The 1886th returns!

Last July I photographed the deployment of the 1886th Neurosurgical Medical Army Reserve Unit. This past Thursday night, they returned. It was an awesome night. Seriously, I’ve been waiting for their return since they left, just as their family & friends. So below are a few (sarcasm) images from the night. Welcome home guys, I’m so happy to have documented this time for you & your families and thank you for serving.

You may remember 4 guys deployed last July and there are only 3 in these photos. Captain Britton flew straight to his home in Kentucky. And actually, the guys also served with Cpt. Rybak and he returned in January. You’ll see him in photos below.

SGT Wayne Cardosi, SFC Keith Sanders & SSG Patrick Crader.

Hugs all around….

Tina waiting patiently…..

Annnnd she gets her guy.

The Craders.

The Cardosi crew.

Candi & Keith Sanders.

Family and others from the Unit came out to welcome the guys.

Rybak & I, killing time while waiting on luggage.

The guys saying goodbye.

You may remember that Tina & Wayne were one of my 08 bridal couples. I take a photo like this at every wedding I shoot. When the guys deployed last July, I shot a photo like this before they left and have kept it on my desk during their tour. So just below is the photo from July 09 when they deployed and after that is the photo from their wedding in 08. This is a really special collection for me because it illustrates how much I share with my clients. What an awesome thing. Thanks guys, thanks for letting me tag along.

Katie & Tony

Tonight I had a super brief engagement session with Katie & Tony. You may remember that I photographed them just a few weeks ago at the Chase (their reception location). Well, long story short, my neighbor has a really great shed that looks like a barn (says this County girl) and I’ve been wanting to use it for a couple (I’ve used it for my kids). Sooo, Katie & Tony were willing and tonight was our night. Enjoy these few!

Favorite:

Now, although tonight was “our night”….. not everyone got the memo, my dear husband (Denny) was running late. So there we were; professional photographer, lovely engaged couple and two children (who, btw, were more than happy to hang out with clients, if you’ve been to my studio, you know my kids LOVE meeting my clients). Thankfully our location was literally next door to my house and Katie & Tony were SO not bothered by my “assistants.” In fact, they were quite amused… and the kids? Well, what can I say?

Apparently Griffin saw a spot for him, so he took it…

Katie & Tony, I can not thank you enough for being such great sports this evening. Looking forward to the big day! Best, Beckie

Captain Rybak returns from Iraq

In July of 09 I photographed an Army Reserve unit that deployed to Iraq. Captain Mike Rybak, returned last week and I photographed his family’s airport reunion. Experiences like this are why I’m a photographer. Not because being a photographer gets me invited to the party, but more importantly, because these moments *should* be recorded, they *need* to be recorded. Life happens way too fast, we need photos that sit still to help us (and future generations!) absorb the weight of such events. Our lives are richer when we pause for contemplation.

When I was in college I wondered if I was really suppose to spend my life taking pictures. It’s such a fun job that I kind of felt undeserving to get to do it for a living. But I feel so strongly that people need these photos and I care so passionately about my work – there is no way I could care more about anything else – I know this is what I am meant to do. I am blessed to be able to record life for families. And I’m grateful for, and humbled by, every family that trusts me with this task. Mike & Krista, thank you for asking me to document this day for your family. It’s an honor, a pleasure and a blessing.

My too-cute nieces & nephew!

So when your sister (who has nearly single-handedly clothed your two children with hand-me-downs for 4 years) calls you at 10 AM and asks you to fit her in for a session around 11:45 AM, you pretty much say ok without considering if it’s really possible. Such was my life this lovely Sunday AM. I figure if my sister (Jenny) is brave enough to attempt to dress her 4 kiddos (ages 8, 7, 6 & 4) for photos, I should be willing to document the fiasco. And surprisingly, a fiasco it was NOT. It was shockingly chilly, so the session was super fast, but we got everything we needed! What a dream! [We should buy lottery tickets.]

Grace, future President, no doubt.

Holly, never met an animal that didn’t “need” her… future vet, I suspect.

Erin, youngest girl, so look out.

Ben, as much boy as you can handle.

This was accomplished without bribery or begging, because I’m a professional. And the favorite aunt as long as Lisa’s not around.

This too was accomplished without trickery. I love everyone’s expression, so fitting of each personality.

