12.30.2006

c0NgRaTULaTi0Ns Jake & Jenny !


What a fun FUN wedding. Just look at these girls! Jenny Cheever is as creative and fabulous as they come.
Here's just the tip of the iceburg --

Setting: the old Missouri Theatre.

Bridesmaids attire: vintage candy-colored prom dresses.
Wooo-Whooo!!!!
I'm having such fun working with these images and can't wait for you to meet JAKE and his friends, too.
Happy New Year to all!!
~amy enderle

12.28.2006

Amy & Grady....and 80s music


I met Amy and Grady just a day or two before Christmas and we shot engagement images the day after. They live and work in New York, but grew up here in Columbia and the timing just couldn't have been better.

It slipped in conversation early on that Amy Keller digs 80s music...a trait that always endears one to my heart, so I couldn't resist setting a few of these images to the first 80s song with New York referencing lyrics that popped into my head. CLICK HERE FOR THE QUICK SLIDESHOW and long live Erasure! Confession: I listened to this (cassette tape, mind you) to and from high school nearly everyday for the better part of my senior year.

I LOVE this band. Erasure fans, unite! (Am I Right? - insider's joke; come on A LIttle Respect, if you please)
Oh l'Amour, I loved meeting and working with this couple. Amy and Grady are interesting and insightful and how lucky I feel to have the chance to document their celebration.

hmmm....the chance , makes me sing Take a Chance as I sign off....

amy enderle

PS Kim and I have been sort of slow getting stuff to the blog of late, but will be back with a vengence after all these little people are back in school. Hope everyone had a most fabulous Christmas. Ours was, well....SWEET:

12.13.2006

songs from memory, songs from heart


Lynn & Tim go back to Africa after the holidays, so I've been working hard to make sure their images are printed and delivered to Brooke & Allen to create their Originals Box Set before Tim & Lynn leave the continent. Everyone reading: please send a big THANKS-SO-MUCH, YOU'RE THE BEST thoughts Brooke & Allen's way, Kim and I are handing off quite a few stacks of prints this week with fingers crossed for Christmas delivery. Still can't believe how lucky we are to know these two and know that our proofs are handled in such an artistic and hand-crafted way.

In spending time with Lynn & Tim's 4x6es after putting kids to bed last night, I found myself humming a song that rests deep within my memory. It's a song my grandma used to play on the piano and one that was requested nearly every week in the little church I grew up in. Finally I could resist no longer and knew I had to just set a few of these images to the music. I'm pretty sure this song was a part of Lynn & Tim's wedding as well....perhaps the song that Tim's sister Biz played? Love it! and LOVE thiose Windmeyers!

Take a look and a listen at the start of the Vessell-Windmeyer wedding by CLICKING HERE.

Does this song bring back some memories for you, too? Would love to hear from you.
More soon
~amy enderle

12.11.2006

We're H O M E

What a week!
Kim and I spent the week outside of Bend, Oregon and the cutest little ranch you ever did see learning more in a week than we'd even dreamed possible.
First things first: it's a Guest Ranch (not Dude Ranch, dude) and I loved it so much, I'm ready to pack Paul and the kids up for a week there this summer. So take a look at Rock Springs Guest Ranch (www.rocksprings.com) if you get a chance. The cabins come complete with a fireplace & comfy beds & hot showers. Not a kitchen though, but with GOURMET CHEFS on staff, heck, why would would you want one? Gotta love that. Take a look at the Rock Springs Ranch website and no kidding, call if you're looking for a wonderful retreat. And hey, ask for Katie! She's TERRIFIC!
There's a lot at Rock Springs we didn't get a chance to take advantage of b/c of all the learning squeezed in (so no horseback riding, tennis, poker-playing or massages for us THIS time. The pond was frozen and the pool closed for the winter; the boot shaped hot tub though - that's where Kim and I held our sunrise SilverBox meetings.).

As the two of us had researched various photography and photoshop seminars (across the country and beyond) in hopes of becoming more efficient & impressive with our "computer time" and always being drawn to professional development opportunities, one instructor's offereings seemed to us head-and-shoulders above the rest: Kevin Kubota's Week Long Digital Bootcamp was everything EVERYTHING it's cracked up to be.

