May 21st, 2012
Rachel emailed me long ago in February 2011 asking about availability. She sounded so sweet and kind and that first impression was solidified when I met her in person. Then she told me all about her fiancé Jake, what kind of guy he was, how he was into dirt bikes and that he was her best friend. Just very casually and matter of fact. When I met them for their engagement session I witnessed exactly what she was talking about, a true connection.
I had the honor and pleasure of documenting their beautiful purple themed wedding this April. They are two of the kindest, most down to earth, genuine people I’ve encountered. My favorite part of the day was when about 20 mins before the ceremony when everyone was rushing here and there tying up all the loose ends. Rachel was in the bridal room patiently and calmly waiting to marry her best friend. Jake stopped by and leaned in the doorway. I found them face to face quietly chatting with each other. Not a soul around them were calm and quiet. Bridesmaids were doing their final primping, the children of the bridal party were running through the doorway but Jake and Rachel just stood there nuzzling faces and quietly talking and laughing. Anyone could see it, they just calmed one another. I thought about how most often I like to sit back and search for true connections unfolding and here it was right in front of my eyes. I told them how much they inspired me and how this was my favorite part of my job, to witness this true love in a best friend.
I love this shot of Jake’s Dad as he thinks about what he wants to leave as his inscription in their guestbook.
Rachel’s bouquet had some very special ladies’ pictures attached. I love how she shared this moment with Jake.
Their wedding reception at the Omaha DoubleTree Hotel was absolutely beautiful! The staff had gone the extra mile in creating such a stunning party for everyone to enjoy. I loved all the personalized touches that Rachel worked on and incorporated throughout the room.
Rachel and Jake, I am so happy to have gotten to know you and I’m honored to be called your friend. I think so highly of you both. You are wise beyond your years and you value what is most important in life. . . each other.
All my best to you!
-Cara
May 12th, 2012
On this Mother’s Day weekend I want to share with you a very special photography session, no wait, a photography experience is a better description. I am honored to share the story of how sweet, dark-haired Connor Michael was welcomed into the world on his birthday. This is what Mother’s day is all about. That moment that changes your life forever as this warm, cuddly being is wrapped up and put into your arms and your heart grows a little bigger to accommodate him.
I am excited to start offering this type of “experience” for my clients this year. I have teamed up with an incredible writer, Nicole Schmoll, who graciously interviewed Connor’s mama and produced the story of the day Connor was born. We are wrapping this imagery together with the beautiful words and creating an album showcasing this memorable day. My hope is that this is just the start of albums for baby Connor. I also hope that this album is a story starter between Connor and his parents. My vision includes him pulling it off the shelf, snuggling in close to his Mama and asking her to to him about the day he was born. I know he will ask other questions about this experience and the stories will just flow from there.
Happy Mother’s day to all my clients who are a mama themselves, cherish their own mother or are eagerly waiting to join the club. It is the most incredible job a woman will ever have and I thank God each night for my own little peanut that calls me Mama.
Connor Michael
Born March 28, 2012
7 lbs., 5 ounces, 19.5 inches long
On the Day You Were Born…
You came into the world softly, almost sweetly. Your dad was cheering you on like you were the star player on the Mt. Michael soccer team. I was smiling and your big brother Will was expecting your arrival in the waiting room with a gathering of your aunts, uncles and grandparents. Meeting you for the first time was the beautiful, melodic moment we’d all been waiting for.
Before the Big Day
As our second child, it seemed fitting that you were almost two years in the making. We tried for ten months to conceive you and then I carried you for another ten. My pregnancy with you started just like your big brother Will’s – pretty standard. While I don’t remember any strange cravings, I do remember spending the last two months on bed rest.
You were due during soccer season and your Daddy was concerned that he might miss your arrival. As your due date drew near, aunts and uncles brought me meals and played with Will while Daddy was coaching games and running practices. After nearly a week of inconsistent contractions, sleepless nights, countless phone calls and walks around nurseries, we were finally able to check in to Methodist hospital at 192nd and Q on Wednesday, March 28 at 3:30 p.m.
