Katie Day Photography

new blog. new address!

2009-12-01T22:01:00.001-06:00

hello all! update your bookmarks b/c the blog has changed!

new address:

http://katiedayphoto.com/blog

hooray!!!

happy thanksgiving!

2009-11-24T12:32:00.001-06:00

i will be out of the office during thanksgiving festivities, but will be eager to return your email when i return! i am thankful for you all!

new york : the sites

2009-11-18T17:06:00.004-06:00

Here's a link to the shenanigans that went down on the big apple. They're in an album on facebook. Not my facebook friend? Well, why not? Befriend me! Who couldn't use a few more friends!?

New York City Facebook Album.

new york : the story

2009-11-17T10:50:00.005-06:00

Let me begin this story with the moral: Sometimes, if you are committed to something, and you give your whole heart to it, a miracle can happen.

My love for Saturday Night Live started when I was a little girl. I can remember staying up late to watch it, and laughing when parents laughed. There was something magical from the start. As I grew older, and began to follow current events and popular culture, I became obsessed with the show. I can't explain this devotion. I can honestly say I haven't miss an episode in probably 15 years. Thank God for DVR, because I used to actually plan my Saturday evenings around getting back to the house by 10:30 to watch it.

I am not a very defensive person, but when anyone says anything negative regarding SNL, I am quick to jump and defend its honor. I have never betrayed it. Even during one of those "too-long" sketches that don't quite have an ending, I am patient and assume that something probably went wrong behind the scenes that can explain why the sketch was sub-par, OR I assume I just don't know the reference. I own every "Best of" DVD. I can actually win at SNL Trivial Pursuit.

Every year, you are allowed to enter a postcard into a drawing to see the show from the audience. And I have never won. To be near a taping was but a lofty idea that could never come to fruition. And i came to terms with that.

The peak of my relationship with SNL happened when i broke into the comedy circuit and began to study and perform improv. Around that time in my life, Kristen Wiig joined the cast of SNL. In my opinion, she is the most talented cast member to have ever appeared on SNL, male or female, and the fact that she is a female spoke to my heart. She was my role model, my idol, my answer for every ice breaker question, "what person would you most want to meet living or dead?" I have had a series of dreams where I am going to new york, moments away from meeting her and at the last possible second before I can, I wake up. It's terrible.

Enter Tara Copeland.

Tara, otherwise known as my life angel, found my photography advertised on theknot.com. She is originally from the Ozarks (where she will be returning to get married) but has been living in New York and performing and teaching improv comedy for over a decade. She liked my photos, but after reading my bio on my website decided that we were soulmates.

She was right.

Tara quickly became my dear friend and pen pal. She visited the Ozarks to meet a bunch of wedding vendors including me. I loved her. I loved her fiance, Andrew. The deal was sealed. Though they would be getting married in the Ozarks, she really wanted an engagement session in New York (where they live and where they fell in love.)

I had never been to New York. I was giddy at the idea. We started to plan my trip. I was ecstatic. She asked me on the phone if there was anything I would definitely want to do while I was here. I told her, I know it's touristy, but do you think we could take a tour of NBC where they tape SNL. I know it seems dumb, but if i could just walk the same halls as Kristen Wigg, my life would be complete. She replies casually, "Oh, well...would you want to see a taping?"

I was silent.

"Hello?"

"Yes! Yes of course I would. Are you kidding? That would be all I'd want in the world!" She told me she had done improv at the UCB (Upright Citizen's Brigade, the improv theatre founded by Amy Poehler and friends) with some of the current cast members and she would see what she could do.

I really didn't want to get my hopes up, but for months i daydreamed about the possibility. It wasn't until I had arrived in New York on Friday that she told me in person that we were officially going. Not only would we be there, we would be watching it from the writer's room. All thanks to her "dear friend, Bobby". As in Bobby Moynihan. As in I love him. He's hysterical and he will be a star. Mark my words.

I cried.

The Friday before, I got to see Tara in action at the Magnet Theatre performing in "Made-Up Musical". That's right, the cast improvises an entire musical with original songs, scenes, choreography, in full harmony. It was amazing. Tara is not only hilarious, but so so smart and witty. She. is. great. at. improv. So so talented. i cannot stress this enough.

Saturday, we walked around their adorable neighborhood in Brooklyn, through the colorful Prospect Park, and hit up the Brooklyn library (where Andrew works) for part one of their engagement session. We had a nice dinner and then..... it was time.

Our name was on a list. We didn't even have to go through security. We went straight up. We were suddenly in a narrow hallway by a door that said Lorne Michaels on it. We had to ask Darrell Hammond where the writer's room was!!!!!!!! To get to it, we had to walk down an even narrower hallway which was lined with cast members. I literally walked by everyone i have ever cared to meet. Andy Samberg, Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, Jorma, Akiva...the whole flipping group!!!!

Into the writer's room we went and Tara got to hug and chit chat with all these idols of mine. As if it was nothing. We chatted up Bobby Moynihan and a bunch of writers. I had to pretend that I wasn't a psycho. It was the biggest test in self-restraint I've ever had.

The cast went to a meeting, and it was time to start the show. We peeked through a bay window at the set as it was being changed rapidly, propped, actors getting touched up, cue cards in order, cameras moving. A frenzy of activity!! There was a warm-up comedian to get the audience going. Then cast members, Abby Elliott and Jenny Slate came out a sang a song with the band.

Rich Sommer from MadMen (another beloved show of mine) walks in. My heart skips a beat. (I happen to think he is adorable) and before I can turn to Tara to say , "Oh my God, that's..."
"RICH!!", she says. Oh! Turns out she's performed improv with him too. He chatted with us for a while reconfirming my crush because he a ridiculously nice, nice nice guy. And extremely humble.

It was time to start the show. It was so much fun to look at the TV screen in the room then watch out the window, then watch the writers react to their joke or wince when the host, January Jones (also from MadMen) butchered a line.

It was what I had tried to imagine from my living room- happening before my very eyes.

We got to run down to the floor to watch the musical guest, The Black Eyed Peas. (awesome)
And during the music segments, we were shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the cast of MadMen who were all there to support January.

I can't tell you how many times I was physically touching a celebrity. It was such close quarters and everyone was rushing around to get a clothes change, wig change, set change.

After the show, we waited around in the main hallway for Bobby to come out and chat. In the meantime, magic happened. We got to talk to Jason Seidikis (bah!!!) who is from Kansas City and is so talented. Will Forte, who makes me giggle like a school girl. We ran into Kate Hudson, A-Rod, Elizabeth Banks, MORE MadMen friends. It was insane.Tara initiated so many photo-ops by sweetly saying, "Will you take a picture with my friend Katie". I practiced giving them detailed, sweet compliments about my favorite characters and sketches over the years without sounding like a crazy fan (which tara said i did VERY well :)

Then. It. Happened.

Kristen Wiig walked down the hallway. I grabbed Tara's arm. We patiently waited while giving non-creepy eye contact until she said, "Hi!". "Hi Kristen, I'm Tara, I'm friends with Bobby. This is my friend Katie." [Now this is the part in the dream where I usually wake up... But I didn't wake up.... I wasn't dreaming.]

"Hi Kristen. It's so nice to meet you. Can I just tell you? You are my female icon. I just...sincerely admire you so much." I said.

Kristen grabbed her heart and said, "Awwww. That's so nice of you to say. Come here, give me a hug." We hugged.

Tara tells her, "Katie has always said you were the person she would most want to meet living or dead."

"Yeah...is that weird?" I said

"Well kinda, because I've met me. And I'm definitely not the most interesting person living or dead. Hahaha." She said with sincere friendliness.

Then we chatted. Words were said, I can't remember exactly what they were but at least 10 sentences were exchanged and I'm pretty sure one of mine made her laugh.

We took the picture. She left. It actually happened. ahh.

Bobby came out to chat it up and invited us to go to the after-show cast party in his "car".

Yes, please.

We went to ride the elevator, and in a strange sequence of events, the elevator ride ended up consisting of Tara, me, Bobby, A-Rod, Kate Hudson and a bodyguard. Seriously?

On the way out the door, two partitions held back a bunch of fans who screamed "Bobby! Bobby!!"
He looked at us apologetically and went to take a few photos with those fans. Tara and I waited unpartitioned. Do these people not realize that I SHOULD HAVE BEEN BEHIND ONE OF THOSE PARTITIONS?!!? I am a crazy, crazy fan. Thank God for self-control.

We went to get in Bobby's "car", which we did not anticipate to be a STRETCH LIMO!!!! whose only riders were me, Tara, and Bobby!! (WHAT!?) We drove for a solid 15 minutes and i got to hear tons of behind the scenes stuff from the source.

We arrived at the after party. How did I get here? Once inside the very crowded hot spot, you were literally body to body with cast, writers, and peas. I almost became numb to it all. It was simply too much. Too much. Lorne Michaels, Seth Meyers, Fergie. Oh look a table of 30 rock friends, Jack McBrayer, John Lutz (who I talked to for a while and he thanked me for defending SNL's honor in the midwest)

It was insane. I opted to not take any photos there since no one else was and everyone in the room was either legitimately cool or at least playing it cool. Since I was capable of neither, I just sat silently. I began the most intense few hours of people-watching of my life, and then we took a cab home around 4am.

How did this happen!??? Tara is so chill. So collected. Thank God I was with her or i might have actually just burst into tears. She would periodically ask me. "How are we doing...are you okay? still breathing?"

Sunday was to be our engagement photo extravaganza. The weather was perfect. We hit up Brooklyn Heights, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Chelsea Pier where we took a 2 hour tea cruise around the entire island of Manhattan on a yacht. (I CANNOT WAIT TO SHOW YOU THEIR PHOTOS!!!)

After the cruise (which ended with the most breath-taking sunset I have ever witnessed) we made our way to the mandatory viewing of times square, and then on to sushi for dinner!!!

The comedy plan for the evening? Tara's old stomping grounds, The Upright Citizen's Brigade, to see their signature show ASSSSCAT! An improvised show with intermittent narration from a guest monologuist. Who should the guest monologuist be this very evening??.....but Chevy Chase!!!

CHEVY CHASE!

Now it turns out Chevy Chase is actually crazy. He appears to be trapped in a world of 1970's slapstick and was excruciatingly uncomfortable to watch. Which of course I found delightful. The featured improvisers that night included Pete from the Sonic commercials (who i love), some Conan OBrian/SNL writers, Lennon Parham from Accidentally on Purpose, and Bobby Moynihan (again). Oh and Rich Sommer was there again to watch AND remembered my name AND initiated a hug (adding to my hopeless, hopeless crush).

After the show, confident Tara (who has already performed in a stage show with Chevy earlier in life) walked me right over to introduce me. We took a picture, made really awkward small talk (I'm telling you, the guy's certifiably nuts) and then we left.

I met Chevy Chase. (pause) Huh.

Which brings me to today. I am now sitting in Chicago's airport for 6 hours en route back to Springfield where there is no Broadway, no bright lights, hardly public transportation and no buildings that exceed 10 stories. Thank God for travel. I feel it has renewed me and refreshed me to a state in which i am beyond ready to create.

I am so grateful for my time in New York. I will never understand how and why Tara Copeland decided to reach into world and grant all of my wishes. I will physically never be able to repay her for this. But I will tell you one thing, she is going to have some damn good wedding photos.

I will be posting their engagement photos as fast as humanly possible. The two of them love eachother so much, that we could have stood against a white wall the whole time and they would still be some of the best, most heartfelt photos i have ever taken.

But, we weren't against a white wall. We were in New York City. The best city in the entire world.

my life is complete. i met kristen wiig

2009-11-15T23:39:00.002-06:00

I'll explain everything later. But for now...

i'm not ignoring you, i'm just in new york

2009-11-13T08:13:00.002-06:00

Off to shoot a destination engagement session. I'll be back Monday!!! So PUMPED!!!!!

love what you do

2009-11-10T10:37:00.003-06:00

From inspiration

wise words from frank chimero.

playing catch up

2009-11-09T09:55:00.002-06:00

I want to thank you all so much for your kindness, support, EVERYTHING. I'm in the midst of a lot of transitions right now, and i just finished my last wedding of the fall season and am in desperate "catch-up" mode.

If you are waiting on a return e-mail, a finished session, or your wedding, please give me the blessing of your patience and understanding. I promise the wait will be well worth it!

You guys rock my world, and I'm so blessed to be invited into your lives to capture your moments.

I love you. I mean that. Especially you.

kelsey is beautiful

2009-10-26T12:01:00.002-05:00

can't wait to show you the rest of her senior shoot. coming (somewhat) soon.

art & copy

2009-10-14T21:48:00.001-05:00

Some of the ad girls and i went to see this at the Moxie. It's a documentary about advertising, inspiration, and courage to produce more than what a client would settle for. It celebrates the ad heros who dared to venture beyond safe, and brings a face to the people behind "Just do it", "Think Different", "Got Milk?", " I Love NY", and many more.

Moreover, it's my day job. If you've ever wondered what I do from 8-5, when I'm not behind the lens, this is it. Okay, it's a little more glorified in the movie. But it truly was inspiring. Challenging me to find the truth, connect with people, and be honest to the audience. It makes the distinction between credible advertising vs crap.
And most inspring of all, it tells about how great work isn't just conditional of the perfect agency...client...product; it can come from just a couple people who are truly amazing/talented.

If you get a chance, check it out. Here's the trailer.

jaime & rob

2009-10-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

amazing dress

2009-10-13T18:10:00.000-05:00

how fantastic is this wedding dress by Elizabeth Dye? Bah!!!! It's amazing!

Source:http://www.oncewed.com/

brett & cayla

2009-10-06T20:54:00.000-05:00

vintage poster design for modern movies

2009-10-06T13:27:00.000-05:00

How amazing are these vintage/modern movie posters?

You have to see them all here.

lauren & paul teaser

2009-10-05T22:19:00.000-05:00

dying to show you the rest of their RIDICULOUS wedding.

heather & fred sneak peek

2009-10-05T16:46:00.001-05:00

jacob & ashten | married

2009-10-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

sunny side

2009-09-29T09:21:00.001-05:00

Things are looking up.
Thanks for all of your support, prayers, kindness, and encouragement.
More from Kelsey's senior shoot coming soon. In the meantime, direct your feet to the sunny side of the street.

eden & landon in the summer

2009-09-07T11:30:00.001-05:00

Bah!!! Cute Overload!!! Get ready for the overwhelming adorableness that is eden and landon....

hannah | senior

2009-09-01T13:37:00.000-05:00

emily | senior

2009-09-01T13:35:00.000-05:00

shelley & eric : married!

2009-08-24T08:25:00.000-05:00

Thank you Shelley & Eric for sharing your amazing wedding day with us. Everyone was so fun, cooperative, drama-free, and so genuinely happy for you two. We were honored to witness your day and are excited for you guys to experience life together. You rock. Your family and friends rock. And if I do say so, your pictures rock. (It helps that you two are hot models.) Enjoy! -Katie and Molly

ella turns one!

2009-08-17T20:57:00.000-05:00

Can you believe this baby girl is one already!? Ella is GENIUS behind the camera. So happy. SO photogenic! Take a peek at this adorable baby girl and her super hot parents!

little man jackson!

2009-08-15T10:26:00.000-05:00

oh jackson... there is something about this little guy that just kills me!

whitney senior HOTTIE!!!

2009-08-06T17:19:00.000-05:00

bailey & ryan

2009-08-04T11:15:00.001-05:00

madison & makenzie

2009-07-31T17:25:00.001-05:00

Get your heart ready for adorable-OVERLOAD!

nick & nicole

2009-07-29T23:18:00.000-05:00

yes. love love LOVE this couple. they're personal trainers ( i know, right?) and flipping HILARIOUS! enjoy their silliness -OH- and they are ridiculously in love too. yay!!!

harper family

2009-07-28T09:16:00.000-05:00

Aww, my heart. This family is awesome. The shoot turned into a fancy little dance routine of trying to keep our unhappy 2-year-old distracted and smiling! I got to see his most patient sister (in the world) do funny dances, make faces, sing songs. We threw him in the air, we tickled, we fed him Sonic, and we won!!! check it out! Thanks again, Harper family for your patience and your awesome adorable children!!!!

kelly + kevin = baby!!!!

2009-07-27T00:02:00.000-05:00

This couple is 100% crazy about each other! It was an honor to witness! He was so sweet and affectionate and she just laughed and laughed. I loved it! So what could be greater than two people in love having a baby to love!!!! That's a lot of love!!!
Also, they are both ridiculously active and Kelly showed me some yoga moves that I've never seen anyone pull off, let alone someone who is 8 months pregnant! wowzha!

welcome to the world baby laina

2009-07-26T23:29:00.000-05:00

karasyn = awesome

2009-07-23T10:12:00.000-05:00

oh karasyn...i've been SO excited to post these. This what i would call a PERFECT senior session. Karasyn (who was named after a cabbage patch doll=awesome!) and I share a love for nearly all of the same things. Except she's a little bit more into joe jonas than I. (sorry karasyn).
get ready for some style, vintage awesomeness, and some rad C-O-L-O-R!!!!

she loves to go to flea markets...CHECK!

She brought an old, vintage bookwith fashion illustration...CHECK!

She brought an old, vintage polaroid camera...HELLO AMAZING!!!

Total kdp kind of senior!!!! If you'd like to get your senior photos done, say hello@katiedayphoto.com!!

schupbach family

2009-07-22T18:25:00.000-05:00

What's cuter than a pregnant lady? A pregnant lady with the cutest little girl ever and a husband that adores them both! I DARE you not to smile when you see this little girl.

caden and cooper

2009-07-20T20:42:00.001-05:00

I adore these boys. ADORE! They just made my whole heart smile.

cooper was rather...independent. :)

THEN! As a total bonus...Cooper came over and gave me a kiss on the cheek! I turned the camera around just in time to capture it! (Excuse the unflattering angle.) This photo represents why I LOVE THIS JOB!!!!!

heather and fred

2009-07-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

love this couple. they're adorable and have some serious s-t-y-l-e. I was grinning from ear to ear while editing these. they make me smile. enjoy!

tim & jayme

2009-07-14T19:15:00.000-05:00

This couple is in love. Like truly, madly, laughing, holding, squeezing, staring... in love. Today is their Tuesday wedding day in Florida. Congratulations Tim and Jayme!

yes, please

2009-07-14T13:56:00.001-05:00

Did a bunch of shoots in KC this weekend (photos coming soon) and had some time to kill between a maternity shoot and baby shoot ( like 9 months...just kidding only an hour..they were different mothers...anyway...) so i stopped by anthropologie to stock up on adorable inspiration (note: i will never afford stuff from this store, rather try to figure out ways to do it myself at home) and i found this book, "flea market style". I had to physically stop myself reading the entire thing. Every page is BEAUTIFUL!

elliott senior

2009-07-12T23:03:00.000-05:00

little miss tori

2009-07-12T22:28:00.000-05:00

the ticket lady at campbell 16 doesn't think i'm funny

2009-07-10T08:35:00.000-05:00

Saw "Away We Go" last night with the hubster.
We knew the evening was off to a good start while purchasing our tickets.

Jared: Two for "Away we Go", please.

Ticket Lady: Do you go to school anywhere?

Us: (pause) ....yesssssss....

Ticket Lady: K, Two Students, that's 14 dollars.

Jared: Don't you want to know where?

Ticket Lady: (Sighs) Sure. Where?

-pause-

Me: The school of Hard Knocks, that's where.

Jared: Yeah! Watch it!

-silence-

Ticket Lady: Here are your tickets. It's in Theatre 3.

my sister is beautiful

2009-07-08T16:42:00.001-05:00

My sister has always been pretty, but now that she is a mother, she has become the most beautiful version of herself. Full of joy and life. The way she cares for her darling Taylor reflects throughout everything she does.

vintage dress sewing pattern illustration

2009-07-08T11:20:00.001-05:00

I've always enjoyed fashion illustration. Every now and then I come across old 1950's sewing patterns in flea markets. This is a nice collection of found sewing patterns here on flickr.

Vintage 1950's rockabilly dress sewing pattern, originally uploaded by mysweetiepiepie.

i adore this wedding invitation

2009-07-07T14:42:00.000-05:00

Woodcut type! Bright Bold Colors! Sense of humor! Could get any better?

Tipster: Molly at Wig Wag Studios

bluegrass festival at night

2009-07-05T21:13:00.000-05:00

Fourth of July isn't official until the Day family's Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival in Conway, MO. This year, more than 2000 people showed up for some listenin, pickin, eatin, and jammin.

lacey & brett

2009-07-01T21:02:00.001-05:00

ashten & jacob

2009-07-01T21:01:00.000-05:00

reed wedding | teaser

2009-06-25T22:37:00.000-05:00

Talk about a photographer's DREAM wedding! Not only was every detail amazing, every person was GORGEOUS! Seriously, do they not look like a bunch of models? To top it all of, this is the most hilarious couple ever. Totally intimate. Totally low-maintenance. OH! And they are TOTALLY in love. Is there a word that is opposite of a bridezilla? A bride-angel, perhaps? That is Meghan. I might have her write a book for all future brides. The day was perfect, magical, effortless...enjoy!

baby girl | hollis

2009-06-25T22:35:00.000-05:00

Oh Hollis....oh my heart....how much adorable-ness can it take!? I didn't even have to try at this shoot. It's like she was this little, happy model. No kidding, she would put herself in poses and in front of amazing backgrounds! At one point, she simply stopped on a long brick pathway and just sat and smiled. It was adorable and she KNEW it! Her parents (also adorable) have their work cut out for them because she's already cute and sassy and not even two!!!!!

raypole family hotties!!

2009-06-25T22:32:00.000-05:00

This family is hot HOT HOT! It was also hot-hot-hot outside at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, MO. The family was vacationing there from their home Indiana! To be honest, I don't know how they found me! They were seeking a local photographer who could shoot some casual, easy-going portraits. I was ECSTATIC to oblige! The boys had me cracking up the whole shoot. Take a peek.

malachi | little guy :)

2009-06-25T22:31:00.000-05:00

I am in love with this little guy. Sometimes during newborn shoots, patience is the name of the game. His parents are AMAZING and SO SO SO calm and composed. He was not too happy that I interrupted his nap time to shove a camera in his face, but we managed to get so many great ones where he doesn't look upset at all! It just goes to show you that a little patience goes a long way! Can't wait to see what he looks like at 6 months. He's so adorable!

dani & allie | newborn baby girls!

2009-06-25T22:29:00.002-05:00

Identical newborn twin baby girls anyone? YES PLEASE! It's like an adorable baby girl newborn shoot EXCEPT there's TWO! Kenna (the hot momma) was cool, calm and collected, a demeanor I envy considering she was feeding, changing, or consoling at least one (if not both) the entire shoot. It was amazing!!! The girls are brand new and already she's got the routine down like a rockstar!

sam's got a big 'ole belly!

2009-06-25T22:29:00.001-05:00

This super hot mother-to-be also just happens to be my hilarious cousin, Sam. She is the most chill 8+ months pregnant woman i have ever encountered! Her and Dan have an amazing, low-maintenance relationship with a heavy dose of dry humor and commentary that i adore! Their baby girl will no doubt be in great hands and will hopefully inherit some of that wit!

announcement!

2009-06-25T14:24:00.000-05:00

Prices are a-changin', effective July 1st!
Email me now to book your wedding, family shoot, senior shoot at the lowest rate possible!

Back from Europe!

2009-06-11T11:40:00.000-05:00

Hello world!
I'm back from the best two weeks of my whole life with my wonderful husband. I need a few days to catch up on stuff around here, but there will photos galore soon!
Here's a peek at the magical eiffel tower. :)

lauren & paul

2009-05-22T14:38:00.000-05:00

This couple makes me smile! They're so completely relaxed and chill and want a wedding that reflects their mellow demeanor! A great thing for their wedding photographer to hear!!! Take a peek at their awesome relationship and smokin' good looks!!!

brooke & matt

2009-05-21T14:22:00.000-05:00

This couple is hot , Hot, HOT! Grab a bottle water, and scroll on down! I had so much fun with these two, I can't even begin to tell you. They are just as hilarious as they are ridiculously good looking, and they were definitely workin it! I cannot wait to see what their wedding day holds later this summer!

aaron & sarah | married!

2009-05-21T12:11:00.000-05:00

Aaron and Sarah tied the knot on Saturday, May 16. They share an amazing story together. They have had three attempts at romance starting in the sixth grade! After years of on again, off again romance, fate intervened and gave them a beautiful daughter Allison who (I can personally vouch) puts a smile on everyone's faces! Now after realizing God's plan, they committed to eachother and to their daughter in front of friends and family.

main street w/ the girls

2009-05-13T19:43:00.002-05:00

Every now and then my soul longs to hang out with some old friends...on an old street...looking at old things...and take a long leisurely lunch and walk and talk.

In St. Charles, MO I spent some quality time with the beautiful Megan Smith and amazing Andrea Murphy. I met these girl literally my first day in college. Megan was our dorm's bible study leader, and Andrea and I were two unsuspecting freshman who showed up to get our learning on. Andrea remembers me as the girl who showed up with Diet Dr. Pepper and Oreo 100 calorie packs. And I remember her as the best-looking freshman in the group which meant I was obligated into tricking her into being my friend. Also, I'm pretty sure we were the only ones who were talking out of the group.

We both remember Megan as outgoing, smiley, and oozing with happiness. We all met, we fell in love, and formed one of those friendships that i know will last until our own belongings are on display in these antique stores.

three glorious words!!!

It's true! I do that!

flea market finds

2009-05-13T19:43:00.001-05:00

Sometimes your soul just needs to look at old stuff, am I right?

gabe | senior hotness

2009-05-13T19:42:00.002-05:00

Gabe is the coolest kid around. That is for sure. He cracks me up!!! We laughed hysterically for probably 90% of the session. The other 10% was him giving the camera his trademarked "bedroom eyes". Take a look, but guard your heart ladies..or he'll steal it...

meghan & james

2009-05-13T19:42:00.001-05:00

Hilarious! I love love LOVE this couple. I might trick them into adopting me as their love child. Meghan used to work at Noble with me, but now she resides in the beautiful St. Charles, MO. they are seriously in love, but you can totally tell that they are best friends. We walked around Historic Main St, and around New Town for some photo magic.

ow! ow!!!

shelley & eric

2009-05-13T19:41:00.002-05:00

One hot couple!!!!! To think that Shelley started this session by saying, "Katie, you have your work cut out for you. We are the most awkward people ever."
Yeah right. What she should have said is, "Katie, we are professional models, so try to keep up." What a super-amazing couple. Their wedding is in August and will be just as magical as their beautiful, sunset-filled engagement session.

the crewse family rockstars!

2009-05-13T19:41:00.001-05:00

Oh my gosh! I have never laughed so hard at a shoot in all my life! This family rocks!!!!!! In every sense of the word. They are literally rockstars, Papa is in multiple bands including a Kiss Cover Band, Russell (who snagged some Senior photos too) plays the drums. And the whole family shares my same sense of humor and LOVE for awkward photos. These awkward photos included peeking over walls, posing with llamas, and pretending to be part of a mural. They are characters and 100% themeselves!!! I LOVED IT!!! Here's just a taste of the session magic!

addison turns three!

2009-05-04T12:40:00.001-05:00

Awwww...the Harris clan. You may recognize the beautiful bald head below from the Improvadors, or perhaps even from personifying "Injury" and "Illness" on billboards and commercials, but did you know that Chad makes up 1/3 of the coolest family eva!?
Little Addie has quite the personalty (surprise, surprise) and is quickly inheriting her mother's impeccable style. Complete with Matilda Jane outfits, I chased Addie and fam around their immaculate home this Saturday for a morning of laughter and adorable-ness.

my lovely mother

2009-05-01T06:28:00.000-05:00

It's my mother's birthday today and it makes me reflect on how much i love her, why i love her, and how fantastic her character is.

Here are 10 things about my mother. I could have written a hundred.

1. My mother is sensitive.
She is always aware of other people's feelings. She acts carefully, attempting at all times to keep people happy, and does a stellar job of it.

2. My mother is patient.
She gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. She is slow to anger, assuming there are two sides to every story and that most people deserve a second, third, fourth chance, as well as a chance to explain themselves.

3. My mother is creative.
She has an impeccable knack for home decor. You should see her house. It is like what Pier One wants to grow up to be. It's a never-ending project, as there is always one more little thing at Cameron's that will add so much to the look. She could always come up with the most creative projects for our b-day parties, as well the students she'd tutor. She can also really doodle some daisies. :)

4. My mother is hard-working.
She began and completed college while having 3 kids under the age of 10. She also got straight A's. I'm still not sure how she pulled this off as I never remember her being absent, nor do I remember her studying. I just remember her graduation, and I remember the look of pride on my dad's face that day.

5. My mother always knows what to say.
I tend to be irrationally emotionally and know immediately to call home about it. She always talks me though it, analyzes the problem, relates with a similar story and helps me to feel like I'm not a huge psycho.

6. My mother is encouraging.
I can never get off the phone or leave from a visit or upload photos without positive encouragement from my parents. Mom always signs off with: I love you so much, you're so beautiful and talented. I'm proud of you for __________. It's means a lot to me as I'm aware that some people have to wonder if they make their parents proud.

7. My mother is beautiful.
Mom has gorgeous green eyes,an amazing smile that has never had braces, and a pleasant, likable, happy demeanor that makes everyone love her. She is 100% stunning and beautiful and has absolutely no idea.

8. My mother is hilarious.
Mom will get into goofy moods that crack...me...up! Whether she decides to start singing, dancing, talking in a funny voice, or getting so giddy that she laugh so hard that a noise comes out that can only be described as Satan himself...:)

9. My mother is personable.
She can make conversation with a paper-sack. She has made every newcomer to our house feel 100% comfortable. It's a gift. I've even had some very socially-awkward friends or boyfriends in the past that she can magically put at ease. Jared, my husband said he felt like he knew mom forever even though they had first met. He never felt awkward or judged.

10. My mother is a rockstar.
She rolls with the punches. She deals with the task at hand. She commits to a solution. If she decides to get a teaching degree, she does it. If an opportunity presents itself to move to El Paso, Texas with my dad, she adapts, is flexible and makes it work. Even if it means quitting the familiar and starting a new career path.

She is amazing, fearless, an over-achieving grandmother, a "noticer" of the little things, and a delight to have for a mother.

I love you mom, more than I can say. I am blessed, humbled and not even worthy of how fantastic you are. I thank God everyday for you! Happy Birthday.

liv & greg

2009-04-27T18:07:00.001-05:00

elizabeth livingston (liv) and greg bartlett are too cute, too sweet to eachother, and WAY too photogenic to be real. this shoot was almost painful to edit. i could barely narrow them down and really couldn't bring myself to make many black and white. the color was ridiculous. Not only was the grass green and the partly cloudy weather providing perfect lighting, but Liv picked out amazing outfits and color combinations. Their wedding is in New Town in October and I'm sure it will be just as classy, colorful, and full of genuine love as today. Can't wait!

crawling around with tay tay

2009-04-27T18:04:00.005-05:00

taylor katherine has my heart. she's just a little ball of happiness in my life. she's my niece and she has gotten so fun lately with her crawling, smiling, laughing and waving "bye bye". Oh...i just adore her. Here's some snapshots while we were crawling around the house together.

me and tay tay

beautiful sister :)

creative walk with krystal & molly

2009-04-27T18:04:00.003-05:00

oh molly and krystal...these two dazzling beauties are solely responsible for my sanity a minimum of 40 hours a week...usually more. krystal is a copywriter at Noble and Molly is an art director, as well as a rockstar-photographer you'll see shooting at kdp weddings. we went for a creative walk to attempt to recharge our souls with sunshine. uncomfortably, we all took turns being the subject. this is something i am not particularly good at, as my default is to make awkward facial expressions. oh dear. it was great creative exercise and quality, fun-filled time with my gals. :)

renee & jared

2009-04-27T18:04:00.001-05:00

Coming to you from Lawrence, KS. Renee & Jared rock my socks. Renee had her locations scoped out long before I got there and each one came with sentimental attachment which I LOVE! Among the locations were the historical Hotel Eldridge which is where the first met and a secluded, shady spot on the lake where he proposed to her. We also hit up a golf course and I got a tour of Lawrence while staying warm in the backseat snuggled up with their two pups, Bella and Jackson. Don't worry, the dogs were documented too! They're wedding is in October in Dallas, TX.

joe senior

2009-04-27T18:03:00.001-05:00

Joe, my main man, my pal, my dog, my dude. Okay so we just met, but he's pretty fantastic. In fact, I'm pretty much in love with his entire family. His sister is Kim of "Kim and Charlie" a few posts back. After her wedding, we did what I like to call an "oh-my-gosh-i'm-graduating-in-less-than-a-month-and-i-never-did-my-senior-photos"session. I have couple more of those before the end of May.
Joe was a good model proving that senior photos don't have to be too painful for dudes. :) If you'd like a senior session email katie@katiedayphoto.com.

From joe | senior

me & joe together. :)

go bears!!!!

wizard of oz posters

2009-04-24T11:04:00.000-05:00

Beautifully-crafted illustrations inspired by the wizard of oz.
Read about the artist here.

vintage wedding dresses

2009-04-21T16:11:00.000-05:00

You can read the entire blog post here.

Here's yet another find that convinces me I was born in the wrong era! These are so classic!
Attention vintage-loving brides!! If you wear one of these dresses PLEASE let me photograph you. It would be an honor!!!!! :)

clever save-the-date idea

2009-04-20T09:53:00.000-05:00

This NY couple did a fictitious "facebook-type update" for every day between save-the-date and the wedding date. Read the article here.

vintage business cards

2009-04-16T10:49:00.000-05:00

simply beautiful. calling cards from the 1800's. look at the color, the design , the simplicity! oh it's beautiful! isn't it amazing that the dimension of the business card has remained the same?

Check out the whole collection on flickr by ink_ling here.

kim & charlie married!!!

2009-04-13T20:17:00.001-05:00

From pinkert_wedding

spear family

2009-04-13T20:07:00.000-05:00

sophia's first communion

2009-04-13T19:21:00.000-05:00

adrianne | maternity

2009-03-19T21:31:00.000-05:00

taylor with an umbrella (teaser)

2009-03-15T21:11:00.000-05:00

my girls

2009-03-12T08:56:00.001-05:00

This is my sister and my baby girl niece. I miss them dearly but get to see them this weekend!!! I love you girls!

improvadors in the newspaper

2009-03-05T15:52:00.000-06:00

Our show is this weekend, March 6, and 7th at 8:00pm. Big Momma's Back Porch Theater.
Grab a cup of Joe and give us your suggestions and we'll perform a 3-act play based on whatever you say.

josh & balloons (teaser)

2009-03-02T21:42:00.001-06:00

kenna's having twins!

2009-02-11T19:45:00.000-06:00

two babies.

photo love

2009-02-11T15:13:00.000-06:00

There's no shortage of cameras around the Day household. No shortage of beauty either. The women geared up and spent an afternoon photo session together. The result...

my lovely mother-in-law

Eden & Landon

2009-01-29T21:11:00.000-06:00

Tiffany Vaughn created these adorable kids out of thin air! How does this happen!? They were fantastic, little models, plus I think this shoot shows that indoor shoots can turn out really great! Of course it helps when the location is a historic house that's decor is immaculate! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do, Vaughn family!!
-Katie

the dog

2009-01-20T07:34:00.001-06:00

A couple snapshots of my handsome boy, Halpert. Ooh...I love him.

Mexican Fiesta Reception!!!

2009-01-20T07:26:00.000-06:00

My brother's year-long wedding came to an end with his at-home reception. We brought Cancun back to Kc and it was a blast!! From fajitas to margaritas to sopapillas! The best part for me is that I was truly an attendee rather than the photographer. don't get me wrong, I LOVE to take photos....but every now and then a girl has got to DANCE!!!! Here are a couple I snapped before the festivities began.

Wedding Camp with Allison

2009-01-20T07:15:00.001-06:00

My dear friend Allison and I had a wedding prep sleepover (yes, we're aware that we're adults :) to get her inviations/savethedates/and wedding programs created. As usual with my funny improv friend Allison, we had a blast!!!

Pulled-Pork Fajitas

2009-01-20T07:08:00.000-06:00

So delicious. Great use of the 'ole crock pot. Dinner is done when you get home from work!!!

2 lbs boneless pork butt (the gentlemen at the store was nice enough to de-bone my pork butt for me..{hee hee.} Don't be afraid to ask!)
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp crushed oregano
1 tsp salt
2 cups salsa
(combine in crockpot and leave low heat for 8-9 hours)

Serve with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro over warmed-up lo-carb tortillas.

So good! the pork just falls apart and is JUICY!!!!!

Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs with Edamame and Snow Peas

2009-01-20T07:06:00.000-06:00

MMM.

1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
1 1/4 pounds ground chicken
2 scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 pound snow peas, halved crosswise (3 cups)
1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Cook the rice according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, scallions, and ginger. Shape into 16 meatballs.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs, turning, until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Wipe out the skillet. Heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add the peas and edamame. Cook, tossing, for 2 minutes. Return the meatballs to skillet.

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and sugar. Add to the skillet and simmer until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve over the rice.

Tip: To keep the ground chicken from sticking to your fingers, wet your hands before forming the meatballs.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Stephanie | Headshots

2009-01-08T22:07:00.000-06:00

Shauna | Maternity

2009-01-08T22:04:00.000-06:00

christmas

2009-01-08T21:43:00.000-06:00

kevin and carly ..... the wedding...

2008-12-21T16:09:00.001-06:00

megan came to town

2008-12-08T22:30:00.001-06:00

My dear best friend from back in college days came back to Springfield for a visit. She brought along her boyfriend, Alex...and oh the fun!!!!!! Pretty much played every board game in existence and hung out around town. We even went to Lambert's... Home of the Throwed Rolls.

addie

2008-12-08T22:25:00.000-06:00

We're doing a special project at work right now that means i get to hang out with this darling kid all day. Oh...what a life..

the face project, part two

2008-12-08T22:21:00.000-06:00

thanksgiving walk

2008-12-06T14:36:00.000-06:00

The awesome Day/Mackey female clan took an adventurous Thanksgiving Day walk to search for junk. We concluded the walk with some self-timed group shots.

quelf! the game that gives random a new name

2008-12-06T14:25:00.000-06:00

Possibly the most amazing evening with The Day Family ever. This game consists of several challenges that are ridiculously random. I could explain, but frankly, it's funnier if you just look at the photos out of context. Here a re some. Go buy the game today, it will change your world. Absolutely hilarious.

the face project, part one

2008-12-06T14:10:00.000-06:00

I have started a project. You have four seconds to make four faces...GO!