As they arrived, I handed them their very own Team Kortnee t-shirt… handmade with love. I know, probably a little over the top but, what can I say. Steve (Studio Z Films) and Reagan were good sports!

Rick was especially thrilled.

Kristen (Tres Chic Event Planning) is Rick’s better half. She came in the door saying she was not a big fan of bowling and she was only doing this for me!! HAHAHAHA! Thanks Kristen, nuttin’ but love. MWAH!

I love how everyone immediately got their prop on!

My shirt said 29 of course but my bud Jason was turning 30 the very next day!! So, he had to be Team Jason!!

Ted thought he would be real funny and put on the one wig that looked almost EXACTLY like my hair! HAHAHA! He is such a nut! But, that’s why I love em’ I guess!

Watching everyone bowl with wigs on was just hysterical!! I laughed so hard trying to take these photos!!

OK, DRUM ROLL….. This is my favorite shot of the night! Look how his long locks blow in the breeze as he tosses the ball down the lane!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!! I seriously think I might need this photo in my office.

Obama Ted tryin’ out some tricks!

And Rick trying one of his own…. He used to be a center snapper so, he had skills.

Reagan!!! I love it!!! HAHAHAHA!!!

For some reason Ted’s tongue popped out every time he released the bowling ball!!

It was all so fun to watch!

I have to say that I rolled a pretty good game that night. I think Steve was jealous.

I did roll several strikes but I I would mostly hit all of them down but one!! UGH! So, I decided to try and squeeze it until it popped.

Good times!!!

YEAH DANIELLE! SUPA-STAR!

All my peeps!! Thank you for such a fabulous 29th!!!!

Tonight we leave the land of birthday and back to the world of weddings!! I have a SUPER FUN wedding to post on here tomorrow!!! See you then!!!

Remember, WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!!!!

I SOOOOOO want to make the entire post right now but it is 1am and I have an early morning so I will make the full post later today. I have to say that some of these photos make me bend over laughing! Man, we had so much fun celebrating the last birthday I will own up to!!!! Turning 29 was a little nerve racking but it was one of my most favorite.

I got my shoe rental for free…. yesssssssss….. I knew there would be perks for turning 29.   (yes, I made t-shirts for everyone with sharpie markers.)

29 baby!! Man my hubby is so cute…

Ok, check back soon!! The full post will be here and you do not want to miss it!!!

Remember, WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!!!!

For his birthday, I invited some of our friends to come over to our house to celebrate!!! I found these ADORABLE little deserts at the Kroger in Hyde Park. How cute are these???

There is nothing like eating dinner and laughing with friends….

We were SO EXCITED to have my sister in from out of town for the party! Everyone says we look like twins…..

Meet Rob. Rob has been buddies with Ted since college. He was a groomsmen in our wedding and has been an incredible friend throughout the years! I wish I could put one of their college stories on the blog but, I am not sure it would be appropriate!! We are so excited to be photographing his wedding Sarah this year!!

During the party, we had craft time. I gave everyone a paper bag, markers, glitter, scissors, glue and tape. They had ten minutes to make a “Ted Head.” Winner won a prize! I am not sure they knew what to think at first but we had a BLAST!!! It was so funny to see what they came up with!

Our friends Steve (from Studio Z Films) and his lovely wife Reagan were there, of course!

Meet our good friends and neighbors Danielle and Gerson. They also help us in our studio! We love you guys!

When the ten minutes was up we went around the group and you had to put on your “Ted Head” and explaining why it looked like him!! Reagan was cracking up as Steve explained himself! Is that gum stuck to the outside Steve??

Ted, I am not sure when you hung out with Reagan wearing blue eye-liner and red lipstick but, I think you have some explaining to do!! HAHAHAHAHA!! Reagan, this totally cracks me up!!!!!!

This is Lisa!! She and her husband Vance are fabulous fabulous friends of ours and look how adorable she is!! When I turned 28 I spent my birthday celebrating with them in New York city! So fun! Little fun tidbit, Ted married them!

Gerson and Danielle’s Ted heads! I have to say, Gerson’s Ted head was a little shocking. I promise you that it looks EXACTLY like Ted’s baby pictures!!!!

This is Jason. He is married to Amy and we LOVE them! They are HILARIOUS and were one of our past bride and grooms! Jason’s Ted head looks a little angry but this is because he and Ted are racquetball buddies! This must be how he looks in the gym!! HAHAHA!!

Drum roll…………….. Gerson was the winner!!! Ted and Micah were the judges! Micah loved hanging out with all the adults! I think he won a bottle of wine if memory serves me right!

Look at all these Ted Heads…. this is a little scary!

Lisa and Vance, you are the best! I am not sure why Ted looks like he is going to punch the camera! We were having way too much fun!!

Steve, this is getting printed for the studio… maybe our new photo over the mantel? I think so. Yeah. I think so.