Here's the gang:

Kim's in white beside Sandra Leung from Vancouver, BC who is sort of behind the kind, crazy and uber-impressive Kevin Kubota.
You can find me in the back between Jon Nickson who has a studio in Turks & Caicos and Beth Pulito who has agreed to be our studio manager and business guru if ever she re-locates to Missouri (and believe me after spending just a few hours with her, we were ready to help her find her a place to stay.) Plus she's a fabulous 8-ball partner. If Beth and I weren't undefeated, well we should have been :D

And hey, I learned a little about Kim Wade this week. Get this: Kim Wade rocks at PING PONG. She and Dave Russell (back row, black jacket, far right; hailing from Denver) ruled the table.
It wasn't all fun and games. OK, it wasn't all just games.
All fun - absolutely.There aren't many things that can top a week of learning - esp. if surrounded by interesting and talented people from around the world and with chefs who just insist on feeding you every 3-4 hours. Toss in a mountain view and a guy as funny as Karl Maasdam and you've gotta week that's pretty tough to beat.
We'll share more as we get caught up here in the offices.
Am missing those photo guys... but truth be told, was missing my kids even more.

It's good to be home.
Thanks to all for your patience with us while we were gone.
~amy enderle

12.03.2006

Lynn & Tim ~ and their guests from around the world





The first words the woman sitting next to me today on the plane (Jane from Charlottesville en route to San Franciso, glancing over mid-flight) said:
Those dresses are absolutely a beautiful – gorgeous!
which completely enticed me to share that Lynn Vessell, the bride, designed them herself, and they're each completely INDIVIDUAL. Lynn is amazing. She lives in Nairobi, Kenya, and works for a non-profit organization called Amani ya Juu (a sewing and reconciliation project for marginalized women of Africa) see: www.AmaniAfrica.org You could stop reading right there and in my book Lynn qualifies as one of the most interesting people I've ever met but get this....

From Africa she had written to her girlfriends and asked each of them about their all-time favorite dresses and what feature they loved. Lynn then used their reponses to individually craft each bridesmaid dress. So no two were alike - yet they were all beautifully complementary. Here, maybe this image gives a closer look at each:

The bridesmaid dresses are sewn from sari fabric, and Lynn layered the material in the design. When these women walked, it was an absolute swirl of color. Breathtaking. AND she'd brought their jewelry (again, each individual) back from Africa, too. In fact, unique African details abound. Look at this version of the flower girl baskets.
And staying true to the autumn color palette, it wasn't actually flowers her charming neices sprinkled down the aisle, but LEAVES. And she designed/created/sewed HER dress, too. AND she is so so very calm and poised and good and positive.
Are you thinking, geez, what a lucky man to marry this woman - equally creative and giving and kind, and yes, Tim would agree. But whoa, what till you hear about HIM. I met Tim about a year a half ago when he flew in from Africa (he's a missionary with Samaritan's Purse) to be part of John & Liz Horn's wedding. I remembered him in part because of his...car. A vintage mustang that he restored and rebuilt. Maybe that's why I so adore this picture. Tim, stepping out of his car and toward the church on his wedding day. He'd just arrived, tie in hand.

His friends are such a great group of guys. See below for just how fun they are. Jon Horn (of the Jon and Liz wedding) is the tallest and the other guys said, "hey Horn, you should stand in this broken part of the wall" - pretty funny. And look at the height his best man has reached (Roger, far right)


Here the groomsmen are walking up the side aisle in the Tim & Lynn's processional. And here to the left are many of these same guys are last year at Liz and Jon's wedding the very moment Jon saw Liz: But truth be told, it wasn't just the car that helped me remember exactly which of Jon's groomsmen Tim Windmeyer was. (a) he's the cutest thing and (b) as are his parents!! I sat with them for a bit at Liz and Jon's reception and just fell in love. They are the kind of parents I hope Paul and I can be. And look how cute:


If only one word was being used to describe the life perspective of Tim and his parents, and Lynn, too, it might just be "grateful." Because they are so truly grateful for each other and the blessings of their lives being near them is palpably uplifting. Their friends came from around the world to share their wedding with them. The first person I talked with at rehearsal Friday night was Tim's usher Ivan who is Canadian by birth and now lives in Quatar. Have you ever met anyone living in Quatar? Whoa. At dinner that evening I met two wedding guests who'd flown in from Australia. Tim and Lynn's wedding was joyous. Absolutely joyous!
I promise to post the online album as soon as it's complete...there is so much to share! And speaking of JOY, Liz shared the most joyous news of all. She and Jon are expecting their first baby this summer. Whoo-hoo!!
Kim and I are settling into our cabin at a fabulous photo seminar we can't wait to till you more about, but...soon....

from Oregon,
amy enderle


11.19.2006

partnerships

Once our children began talking (and complaining...), David and I started a tradition of saying "thank you statements" during supper. We each thank various people (present or not) for whatever we are grateful for that evening. And with Thanksgiving only four days away, we've been "thinking about thanks" even more. These days (you can pretend you're at our supper table now) I'm feeling especially thankful for (in fact downright lucky!) to be in PARTNERSHIP with others...to have a marriage with David, a creative collaboration with Amy, relationships with my clients.

