Masthead header

Karin + John: Engaged

Every last detail had been set. It would start with dinner, a delectable and savory meal that, as each course was delivered, would bring him one step closer to the goal. After their tummies were full and their hearts were light, they would walk from the restaurant that would evolve from a place to a memory down the cobblestone street, through the square, and to the balcony where they would ring in the new year.

At least that’s how he had it planned.

Dinner took longer than anticipated and the leisurely stroll became a dash. He held her hand tight as they swerved in and out of foot traffic, and promised not to let go. They arrived at the balcony just as the clock struck midnight. They watched as fireworks illuminated the sky above and listened as the crowd cheered in the square below. And as they recalled the night’s adventures and how tightly he had clung to her, he asked her if he could hold her close forever.

Karin and John’s adventures have already included travels in and between two continents, travel visas, family, and moving Karin’s loving 100-pound puppy from Holland to Kansas. Tomorrow they will embark upon their biggest adventure yet and promise to always hold each other close.
Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_01Karin simply lights up around John, and John can’t take his eyes off of her.  It is quite the sight. Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_02-03 Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_04 Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_05We met up with Karin and John during one of the last weekends of the year with magical fall colors.  Magic it was.Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_06 Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_07 Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_08Couples don’t come any more perfect than Karin and John.Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_09-10Karin is from Holland and met John when he was stationed in Germany with the military. As their relationship grew, they traveled all around Europe together.  Every place they went, they would be sure to capture an image of the two of them together.  Their engagement session was another image they wanted to have in that collection.Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_11

Karin has a thing for double yellow lines on American roads.  Karin has has a thing for John. We thought we’d combine the two.Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_12-13Oh my. This image is one of my favorites that we’ve EVER captured at an engagement session. EVER.Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_21Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_15-16Seriously, you two.  You’re just so adorable.Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_14Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_17Karin + John + Vita: one happy little family. Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_18-19

Kansas_City_Wedding_Photographer_Karin_John_Engaged_20

Karin and John, we adore you both. We cannot wait to spend the day with you tomorrow and get to know your friends and family just as we have come to know you.

Follow all the love on Facebook.

We really like comments . . . please leave us yours!

So that you may know . . .

It was something I wasn’t going to share. She had been to doctor after doctor and, although the prognosis was never quite cheery, she continued to fight.  It was inevitable, as it is for us all.  But when we first heard what had happened, it didn’t yet seem imminent.

It was something I didn’t know how to share.  As “soon” became today, I was met with conflicting feelings of  sorrow and joy.  The thought of losing her so fresh and personal.  But the relief in knowing she would soon be free from pain, would no longer struggle, and would surely see the God she taught me to love so intimately was a peace that could not be overcome.

There was no need to publicly share my heartbreak and celebration, because no words of encouragement or condolence could fill the space she had in my heart.  Just time and grace.

But as we waited to hear how things progressed in a hospital hundreds of miles away, it became clear that the choice to share was no longer mine.  The sharing was not to be a story of life or death or how to grieve. But something else. Their story.

The story of how Joe and Mary Ann married one November day.  How Mary Ann lived to serve Joe, Joe to serve his family, and all together to serve the Lord. How they lovingly raised six children in a pink house on Morgan St.  How they rejoiced with the birth of each of their 28 grandchildren and thanked God for every great-grandchild they were to meet.  And the story of how, after the anniversary of that November day had passed 66 times, Joe sat by Mary Ann’s bed reciting his wedding vows one last time just before she passed from this world into the next.

During this time of the year when the days are short and hope is needed, we share this story of love, of selflessness, and of faith.  We share the story of Joe and Mary Ann, a couple I am privileged to call my grandparents, so that you might know that love is alive.  That all is not lost. And that amid great sorrow, great joy can be found.

Godspeed, woman. Godspeed.

An image of my grandparents from last January as we all celebrated his 90 years on Earth.

4 comments . . . please leave us yours!

