Darbi G. Photography

NEW SITE!!! NEW BLOG!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 01:51:00 +0000

Pretty please update your links! My new blog can be found by going here and clicking on BLOG in the banner flags. :)

My newest love

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Long time no update... this will be quick.

The reason for my absence is an adorable one. And he is warm. And he is smiley. And he is a lil' piggy. And he makes my heart expand to the point where I think it's unhealthy. In only 7 weeks, he has changed our lives so much. This is him. This is Weston James. Born JAn. 30, 2012, 8 lbs, 11 oz, and 21 inches. Expect to see lots more of him as he continues to grow and take over our lives. haha
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2012 shoots kick off in a week! I'm excited about what is in store for Darbi G. Photography...and for my personal life too.

FAMILY: The F family w/ Lil' Adelyn is BACK! {Kansas City}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Who can forget (and not just adore) this lil' ham with the gleeful smile and the discerning, vibrant blue eyes? Her family came back for more this past fall, and not only was it to commemorate Adelyn's turning 1...but also the new development that come this month, she will be a big sister!!!

I cannot say enough good things about this family, other than I'm so glad they are growing by one because there really should be more of them out there. Considerate, fun, playful, adoring... Laura & Chris emulate the type of parents that I hope Neil and I will be.

Even though a season behind with the blog post due to my own family growing.... I hope these images always serve Adelyn as a reminder of how much her parents cherished her from the get go. :)

Laura, Chris, Adelyn and baby-to-be... Enjoy your 2012... and I hope to meet the newest member soon. I am very thankful to have clients like you all. xo

FAMILY: The super-photogenic F family {Kansas City}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:20:00 +0000

I got an email from the fabulous Kansas photographer, Katie Feider, inquiring about doing a photo shoot with her family, and I was blown away by the personable tone that oozed from every line. KAte is the type who peppers her correspondence with happiness, whether it be through happy faces, underlined emotional words or colorful embellishments. You can't read an email from her and not know you're dealing with someone who has a positive outlook on life, and is a loving, genuinely caring person.

What I didn't know until I met her clan was that her family was straight out of the pages of a catalog. Each one of them was impeccably dressed and absolutely a pleasure before the camera. Kate chose an apple orchard (late season, so not a whole lot of apples ON the trees....) as their playground...and this is what we got with she, her husband Pete, and their three cool-ly named kids: Brooklyn, Stone and Jett.

Delicious, no?

Thank you, Feiders, for finding me to shoot such a fun, beautiful and closely connected family. xo to you in 2012!!!

FAMILY: The best last name...

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:59:00 +0000

Meet a family with an AWESOME last name. They are photographers here in KC, too, so I am jealous that their moniker helps sell their talents so much. haha

Again, talk about being on edge for a shoot. It was a VERY windy day, and Luke wasn't a bucket of smiles for long, but he sure is an ocean of adorableness. Joe and Lora are so much fun and it was always so interesting to shoot families with little boys knowing I would have my own soon. It made me even more excited as I saw what I was in for. ;) As I told Lora and Joe... Luke's puppy dog eyes are so soulful and they just grab you right in the middle of that organ in your chest...and even if he looks sad, you want to smile, because extreme cuteness just has that effect.

Anyway, Devines...thank you soooo much for doing me this honor. Hope your 2012 is one full of merriment. xo

FAMILY: The Y fam, featuring London

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +0000

There is nothing quite as nerve-wracking, nor as flattering, in the photography industry as being asked to shoot a fellow photographer. I know right away, I'm dealing with higher expectations, but also individuals who trust me at the same time. It's sorta empowering, though I do get really nervous.

Cara Bresette-Yates has been my assistant in the past for a wedding (and might be again soon!!!)...and in the small world we all live in, is neighbors out in the country with my dad's best friend's family.

She has been so sweet and thoughtful during my pregnancy....I got a random card from her while I was going through a particularly hard part. She understood all too well because she herself was blessed with a cute lil' stinker last winter. It's particularly heart-warming to hear from recently new mothers because it underscores what I already know....any pain I go through now will be worth it in the end. And just LOOK at London....that is enough! But to interact just sends the joys of life over the edge...