My most recent clients, Jill and Nate, were married at Les Bourgeois' blufftop at sunset on October 14 'caused they loved the view, the setting and the fact that Rocheport is halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis, where most of their families live. Jill wanted a more spacious spot to get dressed with her bridesmaids though, and so she booked the lower level of the School House Bed & Breakfast, just down the hill.

Jill was the first bride to take advantage of this creative partnership between Les Bourgeois' Blufftop Bistro, with its incomparable views of the Missouri River, and the School House B&B, which offers a place for couples to relax before (and after!) the ceremony. I sure appreciated the chance to photograph the wedding day activities at both locations!





















































































It's taken me a few weeks longer to finish this album. Where has November gone?! Nevertheless, here it is! This album is designed as a 14"x10" horizontal album, so you'll see some extra white space above and below the page designs. Just imagine you've got a black matted album spread out on a white table cloth. Enjoy!


CLICK HERE TO SEE Jill & Nate's Album!
~kim wade

11.13.2006

bahamas bound

Spent a lovely hour with Lyndsay and Ryan this past weekend on a scavenger hunt to soak up the last of Columbia's Fall foliage. And just as I was thinking about the landscape transitioning from Fall to Winter, Lyndsay and Ryan called with some news: rather than marrying next May in Columbia, they've moved their wedding to the Bahamas in January! A summer wedding in January? Let's go! So . . . if after the new year you are in need of a little sun and sand yourself, check the blog for pictures and stories from Lyndsay & Ryan's wedding.
~kim wade






11.09.2006

isn't she lovely . . .


2 things I will never forget:

When Paul's parents (Mike & Kathy Wagner) first came into the room after Avery was born, Kathy took one look at Paul holding that brand-new Avery and said,
"and NOW you know how much we love you"

When I awoke that next morning Paul was humming/singing and practically twirling (?) to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely".
He confessed, with the broadest smile I'd ever seen on his face:
"every time I've thought of her, that song fills my head"

We've actually called it "Avery's Song" ever since.
And all of our kids can pick it out of a fleeting radio station scan or grocery store muzac in little over a measure.
"Hey, this is Avery's song!" they announce.

Each time I hear it, I find myself going back in time, seeing Paul's smile,
hearing Kathy's words
and
realizing that I understood exactly what she meant.

I love being with couples in love.
It lifts my spirits and puts so many other things in perspective.

But seeing Andy & Cindy Jira with Madison ~
even more powerful and perspective-granting.

Coincidentally, this shoot took place on Cindy & Andy's wedding anniversary.
Here they are November 2002:




CLICK HERE
to see
how they've
grown.


It's the Welcome to the World, Madison Jira show.

Those are some FANTASTIC parents you've got there, girl.

wondering
where-o-where
the time
has gone

~ amy enderle




11.05.2006

Eryn & Mick ~ just right!


Spent a few hours today...get this: catch & release trout fishing at the park (with Tycho ~ thanks to a community clinic hosted by area fishermen.)
At nearly the same time, Kim and Sophie (with Avery getting a chance to hang out at Kim & David's & help out) made 4 pumpkin pies ~ from scratch!
Where am I going with all this?

We're beginning to catch our breath, I think.
Which means FUN and CREATIVE stuff is on the way.

Eryn and Mick were married in September at one of the most magnificent churches in the area. The light in the church on Westminster's Campus is unparalleled. The church was actually (re)built by Sir Christopher Wren in England in the 1600s and then moved across the Atlantic piece by piece and rebuilt on Westminster's campus. "What could be more beautiful than light?" said Wren. Sir Wren hit the mark with that statement AND this creation. Amazing.

Mick is a history teacher at Rockhurst High School and marrying in such a historic place seemed just right. In fact, so much about their wedding day seemed Just Right....from the weather, to Eryn's dress (which both her mom & aunt had worn ~ but Eryn had redesigned with one of the most beautiful necklines I've ever seen), to the apple pie that accompanied dinner.

A lovely wedding weekend for a genuinely lovely couple. Four of my favorite memories:

1. Eryn's dad getting so caught up in the filming & photographing of the rehearsal that he almost forgot to hand off the cameras and walk his daughter down the aisle. So cute!

2. The sun setting Friday night over the Missouri river while Eyrn & Mick and their closest friends and family members sat & talked & laughed outside of the Les Bourgeois A-frame.