JennyV - December 19, 2012 - 8:58 am

Wow — you are a beautiful writer and shared such a great love story. Love for the Lord, for each other, and for those around them. Happy for you that you can know and cling to true JOY in this time!

Anna - December 19, 2012 - 9:13 am

Brought tears to my eyes Emily, you have a great way with words! Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time!! Love you guys!

Jen - December 19, 2012 - 9:48 am

Beautiful. What a testament to love!

Anne - December 19, 2012 - 1:39 pm

What a beautiful story and picture!

Weatherly + Thomas: Married

She opened the box and showed it off.  As she did, her eyes brightened and the corners of her mouth drew upwards.   Her face glowed as she thought of where they had been and their almost seven year journey to this day. Her eyes glistened as she thought about how every time he looked at it, he would remember her, this day, and their shared perfection.  Her heart was full knowing that at every moment they had already shared together, she had felt safe and warm, and that there was zero doubt she would feel that way for the hundred years to come.  So, yes, it was just a watch, but what it represented was so much more.

He, too, had a box, the power of which overwhelmed him. He looked down at the long strand of connected white spheres, took a deep breath, and passed a knowing smile.  He was overwhelmed by the emotions of this day for which he had waited so long. Overwhelmed at the joy and happiness she brought to his life.  Overwhelmed by the thought of her wearing those pearls today, and one day at the weddings of their children.  And overwhelmed at being the lucky guy that got to share each day with her.  So yes, it was just a string of pearls, but what it represented was so much more.

Ultimately they did exchange the gifts contained in each of those boxes.  But so much more was given on that day.  Weatherly and Thomas forever gave each other their hearts and their lives. To stand strong for one another. To just be together, forever.  We were absolutely privileged to witness their all encompassing love and vows.  We now share their wedding story with you.

Weatherly carefully chose each and every detail for their day.  The result was that their whimsical, romantic, yet grounded love was reflected in every single element.And, talk about the coolest (and most comfortable) reception shoes we’ve ever seen!

It is an incredible experience, and a pure privilege, to get to watch a bride transform on her wedding day.  Weatherly was no exception to that rule.Meanwhile . . .I’m not sure if Pete just happened to catch Thomas putting on his shirt this way or if he is channeling his inner Batman, but either way, I love it!The first time a groom sees his bride always sends chills–the good kind–up my spine. There is no doubt that they are meant to be together.Weatherly is a daddy’s girl; this moment between them takes my breath away.Once she is down the aisle, it is all smiles from there.MARRIED!!!In the chaos of a wedding day, sometimes it happens that a bride and groom don’t get a single moment alone together to celebrate their love.  When possible, we steal them away for 10 minutes just after walking down the aisle to give them that time.  Weatherly and Thomas were all in for this, and the images that resulted are some of my favorites, particularly the image on the right.Weatherly and Thomas ensured that their guests had a great time by preparing this Scavenger Hunt of Lawrence while we were off taking bridal party pictures.Hello super fantastic totally wonderful all sorts of crazy fun wedding party!Love love love love love looooooove.So, apparently Thomas wasn’t the only one channeling his inner super hero. :)Weatherly and Thomas are THE most romantic couple we’ve ever known.  They arranged for this horse drawn carriage to pick them up at the park and bring them to the reception in a grand fashion.Weatherly was the coxswain for the K-State rowing team.  She is undoubtedly the boss. :)Cozy, terrific, all encompassing, overwhelming love.Weatherly and Thomas–along with the rest of their guests–have some serious moves.

Weatherly and Thomas-

Your love for one another is a testament on how to love.  Thank you for reminding us how captivating love can be and allowing us to take part in the most special day your love has seen thus far. We can’t wait to see where that love takes the two of you, side-by-side and hand-in-hand.

Love,

Pete and Emily

 

Follow all the love on Facebook.

We really like comments . . . please leave us yours!

F A C E B O O K
T W I T T E R
R S S