Burning Man

As my husband packs up his gear for next week’s burning man festivities and chats with our camp mates about the upcoming plans, schedule and logistics, I can not help but to feel a tiny bit of FOMO begin to creep in. I have been to Black Rock Desert two times, and they were mind blowing experiences.

Every one always asks “WHAT is burning man?” or they just assume it is a bunch of psychadelic hippies on drugs….and although yes, you will certainly run into some of those people…..It is a beautiful mixture of everyone. A temporary city. An experiment in community. It is a culture based on 10 guiding principles. You can look all of that stuff up, but basically, it is a place free of judgement, bursting with creativity, empty of commerce and a beautiful break from your phone and the outside world. It is a culture.

It’s crazy how intensely you bond with your camp mates. I have only spent two full weeks collectively with these people, but they feel like family. They were at our wedding, and it just brings me that warm, fuzzy feeling even talking about them right now. I will miss all of them and all of it so much….but having two little ones, my FOMO of missing out on them is stronger this year. They are only little for such a little space in time, and I am not ready to leave them for 7-10 days. So to all of you burners out there, have a great burn for me!!!

one of my favorite images of joe and denise

loved spending the week with these two! Do yourself a favor and follow Katya & Rob on Instagram

One of my favorite parts about burning man was getting on my bike, riding around, meeting people and photographing them.

sunrise at the temple

Hedley & Cherie’s Sunrise wedding

One of my most favorite images, photographed by the one and only Trey Ratcliff

Have fun in the desert, Chris! Love, Coolest & Best Wife Ever.

Happy First Birthday Roman | St. Louis Family Photographer

I have had the pleasure and honor of documenting a very special little guy throughout the past year and a half. Meet my sweet nephew, Roman. He is sure to steal your heart with his big brown eyes, chunky thighs, and scrunched nose smile. He has stolen all of our hearts from the moment we laid eyes on him. It is hard to believe that one year ago, today, we were all in that Labor & Delivery room at Mercy Hospital praying for him to take his first breath. He gave us all a good scare! Thank you Kayla & Robbie for allowing me to tag along for the journey to capture each and every feeling, moment, milestone, and sweetness of your boy. Robbie, you have made me more proud than I could ever tell you. Honestly, I am in awe of how wonderful of a Daddy you are. From the moments you were there holding Kayla's hand in the delivery room, to the moment you fed Roman his first bottle, to all the things you do to support your family....you have grown from the little guy that was my little brother into an incredible man. Kayla, Roman (& Robbie) are both so lucky to have you. Watching you become a mother has been so special as well. You were born to do this. You are so strong, independent, caring, BEAUTIFUL, funny, smart, and loving. I love you both. As we all know, they change SO MUCH throughout the first year, so here is a little walk down memory lane. Aunt Ashley loves you Roman!!!