectively with these people, but they feel like family. They were at our wedding, and it just brings me that warm, fuzzy feeling even talking about them right now. I will miss all of them and all of it so much….but having two little ones, my FOMO of missing out on them is stronger this year. They are only little for such a little space in time, and I am not ready to leave them for 7-10 days. So to all of you burners out there, have a great burn for me!!!

one of my favorite images of joe and denise

loved spending the week with these two! Do yourself a favor and follow Katya & Rob on Instagram

One of my favorite parts about burning man was getting on my bike, riding around, meeting people and photographing them.

sunrise at the temple

Hedley & Cherie’s Sunrise wedding

One of my most favorite images, photographed by the one and only Trey Ratcliff

Have fun in the desert, Chris! Love, Coolest & Best Wife Ever.

Dombkowski Family | St. Louis Family Photographer

We beat the summer heat and started our shoot early in the morning! It was well worth setting our alarm clock and meeting while the kiddos were in GREAT, playful moods! I have known Alexa since high school. She has lived all around the world; Australia, Alaska, and now Houston. She has always had a creative gift, and has started her own photography company in the past few years. I have loved seeing her share her gift with others (my own family included while she was in town!) It was such a true pleasure finally meeting her beautiful blondie babies and catching up!!! The location we chose is also one of my favorites!

Ollie + Jude + Kate + Devin | St. Louis Family Photographer

I met this sweet little family when they were pregnant with Jude. I have done BOTH of their Birthstories and several family sessions along the way. I always love our time spent together! Kate and I always seem to be expecting at the same time….Jude (their first born) was born 3 weeks before Audrey (My first born), and Aria (my 2nd born) was born 2 months before their 2nd born, Ollie. Side note…..but Kate….can my girls marry your boys one day!!?? They are just the CUTEST!! Here are a few faves from our recent shoot! Happy Birthday Boys!!!

Welcome Ollie | St. Louis Newborn

This family will always hold a near and dear place in my heart! I originally met them when they contacted me to capture their older son, Jude's BirthStory. Kate and I were both pregnant at the same time (when I was pregnant with Audrey). Jude was the last birth that I shot before Audrey was born, and Ollie was the first birth I shot after Aria was born! :) This family is fun, loving, and I could not say enough good things about them! 

Brittany + Erasmo | Marsh Harbour, Bahamas Wedding | Happy Anniversary!

It always seems people find Destination Weddings so intriguing. And what is not to love!? A dreamy location, surrounded by amazing couples and their incredibly welcoming and loving families? And did I mention I get to do what I absolutely LOVE while I am there!?! I truly have my dream job. People often ask me, "What is your favorite location you have ever shot at?" There are so many top contenders.....and THIS wedding is one of them. I had never even heard of Marsh Harbour before Brittany contacted me. I have been to several other islands (and several in the Bahamas), but this one takes the cake. The moment your flight lands at the tiny airport, you are greeted by TSA (which somehow feels more like family). Once you arrive at the beach, the sand was pure powdered sugar. The staff at The Abaco Club at Winding Bay treated all of their guests like royalty. It was private and the perfect answer to anyone wanting a romantic getaway or a little R&R. 

I originally met sweet Brittany when my hubby and I shot her sister's wedding in Destin, Florida. I immediately fell in love with the entire family. They have a close bond, and you could feel the love surrounding them. When Brit contacted me about shooting her wedding at her family's home away from home (Marsh Harbour), I was 500% on board! The day was easy going, fun, and full of happiness. TODAY they are celebrating their FIVE YEAR anniversary. I often look back at their day with such fond memories that I had to share a special blog post commemorating their big day. I hope you two are able to take a look back at your day and relive each and every moment. Happy Anniversary BE!  (And I still can't get over how gorgeous that Monique Lhuillier gown was!)

And here is her sis and brother in law & a little flashback to their Destin Wedding! 

Happy First Birthday Roman | St. Louis Family Photographer

I have had the pleasure and honor of documenting a very special little guy throughout the past year and a half. Meet my sweet nephew, Roman. He is sure to steal your heart with his big brown eyes, chunky thighs, and scrunched nose smile. He has stolen all of our hearts from the moment we laid eyes on him. It is hard to believe that one year ago, today, we were all in that Labor & Delivery room at Mercy Hospital praying for him to take his first breath. He gave us all a good scare! Thank you Kayla & Robbie for allowing me to tag along for the journey to capture each and every feeling, moment, milestone, and sweetness of your boy. Robbie, you have made me more proud than I could ever tell you. Honestly, I am in awe of how wonderful of a Daddy you are. From the moments you were there holding Kayla's hand in the delivery room, to the moment you fed Roman his first bottle, to all the things you do to support your family....you have grown from the little guy that was my little brother into an incredible man. Kayla, Roman (& Robbie) are both so lucky to have you. Watching you become a mother has been so special as well. You were born to do this. You are so strong, independent, caring, BEAUTIFUL, funny, smart, and loving. I love you both. As we all know, they change SO MUCH throughout the first year, so here is a little walk down memory lane. Aunt Ashley loves you Roman!!! 

Stuart + Amanda | Engaged

These two lovebirds are tying the knot TOMORROW!!! The weather is looking like it is going to be PERFECT!! As I took a quick look through their engagement photos, I remembered how HOT it was during their photo session! These two braved the near 100 degree weather for their engagement session! The funny thing is, as I look through their photos, I begin to forget about the heat & sweat, and all I can recall is the love and connection these two share. We went back to the exact spot where Stuart popped the question this past Spring. As we reminisced, it was so adorable seeing them relive it all! We had so much fun throughout the shoot, we didn’t want it to end!!! So excited for tomorrow!!