Last weekend when I came home to meet my little nephew for the first time, he wasn’t the only bundle of cuteness I got to cuddle. I also got to spend some time with one of my closest friends, Teresa and her new little baby girl, Kadence. I’ve known Teresa for a very long time and it’s crazy to imagine that she now has two precious little girls! Knowing that she’s married to her sweetheart and happily embracing the joys of being a mom to her beautiful daughters brings me joy, too.

Kadence was peacefully sleeping the afternoon away when I arrived and I got to hold her tiny little body and cuddle her for awhile while her mommy and I caught up on life. She was the perfect model, she just laid there like a slumbering angel the entire time, gracefully letting me capture her preciousness.

When Teresa’s first daughter, Kerrigan was born I took her photos, as well, and have since been blessed to behold her bubbling personality and amusing anecdotes each time I see her. Kerri was the flower-girl in our wedding last May and such a beautiful girl. I can only imagine the fun memories I’ll share watching both her and her new little sister, Kady grow up together.

Kady’s Nana gave Kady her first baby bracelet and we had to take a photo. And isn’t Kerri so sweet with her baby sister?

Try ending this blog after that picture without a huge smile on your face!

This was not to be. When I left work that evening it was dark as night. The clouds had turned a deep, menacing gray and rain was beginning to pelt the sidewalk. Hoping for the best, I continued on my way to Nevada where it was not yet storming, but was on the path of storminess. As planned, I met Peggy and Jeff at the park and we both explained to each other, if the rain didn’t bother you it won’t bother me! With an attitude of “what’s a little rain” I knew this was going to be a fun session no matter what!

And was it fun! From the park to the graffiti-covered underbelly of Nevada (Yes, I’m being dramatic) they, as I quoted in my Facebook status “Rocked the raindrops.” Challenges aside, this session became something entirely different than what I had envisioned, and entirely wonderful.

Peggy and Jeff decided to plan a wedding with just a month to go and it is just this kind of whirlwind of romance and passion that makes their love so alive.  From this one engagement session alone I could tell they would be able to weather any storm (yes) and no matter what life throws at them I imagined they will take it for what it is and find a fun and exciting way to embrace it.

First we took some photos at the park while the rain was still picking up and we had a little more light.

When the rain was just getting to be too much we ran to the gazebo for some sheltered shots.

I love the rain in this one.

Perfect time to bring out an umbrella. I have a thing for umbrellas.

From the park we headed to a spot under the road that was sheltered from the rain and provided some fun, urban backdrops.

The overpass provided some much needed shelter and offered some great locations.

I love love love this photo below. The way the light is reflected in the water and you can see the rain pouring behind their heads and the puddles swirling at their feet.

When the rain had let up a bit we left the shelter of the overpass for the artistic awesomeness of a nearby wall of graffiti.

Had to get this fun moment.

Mmmm! Aren’t those colors yummy?

This session was one-of-a-kind wonderful and I am so happy to do what I do and capture love like this.

♥ Brittany

In an effort to enlighten my audience about the many things that make up… me, I’ve decided it’s about time I explained where the name “silverdoves” came from.

It all began when I was dipping my toes into the enchanting possibilities of the world wide web. My daddy, who is one of the most brilliant and inspiring men I’ve ever known, suggested I have my own website so I could declare my crazy to the world! This was sometime during my first year studying Graphic Design at NRTC in Nevada, MO., where I had learned the basics of HTML coding and web design. The prospect of my very own webliscious outlet to make my own was intriguing. I began to think of all the many things I could put on my website and the how I could develope an entire online identity. But first, I had to choose a domain name.

I really hadn’t known what a task this would be. It seemed as though every domain name in the universe had been claimed. Since this could potentially be a monumental decision, I took some time to deliberate.

It was also around this time that I developed my love for writing poetry. During the ages of 16 and 17 I was writing an average of 3 poems per week. They may not have all been literary masterpieces, but it contributed to my self-discovery, playing a large part in defining who I was. I discovered I had favorite words, ones that would show up in my writing because I couldn’t seem to abandon them. Silver was one of these words. Perhaps it was the challenge of finding a rhyming counterpart, or it might have been that I liked the feeling of the sharp consonants on my tongue. It was therefore pretty well decided that whichever domain name I chose, it would have the word silver in it.

My daddy and I sat down and tested out some of the combinations of words I had decided sounded pretty rad. It’s surprising that I can’t remember now, but I had my heart settled on one particular phrase, a combination of silver and some other word (tears? rain? showers?) but it had been claimed by someone else who shared my opinion that it was awesome. One of my close seconds was silverdove, which to me symbolized a bright, Heavenly aura of mystery. When that, too was unavailable I added the “s” and gasped in delight when it showed as available. Something about it resounded in me and in that moment I took the name “silverdoves” and made it my own. It became my new email address, my screen name on every forum and website I joined and I began to identify with it. It essentially became the all-encompassing signature of ownership. It just seemed right that it would be what I called myself when I started promoting my creative endeavors.

