Tyler | Senior 2018

     The last time I worked with Tyler he was about ten year old. I was doing a session with him and his siblings on a very cold October morning. Usually boys aren't too excited for a photo session, especially early in the morning and when it's freezing outside. Not Tyler, he was a champ that morning and never complained. Fast-forward a few years and it's now time for his Senior Session. How did Tyler do during this session? He knocked it out of the park! He was so polite, considerate, and such a joy to be around. He talked and joked the entire time. There are so many wonderful things coming up for him and he was excited for each and every step. He talked about prom, graduation, and of course starting college in the fall. His positive energy was definitely contagious! I had the best time that afternoon. I love each and every image from his session. His personality definitely shines through and you can tell what a nice young man he is.

     Tyler, I wish you the very best as you embark upon this next chapter in your life. I know you will go on to do great and wonderful things. Enjoy these last few weeks of High School, have fun and take it all in! 

     Here are just a few of my favorite images from Tyler's Senior Session. Enjoy and Happy Wednesday Friends!

Brooks | Newborn

     Teeny-tiny nine-day-old Brooks is absolutely precious! I don’t think there are enough adjectives to describe how delightful this little guy is. He was perfect during his Newborn Session. He started off wide awake, but the more Mom and Dad rocked him, he fell fast asleep. Every once in a while, he would pop his eyes open for just a few moments, and then fall right back asleep. What a doll! I had so much fun that morning with Brooks and his amazing Mom and Dad.  I loved talking with Samantha and Tyler  because it very evident how much they love their little man already.  They both were beaming with pride as they talked about their sweet son. I love the way they looked at him, how big their smiles were when they talk to him and how they would sneak in little kisses at every opportunity. I think it’s safe to say he has them wrapped around his perfect little fingers. 

     It was truly an honor to be able to photograph Brooks, Samantha and Tyler during in this very special time in their lives. I hope that our paths cross again soon and hopefully we will see even more of this awesome family here on the Steph Layne Photography blog. For now, here are just a few of my favorite images from Brooks' Newborn Session. Enjoy and Happy Monday! 

Savannah | Newborn

     The Stilley Family is very popular, not only in the Steph Layne Photography world, but also the Steph Layne world. I love this family so much! I've been so excited for Savannah's arrival from the moment that Whitney and Jimmy told me they were expecting another baby girl. Newborn Sessions are always exciting because you never know when the little one will arrive. It might be right on their due date or even a week late. However, in Savannah's case she was early. When I received a message from Jimmy stating that their baby girl was here, I was so surprised because she was two weeks early. I had just posted their Maternity Session blog post and within seventy-two hours Savannah was here. As they related the events of that evening, they were a little surprised about her early arrival, but nonetheless they were ecstatic to meet her and make their family of four complete.

     It's easy to say that Whitney and Jimmy have the sweetest daughters. I can't believe how much Savannah looks like her big sister, Sadie. I had the privilege of photographing Sadie when she was just a few days old too. Countless times during this session, I would turn to Whitney and tell her how much these two look alike. She would laugh and admit that her and Jimmy have said the same thing. They are both beautiful little girls. Whitney saved a few items from Sadie's Newborn Session and we were able to photograph Savannah in the same outfits. I love these images so much, not only because of how precious Savannah is, but also the special meaning behind these outfits. 

     Everyone did such a wonderful job that afternoon. Savannah was wide-awake in the beginning, but slowly drifted off to sleep during her session. The way the entire family looks and smiles at her is so heartwarming. You can tell that everyone is so proud of Savannah. There is a lot of love in this blog post and it makes me very happy. I'm excited to share just a few of my favorite images from Savannah's Newborn Session. I know that you will enjoy them as much as I have. Enjoy and Happy Thursday! 

Sherri' & Grant | Engagement

     I want to give you a little background on this amazing couple: Sherri' lives here (in Missouri) and Grant lives in New York. They agreed on a weekend for him to travel here so we could do their Engagement Session. Being an outdoor photographer, the weather is always something that I'm watching. I can tell you the seven-day forecast at any given time. Ha! Normally, this isn't a problem, because if we run into inclement weather, we will reschedule for a few days later. However, when the bride and groom live in different states, and there is only one weekend that the three of us will be together before their wedding day, you don't have a "Plan B", there is only "Plan A". As the days inched closer and closer to their session, the weather forecast got colder and colder. Sherri' and I joked a few days before their session that the forecast could be wrong and it would be a warm and beautiful day. The weekend of their session arrived and it was the complete opposite of the warm temperatures we were hoping for. We woke up that morning to not only cold temps, but also snow. It was actually the first snow of the year. Mother Nature definitely threw a hiccup in our plans for that day. However, it ended up working out perfectly!