Your Birth Story
You couldn’t have picked a more perfect day to be born. It was the only day during the week that that Daddy didn’t have any soccer games. That was a good thing; not only so your Daddy could be sure not to miss the moment of your birth, but also because I needed him to rub my back in between contractions before the epidural kicked in. Once the anesthesiologist finished his work, I felt good enough to laugh with your Daddy, give your brother a few big hugs and write some business emails.
After about five hours of story telling, laughter and goofing off, I felt like it was time to push. Around 9:00 p.m., your nurse, Ashley, went to get Dr. Westcott. While we waited for the doctor, we turned on Baby of Mine and listened to your special song. The lyrics filled the air in the hospital room with our love for you.
Baby mine, don’t you cry,
Baby mine, dry your eyes.
Rest your head close to my heart,
Never to part,
Baby of mine.
I was emotional but calm. Your Daddy was the best birth coach ever. He was so proud of both of us. Five to ten pushes later, Dr. Westcott set you gently on my chest.
I admired you through joyful tears in the minutes following your birth. I was so thankful to have that time with you because I knew what it was like not to have those special moments with Will, who needed some help breathing right after he was born.
After they cleaned us up, we brought in your big brother Will to meet you. We told him your name was Connor Michael, which we were thankful to have settled upon just a few days before. Just like Will, we went through a long and winding road of discarded names before we found the one that was perfect for you; Hank, Henry and Joshua were just a few of the casualties suffered along the way.
After Will shared a few special moments with his new little brother, the full waiting room emptied into our room. Your grandparents, aunts and your uncle came in to admire your full head of jet black hair. We bantered on about how you have my hair, nose and eyes, and your Daddy’s ears, feet and toes. Around 11:00 pm everyone left so that you and I could get some sleep.
In those quiet moments we shared together, the last lines of your special song fluttered through my thoughts and came to rest on that special place in my heart reserved just for you. I know it’s how I will feel about you for as long as God gives me breath. You are now, and always will be, my precious, laid-back, uncomplicated little man.
From your head down to your toes
You’re not much, goodness knows.
But you’re so precious to me,
Sweet as can be,
Baby of mine.
Please click here to view the slideshow we created with the images and Connor’s special song, “Baby Mine”.
May 9th, 2012
Jenna and Keith’s April 21st wedding was an amazing way to kick off the 2012 wedding season. The weather was calm and full of warm sunshine. You couldn’t have asked for a nicer day just like I couldn’t have asked for a nicer couple to work with. These two impressed me with their laid-back nature and kind compassion for others. I can already see how Jenna enjoys taking care of Keith and also how much Keith cares for her in return.
My favorite image of the day isn’t a dramatic posed portrait. It’s this spontaneous image right here taken when we stopped for a quick drink. Their whole-hearted kiss and strong embrace shows it all. And as they chatted with their friends I looked down and saw their hands locked together this way. I can already picture them in 50 years walking down the sidewalk together holding hands exactly the same way.
The day started out at Jenna’s parents house while the girls finished up their makeup and donned their beautiful dresses. I was told after I took these images that the wooden chest Jenna’s shoes were resting on was her Grandparents. I’m so glad to have included a piece of her heritage in the images.
The first moment they saw each other . . .
Their reception was held at The Ridge in Elkhorn and the entire evening was flawless because they had the best DJ in Omaha, TeeRoy from Unique Pros.
A big hug and even bigger “thank you” to you both, Jenna and Keith. You have been so much fun to get to know this past year. I’ve loved hearing your stories and learning about your relationship. I feel honored to have gotten the chance to document this exciting day for you.
May 3rd, 2012
Let me introduce you to Bridget and TJ and share with you their engagement session from last fall. We spent our time together both in the city and in the country showing this adorable couple’s style. Do you see their contagious smiles? That’s how they were the entire evening which made my job very easy.
I was pleased when they mentioned they wanted to share the spotlight with their two dogs. The pups were well behaved and full of energy just as I expected. And I couldn’t leave without a quick shot of TJ’s truck with the dog kennel in the back. In the words of Kip Moore’s song, “There’s just something ’bout a truck” . . .
Bridget and TJ’s May 26th wedding is quickly approaching and I’m looking forward to spending the day celebrating with them! See you both soon!
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Engaged by Cara Bresette-Yates | |