This was just the beginning. What had first seemed like just a random and pretty-sounding combination of words began to take meaning beyond a simple phrase. Either before or right after I chose the name silverdoves, I wrote a poem called “A Silver Feather Falls” and while it didn’t actually use the term “silver doves” it did refer to them as if they were God’s way of telling us all there is still hope. It began to symbolize pure beauty and hope and God’s hand in making me who I am.

*Silver Feather Falls*

Flutter wings of Heaven’s doves
a silver feather falls
The wind – the hand that carries it,
beyond the darkest walls
through doors of opportunity
through windows built by prayer
seen by eyes that grief made blind
shaded by despair

surely such a miracle once graced an angel’s wings
how that this should come to me,
a treasure meant for kings?
To touch a silver feather
scatters worries far away
gently flutters to your feet
to sprinkle blessings as it may
when clouded days close in too tight
listen for the quiet calls
of fluttering wings, Heaven’s doves
as a silver feather falls.

Please forgive any excessive cheesiness in the poem above, I was only 16 and hadn’t yet discovered the freedom of non-rhyming poems. ☺

Then one day I was reading my Bible and came across a verse ending with “…the wings of a dove covered with silver, its pinions with shimmering gold.” {Psalm 68:13} I honestly wasn’t sure what this passage was referring to, but I hadn’t even considered that there was any previous relation between doves and silver. This felt like a divine revelation of some kind! ☺ Now I sometimes imagine that the name silverdoves is a kiss from God and as abstract as it may sound, it’s almost as though God planned it that way all along.

There have been times when I debated whether I should change the name silverdoves to something that better defines what I do, but I can’t seem to leave it now. It’s become a part of me and sometimes I forget the words ever were used apart.

———~oOo~———

The featured photo on this post was one of the very first images I ever photographed. I gasped when I saw what I’d captured and I became addicted to the feeling every since.

Today I woke up late, to the sound of raindrops and the gloomy light of morning peeking through my curtained windows. Taking note of the dreary weather (and because I was running late) I threw on a hoodie and cargo pants and slid my feet into my flip-flops before heading out to my car. Yes, flip-flops. By now I should think to wear my tennis shoes when it’s wet outside. I hate the feeling of rain-soaked pant bottoms and slippery flip-flops. I didn’t really mind too much as I sat in my car enjoying the glow of reflections at the traffic light (which put me another 8 minutes behind schedule.)

Having skipped breakfast to save on time (and calories… and money) I spent the hour long drive to work dreaming of hot tea and buttered cinnamon raisin toast. The rain pattered perfectly in a steady rhythm and if I hadn’t slept in this morning I might have been in danger of drifting off. I thought of all the pleasant rainy days I’ve had in my life and day-dreamed of what I would have been doing if it wasn’t a work day. I also sighed a number of times.

When I got to work I discovered that even running late I was the first to arrive at the studio and realized I was locked out since earlier when I left my apartment I couldn’t find my usual set of keys. I debated sitting in my parked car outside while I waited for someone to show up, but instead I decided this was the perfect opportunity to make a run to walmart for my cinnamon raisin bread and butter. Of course the steady patter developed into a torential downpour only moments before I had to make the journey from my car into the store. By the time I was stood inside I was dripping and my pants were soaked. This lead to the third item I purchased. Comfy socks! Luckily I had my pair of Converse in my car and the thought of cozy socks wrapped in a Converse hug sounded ideal.

I spent the remainder of the morning enjoying some hot Tazo Chai Tea and some well-earned toasted goodness.

When I ventured out for lunch at my usual late afternoon hour I was forced to find somewhere else to eat, since Subway had lost power. This was a fortuitous blessing in disguise since I instead was able to indulge in a French Dip sandwich from the nearby deli that left my chin swimming in Au Jus. If only I had thought to buy “Clockwork Angel” yesterday I could have made my lunch hour complete.

From my lunch of comfort-food perfection to my afternoon of Enya, I immersed myself in rainy-day enjoyments. Now that my husband is preparing to treat me to a burger and a movie I think I can call it the perfect end to a perfect rainy day. ♥

Meet Welton Robert Lee Burney V. He is a crazy adorable bundle of sweetness. I spent the evening with my brother, Bobby and my sister-in-law Jenna and my new nephew, Lee and took some photos that made me gasp when I saw them. I couldn’t stop! He was awake for most of the time and every new angle, every smile and movement and grunt made me want to snap a few more. I snapped off photos until we ran out of light and even then I didn’t want to let him go home.

There are a ton of photos posted in this blog but it isn’t even a handful of the cute little expressions I caught and the fun moments to be had. Can’t you just imagine his cute, cuddly-ness seeing him here? He really is a precious little baby and I can’t wait until I can spend more time with him and watch him grow up. You can also expect his life to be very well documented. Oh the perks of having an auntie who’s a photographer.

Stay tuned in the next few days for a post of another little sweetheart I had the pleasure of cuddling and taking photos of over the weekend!

Because of various other commitments and life-things, we weren’t able to travel down to Missouri to see him until this weekend. I can guarantee you this will be one of the most photographed young charmers ever! Expect to see many posts of his cute face in days to come, starting this week when I get a chance to upload the images I’m taking in about an hour from now. For now I’ll just have to post some of the maternity photos I took of my brother, Bobby and his wife Jenna when they came to visit a week before Lee was born. I’m also posting one of my favorite photos that my sister, Bethany sent me on my phone the morning Lee was born. It made me cry. *sniff

Bobby and his wife are such a fun couple to be around. Because they are so fun and full of life this always results in some interesting photos. I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph Bobby’s senior photos, his engagement photos to Jenna and their wedding photos. Let me tell you, they can’t stand still for a moment, they are so expressive and in love.

And here is one of the two photos I received of Lee the morning he was born, sent by my sister, Bethany. Made me cry and wish desperately I could have been there. If you want to see more photos of Lee you can try to access this album on Facebook, which may or may not be visible to all of  my blog audience.

I arrived at the church for Cherrelle and Ryan’s wedding with Bethany, my amazing sister and second photographer. Inside we were struck by the peaceful quietness that I’ve always experienced when standing inside Timmons Chapel on the campus of Pittsburg State University. I’d had the pleasure of being there many times while a student at Pitt and also as a bridesmaid and photographer for a friend’s wedding in April.  Cherrelle was all smiles and calm anticipation while we were all crowded in the back room, putting on her veil and waiting for the ceremony to start. I’m a hopeless romantic and cry at every wedding I go to and there is something so real and steadfast about the love Cherrelle and Ryan share that brings tears with every laugh, smile and hand squeeze.

When I took Cherrelle and Ryan’s engagement photos earlier this year I fell in love with their laughter and heart for God (and Ryan’s authentic Italian lasagna, mmmmm!) They wanted to celebrate together the things they both appreciate and that makes them the amazing couple they are, the wedding was no different. From their sushi cake to their Gorilla guestbook, everything about their day was a celebration of the fantastic people they are.

Thank you to my fabulous sister for being my talented support as second shooter, I couldn’t have done it without her! And, of course, thank you to Cherrelle and Ryan for letting me capture the love on their day, I was blessed to share in the celebration of their love and I know God will be with their marriage every step of the way!

Ryan waiting for his beautiful bride, he couldn’t wait to get those hands in his!

The ceremony was so real! So many laughs and so much love.

LOVE the kiss, and this photo really shows off the quiet elegance of the church with it’s stained glass and warm glow.

The bride and groom’s smashing wedding party. Love the next two shots.

Cherrelle and Ryan wanted some fun shots with the wedding party, so we decided we needed some shots that showed the personality of their party.

Another fun one. The jumping is usually tough to get just right but these attendants were superstars and it turned out great!

And here begins some crazy awesome photos of the bride and groom. So sweet…

This is probably my favorite shot from the whole wedding. The emotion is real and I was so touched to see this intimate moment being shared while I got a shot of Cherrelle’s ring.

Here are a few more shots of Cherrelle and Ryan on their day.

We saw this amazing willow tree we just had to take some photos under. Aren’t willow trees so romantic?

Check out this sushi cake! So unique and personal and so them! This fantastic cake was created by Sweet Designs Cakery in Pittsburg, KS. I’ve seen cakes by Heather Horton and Sweet Designs at other weddings and she always seems to out-do herself!

Some details shots of the reception decor and a wow shot of the rings by my sweet sister! Love this shot.

A couple other shots of the rings

Some of the love on the gift table. Isn’t the Gorilla guestbook inspired?

The reception area was so elegant with high, ornate ceiling and other yummy features! Their first dance was so stunning, the ballroom at the Stillwell Hotel in Pittsburg lends itself to the grant elegance.

Both Cherrelle and Ryan share a dance with their parents and the celebration goes on!

- Brittany

She wanted their monogram to reflect their ultra-chic theme of black and white damask, chandeliers and shades of pink. The inspiration photos she sent me were so yummy!

After a few initial options and a couple minor adjustments, here is the final design:

Isn’t it tasty? Yeah, I thought so, too.

If you’re a bride looking for custom prettiness, email me at design@silverdoves.com. Custom monograms are only $15! Monogram designs are also included completely free in every wedding package offered by silverdoves PHOTOGRAPHY… Email me for info!

Brittany

Photo © Gary Palmer, Captured Images
www.capturedimages.net

Photo © Gary Palmer, Captured Images
www.capturedimages.net

This year the theme is “NEXT Level.” It’s always exciting to see what the theme will be and this year came at the perfect time. I was fully inspired right away and proceeded to create a poster design that would kick some major booty.

I’m particularly proud of this year’s design. It might just be my favorites of the three I’ve designed in the past few years.

There may be some changes as these are the first draft versions of the posters, but I was too impatient to show them off.

EDIT: The images have been updated with the final design!

So there you have it! I might repost this if we have any major changes.

I really am going to post more of my design work in the future. No, really.

- B.

Photos © Gary Palmer, Captured Images