"If indeed you must be candid, be candid beautifully."

Think about that for a second. There are many ways to catch a candid photograph, but to execute the candid image in a beautiful way is difficult when you’re working in the moment. So what if as photographers, we focused more on the client connection and basic movements to really capture a candid moment? You end up with beautiful things.

As a photographer, I have worked diligently to capture my clients in their truest form. I want to get to know them and I want their images to tell a story. Bringing out genuine emotion in front of the camera isn't always the easiest, but it is the definitely the most satisfying part of my job. This candid style is what has shaped my business and helped it grow by leaps & bounds over the past year or so. 

When Jenny, of Jheart Photography asked me to partner up with her, to teach these techniques along with pose flow/workflow, I jumped at the opportunity! Jenny & I have very similar philosophies when it comes to photography and being a business woman. After many hours of discussing these beliefs and goals, we decided we had to share our knowledge and love of our craft with others.  Thus, Candid Beautifully was born! 

10 amazing women gathered at The Marry Me Cottage in O’Fallon MO to learn, grow, and network. We talked about posing tips, easy prompts to tell clients to maximize the shots rendered, how to flow from one pose to the next, and even some business tips. We were also blessed to work with some phenomenal wedding vendors in our area! 

It was such a wonderful experience to share the things Jenny & I have learned, as well as to get to know each of the beautiful women who attended. We all have varying styles and goals, but we were able to come together and share a day of laughter and support. Sharing and helping others brings me such fulfillment. 

Candid Beautifully Workshop is hosted by Elegant Illusions Photography & Jheart Photography

Vendors:

• Marry Me Cottage - @MarryMeCottage - Venue and Large floral bouquet

• Moment of Grace Florist - @AMomentofGraceFlorist - Round floral small bouquet
• Wedding Creations - @WeddingCreations - Romantic Dress
• BeautyMarked by Sarah - @SarahMalinda - Beautiful Hair Stylist and Braid Specialist
• H. L. Boutique - @H. L. Boutique - Our casual outfit
• Huge Thank You to Kate & Trey for modeling. Check Kate out here: KG Lillian
• Hometown Bakery - @hometownbakery - Thank you Amanda K for the delicious and adorable camera cookies we gifted each lady.
• Amber’s Custom Cakes - @amberscustomcakes - Small sample wedding cake
• The T-Shirt Shack - @TshirtshackSTC - Thank you so much for the beautiful T-shirts we all received as a keepsake from the workshop!

Jake & Elizabeth's wedding day was sweet perfection. With golden light, fire blazing in the hearth & love in the air, this February celebration was everything we hoped for. I was blown away by the love and support surrounding these two. I know their marriage will be Oh So Blessed! The ceremony & reception were held at the stunning Chandler Hill Vineyards. This was the first time I've had the pleasure of working there and it did NOT disappoint! It is such a beautiful and warm venue. Elizabeth, you were absolutely breathtaking and Jake, just as handsome as ever!
Shout out to all the amazing vendors who did such a beautiful job! 
Venue: Chandler Hill Vineyards
Dress: Wedding Creations
Flowers: Jackie Kitson
Makeup: Marrisa Messex

Dylan + Cathy's New Year's Eve wedding was nothing short of perfect. Gold & glitter & bubbly drinks. It was everything a festive New Year's Eve should be. The love, support and laughter surrounding these two as they committed their lives to one another was inspiring. The ceremony & reception were held at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery in Washington MO & I've never seen it look more beautiful. Plus, isn't Cathy's dress just stunning?! From that champagne base to the beautiful lace detailed overlay. Cathy, you were an absolutely beautiful bride! I can't wait to see what the future holds for these two love birds. 
Shout out to my 2nd for the day: Crystal Kosednar
and to all the vendors
Venue: The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center, Washington MO
Cake: Schultes
Flowers: Four Seasons
Dress: Wedding Creations

Brad & Hannah's Christmas'y Wedding was just breathtaking. The day was full of so much beautiful emotion and love surrounding these two. I love that Hannah & Brad chose a traditional wedding day.
The first looks shared with Hannah's dad & brother were so special and I love that she had a first look for her bridesmaids as well! Brad and Hannah chose to wait until the ceremony to see each other and it made that moment so beautiful. Watching Brad see her for the first time as she came down the aisle, brought a tear to my eye. 
Hannah's mom took care of all of the reception details and I have never seen the Elks Lodge in Washington MO look so beautiful! I was blown away when I walked in, as I'm sure every guest was as well. 
From the twinkle of all the Christmas lights, to the love between Hannah & Brad, this day was perfection. 
Shout out to my 2nd Photographer, Crystal Kosednar. 

