Hot & Cold

Last summer was brutal.  It seemed each day got hotter than the last.  Today is a 67 degree day in January in Chicago.  It smells like Spring.  Tomorrow's high is 50, then back down to 16.  No wonder everyone is sick.

I promised to post some warm, fun weddings to remind you of the warm summer and to help get us through this winter doldrum.  (Is that the right word??)

Well, this one was a beaut!  Hopefully I will get caught up on last year's weddings before this year's wedding season starts!

I am always excited to see what the bridesmaids are going to wear.  These necklaces, bracelets and shoes take the cake for me.

 

 

 

Alex, you crack me up.  She's got Bette Davis eyes...

 

 

You can bet I walked by this table a few times that night.

 

One of the things from this weddings that made a huge impression on me was how close the bride was with her parents and siblings.  It made me think of my own family and I truly enjoyed every minute of watching them have a good time together on the dance floor all night long.

As always, thank you to Faye for her fabulous images that complement mine in the most perfect way...and for her amazing eye for details that I would never catch...and for keeping my head on straight.

Happy Birthday to the Vander"blog"

The Vander"blog" has turned 5 years old!  Where the heck does the time go?

I want to thank all of you who have stuck by me for all these years -- and the newbies too.  I always love hearing from you :)  Thank you for letting me know my ramblings do not fall on deaf ears.

I also wanted to thank all of my clients, and I know I am biased, but I am just so darn appreciative of how awesome you all are.  Loyal, supportive, trusting, and best of all, I consider you my friend.

When I left the law firm in 2008, I warned them that I may come crawling back for my job.  I had no idea what was in store for me.  I didn't really know what my goal was with my photography business or how I was going to accomplish it.  To be honest, I was "winging" it.  Looking back at my five-year-younger self (with only ONE child at that time ;) I see a girl who was determined with original ideas and a passion to succeed.  Luckily, it has all worked out just the way I had hoped.  I wouldn't change a thing...except maybe having more time for blogging ;)

Thank you, truly, from the deepest part of my heart, for believing in me and trusting me with your families' memories.  You can imagine the life milestones I have witnessed and documented over the past five years...so many amazing moments with all of you.  I am a lucky girl.

I look forward to what the next five years brings.  I hope you are a part of it.

xoxo Kelly

Free as a bird.

What I wouldn't give to be this young and this carefree some days...