I am not sure if I am posting this today because a small part of me feels better about turning 29 by doing so!!! Since I was old enough to remember I have been so worried about turning 30! I know, it seems petty but, I have always linked the end of my youthful fun days with turning 30. I guess it is a different stage of life but I have coming around to the idea that your 30’s can be MORE fun than your 20’s because you are more settled and have a greater sense of self. I keep telling myself that. I will let you know this time next year if I finally talked myself into it!!

I am excited to spend this evening with friends celebrating another fabulous year of being alive!!! Cheers!!!!!

This trip was extra special as Dora, owner of Viva Bella wedding and event planning, is Amy’s sister and was in Dallas the weekend we shot the photos! We absolutely love working with Dora so it is such an honor to be working with her lovely sister and family! To see all the incredible work that Dora does, click here!

I love when a couple truly has fun in front of my camera! Amy and Lauren were totally in the moment and when that happens, great photos are in store!!!

Their dead sexy poses at then end of their imaginary runway!! HAHAHA!!!!

Our feet get a little muddy on this one but, I think it was totally worth it, don’t you???

Genuine happiness…. (((sigh))) …. I just love it!

The key to photographing in the freezing cold is to take a little break and warm up!! We dropped by a super cute coffee shop near Amy’s house.

One of the waiters brought over a cappuccino with a cinnamon heart on top! HOW ADORABLE IS THAT!?!

This needs to be hanging in their kitchen….

Then it was off to downtown Dallas!

I LOOOOOOOVE me some color.

Amy, YOU LOOK GEORGEOUS GIRL! Tyra would be proud!

HAHAHAHAHAHA! Lauren the comedian!!

I love perfectly placed graffiti!

We stumbled upon a sweeeeet old school diner! And I mean OLD SCHOOL! It was perfect!

Downtown Dallas at night!!!

Amy and Lauren were so sweet to invite me back to their families home for dinner after the shoot! Dora’s new baby girl Joy was getting ready for some beauty sleep so I grabbed a couple photos before she was out for the night! Isn’t she ADORABLE! I want to squeeze those cheeks!

Their little doggy was a little jealous so I had to grab one! She totally posed for it. This is her dead sexy look!!

Thank you for flying me down for the shoot guys! I LOVED getting to know you both and seeing the gorgeous city you reside in! No doubt that the wedding will be a blast!!

Thank you everyone for stopping by! Have a great Monday!!!!!!!!!! Remember, WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!!!

Weddings can be stressful on a couple. All the planning, all the decisions, all of the small details to keep track of can be a lot. Shannon and John had a lot of help from Dawn, owner of Details by Dawn. I have to say that I think every bride needs a planner. It is shocking to see the difference in a brides demeanor on the wedding day when she knows that someone else is taking care of all the little details!

Shannon, you looked so gorgeous!!!

I love a good detail…

How cute are Shannon’s comfy wedding shoes?!?!?

While I was with the girls while they were getting ready, Ted took the guys out for a few pics! They had way too much fun!

Meet the happy couple…

Those eyes… Geeeesh! Gorgeous!

Off to get married!!!!

Before the ceremony, I am not sure what was on this iphone but the bridesmaids were having a ball! I love this photo! It makes me smile!

Seeing Dad shake the hand of the man taking his daughters is always a favorite moment of mine.

I love the moment right before the kiss….

First moment as husband and wife….

It is all in the details…

The reception was held at the Cincinnati Museum Center. While I was taking photos of the bride and groom outside the building, Ted was shooting inside! One of the perks of having two lead photographers.

THE SUPER FUN WEDDING PARTY! Or as I like to call them, the big WP.

He wasn’t sure what to think about me! This was a great band… Dawn or Shannon, when you read this, please leave the name of the band in the comment section for all the brides getting married soon!! Thanks!!

Love from Papa….

I love Shannon’s ring!!!!! BLING-DIDDY-BLING!

A toast to you both Shannon and John!! We wish you love, laughter, and a happily ever after!

Shannon and John had a great team working to make their day a hit! I grabbed a few shots of that team during the reception! Meet Dawn! As I mentioned, she and her team made the day flawless and we adore working with her!! Great job!

Steve with Studio Z Films was there to ensure an INCREDIBLE wedding film for the happy couple! He also put together a pretty amazing Same Day Edit for them that played footage from the wedding day at the reception! Amazing people… to see it, click here.

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

When I was in high school, my senior most was “Most Jobs.” Which, to those of you who know me, this may not be a big surprise! I loved bouncing around from job to job in hopes of finding out what I loved and made me feel like I was doing something worthwhile.

Then I met Ted. I was 19 and just finished my first year of college. Still not knowing that I wanted to do, I had not declared a major. Little did I know, a really cute youth pastor  intern was about to turn my life upside down. We married almost exactly six months after our first date. For about six years or so we did youth ministry full time. We loved youth ministry, but we soon realized another path we were meant to be on.