When Erin and I began planning their family session, she made it very clear that she wanted outside the box. I am always down for that! Out of the norm is what sparks my creativity and I was thrilled that Erin felt the same way. They asked to meet at this old manufacturing plant in town. Jason is the pastor at a local church & they will be converting this space in to the new church location. Before demo happens, they wanted to use the space for a grungy/urban inspired session & I wasn't even mad about it.

I've known Jenny through social media for a few years now, but never had the pleasure of meeting her in person until recently. Jenny is a fellow (badass) photographer, so I was stoked to get to meet her. When she started talking to me about her idea for her family photos, I may have squealed a bit in excitement. I mean, come on! Steampunk is everything right now! This was such a unique & creative idea, that my mind IMMEDIATELY went in to overdrive with ideas. I knew this would be a match made in artistic heaven. 

With the help of a friend, I scouted out this killer abandoned building in Washington MO & everything started coming together perfectly. The rust, the broken windows, the fire escapes. That is the stuff industrial art is made of! 

Jenny & her family got a little extra with their props & I'm not even mad. Everything was DIY, I mean, seriously. Crafty talent just oozes. PS: Her super rad hubby made that bazooka, WHAT?! Okay, enough chit-chat, check out the coolest family session you will ever see! 

It is every wedding photographers dream to be asked to photograph a destination wedding. You can not even fathom the amount of excited squeals I let out, when Sara & Justin asked me to tag along to Cancun Mexico with them. After months of planning & talking, I just knew this was going to be epic. I mean, come on! The sun, the beach, palm trees swaying in the breeze, white gauzy fabric fluttering about. It was a dream! 

When we landed in Cancun, we were met with torrential downfall & standing water EVERYWHERE. Tropical Storm Alberto was threatening the area. It had the potential to be a devastating blow to the Rodgers big day. However, Sara took everything in stride & made alternative arrangements, in the chance that a beach ceremony couldn't happen. You know what though, dawn broke on Saturday morning, with blue skies & bright sun! It truly was a perfect day. The Grand Sunset Princess Resort was so accommodating & such a beautiful place to stay. 

Sara & Justin, it was an honor traveling with you. You love birds are the cutest! I can't wait to see what the future holds for you two! Without further ado, the pics ;)

The funny thing about spring in Washington MO, is that it is crazy unpredictable. That makes my job a little tricky sometimes, as a photographer. When Taylor & I first talked about her Senior Portraits, we planned a beautiful session, among blooming flowers, in a pretty field. However, Mother Nature had other plans. You know that old saying, when life gives you lemons? Well, we did some quick thinking & the outcome was adorable, sassy & unique! 

I messaged the owners of this adorable new ice cream joint in Washington. Maybe you've heard of it, it's all the rage right now. Main Street Creamery was so accommodating. We headed there first, but due to their HUGE popularity, the lines were super long. Taylor's aunt held our place while we ran outside for some adorable downtown shots. (I mean RAN, brrrr it was cold)

When we couldn't handle the cold/wind anymore, we headed back to the creamery. Taylor wanted the cotton candy shake & let me tell you, that thing looked DELICIOUS. (I'm on a diet & can't have any, boooo) She turned up the sass 100 degrees. It was so much fun!

Isn't she the cutest! We figured we could try to handle a bit more of the cold, so we headed back out. Would you believe me if I told you it started flurrying? On April 15th! Are you kidding me? Anyway, Taylor was a complete trooper. We wandered all along the river front, to find the cutest hidden gems. Thanks Taylor for powering through, and thank you Main Street Creamery for being awesome! 

  Happy New Year! It's been a while since I've posted and I'm so excited to share my first blog of 2018 with you all! It's been a cold winter & as a photographer here in Washington MO, I was looking for some inspiration to break up these long winter months. I approached Miranda & Pat with a really fun & fresh idea. I was thrilled when they agreed. What started as a photographer/client relationship, has turned in to a friendship over the past 2 years. I look forward to working with them for many years to come. That's what I love about being a photographer, getting to know my clients & watch their stories unfold over the years! These two truly are special. Their love is so real. They are playful & happy & genuine. It's always a pleasure working with them. Thank you so much Pat & Miranda, for hanging out with me & letting me capture you guys in your natural environment! 
  I wanted something sweet, romantic & playful. I wanted to capture the very essence of a relationship. What better way to do this, than with a casual & comfy in home session between these two newlyweds. I hope you all love this session as much as I do!
  

If you & your significant other are interested in a beautiful, laid back, fun in home session like this, message me! I'd love to do more like this.