Wichita Wedding Photographer: Valentines Day — It’s not just for romance.

We had our family over for a Valentine’s breakfast this morning. Our grown children and their children. Hearts on the napkins. Pink and red straws. I set the table with china that we use for family dinners. It belonged to Patrick’s Mom. One of the daughters will inherit it one day and use it at her family gatherings. So we, the current parents and grandparents, got to spend time with those we love… and those who were parents and grandparents before us were probably near us celebrating, too- glad to be remembered and included.

Karter, age three

Patrick made pancakes. We caught up on what filled our week. We talked about the house one daughter will be moving into in a few weeks.  We did what families do around a meal table.

I am always aware that Patrick and I may not be around when these grandchildren are adults. One hopes for the best. But, you never know. And so I want whatever they remember of us to be loving. I try to have the house full of the smell of dinner cooking when they walk in for Sunday dinners, and the table looking pretty. Someday they may remember those things and feel comforted. We tell them often that we love them. We play and hug and spend time. Because we can now. We are all here. Together at times like these. And it does not escape Patrick and I that this is a rich, rich privilege.

Peyton, nearly two

One daughter brought gifts of candy. One brought a heart-shaped cookie cake. And one had the grandchildren decorate and sign cards. And… that’s a Valentine’s day. Which, for us, is really just a reason to gather.

So we’ll gather for St. Patrick’s Day (I think we are walking a 5 K this year). And Easter. And on birthdays and and other days that we can.

Because these three grown, beautiful, strong, smart women are our best Valentines… out family. And their children are our best loves.

And we are rich.

Landon, nearly one

So if you have family, give them a call. Drop them a card. Bring them a flower. Make them a pancake. If you have a friend, be a surprise Palentine.

This is not your Daddy’s Valentine’s day. And it’s not just for romance any more.

www.MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Email: Norma@MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Facebook address: www.Facebook.com/markingthemomentphotography.
Twitter: @MarkingMomntPix
Instagram: instagram.com/markingmomentpix

Wichita Family Photography: A Day at the Park

Okay… close your eyes and imagine a circa 1980’s Jazzercise outfit. Headband. Tights. Leg warmers. Now imagine a mom and baby girl wearing this in autumn of last year. 🙂

Lia dressed herself and little Teagan like this and won a photo shoot in the Cutest Kid’s Halloween Costume Contest that was held by Professional Home Buyers. And that is how and why we met Lia’s cute family. After seeing the workout photo, I had high expectations that the shoot would be fun. And this family did not disappoint.

Teagan is the only member of her Dad’s family not be born in Kansas. Those are some deep-running roots. But this little family is a Wichita family once again. They live, work and play in Wichita along with their yellow lab named Duke.

Teagan keeps herself busy constantly playing with her socks and shoes and transforming anything she can find into a scarf. It is not unusual to see her proudly wearing her latest “scarf belt” or “scarf shirt” as she goes around happily clapping, dancing, hiding, seeking and singing. She does stop playing periodically to eat. On a good day the meal consists of her favorite: macaroni and cheese.

This is a close, loving family. You only have to be around them a few moments to feel this. And this made photographing them a snap. We spent part of a beautiful, mild November afternoon with them in the park. We were able to shoot images for their Christmas card as well as some “regular” shots. This is important stuff- documenting family moments in different stages of life and varying ages. Patrick and I feel privileged to do this work- and we enjoy afternoons like this one.

Do you have a current family photo? We’d love to work with you. We have a clean, smoke-free studio in our home near the river in the North Riverside area of Wichita. We can shoot in-studio, outdoors or on location. And, if you want to wear a shirt around your neck, we won’t judge. 🙂

Call Norma at (316) 648-7498 and reserve your spot today!
www.MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Email: Norma@MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Facebook address: www.Facebook.com/markingthemomentphotography.
Twitter: @MarkingMomntPix
Instagram: instagram.com/markingmomentpix

When Networkers Become Clients: Curtis Clears the Way

Curtis is one of the first people I encountered when I began attending the networking group I eventually joined.  And for this I am grateful. The Referral Rockstars, a chapter of BNI (Business Networking Intl,) is a group of 50 outgoing, charismatic personalities. Think of the talker in your workplace- the one who doesn’t know a stranger and always has a story to tell. Now think of that person times 50, and you have a glimpse of the energy in this room I now go to regularly. But I recall feeling a little daunted at the first meeting. Perhaps even the second. But… there was Curtis. And Curtis has this calm, gentleness to him. Curtis is a kind, welcoming soul.