My husband came along on this shoot and played the fool behind me to get London's attention. He and I were both giggling the entire time at the faces she makes. Chuck and Cara are definitely lucky parents....and their love for their tongue-sticking-outer is VERY VERY CLEAR. (And I think the holiday card I got from them using some of these pics is definitely an all-time fave...Cara sure knows how to put photos to use. Gotta love fellow photogs!!!)

When Cara booked a mini session with me, she made it clear that she wanted to get some pics of just London and her since, being the photographer of the family, she is rarely in the pics herself. I think I will be feeling that very thing soon.....

Enjoy... :)

As your lil' one turns one... may you find her soon-to-be found mobility exciting...and I hope she continues to fill your days and nights with the inescapable need to smile. xo

LOVE: Finding a muse in my friends....

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:12:00 +0000

I will attempt to not get too sappy in this post, which will be a challenge given that at 9.5 months pregnant, I cry when anyone says something genuinely nice to me or even at those cheesy forwards my mom keeps sending me in email. You know, the ones that aren't true....but give you a bit of hope for mankind? :)

Anywho...Audrey is one of my best friends. We commenced our friendship back in junior high, and solidified it on the school bus after sports practices...singing songs from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, without a care in the world, knowing full well that Gary, the bus driver, was enjoying every minute of it. We stayed close through high school, and made so many memories...some worth sharing (such as getting to drive a porche convertible of her cousins for TWO days in San Diego...at the age of 17!!!) and ones that only she and I find amusing (like drawing eyes and a nose on each other's chins and having one of us lie upside down so the "faces" would talk...and we'd lose it and just about die laughing.) We also were the friends who would hang out and just take naps...eat Oreos....sit around... talk.... read magazines in silence. It has always been a special friendship to me.

We fell a bit out of step in college as we took very different paths, but somehow, we reunited toward the end of our collegiate journeys. And I think we're even stronger today. She is a beautiful person on the inside. She often talks too loudly and laughs even louder. She eats candy and leaves the wrappers everywhere, but giggles when you accuse her of it. No subject is taboo with her. And she's always willing to give a hug, even if she doesn't know you very well.

She has taken her sunshiney-ness to the classroom and is now a kindergarten teacher. It's a rough job, but Audrey is one of those teachers who has the power to make a difference for the young kids. I am so proud of her for finding her niche.

She has been so supportive to me over the years as I branched out through pursuing my own passion of photography; her approval, her pride for me, her constant encouragement have played a huge role in getting me to where I am now...and where I will end up.

And let's talk about how darling she is on the outside. It's hard to be around her and not be drawn to her charisma and she is so incredibly photogenic. She married her best friend a couple of years before I married mine, and I am so thankful she found someone as cleverly witty and genuinely kind as Aaron is. Aaron and Neil are very similar in a lot of ways, and I do so wish that we lived in the same city because the four of us would have a blast together ALL THE TIME.

When I held mini-sessions in October in Omaha, I was THRILLED when Audrey & Aaron decided to book one with me. The only "good" photos they have of them together are from their wedding day. So they brought their stylin' selves...and their warm glow.... in front of my camera, and honest to gosh, something clicked (not just my shutter...thank you very much.) They inspired me from deep down and rekindled my own love for taking photos. I have a crush on them now, photographically speaking.

Here are just a few of my favorites....I hope you enjoy them at least half as much as I do.

And lastly....a photo Aaron snapped on my camera of Aud & me....(we used to be called the SUNSHINE TWINS in church back in high school. I was always so incredibly flattered to be linked to her .... someone so freaking cute and fun and lovable.) ANd I love this photo...and that I'm pregnant in it. Because she has also been so amazingly supportive during the pregnancy...even from far away. Last week, she came to stay with me for a few days during her time off, just to help distract me from my discomfort, and it warmed my heart to see her tear up when she'd feel the baby kick. She is a sentimental ball of joy, and she's going to be a great aunt to my son. I just know it.

Aud & Aaron, I hope you cherish these images as they should always remind you of the couple you are at the foundation---you fit so well, you flatter one another, and you have an intangible bond that is so fierce to the onlooker it can give others the chills. Please hold fast to that...and know that you're beautiful apart, but even more so together. I love you both. xo

FAMILY: coming together for some pic-chas

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

This Omaha mini-session is brought to you by faithful clients of mine--one of my sister's best friends, Brandy, and her husband, Luke. They are no strangers to Darbi G. But this time, they brought with them Luke's brother, Josh, and his wife, Alison, and their three kiddos, Drew, Emily and Taryn. But they didnt' stop there....also along for the ride was Luke & Josh's gorgeous sister, Kelly...and then the three sibling's parents, the two who started it all... John and Nancy.

I thought working with such a large group with little kids in a short amount of time would be challenging...but honest to goodness, this family is not only good looking, but well-behaved (well, Luke and Josh were naughty on and off, but what can you do?? haha)

At the end, the three kids donned their Halloween costumes... so cute!!

It was wonderful to spend some time with the entire clan...hope you all have a GREAT 2012!!!

New life: The O family & Baby Harper

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:41:00 +0000

Another special shoot for me..... Sara and I grew up together....we met in preschool and bonded over Reese's Pieces and falling off chairs during fire alarms. We used to pretend I was her pet monkey, and we taught my brother and her little sister craft projects. The memories really don't stop.....

Her family has remained a close family friend to my own, and I love that we're both becoming mothers within 4 months of one another. Because our babies won't be living in the same city (she's up in Omaha), they won't go to preschool together, but we can now tell them later in life that they knew each other from birth on. Even LONGER than Sara and I have been friends. That's kinda cool.

When I held mini sessions in Omaha, I made an exception on location for Sara because her family is so dear to me. They had just had their baby girl...Ms. Harper Quinn...and sure as heck didn't want to venture to a park in the chilly weather when she was brand new.

Harper was wide awake for the majority of the shoot, which of course makes the sleeping-baby poses very challenging. But she just didn't want to miss anything! The photos we got with her eyes closed were actually taken during long blinks. hahaha Just kidding, she was "lightly" sleeping, so we had to act fast....but gosh, isn't she beautiful??? She looks so much like Sara it's crazy. Just spending such a short amount of time with Sara and Tim made me proud of them...they have fallen very naturally into the shoes of parenting and that helps me feel that I, too, can follow suit. :)

And Sara has since been a great source of support as I struggle through my last few months of pre-parenthood and pregnancy. Thank you for that, Sara!!!

And a big hug and kiss to you all..... So excited to be on this journey at the same time.... xo

To-Be-Weds: Paige & Jim {Omaha engagement photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:35:00 +0000

Engagement sessions with darling couples are one of my favorite types of shoots. I get on a high. This early-morning mini-session in Omaha, Nebraska, went sooooo well that I could barely contain myself during the actual shoot. And it's been hard to not post until now, but am trying to spread stuff out over the next month or two when I don't have any other shoots scheduled since I'm a bit too ready to pop with the baby.

Paige and I go way back....we went to the same junior high and high school, though she was a year ahead of me. Through high school, everyone liked Paige. She was a cross-country star and known for being so friendly and charming. I was so excited when she contacted me about shooting her and Jim's engagement session. isn't she beautiful? and Jim isn't so bad himself, no?

Paige and Jim...enjoy the next several months of being engaged....wedding planning...and just plain being cute and in love. SO wonderful to see you, Paige, and meet you, Jim!!!! xoxo

FAMILY: The T family {Omaha}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:06:00 +0000

Another Omaha mini-session with another fun and vibrant family! The head of this posse, Cathy, works with my mom. My mom warned me that Cathy was one of the sweetest, good-natured people she knows. She couldn't have been more right. And the rest of her family also matched the subscription.

Here are some of my faves from our brief time together!!

Wishing you all a fun-filled 2012!! Xo

Wishing you the merriest of holidays....

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:13:00 +0000

No matter what holiday you celebrate this time of year... I want to wish you a wonderful one.

This is my last Christmas without a kiddo...next Christmas, things will be soooo different. I'm both looking forward to it and already feeling the fleeting sense of nostalgia of when it was just Neil & me. And our cat.

'Tis the season for merriment...so

Here are some festive pics of my good friends' lil' ball of joy...who shall surely be best friends with our son because they will only be 6 months apart, and darnit, we're' going to force them to like one another. hahaha

We didn't send out holiday cards this year as we'll be doing baby announcements in early 2012.... but here is our cyber greeting for all!! And for all a good night. (Our maternity pics done by Leigh Miller. She is fabulous.)

