When I arrived at Katie’s parents home, it was time to put on the dress!! It was a squeeze but we got it!

I hope I am getting this right, but I am 90% sure that Katie’s mom made the necklace she wore that day. Gorgeous!

Katie Elfers rocked the house with the flowers!!!

While I was with the ladies photographing their final preparations, Ted went over to see what Kevin was up to!

On the way to meet Kevin and the guys, the girls and I dropped by Katie’s grandmothers farm for a few shots. The two horses there were HILARIOUS. From the minute we got out of the limo they were at the edge of the gate, leaning over and begging for attention! Look at these two characters!

No matter where we went, there they were! This photo would not have normally made it on the blog ONLY because the wind came and blew Katie’s bangs in front of her eyes. BUT I HAD to make an exception due to the absolute HILARIOUSNESS of what is going on behind them! Look at that horse SMILING at the camera and the other one looking right at me as if he knows what is going on! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Seriously!! That is one for the record books!!

How could you not love these guys??

The first look…..the cutest moment ever……

The gorgeous couple….

HELLLLOOOOOOOOO beautifulness!

There were a few showers that day that made us have to hide in the cars here and there until it stopped! I have to say that I was a little thankful for it as it made a cool ring shot.

They were married at Kumler Chapel up in Oxford. It is gorgeous!

Mom was a little overcome by watching her daughter come down the aisle!

I love the moment between the bride and groom just as they exit the sanctuary and celebrate the first few moments of being husband and wife….

On the way to the reception we stopped off at a random farm for some more photos!! I was having so much fun shooting here with them! I mean look at these two. Who wouldn’t be???

This could be my fav.

When we arrived at the reception Ted went nuts shooting details! He’s so good.

Their first dance was so sweet! Kevin being silly and Katie laughing at him! Perfect!

I am pretty sure “Cuz if you liked it than you should have put a ring on it” was on and I was probably doing my little dance I always do to that song and Katie was joining in on it! I love this! Thank girl!

I just love our couples. I know I say that a lot but it really is true. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that if you desire to hire us, you have to love having fun so that might have something to do with it! All day, Katie was super chill and ready for anything. From my wedding experience, when a bride is relaxed and having fun, so is everyone else. It is kinda like, “If mama ain’t’ happy ain’t nobody happy.” So for all your future brides, just remember, come rain or come shine, come any wedding day glitches or stresses, just remember to that at the end of the day what will be most important are all the memories you make with your hubby. Make em’ good because it goes so fast. Ted and I will be married 10 years in December and on our wedding day I spent way to much time feeling stressed! Right Ted? Don’t answer that.

Ok, this shall be then end of the Tuesday installment of the ramblings of Kortnee Kate. Have a great one everybody!

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How adorable are these two?? I love all the fun….and life….and energy!

Sam, I love your all out laugh! It is just so contagious! If you were texting in this photo it would be a total LOL, for sure.

Hello gorgeousness!!!

I think if I were these two I would have to have this photo hanging somewhere…. so sweet and real.

New location, or as I like to call it “Low-kay” and new outfits!

Samantha and Kyle, I loved photographing your beautifulness and just getting to know you both! It was so awesome to hear you brag on each others talents and really see the love you have for each other. I cannot wait to have this much fun again on your wedding day! Hey, are we bringing the bikes back?? Hey! Maybe I will have my classic yellow schwinn cruiser by then with the banana boat seat and the silver honker thingy! I can totally bring it!

I hope this brought some joy to your Tuesday everyone! Today I am an email returning, editing machine. I also need to get Micah man ready for Kindergarten. You know what is NUTS!? He starts on the 18th of August. Doesn’t that sound a little early? I have a feeling I am going to be “that mom” at his school. You know, the mom that has to bring him his lunch because I forgot to send it with him. Or that Mom that walks into the school to drop him off in my slippers because I forgot I had them on when I left the house. I hope not but, I think that will be me. I received his school supply list in the mail and was SO excited because there is NOTHING better than shopping for school supplies and a new pair of tennis shoes for the year! I put it in a SUPER safe place because I knew it was really important and now I can’t find it. See, that Mom.

Ok, I am going to go look for that list. Wish me luck. Have a great day everyone!!!!

Remember, WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!!!

We started the adventure on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. With all the gorgeous buildings, speeding taxi’s and the hustle and bustle of the people, it was a perfect place to start!

As we hoofed it towards navy pier, we passed over a super cool bridge area and when I saw the backdrop and the light, I had to stop! Believe it or not there were a TON of people walking past us on this bridge and I literally took one shot between each person passing by!

We taxied it over to the planetarium where there was an incredible view of the city. While I was getting set up, Harpreet was being super adorable so I grabbed a shot!

Look at that water, so pretty! I love this moment….

……and this one…….

This one could very well be my fav!! I love everything about it!

We were loosing light fast. That sometimes happens to me as I tend to get carried away during my shoots so we were bookin’ it! But, on the way to the boat docks, I saw this HUGE macaroni noodle with the word “love” on it. I mean, how could anyone pass up the chance to photograph in front of a huge macaroni noodle?

All of the boat docks were locked up tight. SOOOOOO, it came in handy that a very nice man was willing to let us in for some photos!

These two are SO fabulous. Really…. they are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. The entire time I was genuinely loving hanging out with them. They are super in love and I know their wedding is just going to be amazing.

Harpreet, you are gorgeous!

This one could be my runner-up for the favorite spot!

As they were so kindly making sure I made it back to my car we grabbed a few fun shots in the street with all of the city lights! I love their happy energy in this photo!

Thank you guys for inviting me up to Chicago for such a fun evening of shooting and hanging out! It was fun popping in and out of taxi’s, walking under questionable bridges and attempting to get photos of you in front of a huge macaroni noodle while crazy children climbed above your heads!! HAHAHA! I loved every bit of it and I cannot wait to create more fabulous photos of the two of you in love on your wedding day!!

Remember, WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!!! Happy Monday everyone!!

Ryan, Colin and Calum live in Scotland and were just here for a short time so they could show off their latest addition! Calum is just about 6 months and he is hysterical! The amount of facial expressions this child has should qualify him for some type of award! He was such a good sport in the heat and dealing with all of us trying to get him to smile and make faces!! It’s tough being so cute, huh Calum??

Look at this Gerber baby! Those blue eyes, blonde hair, ugh! I just want to squeeze his little cheeks!!

When the hat came out I was just cracking up! I am such a sucker for cute kiddo hats!

Whoops!! I love how it looks like he is totally complaining about not being able to see!

I think he looks a ton like mom!

So I think we determined quickly that Calum was not in love with this outfit.

So we stripped him naked and he was happy as a lark! I love his face here!

And here! By the time we got to the Scottish Kilt he was over the outfit changes I think! But the face, classic!

Happy baby!!

Looooove this one. 

Look at his face!! So sweet!!!!!

I have to confess that the very first photo we took we put him in the grass thinking he might be able to balance and well, he didn’t! He did a slight face plant into the grass and you could tell he knew who set up that shot! So, in order to get back into his good graces, I made sure we had hand holding from there on out!

The sisters!!

Alison was pretty excited to have her little nephew here finally!!

Another favorite of mine! Such a sweet little family!!!

Calum, thanks for workin’ it for me for so long, in such heat! You were a trooper and I can’t wait to photograph you again! Oh, and when you are allowed to finally eat ice cream, I owe you one for the face plant.

It is a rainy Tuesday everyone so hang in there! Remember, if you are bored, sitting at your desk at work, looking out the window at the dark rainy day….. go ahead and leave us a comment. It will make the sunshine come out. Seriously, try it. It works.

The wedding and reception were both held at the French House, a gorgeous home built in the 1800′s. I have officially fell in love with this venue. We have photographed here before but every time we are back it gets better and better!

Stephanie got ready at the French House surrounded by all of her family and friends. Steph was a bridesmaid in a former wedding of ours (shout out to Ashley and Ryan!!) so we knew this wedding would be a blast!! She was so excited as the the hair and makeup were wrapping up and it was time to get on the dress!

Christian Louboutin wedding shoes! MWAH!

A gorgeous Jenny Packham dress. Wait until you see the back……

Summer Holmes ROCKED the makeup! Steph looked flawless and stayed that way ALL day long!

The moments of her mom and sister helping her get into the dress were just priceless….

My heart meeeeeeelts over this photo! Such perfect expressions of love.

Since everything was being held at one location it made it so easy to grab a bunch of detail shots even before Justin and Steph saw each other for the first time! Just posting these cupcake photos makes my mouth water! We were enjoying one at the end of the wedding reception and the frosting was built up so high Ted looked over laughing as I had a big glob of it on my nose! I can just see myself heading back into the reception like that!!

Check out the serious floral skills that belong to Courtenay Lambert! I sware, that lady outdoes herself every time!!!!

The wedding was held outdoors and the reception was mostly indoors with a tent set up outside for extra seating.

The first look!!!

Steph’s mom handmade this sweet little sign. I love this photo, you can see how proud she was!

We had so much fun running around taking photos and making fun memories before the ceremony! Check out this AMAZING home I ran into down the street from the French House! So classic! I think it fit their look to the T!

We headed downtown for a few shots and Ted noticed the “groom” sign! hahahaha!

All the sexy men….

It is so great to have such a festive group!

When we returned to the French House for the ceremony I had the chance to meet the little ring bearer! Isn’t he a doll?!?!?!?

Final preparations before the ceremony.

Off to get married!

I LOVE this photo.

How precious is this?!!??!!

The emotion was contagious….

Married!!!

This is definitely one of my fav’s!!!!!

The new husband and wife!

Told ya. The back is amazing huh???

The toasts were priceless!!

In the middle of the reception the light was INCREDIBLE! Thank you guys for allowing us to grab you for a few minutes of photos! I am sooooooo in love with these!!

A sweet moment….

The venue at night was just as gorgeous! Goodwin Lighting rocked it out!

First dance…

I was SO proud to be shooting Steph and Justin’s wedding, and to top it off, I had two past Kortnee Kate brides there!! Aren’t my brides so cute??

The serious bling!

Ok you two… there are SO many more photos coming!  We  adore you both and cannot wait to  hear all about the honeymoon!  I  am so glad you have such fabulous  memories of your wedding day!!

Happy Tuesday everyone! Thank you for stopping by and remember, WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!!!!!

Before each of our weddings I spend time talking to the bride about their wedding day. Stephanie and I had spent time talking about all of the fun details as well as the schedule for the day and much much more. At the end of the conversation she let out a sigh and said, “We just feel like we are little kids waiting for Christmas!” I love it!

When I came to photograph Stephanie getting ready, she was all smiles from the first click of the shutter.

A gorgeous dress and an old Trolley Car, perfect! There are so many perks to having your wedding at the Cincinnati Museum Center!

The first look…. it was so awesome! Future brides, no worries about any “moment” being ruined if you decide to see each other before the wedding!! Just look at those faces!!

Stephanie’s energy is contagious! I promise you she had this smile on the entire day!!

This might be my fav.

We had to head back to the old trolley car! All day when a photo would have them really close Stephanie would say, “It is soooooo hard to be this close to you and not kiss ya!” I just love how much they love.

One last kiss on some random green couches before running off to get married!!!

What a sweet moment! She was solid until the end of the aisle and then she lost it!

Married!!!!

YEY! Time to celebrate!

Their first dance as husband and wife.

What is it about dancing with your dad that just makes you loose it?? She had a more than a few people grabbing for tissues before this dance was over!!

Beautiful classic rings in classic bird seed.

And their off!!!! I told ya, Stephanie had this smile the entire day!!!

Thank you for allowing Ted and me to be a part of your big day! You both made the day so fun and so chill, it was awesome! Congrats to you both!!!

Remember, we love your comments!!!!!!!

When Sam wanted to do pregnancy photos I was super jazzed! She and Kevin welcomed their little one into the world just a week or two ago!! I am heading over to photograph little baby Preston next week!!

It is so not fair. When I was this close to delivery I looked like the Pillsbury Dough Boy! Ask Ted, he’ll tell ya!

So beautiful! Love this one!!!

Look how adorable! hahaha!!

Sam was the perfect prego girl. From the back there was NO WAY you would have known she was pregnant!! Her belly was a perfectly shaped basketball!

I love when the perfect gust of wind shows up at just the right time!

I swear that one of my favorite parts of having a kid was buying the adorable shoes!! Hey, don’t judge. When the little guy spends the whole night keeping you up screaming you need adorable shoes to keep you sane!

I just love this part of my job! Being able to photograph the coolest milestones in people’s lives! Sam and Kevin, I cannot wait to meet your little guy!

Happy Friday everyone! Keep your fingers and toes crossed for us that the rain will hold off for Rob and Mandy’s wedding tomorrow!! Have a great weekend everyone!!