     Instead of staying in one location, we moved around that afternoon. I want to say a huge Thank You to my husband, Justan, for driving us around and keeping the vehicle warm. As we started their session, it began to snow again. They smiled and nuzzled in a little closer to each other. The wind chill was 17 degrees but they didn't care. I never heard a single complaint come from these two. At one point I was talking to Grant and I looked down to see that his shoes were soaking wet from walking in the snow. When I pointed this out he just smiled and said, "It's okay! They'll dry"! They were both such troopers!

     I always want to incorporate things into my client’s sessions that have a special meaning to them. It’s a little something to personalize their session. For Sherri' and Grant, it's the adorable Starbucks cups with their names on them. It might appear that they are having coffee together, or that these drinks helped keep them warm during their cold session. Both are correct; however, it goes a little deeper than that. Before they were engaged, Sherri' asked Grant at what moment he knew that he no longer looked at her as just a friend. What was his reply? It was one morning after they had enjoyed coffee together at Starbucks, that he knew he liked her more than just a friend. So it was only fitting that we incorporated a little coffee love that afternoon.

     There isn't an image from their session that doesn't bring a huge smile to my face. The love that Sherri' and Grant share is evident and so beautiful to see. Sherri' and Grant, I wish you so much love, laughter, and a very happily ever after! You two are such a beautiful couple inside and out. Thank you for letting me be apart of such a special time in your life. I will forever hold this session very near and dear to my heart. 

     Without further ado, I give you just a few of my favorite images of the future Mr. and Mrs. Silvas. Enjoy and Happy Monday friends!

The Gullett Family

     The afternoon of The Gullett’s family session was absolutely perfect. Even though the calendar said we were in the middle of winter, the temperature outside was like a warm spring day. The weather fit flawlessly into our plan for the day. We were able to meet in downtown Springfield and walk around for their entire session. We were able to pop in and out of different spots and there was no need to hurry because being outside was exactly where we all wanted to be.

     They are such an adorable little family! Evy and Brady are so sweet. Their energy and laughs were infectious. I love the way that Evy looks at her big brother and you can feel the love between these two. She is definitely Brady’s number one fan! I really enjoyed following them around and photographing them as they laughed and played. Ragan and Jordan are such a beautiful couple inside and out. Seeing them sneak in little hugs and kisses during their session warmed my heart. At different times throughout the afternoon I would catch them whispering and laughing with each other. You can tell how much they love and admire one another. I love that so much!

     It was a beautiful day spent with a beautiful family. I know that you will enjoy their session as much as I have. Without future ado, here are just a few of my favorite images of The Gullett Family. Enjoy and Happy Wednesday!   

Alli | Senior 2018

     I met Alli for the first time a few years ago when I was photographing the entire Bair family. I remember thinking then how sweet and fun she was to work with. She always had a smile on her face. Whether her Dad or big brothers were teasing her, or she was laughing with her Mom; Alli had such a charming demeanor about her. I remember thinking how I hoped to be able to work with her again, especially for her Senior Session. Fast forward a few years and you can imagine my excitement when I received the call and we picked a date for me to photograph Alli for her Senior Session. Yay! 

     The afternoon of her session arrived; what a beautiful day. Unseasonably warm, which her and I both loved. There are so many beautiful places here in Southwest Missouri that photograph so well, however, when we can go somewhere that has a special meaning to my client and somewhere only THEY have access to, it's in a league of its own. For Alli it was her Grandma and Grandpa property, which has acres and acres of beautiful land. An old barn, hay bales, a beautiful creek, and tall grassy areas. This setting was a photographer’s dream! Just like the day I met her, Alli did an amazing job during her session. Her smile is beautiful and contagious. She was so easy to work with and was on board with any suggestions I had. Even the idea of taking off her shoes to take a little stroll through the creek as the sun was setting behind her. What a trooper! I love those images so much. I can't say it enough, she a dream to work with! 