Sis, thanks for the fun! The kids were ridiculously well-behaved, I hope the rest of the day was just as fabulous! Call when you’re ready to view the rest. Love you – ie

Sue, Jeff, Mandi, Mason & Danica!

Ahhhh, reunions! What fun they can be! Sue dated my older brother in high school (in the 80s, and I thought she was SO cool), everybody grew up, years passed and then Facebook led our paths to cross. And yesterday I photographed her family!! So fun! 

Very first frame! (AYKM? No!)

Kiddos! Danica & Mason were SO fun and funny!!

Those curls (sigh)…

Mason is cool, seriously.

 

Siblings…. .

He tolerated the affection well, what a good big brother.

A new favorite location.

Sue!! Thank you so much for sharing your family with me!! I hope you absolutely love these images! Best! ie

1886th

Today I photographed the deployment ceremony for the 1886th Neurosurgery Medical Team. This Army Reserve team is going to Iraq. I learned about their deployment through one of my bridal clients (he’s in the unit). Every time I hear about soldiers returning home injured (or worse) my first thought is always “I hope they got family photos before he / she left.” So when I heard Wayne was going to be deployed, I offered to photograph the deployment and family photos for all of the soldiers. Here are a few photos from the day. 

I like their Unit’s insignia.

Each solider was given an award. The colonial on the left is Colonel Wisdom – great last name.

And then we did family photos. Here are (really) just a few….

When the Captain of the Unit came in for his family photos, he brought me a certificate of appreciation because they give certificates to anybody who helps / supports the Unit. AYMK? I feel like I should give every soldier I meet a certificate of appreciation! I’ve never served in the military (and believe me, you don’t want me handling a gun) but I’ve always wanted to support soldiers in some way. I’m so happy I’ve found a meaningful way to do just that! And I hope to photograph other deployments from this area in the future. Thanks to 2Lt. Janell Averbeck for allowing me to photograph the event. And HUGE thanks to Diversified Lab (www.divlab.com) for printing this order so quickly AND donating the prints. The soldiers will be deployed for 9 – 18 months, please pray for them and their families. Best, ie

Mitchell & Dean!

Yesterday I got to photograph two of the cutest boys I know (2nd & 3rd to my own son!). Their parents, Justine & Jeff, are great friends of ours. It’s a special honor to photograph a friend’s family. So before I get sappy, let’s get to the boys…

Mitchell is 4 and Dean (below) will be 2 next month. Where has the time gone?

The heat was so bad we knew we wouldn’t have much time outside, so we did some shooting in the studio as well. I’m glad we did, got some nice moments.

 

I love when kids are comfortable enough to show me how they really feel.

And then we went outside…

Justine, thanks for your time! I not only love shooting the boys, but I love seeing you parent – you rock! Best, ie

Father Chrismer’s First Mass

Round two of Ordination coverage was this afternoon. Fr. Chrismer’s first Mass was at St. Robert Ballarmine in St. Charles. Here are just a few images.

I love finding images…

Mark’s brother (Rich) and sister (Sister Peter Marie) presented the gifts.

Chrismers – thanks again for sharing such a wonderful time with me. It is truly an honor. Best, ie

Ordination 2009

What a great day! Today I photographed the Ordination of 4 priests. While I did photograph all the priests, I concentrated on the Mark Chrismer. This was my second year covering the Ordination and I truly love covering this event. Surprisingly, it’s not the big beautiful Cathedral that makes the day for me – it’s really the service. the fact that I’m not only witnessing such an event but also documenting it really enriches the experience for me. I love photographing events for people, for families — sharing in their day is so incredible. I really do have an awesome job. Ok, before I get weepy on you, I’ll move on to photos.

I’m photographing Fr. Chrismer’s first Mass tomorrow. Will post after! Hope you’re all enjoying your Memorial Day Weekend. Chrismer family – thank you so much for letting me share this time with you! Best, ie

More AFQ!

Ok, I’m behind on getting this up and I do apologize for that. Here are a few wine images and a handful of the Chef! Enjoy!!

I love these colors. The corks are from the restaurant, they’ve kept every cork they’ve popped. 

A shot of the majority of the dining room.

For those of you who know the restaurant… we opened the outside dining room doors to light these shots. As we were shooting, people running, biking and driving by would holler / whistle to Andy. It was funny.

Again, thanks for your time Andy, this has been a fun project! Best, ie