FAMILY: The M family {Omaha}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

For the second year in a row, I held minisessions in my hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. And once again, they went fabulously. I have lots to show you from the weekend I spent in BIG RED territory....but we shall start with this family. Ella isn't even 2 yet but talks like she's nearly 3. Her ornery smirk and her playfulness were a delight to work with.

And get this... things I found out AFTER they booked a session...Brad ends up being a huge STEELER fan (like my husband and now, me...) AND his brother's wife is good friends with my aunt Traci back in a super small town of Stuart, Nebraska! SUCH a small world. :) (oh, and Brad's wife is Tracy!! The coinky-dinks were insane!)

Ella and her parents were troopers too because this was the only session that weekend that wasn't exactly...dry. But they stuck with it... and we got some good stuff! A special thanks to my husband because he joined me for the shoot and was able to get Ella giggling. And he carried my gear. haha

Enjoy....

Brad, Tracy & Ella...thank you for braving the drizzle and coming out to Chalco Hills. Ella is truly a doll and I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with her. Enjoy your 2012!!!

To-Be-Weds: Ruthie & Eric {downtown KC engagement session)

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:02:00 +0000

Another special session for me.... this one features my beautiful first cousin and her handsome husband-to-be. Ruthie and Eric are darling together. They have great senses of humor, an endearing eagerness to enjoy life and both are clearly so smitten for one another. Ruthie describes Eric as her "Real-Life Prince Charming." And Eric says of Ruthie that he would be lost without her.

Ruthie's dad is my dad's brother. (I shot her brother's wedding in 2009) And Ruthie lucked out and got the "Gibson blues" for eyes...She is such a beautiful person, and because I know Eric treats her incredibly well, I am so excited to shoot their wedding next September in Fremont, Nebraska.

And when it came to their session, they won extra points because they gave me guidelines as far as the mood they wanted in their photos (romantic and fun) and from there, they let me take the reins. So we ended up just exploring a bit of downtown Kansas City, starting with the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. And we ended up on a rooftop park.

so with that, I present to you... my cousin and her beau. :)

Ruthie and Eric, thank you once again for traveling all the way down here and spending an evening with my camera and me. We BOTH adored working with you. Hugs and kisses....!

Maternity leave & baby news update

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:11:00 +0000

I am going to use this post as a running update on news for potential clients and current clients regarding my availability for spring/summer lifestyle sessions and weddings.

LAST UPDATED 4/5/12

AVAILABILITY

If you are interested in holding a lifestyle/boudoir spot officially, I do need a signed contract and half of the balance paid. I am not listing lifestyle/boudoir session availability beyond the summer as I won't book that far out anyway for those. Weddings are a different story as they can be booked up to 15 months in advance. If month is not listed, no spots are available for either weddings or lifestyle sessions

JUNE:
Weddings: I am available for either June 8-10 OR June 15-17 wedding if the wedding takes place within an hour or so of Kansas City area.
Lifestyle sessions: 3 spots available

JULY:
Weddings: I am available for two more weddings on the following: 14/15th and 28th/29th. One of them may be out of the KC area.
Lifestyle sessions: 6 spots available (recommended morning sessions with small children due to heat)

AUGUST:
Weddings: Available for 1 more wedding (in the Kansas City area only) on either of the following weekends: Aug 3-5 or Aug. 10-12.
Lifestyle sessions: 6-7 spots available (recommended morning sessions with small children due to heat)

SEPTEMBER:
Weddings: BOOKED
Lifestyle sessions: Inquire about availability in June.

OCTOBER:
Weddings: Available for 2 more weddings of the following 3 available weekends-- Oct 5-7; Oct. 12-14; Oct. 26-28
Lifestyle sessions: Inquire about availability in July.

NOVEMBER:
Weddings: Available for 2 more weddings in the KC area... for Nov. 3/4 and 17/18th.
Lifestyle sessions: Inquire about availability in August.

DECEMBER:
Weddings: BOOKED
Lifestyle sessions: CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON; resume booking in January

And 2013 is wide open, though several inquiries in the works.

FAMILY: The D family {Kansas City area}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:32:00 +0000

This session was a long time coming. Mandy is from Omaha, and I went to high school with her. When she first set up a time for her family to make it down to Kansas City, she wasn't even pregnant. The original session was canceled due to nasty weather (and it was NOT going to be worth their drive down here.) So we bumped the session time to this past fall, and by then, there was a new member of the family! Newborn Greyson (dubbed Grey) was absolutely precious and braved the chilly weather like a champ. Speaking of champs... the other kiddos, Devyn, 8, and Skylar, 2, also sucked it up and pretended to enjoy the feeling of chilled bones. (This was an early a.m. session, to boot!!)

It was so great to see Mandy again...and to see that she ended up with a guy who looks like Christopher Meloni (so sad he's not on LAw & Order SVU anymore!!!). Not surprising though since she herself looks like Amy Smart.

So enjoy their darling family... and know that the pics of Devyn being all big-brotherly...that is EXACTLy why I wanted a boy first. hahaha

Mandy & Dan--thank you so much for trekking down this way. It was GREAT to see you again, Mandy...and meet your brood. ;) Have a wonderful holiday season!!!

Hitched: Danielle & Andrew {Kansas City wedding photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:02:00 +0000

Holy wow, I am so behind with blogging. My sincerest apologies! Unfortunately, at the end of busy season, it is crazy enough but add to the fact that I've been working a bit less due to some back issues that don't enable me to sit for longer than 2-3 hours at a time (thanks to the bambino I'm incubating), I have had to prioritize in a major way and put at the top of my To Do list fulfilling client needs in terms of getting them their images. Blogging, more so a marketing tool, has fallen by the wayside. But I only have a few sessions left in the hopper to edit, and after that, I can set up several blogs to post over the course of the next few months while I'm on maternity leave. So yay that I have a good stockpile to keep the blog fresh through the mundane winter months.

So here is my last wedding of 2011... bittersweet. But I couldn't have asked for a better one to end the year with.

Danielle & Andrew...thank you for your patience. Actually, thank you for more than that. Let me tell you, this couple is so completely understanding and accommodating. As a wedding photographer, I am very aware that a wedding day is about the bride and groom. What matters is their happiness. When I get brides and grooms who go out of their way to check on MY comfort, MY well-being, then I am absolutely blown away because for them to be the reason I'm there, yet for them to be concerned with how I'm doing, I know that those are the clients with whom I will stay in touch. I must admit, I get several of these clients a year, but with Danielle & Andrew, they were beyond caring because I was very pregnant when shooting their day, and they themselves just went through it this past winter. In fact, when I met Danielle for a consultation, she was ready to burst.

and now they have a deliciously precious little girl named Peighton, who you will see lots in the below photos. She is the center of their world and it was so beautiful to see her partake in the day that her parents sealed the deal.

Amber Cutler, for what may be the last time as she is moving to California in February (WAHHHHH!!!), assisted me. So sad to see her go...though excited to visit her in LA!!! Anywho... we said several times through the day how welcoming both families were. The October Saturday was beautiful weather...and from beginning to end, Danielle's touches could be seen. Danielle was so proud to be a full-blown DIY bride...with a Pinterest page that reflected her goal...to have a romantic, rustic and autumn vibe throughout the day. She even made the flower girl dresses. I squealed out loud every time one of the lil' flower girls (peighton being one of them) came into view. Like balls of fluffy cuteness.

I now ask that you sit back and enjoy the day's photos....

In Danielle's words...

"I think we all remember growing up and being told "You just know" when you meet your soul mate and future spouse. After our first date, I could feel my heart telling me "He is it. He completes you." Andy is my other half. He is patient, loving, care free and of course handsome as ever. He is a family man and my heart still melts each time he gets down on the floor and plays with Peighton. Seeing how much he loves her, reminds me how much he loves me. I am a very strong person and Andy loves that about me. He is always encouraging me to do what makes me happy, to strive and demand for nothing but the best and does everything in his power to just make me happy. Andy is such a kind person. He is always looking for the good in people and puts everyone before himself. I am so blessed and thankful to be able to grow old with such an amazing man."

In Andrew's words...

"Loving Danielle is the easiest thing I have ever done. Her smile lights up the room to the point that I will do anything just to see her smile. She has a warm kindhearted personality that not only makes for a perfect wife but also a perfect mother. Danielle is stunningly beautiful inside and out. She has had my heart from day one and I am the luckiest man to have her love me back. There is simply nothing not to love about her. There’s a feeling that I get when I’m around her that is indescribable, it’s a feeling that has been there since the early stages of relationship and has become stronger with each passing day. I knew she was the one because that feeling I get can only be described by one word...love."

Danielle made EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!

(p.s. black hides the baby bump sooooo well. hahaha score!)

Danielle & Andrew, high five for pulling of a wedding that was equally personal as it was beautiful. You are darling together, and I can tell you're amazing parents as well. May your creativity and love for smiles make for a wonderful life together. Have a blessed holiday! xo

WEE ONES: B family photos {Shawnee Mission Park}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:21:00 +0000

Jessi and Bill wanted to have family photos taken that would enable their daughter Lily to look back at later and remember how special, loved and happy she was from the minute she entered their lives three years ago. Because the three of them love going outdoors and being active, we thought it would be a good idea to go where nature is at is finest... Shawnee Mission Park.

Never before have I had such an easy-to-work-with child under the age of 4. Lily was still a kid--playful, mischievous and ornery--but her parents have raised her to also be so cooperative..... a photographer's dream.

I am positive that we achieved Jessie & Bill's goal of capturing just how much Lily means to them.

Enjoy!!!

Have a wonderful holiday season, B family!!! Hope to see you again in 2012!!

Class of 2012: Ms. Emily of West Platte High

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:55:00 +0000

My good friend Jaime is gorgeous & fun to be around. Turns out...it runs in her family. I shot her youngest sister's senior pics recently and couldn't get enough of Emily's x-factor. Her parents and both of her sisters were along for the ride...and the whole bunch made it such a fun couple of hours. Jaime was on hand to help with a reflector...and their mom was ever-willing to fluff her daughter's hair or clean her bare feet. ;) Thank so much for the assistance, ladies!!

(in fact, here is a pic of the best darn reflector & prop holder EVER...)

I even snapped a couple of pics of all the lovelies in the fam at the very end... and you will see, there isn't a bad-looks gene in the mix. :)

Emily, have a rockin' rest of senior year! It will be over before you know it! xo

WEE ONES: D family photos {Crossroads, Kansas City, MO}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:36:00 +0000

I was so excited to have another chance to document the family of someone I've known all my life....and even before we were born. Our moms met in Lamaze class back in the early 80s...while pregnant with Brittany and me. Thankfully, our families have stayed in touch over the years, though seeing each other is not as frequent as any of us would like. Now that I live in Kansas City, I hope to see Brittany & Austin ... and their darling, rambunctious little girls more often. Especially with our own kid on the way. :)

Brittany & Austin as parents have already wowed me. First off, they have TWO kids and manage to at least LOOK sane. :) They keep their senses of humor, they don't kid-proof their lovely home and when you walk in their door, you aren't overwhelmed with the sense that two little girls live there because their toys aren't all over the place. This was very inspiring and encouraging to Neil and me when we visited them for dinner this past summer, shortly after we learned we were going to be parents. I am thankful that we have such a great resource on young parenting right here in town. Looking forward to hanging out as FAMILIES with them. ;)

Anyway, so in addition to all of the above...this family is cute and spunky. We roamed around a block down in the Crossroads area and though it was challenging to keep Sammie and Amelia focused on at least staying in the vicinity where we were shooting (haha), we got some great keepers. Bella, their dog, was the easiest model to work with EVER. She came when she was called and she didn't have a problem looking at the camera or following any other directions. haha

xoxo to you all!!!

Parents-To-Be: Heather & Al maternity session {Kansas City, MO}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Heather & Al booked a Baby's First Year package with me several months ago. They were well ahead of the game as their lil' girl isn't due till early November. But not long after they booked, Heather decided she didn't want to NOT document these special days when their precious baby is still within her. And I'm SO glad they decided to go with a maternity session. (And a special thanks to Olivia Price for helping me out.

Heather and Al had us giggling. Heather was the epitome of a beaming mother-to-be...and Al was all jokes, but he didn't fool us. He's already head over heels for his daughter.

I cannot wait to see them again because that will mean that little Charlotte "Charlee" will be here!!! (There aren't that many B&W images with this session because I couldn't turn my back on that golden magnificent light... squeeee!!)

And you just KNOW that Charlee will be a looker. I am sooo honored to know I will be the one to document her first year of life with these amazing parents!! :)

To-Be-Weds: Megan & Aaron pt. 2 {Kansas City, MO engagement session}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:53:00 +0000

So these two might look familiar because I shot the first half of their engagement session back in June. I don't ever split sessions into two...but I had to this once because of two reasons... it was over 100 degrees at the time AND I was super nauseated having been just 2 months pregnant at the time. It was hush-hush to the majority of the world, but Megan & Aaron were both aware and SOOOOOO accommodating and understanding. They actually found out four days after I did (before my parents even knew! haha)...because I also wasn't feeling great for their consultation. But due to their compassion and patience, they have proved time and again that they are the exact clients I relish dearly!!

These two are still going strong while Aaron is down in Louisiana and Megan is back here in Kansas City. And I couldn't enjoy their creativity, enthusiasm, genuine sweetness and warming affection any more than I do. Their wedding is next June--and it's definitely going to be a good one!

Please enjoy Part 2...taken at Ironwoods Park in Leawood, KS.

Enjoy your fall and winter and spring, Megan & Aaron! Because next summer..it's ON again! Can't wait!! xoxoxo

BRIDALS: Carrie's post-wedding beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Carrie married the love of her life a year ago...and before she put away her wedding gown, she decided to give life to it one more time. And she had even more of an incentive... she is pregnant. At the time this session took place, she was about two months along, and though not necessarily "showing"...she could already feel the difference in the way the dress fit her.

Carrie wanted to do the photos at her parents' house in North KC. At first, I was a little hesitant because lighting is so key to getting strong portraits, and most houses don't have lots of available light. But as soon as I stepped into the foyer, I was not concerned in the least.

not to mention... Carrie was so classically beautiful. Her dress, her overall look is so timeless. And she was the sweetest person ever...with a voice like an angel (she can sing, too!!). Her mom was on site and just as nice and ever-so helpful with holding a reflector for a few of these images. And later, even her dad joined the party--sacrificing his dignity to dance a jig or two to get his daughter laughing.

I am so honored to have met this family...and these images are even more special to me because there is a life within Carrie that will someday see these images and know that he or she was there for the making of them. He or she helped give her that glow!!!

Carrie--I wish you and your husband the best as your family grows... Have a wonderful next two trimesters and enjoy motherhood. xo

Hitched: Jennifer & Heath {York Harbor, ME}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:58:00 +0000

As mentioned in the previous post... in mid-September, I went to Maine to celebrate and document my cousin's wedding. Before I sound off on the actual wedding, let me divulge to you my new crush: THE COAST OF MAINE. It didn't take long before I was won over by the quaint cottage-like homes, and just-as-whimsically delicious architecture of stores. Everywhere we looked, we were pointing and oohing and ahhing. (My mom and dad and my husband were also there...and when we drove around the day before the wedding to explore Ogunquit, my mom SwORE that the windows on houses were cleaner than they are in the midWest. That is how clear and crisp everything felt... the breeze in the air, combined with the warmth of the sun...oh, it was heavenly. And my weekend craving for clam chowder, lobster and steamers was easily satiated at ANY of the places we went to eat. I will definitely be back!!!

Just a few views of the day...

As for the wedding... imagine a day that is perfectly warm, but refreshingly cool... where the bridal party is all smiles and super chill....where family members are giddy and appropriately nervous...where the bride and groom are laid-back and glowing...taking place in a picturesque setting above the coastline...at Stage Neck Inn. Imagine homemade, heart-felt vows exchanged under full sun...in front of onlookers who giggled and teared up along with the bride and groom. Imagine a photographer who was so excited to be there, watching a very special cousin, marry his dream girl, and growing our family by one AMAZING woman!!

Lucky for you, imagining isn't entirely necessary as I can show you all of the above. So enjoy!