He has known his wife, Angela, since they were children. They met at a church camp in Missouri and became friends. Their families moved. Their paths separated a time or two. But they always came back together. And you can tell by being around them that this is because that is where they belong- with each other.  Angela is quiet, but very funny. They are two people of deep convictions and firmly held beliefs. They live out their beliefs and model their faith.

Curtis and Angela, married for nearly eleven years

I once asked Angela to tell me her favorite thing about Curtis. She thought for a moment and said, “Oh that would be very, very hard to choose. There are so many things.” Curtis felt a calling to ministry and Angela supported him completely. He is pastor of the Wichita Bible Holiness Church, and their family is committed to their church family. Curtis would love to see the church grow in membership. But it is important to him that the church be strong, not only in number, but also in their outreach.

Curtis and Angela have three sons:

Travis, age 8

Corey, age 6

and Eric, age 3

But there is more to Curtis than his welcoming spirit, his pastoral qualities and his family life.

Curtis works for CLEARS, Inc., and local company that screens backgrounds for potential employees, volunteers or tenants. Now… how about that for a valuable service? Honestly, this company can save you from becoming entangled with some individuals that could create problems. I know that any time we use and intern or hire an employee to work around our clients,  we will first have CLEARS check their background for trouble signs.

So, see what I mean about Curtis? He clears the way to make room in his life and family for God. He tries his best to clear the way for God to be present to the community. And he works for a company that can clear the way to valuable peace of mind when hiring someone.

Looking for a church home? Curtis would love to talk to you about that. Call: (316) 942-3313. Need a background check? Curtis can help you with that at CLEARS, (316)683- 6861

Lastly, feeling intimidated at a networking function? Look for the kind, gentle souls like Curtis. They’re there- waiting to help.

www.MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Email: Norma@MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Facebook address: www.Facebook.com/markingthemomentphotography.
Twitter: @MarkingMomntPix
Instagram: instagram.com/markingmomentpix

When Networkers Become Clients: Michael Welcomes You Home

Imagine if you had helped thousands of people get a house. A home. A place to raise children, share meals, rest, make memories and retreat to at the end of a day. A home is a huge, magical presence in our life- one that we often take for granted. There are different types of homes. But a house comes with a sense of roots and stability. This may be because the process of buying a home can be daunting. A house may be the largest purchase we ever make and the greatest treasure we ever own. But the road to becoming a homeowner is full of steps, procedures and requirements that must be handled correctly. We need a trusted advisor during this process. And I know a great guy who can be your trusted advisor.

Michael Gonzales knows his stuff. If someone comes to him in good home-buying shape, he can help. But, too, if someone comes to him with some dings and dents in their credit history, he can help. He counsels people over a period of months and gets them in good home-buying shape. He has worked in the mortgage/banking industry since 1999. He has run his branch of Open Mortgage since 2010.

He is a local guy who got two degrees from Wichita State- Go Shox!! His smart, gorgeous wife, Tammy, also has roots in the community and works at Cargill. This is a great looking couple. On a windy, windy, COLD day in November, Patrick and I were layered in all out winter finest. Tammy and Michael were exposed to bitter temps and freezing gusts during this Christmas card shoot- and they never complained. Studs- both of them. And if a guy can face the rigors of the mortgage industry daily and also remain unflappable in weather like that to get photos like we did- this is the guy you want. He’s like the James Bond of the mortgage world. Really, he should have a theme song that plays when he enters a room.

Patrick and I see Michael each week at our BNI (Business Networking International) meeting. (So that would be cool to see the whole theme song thing.) We both know firsthand that this is a dependable, nice, approachable guy. But even if I did not have that background knowledge of Mike, I would have been impressed by his behavior when he was our client. He and his wife were so good to our beloved dog during their View and Choose session. Usually our dog is kept in her bed in another room when clients are present. But they both wanted to see our dog because they have three of their own- two of which are recent rescues. And our dog was crazy for both of them. And you know what people say… if my dog doesn’t trust you… something’s up. But there was none of that vibe here. And I know it’s because Michael is the real deal… an honest, solid guy who does what he says he’s going to do, and does it with knowledge and professionalism.

I asked Michael if he could have one Super Power, what would it be. He replied that he would choose teleportation. A totally cool power, right?! People always say invisibility and it gives me the creeps a little. Like… what is is they want to watch while they are invisible. But teleportation… it has a purpose. But wait for it… he would choose this power, “as long as I can take Tammy when I teleport. She really likes to travel and I’m not a fan of flying.” A man who thinks of his wife even when choosing a super power? This is a good man.

In the market for a home? Know anyone who is? Patrick and I know, like and trust Michael Gonzales of Open Mortgage.

 

www.MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Email: Norma@MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Facebook address: www.Facebook.com/markingthemomentphotography.
Twitter: @MarkingMomntPix
Instagram: instagram.com/markingmomentpix

Everyday Moments, Casual Family Portraits

Some family portrait sessions are quite formal with everyone gathered in front of the mantle in their Sunday best. Some family portrait sessions are more casual with everyone in jeans at the park or in shorts at the beach. But there is a place for another type of photo shoot- one that captures the everyday moments of your life.What are the routines, the traditions, the activities that make your family… uniquely and personally your family?

Do you make cookies together on rainy days? How cute would that photo shoot be? Think aprons, sprinkles, little faces smiling over cookie sheets full of mounds of dough, glasses of milk, milk mustaches.

Do you shoot baskets together in the evenings? Play Scrabble together? Watch movies in your pajamas? Whatever it is… document it, photograph it. And print a copy of your favorite image. Hang it on the fridge, or frame it and hang it in the hallway. Use it as a bookmark. But… capture moments of your family enjoying one another… or hire a photographer to do it. And then enjoy the photos- real photos that can be held and shared in a manner other than in a phone.

Families spend awesome, sweet, tender and funny moments together in pajamas. Why not document this part of your family’s life together?

What would you give for a sweet photo of your parents playing with you? Tucking you in? Snacking on popcorn or cocoa in front of a fire with you when you were little?

Remember? You even liked your sister back then.

You work hard to make sure everyone is clean and safe, that homework is done, the dog is fed, the car is locked and the milk is put back in the fridge. As a parent, you have lots of plates spinning in the air. But just as we are all advised to stop, take a breath, take in our blessings, realize what we have and allow gratitude to take root in our hearts (great advice for all of us), I say let’s take it a step farther. Let’s document a few of the lesser moments… the everyday moments… the casual moments… the moments our kids will recognize as those that truly fill our family life… and pass these down in the form of photos.

At Marking the Moment, our Wichita, Kansas photography studio, we believe in the power of your everyday moments. And we support your ability to capture these. But we are also happy and available to shoot these photos for you if that feels more comfortable and like one less task on your list. We are happy to come to your home while your routine or activity unfolds. Call Norma with questions or to reserve a session: (316) 648-7498.

www.MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Email: Norma@MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Facebook address: www.Facebook.com/markingthemomentphotography.
Twitter: @MarkingMomntPix
Instagram: instagram.com/markingmomentpix

When Networkers Become Clients: Tanya and the Gift of Referrals

This lady is a gift to our studio; Tanya is a referral machine; she regularly sends her clients to us.

Tanya has been with Mary Kay cosmetics for three years and debuted as an Independent Sales Director in February. She is passionate about her career and dedicated to her clients. She is bubbly and gorgeous and constantly smiling. I asked what her guilty pleasure is… and she enjoys reading US magazine while in a bubble bath. lol But make no mistake- she is a smart businesswoman with great marketing ideas and impeccable follow-through.

I met Tanya while filling in as a substitute for a member of her chapter of BNI, an international networking group. We got to talking about her business, and I asked if she ever worked as a make-up artist because we  offer hair and make-up for bridal portrait sessions (Yes, you should get a picture in your gorgeous wedding dress on a day when you are not getting married, hosting hundreds of people and fighting the clock). Tanya sells cosmetics. And she educates people about cosmetics. But she does not apply make-up in the way we need. Conventional wisdom would suggest that she and I didn’t have much in common and might just remain two women who know each other vaguely- two business owners, in different fields, who attend different chapters of BNI and do not live near each other.

But Tanya, as I say, approaches her business creatively, and she called me. She realized that, when women feel confident, as great cosmetics can make them feel, they may want a  glamour portrait, or a family portrait, or a bridal portrait. And she began to gift her clients with photo sessions. This is a win for her clients. This makes her feel good. And this is great for our studio.

See? I told you this woman is a gift! And what better day to feature her on our blog than Christmas Eve?!

Patrick and I wish only great things for this beautiful powerhouse and her sweet husband, Randy. Tanya’s business motto is: “Happiness is Everything.” And I hope their lives are filled to the brim with happiness. I have a feeling it will be because they have good attitudes toward life.

Need a beauty consultant and not already working with a Mary Kay representative? Tanya is always accepting new faces. Even though she’s a director, she will always be doing what she loves- teaching woman how to pamper their skin and coax out their best, loveliest selves. Plus she’s fun while doing it. 🙂

She can be found at: http://www.marykay.com/tanyahoran

At Marking the Moment Photography, we place emphasis on fun during our relaxed shoots. We always allow an unlimited time to get the right pictures of your family. A relaxed family and a fun session translates into portraits you’ll treasure! Call Norma at (316) 648-7498 and reserve your session today! www.MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Email: Norma@MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Facebook address: www.Facebook.com/markingthemomentphotography.
Twitter: @MarkingMomntPix
Instagram: instagram.com/markingmomentpix

When We Travel — Wichita Wedding Photographer

Jay and Becca Dill run a business just like Patrick and I do — they do it together.

These two, together since 1999 and married since 2002, own and operate The Travel Junkie, LLC in Wichita Kansas. This AWESOME travel agency opened in 2009 and has grown into a premier, leading local company because of the education and skills of Jay and Becca and their staff.

Why use a travel agency? Because you can spend hours researching, searching and trying to learn what they already know. And when you book your own travel — you’re on your own. Are you equipped with the backup resources and knowledge you’ll need when travel plans go sideways? And really, with travel plans at no additional cost to you, why wouldn’t you use Travel Junkie?

Patrick and I have used The Travel Junkie, LLC for two destination weddings. And we just used them to book travel for an upcoming destination wedding in Hawaii this coming January. One of the weddings they arranged travel for was in Verona, Italy. Car rental information, train schedules, and hotel information is often posted in a country’s native language. Patrick and I never had to worry about any details that could have seriously derailed our plans had we tried to book these accommodations on our own. That kind of peace of mind? Priceless. AND there are no extra fees involved in using The Travel Junkie. We have become such believers in the quality of service offered by this company that we use them even week booking short trips to Kansas City.

On a personal level, we know these people. And we know many other people who know them. And we trust them. Jay is the outgoing, warm and hilarious hand shaker. Becca is quietly sweet and a force of nature in the office. She is also hilarious, you just have to listen closely. They love being around each other and it shows. They love their two daschunds, McGyver and Ciao, traveling (duh! :), The Walking Dead, eating healthful and spending time with family and friends.

So if Patrick and I were to offer you some advice it would go as follows: 1) Plan to take a trip. Seriously. What are you waiting for? 2) Have a skilled professional arrange the details of your travel. 3) Pack lightly. 4) Skip the tourist trap and choose, instead, the quiet place the locals love to visit, or eat at, or relax near. 5) Soak in all the new memories. 6) Take lots of pictures!

When you’re planning your destination wedding, start with a call to Becca to arrange travel, and a call to Norma to arrange your photography.

The Travel Junkie, LLC
316-519-5929 or 1-877-238-3728

 

Marking the Moment Photography

316-648-7498

Walter’s Pumpkin Patch — Wichita Family Photographer

Looking for something to do in this beautiful autumn weather? We took the whole family, grown kids and grandkids to the pumpkin patch. I was skeptical about a pumpkin patch outing. I found three prime candidates, and they all seemed to involve a long drive from Wichita. And really, how fun can a pumpkin patch be? We let our three grown girls vote for the pumpkin patch of their choice… and we ended up heading to Walter’s Pumpkin Patch. And I have to tell you — I was wrong. How fun can a pumpkin patch be? Super fun!

Walter’s has:
Swings, trains, pumpkins,

Fun stuff for adults,

Fun for dads and daughters,

Tons of family activities,

Horses to ride and horses that fly!

Photo-op stops galore,

And doors to explore,

Friendly skeletons,

S’Mores stops, Halloween golf, giant tree houses, a pumpkin cannon, pumpkin sling shots, train rides, tall curvy slides, rides out to the pumpkin patch, a gift shop and much more.

Do yourselves a favor, if you are thinking, at all, of a fall family outing — choose Walter’s Pumpkin Patch. This skeptic will be returning next year!

Planning a family gathering through the holidays? This can be a great time to update your family portrait; everyone is there, they’re happy and looking their best. We offer a HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS photo package and can travel to work with your extended family or your immediate family.

Call Norma at (316) 648-7498 and reserve your spot today! www.MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Email: Norma@MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Facebook address: www.Facebook.com/markingthemomentphotography.
Twitter: @MarkingMomntPix
Instagram: instagram.com/markingmomentpix

A Bridge, A “Yes,” & Some Balloons – Wichita Wedding Photographer

CJ and Marisa got engaged on a cool bridge in Swanson Park in West Wichita. Recently we returned to that bridge with them for an engagement photo session.

This couple has much to look forward to. Marisa recently graduated from Friends University. And CJ owns Smith Painting and Remodeling, Inc. They have two beautiful little girls. Sure, they have a wedding in May to look forward to. And it will be an awesome celebration. But that is nothing compared to the lifetime of marriage that they’ll share.

We are lucky, we will get to witness both, this couple’s wedding and their life together as it unfolds, because they are family. There will be ups and downs, sweet spots and rough patches, vacations, chores and celebrations in their years together. But as long as they approach the good and bad together, they’ll be fine.

And playing together always helps 🙂

Congratulations CJ and Marisa! We love you!

Engaged? Know someone who is? Most of our wedding packages include an unlimited number of engagement sessions. Contact us for details.

At Marking the Moment Photography, we place emphasis on fun during our relaxed shoots. We always allow an unlimited time to get the right images of you and your fiancé. A relaxed engagement photography session translates into portraits you’ll treasure! Call Norma at (316) 648-7498 and reserve your spot today!
www.MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Email: Norma@MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Facebook address: www.Facebook.com/markingthemomentphotography.
Twitter: @MarkingMomntPix
Instagram: instagram.com/markingmomentpix

Solomon — 7 Weeks Cute!

Solomon came to our studio for a baby photography session at 7 weeks old. It’s not a typical age — but given how cute he was, maybe it should be! Solomon was the happiest, easiest little guy in the studio that day.

Normally we either photograph newborns, within their first 10 days, or 3 month olds as part of our First Year Baby Photo Program, (which includes sessions at 3 month, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year, ending with a cake smash!) But Solomon’s session was a treat for us.

All he needed was a blanket, whether patterned or solid white…

And his mama…

Know anyone expecting a baby, or who already has an infant? We would love to work with them. We customize our sessions for every family and baby who comes through our door.

Solomon’s parents bought a family photography package that we donated to the Via Christi annual fundraiser and gala, the Emerald Ball. Stay tuned for a blog on their family photo session!

How recent are your professional family photos? Let us help! Call Norma at (316) 648-7498 and reserve your spot today! www.MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Email: Norma@MarkingTheMomentPhotography.com.
Facebook address: www.Facebook.com/markingthemomentphotography.
Twitter: @MarkingMomntPix
Instagram: instagram.com/markingmomentpix