Tattoos & I Do's

Meagan & Scott's wedding next fall is sure to be one of the highlights of my full wedding season next year!

These two are the new face of Geneva Bride for 2016 :)

Introducing: (Reel Life) Sessions

Finally, I am so excited to announce a joint project between me, {Kelly Vanderploeg Photography}, and a former groom of mine, and good friend, Bill Roberts of {FilmsByBerts}.

We are teaming up to offer a fun new alternative and put a spin on your classic photo sessions..."{Reel Life} Sessions" will include video footage of your session as well as my photos from your session in video/slideshow format and put to music of your choice.  The videos can be shared via your phone, email and Facebook so all your friends and family near and far can view your family, high school senior session, maternity, newborn...whatever the occasion may be.  Events, parties, engagement and wedding collections are available too!

Do your kids never sit still for a camera (like mine?) and is it hard to even get eye contact for a photo?  With these new sessions, it doesn't matter.  Bill captures your family being yourselves and doing something you enjoy...

This is truly a timeless treasure that you will love watching over and over again.  You can commission Bill for just a video session or you can book us both for the whole unique experience.  We are working on several weddings together this summer and I am anxious to see the final products.  I hope you are as excited about these as we are :)  Email me at {kelly@kellyvanderploegphotography.com} or Bill at {wcroberts81@yahoo.com} for more info and availability.

35 years and counting...

A very Happy Anniversary to my mom & dad who are celebrating a huge milestone of being married for 35 years today.

We love you and are so lucky to have you as role models.

Thank you to Faye for putting up with my crazy train this weekend to take some family pics of us.  I am so, so happy and thankful to have some family photos, finally.

(The first few images are mine, then the rest are all Faye.)

Have a great week!

A diamond in the rough

50 years and counting...may it be an inspiration for us all.  

I hope one day I will get to shoot the 50th wedding anniversary party for some of my brides & grooms.

With the divorce rate as high as it is today, it was so uplifting to be a part of this family celebration and to  hear the testimonials and funny anecdotes of their seven children...yes, SEVEN children!  Phew!

This was her grandmother's cake topper.  A little slice of history for you ;)

Many, many congrats to you both.  Thank you so much for having me!

Sheryl & Jim

As Chad and I approach the "Seven Year Itch," my time spent with Sheryl and Jim on Friday was encouraging since they are celebrating their 10 year anniversary and are just as in love as ever.

I met up with Sheryl and Jim in Oregon, Illinois at Castle Rock State Park on a crisp afternoon and quickly felt like I had known them forever. You can tell they just enjoy each other's company.

He was eager to comply with my request for a "nuzzle."

They were cracking each other up the whole time.

I think they may have forgotten I was even there for a minute.

So sweet.

Congrats to you both and I hope you enjoyed your weekend in historic Galena, Illinois. Go REDWINGS!!!