(the top pic, if you look closely, Heath and his best man/brother, Ryan, are getting ready to fish. They caught nothing...but did bring back a starfish, which is featured below.)

(and I'm out of order a bit on this... the pic of the bride & groom with moi is at the bottom of this series rather than the bottom of the entire post. ooops! And also please note the look on one Luis's (one of the groomsmen) face as he apparently doesn't get why Maura, his wife, is tearing up. ha! Made me giggle.

The reception was over by evening, just in time for some romantic portraits of Heath & Jen...sigh. (And thank you to my husband for tagging along/carrying my stuff...)

In Jen's words:
I love Heath because he is truly my best friend. We bring out the best in each other and are really better when we are together. Heath is one of the most driven individuals I have ever met and even though I don't like to admit it too often, I really look up to him and look at him as a mentor. He always gives me good career advice and advice about life in general. I am so proud of the man he has become. We have so much fun together and everything we do feels like an adventure - we could be hiking through Tuscany or sitting on the couch watching a football game. I truly cherish every moment that I spend with Heath and could not imagine my life without him. When I met Heath, I finally understood the definition of a soulmate because I knew from the very start that Heath was mine!

In Heath's words:
We were made for each other, and thank God we found each other. Jen and I were cut from the same cloth and while we grew up 1300 miles apart, we were brought up in very similar ways. We met through a mutual attraction, but quickly found that we also had the same interests. Within a few months the two of us became inseparable. Jen and I enjoy just being together, whether doing everything or nothing at all. We often joke that we are the same person. We finish each others sentences, can read each other’s minds, and call each other the same nicknames. Neither of us is very funny, yet we laugh at each other's jokes. I love her for her caring and thoughtful approach, fun loving ways, positive attitude and competitiveness – she has even let me win an argument from time to time. :) Jen is my best friend and my soulmate and I can’t imagine my life without her.

Thank you, Heath & Jen! It was such a special weekend with you two. And I can't wait to hear all about your adventures in your new home of NYC! Definitely expect us to visit. Love you both!! xo

To-Be-Weds: Heath & Jen {York Harbor, Maine engagement session}

noreply@blogger.com (Darbi G. Photography) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:30:00 +0000

It's not often that I shoot a family member's wedding. In fact, I think I've only shot three of them...my sister's in San Diego WAY back before I shot digital...my cousin's in Aurora, Nebraska....and then my brother's a year and a half ago in Louisville, KY.

I was THRILLED when my first cousin Heath and his fiance contacted me to shoot THEIR event...ON THE COAST OF MAINE!!! There is nothing like new locations to inspire a photographer. Their wedding post will come next week...but first, is their engagement session that took place two nights before they sealed the deal.

It was an overcast evening, but that works well for lighting so I didn't mind. And Jen and Heath were giggly and shocked me with how comfortable they were in front of family being all lovey-dovey.

I am so happy that one of my favorite cousins found the love of his life. I remember back in college, Heath and I used to talk on the phone a few times a month. This was back before either of us had found THE ONE. And then I also remember when he started dating Jen...and how happy he was. I never got to meet her until just a year and a half ago because the two of them met in Boston, where they both went to school.

When I did meet her, she proved to be very approachable, friendly and DARN CUTE! Score for Heath!! And heck, any girl who can put up with Heath's antics is worth high-fiving. ;)

A note about the location. I LOVE the coast of Maine. There is just a wonderfully fresh feeling in the air...and knowing that you can walk into pretty much any of the local restaurants and get a delicious bowl of clam chowder, steamers or lobster is way too exciting to handle for THIS girl. The houses are quaint and actually have character...which is a welcome change for me since I'm so used to seeing suburbia. And not to mention the BEACH... even though it was slightly chilly there, the beauty warmed me. And I loved that my own love of my life was there to experience the state himself. (Special note: Neil had been to 47 states before he met me due to his old days touring in a band; now, after this trip...he has been to 48! NExt up: HAWAII AND ALASKA. Weeee!)

So anyway, enjoy these images of my cousins...!!

Check out this UNBROKEN sanddollar! They said in all the years they have been looking, they have never found one in pristine shape. Until their engagement session. I think that is a sign, no?

xoxo to you both!! Can't wait to show your wedding. :)