Remember, we love your comments!!!

Maggie and Charlie’s wedding is right around the corner! We are so ready to head up to Cleveland and document their once in a lifetime big day! Can you even imagine Maggie as a bride?? I mean, SERIOUSLY.

SO CUTE!!

I couldn’t resist the yummy sign.

I just love when people park their cool cars on the same road I am shooting on. That is so nice of them.

Oh HELLLLLLLLLOOOOOOO gorgeous!

I could not believe when I stumbled upon this AMAZING field of yellow flowers! I LOVE THESE PHOTOS!!

Happiness….

I need this photo in my studio. Yesterday.

This is the amazing location we trespassed on. I think it was worth it eh?

Perfect!

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We will see you next month for your fabulous wedding day!!!!!

Remember, we love your comments!!!!!

Sarah is just gorgeous. That pretty long blond hair and those blue eyes! What a combo!

Her for-real laugh cracks me up!! SO CUTE!!

A little dead sexy here… look out Tyra!

I think Ted must have been pullin’ out the funny here. He is really funny. Or at least he thinks he is most of the time.

Ok, Sarah, I JUST realized that yesterday I tried on this very dress at American Eagle. How weird is that?!?! You pulled it off way better then me!

I love this picture. All I can see from afar are those blue eyes!

HEEEEELLLLLLOOOOOOOOOO gorgeous light! Nice work Tedo!

So editorial of you.

Again, rockin’ the light ooooooout! MWAH!

Holy beautiful batman. Sarah, you are gorgeous!! Thank you for allowing us to document your LAST year in high school!! Wooooo-hooooo!

On another note, I hereby solomley (more like excitedly) swear to start posting more on this blog! I have been SO determined to stay on top of all the editing this season that the blog has fallen by the wayside. Every year, at the beginning of the wedding season I start shooting a TON of weddings, not realizing that unless I edit like a mad woman right from the beginning I am going to get behind for the rest of the year and have to spend many many late nights in my office meeting deadlines. I swore to myself I would not be doing that this year so keep tabs on me. Feel free to ask me about my editing list. I shall by edit free this year and actually get to go to the pool this summer!! With all of that said, since I am now up on my editing I have a TON more to post so, see ya soon back in the land of Kortnee Kate’s blog. Thank you for visiting me today.

Remember, your comments make me happy.

Here is a really rough, scanned old photo of him and his puppies.

A younger Omer.

I love this photo as he was almost as well known for his pipe as he was his puppies. ( BTW, my mom is the little girl in this photo.)

I tell you all of this because when I was in New York City a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting another fellow dog lover, Ku and her baby Simba. Listening to Ku talk about the almost 17 years they have spent together almost brings tears to your eyes. Simba has been a loyal friend, faithful protector and loving confidant for all of those years. He is now 17 years old and starting to slow down especially with the recent hip replacement. You can see that his fur is shaved in a few places due to the surgery. During the shoot, Ku pushed him around in the cutest puppy stroller but when she would get him up to lead him to it, he would wobble happily beside her, like the true friend he has always been. I was so honored to document their connection.

Sweet puppy paws.

Ku is a private chef in New York City and Simba gets to go to work with her everyday! What a life! I am positive that he eats better then me!

Look at this sweet face!

Puppy love.

I love how happy he looks here!!

and here…….

Ku, you are so gorgeous girl! You two make a fabulous set of models!

Ku, I had a fabulous time getting to know you and your baby. I loved hearing the story of how Simba fell into your life by chance and it was instant love! I can’t wait to see you again on our next trip out east!

I want to leave you with a published poem written by my great-grandfather, Omer Sheets.

MY DOG:

People will say that a dog has no soul,

They have no way of knowing it’s true.

I believe there is a heaven for dogs

If there’s one for me or for you.

If I have a soul, my dog has one, too.

She is just as deserving as I.

For what my dog is, and what she means to me,

Is something I never could buy.

If there’s a home in Heaven for me,

And if it’s up there in the sky,

Then it looks like there’s plenty of room so my dog

Could be there with me when we die.

And I’ll have a place with my loved ones someday,

Away off up there in the blue,

No matter how bright, it just doesn’t seem right,

If my dog can’t be there with me, too.

Omer Sheets

April 7th, 1967

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