Sweet Childhood {OpLove Photography}

It was so great to get out and play in the gorgeous fall weather last night with this fun-loving family.

Both Mom & Dad proudly serve our nation in the Army, but next week Dad is headed off to Afghanistan. I hope when he sees all the smiles & laughter in his album it'll help bring part of "home" to him downrange... I have to say that little "j" is just smiling and laughing throughout all the images, obviously surrounded by tons of love and laughter. So on top of Dad having some warm memories to cherish while he's away, I hope years from now "j" will look back on these images and forever remember just how fun it was to be that little kid playing with Mom & Dad.

We started off our session downtown, but "j" quickly led us in the direction of the trains; this little spot was so fun! I hadn't wandered back to this little part for a session yet, and I think you'll be seeing more of it in future images...

I just love capturing fun childhood moments like this one above....the honest smiles, genuine laughs...{sigh}

This little series below is "j" playing "Airborne!" with his Daddy Doll. His Dad flys him around like he's jumping out of an airplane and he yells "Airborne!"...so that's what "j" was doing with his doll. So cute!  {for those of you wondering what a Daddy Doll is, military kids whose parent deploys can get these little dolls for free; the face of the doll has a slot for you to put a photo of your Mom or Dad}

"D,"  "B" & little "j"....thank you so much for trusting this precious memories to me. I truly enjoyed getting to know you ... and a big thanks to "j" for discovering a fun new place for sessions :-)

"B"  - safe travels, and come home soon!

{OpLove Disclaimer: "The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply and endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense."}

Hanging out with the McBrayers {Linear Park}

What a super sweet bunch this family is...and I love the lavendar the gals were wearing - from Emma's sweater dress to Elizabeth's boots and little collar detail, they had it so right on! And how badly do I want to go boot shopping now...lovin' all three pair!

Great job on the styling, you guys! Everyone looked so great; your clothes "flowed" and worked great together,  but still showed everyone's personalities. Paired with your fantastic smiles and how cuddly you all are...it's a big thumbs up!

I had a great time getting to know you guys and can't wait for you to see your gallery! Hope you've enjoyed this little sneak peek; there's so much more to come! Thanks so much for a fantastic session!

Wink {Missie Jurick Photography}

 I'm so excited to have the opportunity to share with you a few portraits from last night's session. This gorgeous gal was so great to work with...and I'm incredibly grateful that she's allowing me to share some of our captures so that I can introduce you to to what I'm working on...

In addition to my Family photography, I'll soon be launching a branch of Missie Jurick Photography I'm calling "Wink." This will have a seperate website and blog, but will still be a part of my same studio ... I can't wait to design the logo and all the fun & flirty branding that will go along with it!

"Wink" will be all about celebrating the strength & confidence a woman posesses. It's about embracing our beauty...no matter our shape, size, or age...and having the ability to feel pampered and gorgeous. We all deserve that.

 

Beautiful "A" is surprising her soldier, who's in Afghanistan, with these gorgeous portraits. I wish I could somehow put a camera in the box to record his face when he gets this surprise...I just know he's going to flip!

"A"...thank you so much for a fantastic session. I really enjoyed getting to know you, and cannot wait for you to see the rest of your gallery. You are simply stunning...and thank you so much for allowing me to share your grace & beauty on my blog. I hope you are just loving these images!

Celebrating 50 Years {Happy Anniversary}

Friday evening I took a ride out to the gorgeous Carolina Inn  at the Pinehurst Golf Resort to meet up with Brenda & Chris, who were celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary ... with all their family!

What an incredibly special moment to have everyone together to celebrate such a beautiful milestone.

With family flying in from as far away as California, I was bummed to see dark clouds rolling in as I drove towards the resort; but there was no raining on this parade! By the time the guests of honor showed up, the skies had cleared and the sun was back out...not that it would have mattered with this group; they were such a laid back and fun crew! Reminded me of my Chicago family...always so fun to be around, and no matter how long it's been since we've been together it's like we never missed a beat...

 Brenda & Chris were surprised with this family photo by their 7 children and their families. Who wouldn't cherish having a photo like that? We also took the opportunity to capture individual family portraits...goodness, what a good looking group!

{I love this group shot above of Brenda & two of her grandkids....easy to tell who they got their gorgeous eye color from; Gotta love genetics!}

Brenda & Chris, Congratulations again on 50 beautiful years together and the wonderful family you created. I'm so glad I got to meet you both and help you celebrate your day. And to the rest of the Christianson crew...thanks for being so great! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend together!

E & S {OpLove}

Congratulations to this sweet couple on their engagement!

While most couples who are engaged spend a year together tasting cakes, picking out DJs, and planning their honeymoon, these two will be writing letters, sending carepackages, and having "skype dates." Photographing them reminded me of my hubby's first deployment to Iraq; we weren't married yet, either, and although it was so hard to miss him so much, thinking back I cherish those letters and e-mails more than anything. We grew and connected in such a unique way - sharing our thoughts and dreams in the letters we wrote each other I know helped make our friendship & love so strong. This is what I wish for you, E & S, as well...

{This image above is E "hugging" his two precious little girls, who are in Michigan}

May this year speed by for you both! E- come home safe. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet you both, and I look forward to working with you again in the future. XOXO

{OpLove disclaimer: "The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply and endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense."