CONNECTION is the cornerstone of my photography studio and experience I give to everyone who trusts me to document this special time in their lives! Beyond just capturing stunning, magazine worthy images, establishing a genuine connection with each senior is paramount. Its about creating a space where you feel comfortable, valued, and understood, allowing your true personality to shine in front of my camera. When there's a strong connection between us, authentic moments are captured, emotions are beautifully expressed, and the resulting images become treasured memories that truly reflect the essence of who YOU are. So, shall we get to know each other? I'll go first, and then I want to hear all about you!
From the time I entered high school and for almost 20 years after that, the biggest dream I had in my heart was to be a star on Broadway. I was a singer and an actor, have a degree in musical theatre, and there was never a thought that I would do anything other than that with my life! I am also a classically trained mezzo-soprano in the opera. So, all my singers, dancers, actors, artists, and instrumentalists- I GET you and I'm HERE for it!
I spent 2 1/2 years in New York City upon receiving my BFA in musical theatre, but shortly after that, the Lord called me back home to St. Louis. I spent the following 10 years teaching private voice, piano, and acting to high school students as well as coaching auditions. I've always had a heart for high school girls and my mission has ALWAYS been to empower, uplift, and encourage young women to walk in their God-given identity....now, instead of doing that from behind a piano, I'm doing it from behind my camera!
In 2020, I married the love of my life, and let me tell you- he was worth every second of the seemingly countless years God prepared us for each other! I'm living proof that waiting for God's best is not only possible, but it is always the better way, even if it isn't always the easier way!
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God brought this wonderful man into my life right before I turned 35, and we were married 2 weeks before I turned 36. He is everything I prayed for in a husband as well as everything I never thought to pray for. We were married on Romans 8:28 Day (August 28th!) and Kodi is definitely one of the prime examples in my life of God working ALL things together for the good of those who love him, who are called according to His purpose.
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I have loved Disney my whole life! Growing up, I always wanted a Mickey Mouse kitchen, and now that I have a house of my own, not only is my kitchen, indeed, Mickey Mouse themed, but so is the rest of my house. AND my wedding was Mickey Mouse themed- I made everything for my wedding from the centerpieces, to the invitations and programs, to the table numbers and the place cards, it was a blast and truly the most beautiful thing. And what Disney fan isn't obsessed with that castle?! Do you love the Mouse as much as I do? : )
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So, you already know that I have a BFA in musical theatre, but what you might not know is that I've also played the piano for over 32 years. I had the great privilege of being taken to the symphony and piano concerts by my grandpa when I was a kid and over a lifetime, developed a deep love and appreciation for classical music. I am currently working on Beethoven's Waldstein Sonata and the Emperor's Concerto.
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I have had the great blessing of being able to travel my entire life. I have been to almost all 50 United States, to 10 countries in Europe, lived in London for a semester, and lived in NYC for 2 1/2 years. I LOVE mountains and ever since my dad took me skiing for the first time at 15, I can't get enough of it! I am up for a trip any time anywhere, and hope to photograph portraits all over the country and the world!
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While there were no animals in my life until I was 26, I don't remember a time in my life where I didn't LOVE Christmas! I put my Christmas tree up on November 1st and don't take it down until March (some years, later! LOL!) Christmastime just makes my heart so happy! I got my first two cats (my current ones, Godiva and Julie) from Mau Haus on my 33rd birthday when they were 1 and 2. They are the cutest, sweetest, funniest, most entertaining, loving things ever and I love them with all my heart. I would have all the cats if I could!
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I becamse obsessed with puzzles after I moved home from NYC in 2010. I put together a ton of 1,000 piece Disney puzzles. For my birthday one year, my dad got me a 24,000 piece puzzle. I didn't open it until 2019 when Kodi and I discovered our mutual love for puzzles! I finished that puzzle just before we were married and gave it to my parents for Christmas that year. Kodi and I received a 40,000 piece (yes, you read that right!) Disney puzzle for our wedding and couldn't be more excited to put it together! When we do, I'll post the pic!
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I saved my absolute favorite thing for last, and there truly aren't words to describe how much I love God's words and how they have completely transformed my heart, soul, attitude, and life! I didn't have these words until I was 39 years old and can honestly say I lived a pretty miserable existence until then. I suffered from a lifelong depression since the age of 12, and I kid you not, the day I embraced the words of God that He preserved for us to have is the very day my depression was lifted, and it hasn't returned! Godiva loves to study the Bible with me every day, and loves to help me memorize. It is my goal to memorize one chapter a week for the next 5 years until I have the New Testament memorized.
So, how about you?! What are some of your favorite things? I can't wait to get to know you and learn what makes you come alive. I am committed to making your senior session personally tailored to who you are as an individual and to making you feel more beautiful than you've ever felt in your life. Your photos should look and feel like you. Whether its music, acting, dancing, performing, fashion, or the beauty of nature that inspires you, let's bring to life your vision for your session, and while we're at it, consider me your ultimate hype girl!
are you ready to capture your story?
As a St. Louis Senior Photographer, I believe that every image we capture holds a story- a story of love, of growth, and the beautiful journey that brings us to this moment. Behind every click of the shutter lies a heart filled with passion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the emotions that swirl around this pivotal time in your life.
Growing up, I wrestled with a paralyzing self-hatred and deep insecurities, always struggling to see any beauty within myself. But through a relationship with Jesus, I found solace, healing, and then worth, purpose, and identity. It is now my mission to shine His light and love to as many people as possible, being a mirror for them to see and celebrate the true beauty and uniqueness in themselves. You're in a safe place when you're with me and my goal is for you to shine brightly and authentically, leaving our time together having never felt more fabulous!
For parents, this season of life can be bittersweet. It's a time of transition, of letting go, and embracing the next chapter as your senior spreads their wings and ventures into the world. My aim is to not only freeze these precious moments in time but to infuse them with warmth, love, and a sense of reassurance that your senior's unique spirit will always be cherished and remembered.
And to you, fabulous senior- this is your moment to shine like never before! Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-expression, laughter, and celebration. Whether you're rocking the latest trends or your ballet costume, my goal is to capture the essence of the joyful person you are in every frame, leaving you with images that reflect your truest self and fill your heart with joy for years to come.
the heart
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