3. Eryn's absolutely adorable niece and nephew. Being near these two was such a delight!

4. THIS SONG: how fun & festive! ~ having it play while hugging ceremony guests...again....JUST RIGHT.

ENJOY THE SHOW : Mick & Eryn's wedding album

~ amy enderle

11.03.2006

in the neighborhood

Just a block from our house is a gem of a little neighborhood park called Stewart Park. It's been my kids' favorite spot for impromptu soccer and baseball games, picnics, hikes along....or in....the creek, wildlife sightings (including a very large snapping turtle!) and leaf tossing. Elliot and I spent one warm May afternoon on his 6th birthday sitting on a large flat rock by the creek reading Harry Potter and seeing if we could actually CATCH a water strider (the answer, after experimenting with several different 2-person techniques is...yes!)

Lindsey and Kevin agreed to meet me at Stewart Park (on a very VERY crisp Saturday morning) for their engagement session, and wow! Stewart Park is ablaze with Fall. I am excited to document Lindsey & Kevin's wedding next July. Amy and I are so very lucky; we work with amazing couples; and making pictures of Lindsey & Kevin last weekend, I was reminded of this all over again.

~kim wade






g r a t i t u d e

didn't someone say:

Life is partly what we make it,
and partly what is made by the friends we choose.


Amen to that.



Paul and I met in college.
A college class, actually: Dr. Candy Young's (Truman State) Public Administration seminar.
That was (gasp!) 15 years ago.
Avery was born about 2 years thereafter.
(I was a college senior when Ave was born; BTW that's not a path we would recommend but has worked out pretty well here...)

Many of my dearest friendships were born in those days, too ~ Nikki Phillips (now Isemann), oh, and her husband Jim! Brenda Goering (now George), the best roommate anyone could ever hope for! . . . Jeff Milke, Rita Hiscocks, oh, and of course, my husband, Paul Wagner. And Tracey Wolff (now Westfield) ~ oh, how I love Tracey Wolff!! and the unflappable Jena Carter!!! This list could go on and on....Joe Bambenek, Debi Weaver, Teri Brickey, and how lucky am I?! - my now sister-in-law, Debbie Wagner. And I would be remiss to not mention Margarita Heisserer...the most special kind of friend & mentor (she was actually my scholarship/work-study boss.) I'm including Dr. Young on this short list as well and have felt especially supported over the years by her husband, Larry, an amazing sculptor. OK, now that I'm thinking of those whom I admire and have always felt so supported/loved/encouraged by: thank you, Elise Gaber!! ~ who started out as my college advisor and soon became cherished friend.

Isn't it funny, some of the people I've just rattled off I haven't spent time with in years.
With others I've been more lucky.

I will, with no exaggeration, be forever grateful that last week Jena & Brian opened their home to welcome Avery and I as Avery (and I) transition into the teenage years. Not only did we spend quality, memory-filled time with them and with Tracey (who lives and works in DC, too); Avery now regards Aunt Jena & Aunt Tracey as friends of hers, as well.



On the flight home, Avery and I started looking at pictures we made. Avery, Jena & I took an afternoon Photo Safari class (it's fun! - you should do it if you get the chance!) so many of these images were created by Avery using her photo-safari discovered techniques. Pictured below, David, photo safari founder/instructor, instructing our classmates:



The Enderle - Wagners are never very good about quickly getting thank you letters in the mail, but are hoping that THIS FUN SLIDESHOW STARTS TO EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE for the many memories. Of all the slideshows I've worked on, this one, that Avery and I did together, may just be my favorite.

Enjoy! ---- all of it, all of it was able to happen b/c of relationships with wonderful people, wonderful friends.

~ amy enderle . . . oh! and thanks to Google: above quote is by TENNESSEE WILLIAMS, who went to college just blocks down the road at the University of Missouri - Columbia.

11.02.2006

New Things :


1. being the parent of a teenager
2. hair, me: curly. (Kim's daughter, Sophie asked: "how'd your hair get so CRAZY?"; see #3)
3. Carla, my kid sister (aka "Aunt K" ~ who, many would argue, is one the very best stylists in town) has relocated. For NEW salon info click here, or see below to find out where she indeed made my hair curly-q
4. postcard DESIGN; I did this, both photography and wording/layout/design stuff without (believe it or not) any assistance from Kim or Brooke (our FABULOUS designer friend who owns Originals Paper Art and makes all of our Originals Box Sets and Authentique albums)

Can you see those curls? Hmm...this was our first day, and the only rainy day of our recent D.C. adventure ~
October 27th, Avery's 13th birthday: