Here are a few of my favorites of the gorgeous Lindsey.  She and DJ were married on Saturday so I’ll have their photos posted soon.

KES Weddings: Documentary Wedding Photography.  Serving Little Rock, central Arkansas and beyond.

One of the reasons I love this job is when I make my clients happy.  I received this e-mail from a client when she received her album and prints in the mail:

I love love love everything!!!!  Thank you so much for everything.  You are truly talented and have a great personality to go along with it. We really appreciate it.
–Whitney

So often a simple thank you says it all.  You’re very welcome Whitney!

Earlier today I read an article that was posted from the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (for which I am a proud member !) written by Jason Pierce-Williams, a wedding photojournalist with AJ Williams Photography which based in London, England.  His article was simply about the importance of who we are as photographers and why our job is so important.  He also states why our job so easily overlooked and often under-appreciated.  To read the the full article, click here.

After reading what Pierce-Williams wrote, I cannot agree more.  After the cake is eaten and the flowers have long died and the guests have gone, all you have left are your pictures.

KES Weddings: Documentary Wedding Photography. Serving Little Rock, central Arkansas and beyond.

I traveled to Lake Village, AR on Saturday, deep in the heart of the Arkansas Delta for Brady and Bryan’s e-session.  Nothing makes for better photos than a really nice day, an old barn, a very hyper bloodhound and the Mississippi River.

KES Weddings: Documentary Wedding Photography.  Serving Little Rock, central Arkansas and beyond.

These popped up a few weeks ago and just a few days ago, a small burst of color bloomed in my otherwise lifeless garden.  Spring is just three weeks away!

Join me in welcoming two new clients:  Susan & Jerry and Tom & Jennifer. Both weddings are just a few months away in April.  I’m looking forward to working with you all.

The vacation is over.

Well I never really get a vacation, that is unless I physically leave town.  I’m referring to my mini-vacation from wedding photography which I’ve (sort of) enjoyed since Amy and Ej’s wedding in December.  In a few hours, I’m heading out to photograph Lindsey for her bridal session.  We were supposed to shoot in late January but the sleet/snow storm we had on January 29 changed our plans for us.  I am eager — no shall I say dying — to get back into the groove.  I’ll have Lindsey’s bridals posted soon.

While I certainly appreciate the break from photography, I’m more than ready to get going. I have had a steady flow of non-wedding freelance, mostly magazine work and other editorial outlets and of course… my alter-ego career.  I’ve used my non-shooting time to get cranking on the office work….books, prints, wraps and everything else in between.

But as of today, the break is over.  I’m on track to surpass my weddings for 2009 and easily reach my goal for 2010.  From today until late June, I am booked with something nearly every weekend.

And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I’ll see everyone soon!

KES Weddings: Documentary Wedding Photography.  Serving Little Rock, central Arkansas and beyond.

I was recently informed by the editors of At Home in Arkansas magazine they want to publish some of my wedding photos featuring my clients Millie and Luke Matthews in the upcoming Spring/Summer issue of Weddings in Arkansas.  What an honor to be chosen.

Millie and Luke were married at The Lodge at Mount Magazine in August.  For early August, the weather atop Mt. Magazine was perfect – 85 and sunny with popcorn clouds nearby and a nice, steady breeze.  The day was gorgeous as were my clients.  Here are a few of my favorites.  I’m really curious to see which ones the magazine runs.  We’ll see!

KES Weddings: Documentary Wedding Photography.  Serving Little Rock, central Arkansas and beyond.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.  Well that saying also applies to women too – at least this woman!  My husband has never been big on giving flowers on Valentine’s Day.  I’ve gotten a few arrangements in years past, but that’s most likely because I’ve guilted him into doing so.  I’m not a candy person either so I was thrilled when the doorbell rang yesterday and I got a nice surprise.

I absolutely LOVE my box of hand-dipped, gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries from Edible Arrangements. Food…especially good food — well that gets me every time.  Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!

From Mike - he loves me berry much!

On Friday, I photographed a marriage vow renewal service for my alter-ego career.  Thelma and Stewart Barden were married on Decemeber 31, 1940 in Little Rock.  They currently live together at a retirement community in Little Rock.  Thelma is 87 and Stewart is 94 and they are just a cute as they can be.  Here are a few of my favorite photos.  To see more photos, please click here.

Thelma and Stewart Barden

Thelma and Stewart Barden

Thelma and Stewart Barden

Thelma and Stewart Barden

Thelma and Stewart Barden

Cake and cookies!

Wedding punch - quite tasty too!

Please welcome Ola and Wes, my newest clients.  Ola and Wes get the gold star this week for REALLY planning ahead for their big day – in May 2012!  Welcome to you both.  I’ll see you in March for your e-session.

Last Friday, I photographed Jan and Len Konkel.  They currently live in Hot Springs Village and have been married for 62 years.  Photographing the Konkel’s was an assignment that I shot freelance for the Wall Street Journal. Never before has an editorial freelance assignment made me smile.  The WSJ profiled the Konkel’s and three other couples from around the country about their secrets to a lasting and happy marriage.  To read the full article from the WSJ, click here. There is also a slideshow featuring the other couples (my photo is number nine).  To see the slideshow, click here.

While taking their photo, I asked the Konkel’s to share a few fun stories and mostly what have they done to stay happily married for 62 years.

Jan and Len Konkel. Happily married for 62 years and counting.

Len, who is now 88, told me that when he met Jan, now 84, she was working as a secretary for his boss.  From that point on … well it’s 62 years later so you can guess the rest of the story.  But through four children and countless grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren, they are still as funny and as witty as a couple half their age.  “I say ‘Yes ma’am’ and ‘No ma’am’ a lot,” Mr. Konkel shared with a laugh.  Mrs. Konkel agreed with the same laugh.  Also, they stressed they NEVER fought or argued in front of their children.   I asked what was their best piece of advice.  Mrs. Konkel said your marriage should NEVER be 50/50.  It should be 75/25 — always give more than you take.

I had only planned to stay about an hour, but nearly two-hours later, I realized how late it was and I had to get back to Little Rock.  They invited me to lunch and I really, REALLY wanted to go but my alter-ego day job was calling.  I just wanted to stay and visit and get to know them more.  Sadly, over half of the marriages today end in divorce so I knew the Konkel’s could share their thoughts and advice on how to make a marriage work.

So for all my clients, both current and past, take a look at the photos above and may we all end of like this….62 years later.

And one final photo below, the Konkel’s on their wedding day:

Len and Jan Konkel

KES Weddings: Documentary Wedding Photography. Serving Little Rock, central Arkansas and beyond.

I photographed an absolutely lovely couple this morning who have been married for 62 years. What’s their secret? Check back Tuesday for the rest of the story and photos.

Greetings.  Many of you have requested a Saturday date in April for your bridal or e-sessions.  Good news!  I have a few Saturday slots open in April and just one for Sunday:

Saturday, April 10th – two session slots

Saturday, April 17th – two session slots

Sunday, April 18th – one session slot

So if you wanted to schedule your bridal or e-session in April, now’s the time.  Thanks – Karen

KES Weddings:  Documentary Wedding Photography.  Serving Little Rock, central Arkansas and beyond.

Much of Little Rock and central Arkansas got a nice coating of sleet and snow on Friday.  Our friends to the north got the real stuff.  It could have been a lot worse.  Had the sleet been freezing rain, we would most likely be in the dark  — and really cold.  But we got lucky and the city (and most of the state) was painted in white.  Not too much fell at my house in Sherwood, but a few local critters did venture in the snow.  This is my version of animal tracks:

bird tracks

bunny tracks

For a good laugh, I tossed my cat Rex outside.  He was not laughing….

The fearless Rex

He thought about it and then said “Nope.  Too cold so I’m going back in.”

Rex tracks

And finally my favorite:  my garden Gargoyle. I’m not the bunny, turtle, squirrel or other cutsie garden critter kinda gal.  I prefer gargoyles.

My garden critter

KES Weddings: Documentary Wedding Photography. Serving Little Rock, central Arkansas and beyond.

I want to wish my clients Whitney and Josh Massey big congratulations on their birth of their daughter, Chloe Greer, who just arrived at 5 lbs., 11 oz!

Chloe Greer Massey. Proud parents-Whitney & Josh

Welcome Chloe!

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year so I’m really looking forward to working with Leina and Tony for their November wedding.  Please welcome them as my newest clients.

On a personal note, after waiting 43 years, the New Orleans Saints are finally heading to the Superbowl.

As a native of New Orleans, I grew up watching the Saints  -  and watching them lose.  My grandmother and aunt Kathleen were devoted Saints fans.  Some would say they were fanatical. My older brother Walter was equally as devoted.  They and a group of friends, were at the Dome for every home game… and for most of the misery.  On occasion, I would get to go to the game.

As a kid, I would spend all week decorating my grocery bag because in those days, they were the Aints, not the Saints.

In 1988, my grandmother passed.  And on Sunday, after waiting 43 years, the Aints are no more.  In two weeks, they are heading to Miami to play the Colts. I’m sure my grandmother will be watching from above. Go Saints!

I want to extend a warm welcome to Krysta and Matt, my newest clients.  I’m looking forward to working with you both over the coming months.

The 2010 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette winter Bridal Fair wrapped up on Sunday.  Before things got too hectic, I browed around, visited a few fellow vendors and snapped a few pix of some of my favorites:

Distinctive Designs by Tanarah

Distinctive Designs by Tanarah

Catering Creations

Copper Grill & Grocery

Blue Cake Co.

Blue Cake Co.

Proposals

Proposals

Vintage Photo Booths

And finally.  Myself at my booth.

KES Weddings: Documentary Wedding Photography

KES Weddings: Documentary Wedding Photography

KES Weddings:  Documentary Wedding Photography serving Little Rock, central Arkansas and beyond.