One day, I called Ted at work and said, “I think I know what I want to do with the rest of my life. I think I am supposed to be a photographer.” Ted, being the incredibly supportive friend he always has been, he immediately said, “Ok, lets go get you a real camera.” From there, the rest is history. I have officially found the job that makes me feel like I am making a difference in peoples lives. That I am creating memories on paper for generations to come. To all of my amazing clients who trust us to document their lives, we never take it lightly.

For your Thursday viewing pleasure, a little sneak peek of our next fabulous wedding feature! Shannon and John!!! Have a great day everyone!!

Remember, WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!!!

May you both continue to look at each other like this everyday…. just like this.

Married!!!

I took this photo once the family photos following the ceremony were over and it was time to head out for the reception! I love it!

Written by Susan on the window of the limo on the way to the reception. You need to have this hanging in your house somewhere!! So sweet!

A perfect beginning of a really fun reception!!

The toasts were precious. You can see the pure love she has for Susan!

Susan totally belted out an incredible version of “Son of a preacher man” for Joe!! It was AWESOME!!!

Susan and Joe know how to boogie let me tell ya! Congratulations you guys!! Thank you for allowing us to take the photos you will cherish for a lifetime. It was an honor. I know that the love you show for each other inspires others to love. We wish you lifelong happiness together…. Kortnee and Ted

Remember, WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!!!

Susan looked GORGEOUS. I was in love with her hair. Perfect. Her emotion while putting on the dress was contagious.

After all of the “first looks” I have posted on this blog, no one can ever make the case that seeing each other before the wedding ruins the day. Look at this sequence! So cute!

They were slightly excited about marrying each other.

It was a little chilly so Susan rocked this adorable cover up.

Helllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllooooo Gorgeous!

I love watching a bride with her best girls on her wedding day….

I love this one! How much fun are these two???

Havin’ some fun playin’ in the street!

The wedding party had to join in!

Off to get married! You will find part 2 of Joe and Susan’s wedding here tomorrow! The emotion of the ceremony and the get-down of the reception is just awesome! See you tomorrow!!!!! Happy Monday everyone!

Remember, WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!

Meet Katie. This is her story:

A woman named Pamela  adopted Katie 10 years ago this past August from a farm lady that picked up Katie and 5 other relatives who were left on the side of the road in Boone County.

Pam brought Katie home and for 10 years she has been a loyal companion and friend to Pam. This dog was amazing with Pam.  She and Pam could speak the same language. Pam devoted her entire life to this dog. You see, Pam has no family at all, none. Only Katie.

Pam fell ill a few weeks ago and had to be taken to the hospital where the doctors and social workers told her she would not be able to return home. Her only words were, “my Katie!” Pam is now in a nursing home and trying to adjust. A neighbor has taken Katie to visit Pam several times and she says it is heart breaking to see them together.

I pray with all my heart that you can find a new home for this loyal companion and friend. She has given an elderly lady a reason for living and has years yet to give. She loves children and never ever has been cross to anyone. She barks when someone knocks on the door and that was a good thing for Pam.

The good neighbor has been walking her each day (new to Katie as Pam was not able to walk her) and feeding her diet food as Pam let her become over weight. She does take medicine for thyroid which I believe could be stopped when her weight is controlled.

She is now living ALONE in Pam’s home.  The good neighbor checks on her 3 times a day and walks her twice a day. I hate that she is alone there.

Can you find it in your heart to give Katie a great second home?  If not – will you please pass this link along to your animal loving friends and family members… www.kortneekate.com/blog .Let’s give Pam piece of mind and give Katie a loving “forever” home!!! If you have questions or want to inquire about adopting Katie please call Monica Weakley at 513.6007296. Thank you!!!

I have to tell you that Amy and DJ are just cool. They really are. They are so my kind of clients and we could have photographed them for hours. Needless to say, their wedding in March will be a ton of fun! And, we get to work with our friend Steve, who will be making an amazing film for them on their wedding day!!!

It was a little rainy the day of the season so we decided to have a little fun with it!

How adorable are these two? I mean seriously… Amy pulls off her FABULOUS look like no other! The hair, the coat, the shoes…. MWAH!

DJ, you were lookin’ pretty swanky yourself!

I just love this one.

In my mind, Amy had become legendary with her shoe selection abilities! When they came in for their initial consultation, I immediately noticed the most fabulous pair of red high heels on her feet. From that point on, it was love.

I love their laughs in this one!! So cute and so them!

We shot inside for half of the session as it was a tad chilly and rainy outside.

LOVE IT.

Yes, this is the coolest “chair” ever. I want it in my living room yesterday!

This should be an ad for something. Man these two  know how to take a smokin’ photo!

This could be my fav.

I love their silliness!

Oh my goodness I love my job! Can you tell?? It is SO cool to me that their children will look at these photos when they are 80 and say, “Man my mom and dad were cool!!”

Thank you to all of you who dropped in to check on our little section of the cyber world! Remember, WE LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!! Have a good day everyone!!