     Alli I wish you the very best as you embark upon this next chapter in your life. I hope you enjoy every minute of your Senior Year. It was a pleasure working with you and I hope that our paths cross again soon. Without further ado, I give you just a few of my favorite images from Alli's Senior Session. They will definitely put a smile on your face. Enjoy and Happy Friday! 

Truman | Six Months

     I can’t believe that Mr. Truman’s six month mark has already came and gone. It always amazes me how fast the milestones of a little ones first year goes, so I can only imagine how Mom and Dad must feel. The last time we saw Truman here on the Steph Layne Photography blog, he was only a week and half old. He has grown so much and is absolutely precious. His little personality shines through so much in these images; and I can promise you that they will instantly put a smile on your face. Every time (and I mean every single time) I would smile or talk to Truman, he would grin or giggle the biggest giggle. It became a domino effect because we would all start laughing, then he would laugh more, and so on. It was absolutely adorable! I couldn’t get enough of his sweet laugh! 

     Not only will Truman melt your heart, but also his big sister Ragan is the exact same way. She is definitely a fan favorite here at Steph Layne Photography! She is so sweet and shy, which makes for the most perfect images. That little sly smile is so contagious. I love these two so much! 

     I love each and every image in this blog post. There are so many adorable images of Truman, Ragan, and their incredible Mom and Dad. The Sunderman Family can easily be described as “Picture Perfect”. They are so easy to work with and I enjoy working with them year after year! Thankfully, we are getting closer and closer to Truman’s One Year Session and I couldn’t be more excited.

     Until then, here are just a few of my favorite images from Truman’s Six Month Session. I know that you will enjoy them as much as I have. Until next time friends! Happy Monday!

The 10th Annual Wing Off | Our Super Bowl Sunday Tradition

     Super Bowl Sunday is a day that we look forward to months in advance. This year was even more special for two reasons. First, it was our 10th Annual Wing Off and Secondly, Justin Timberlake was performing at the halftime show. For those who know me well, know that Justin Timberlake ranks pretty high on my favorite artist list. Being a fan of Mr. Timberlake, I’ve been anxiously awaiting his performance since he announced that he was going to be at the big game. Being that Wing Off is all about the delicious wing recipes and the Super Bowl, I reigned in my excitement and didn’t make the entire party about Justin Timberlake like I wanted to. Ha

     Super Bowl Sunday arrived and it became very clear that I wasn’t the only one who was more excited about JT's performance than the actual game. I can’t tell you how many messages that I received stating, “Did you hear there is a football game in the middle of the Justin Timberlake concert. Weird”.  With every message I received, my excitement grew and grew.

     As everyone started to arrive with their tasty wings and unique presentations, it was obvious that I didn’t need to worry about making the party about the halftime show performer, because everyone else was doing it too! Yay! That was the buzz of the entire party and the basis of several of the wing displays. I LOVED it! As always, everyone did an amazing job. The wing recipes were absolutely delicious and the presentations were just as awesome. You could tell that everyone worked so hard in preparing for the party

      I can’t emphasis it enough how much I love this tradition! Since this year was our tenth year together, Justan and I surprised everyone with his or her own participation trophy. Just a way of saying “Thank You” for making this tradition so much fun! 

     As Super Bowl 52 was coming to an end so was our party. The wings had been eaten, the votes had been tallied, and the results were in. Everyone’s hard work had not been in vain. Congratulations to all of the winners!

                                          First Place: Jarred Layne – Sweet Cajun

                                          Second Place: Nikki Henley – Sweet and Spicy Coco – Cola

                                          Third Place:  Sabrina Garton – Raspberry Balsamic

                                          Best Presentation: Jared Henley

     Here are just a few of my favorite images from a very memorable evening. I’m already counting down the days until next year! Enjoy and Happy Tuesday!

The Snow Storm We Had That Afternoon Came Out Of Nowhere. The Guys Loved Grilling In The Snow! Ha 

Wally Patiently Waiting For The Food To Be Dropped 

First Place: Jarred Layne - Sweet Cajun 

Second Place: Nikki Henley - Sweet and Spicy Coca - Cola 

Third Place: Sabrina Garton - Raspberry Balsamic

Best Presentation: Jared Henley  (This Display Played Justin Timberlake Songs All Night Long) 

The Winners! 

Happy 10th Annual Wing Off Friends!