Maternity Leave

I can't believe I am writing this post!  For the past nine months, through 25 weeks of (all-day) morning sickness, a few complications and everything else that comes with being pregnant, I didn't think this day would come.  I LOVED photographing my many gorgeous wedding clients, beautiful and super fun grad clients and sweet-as-can-be family and children clients!  It was a full year of wonderful friendships formed, memories lived and moments captured.  I couldn't be more thankful for this job and for those with whom I am honored to get to interact with.  THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

And now, today, I am beginning my maternity leave.  With baby boy due any second, I am happy to write these words.  With my two year old, my August baby, I didn't have a maternity leave.  Within HOURS of leaving the hospital and arriving home, I was back to editing.  Within DAYS, I was photographing sessions and within just a couple WEEKS, documenting weddings again.  Although everything went well, I am happy to say that this time around, I can focus 100% of my family and my sweet little blessing for 7 or 8 weeks and then EASE back into work at my own pace.  WHAT A GIFT!

So, things will be a little quite around here and the facebook page, and it may take me a day or two to return calls and e-mails- but know that I love all of you, am thankful for each of you, and am enjoying my new baby boy. :)

ps:  I am still booking spring sessions for 2013 and have a few 2013 Wedding openings remaining- so feel free to still contact me regarding bookings.

Class of 2013: Alexandra

Full of confidence.  Full of smiles and spunk.  Alexandra brought all this and more to her session last month.  We had a wonderful time at a great rustic location capturing all that makes this girl wonderful amid all that makes autumn beautiful!  I loved her willingness to change expressions, incorporate things she loves (can you say a fuffy bunny?) and her sense of style!  Here is just a glimpse of her session:

 

 

Class of 2013: Isaiah

I loved his name. It happens to be the name of my two year old and so in the last few years, as I photographed Isaiah's tennis pictures and more, I always remembered him.  It was more than just his name though.  It was also his kind demeanor and fun sense of humor.  What a great time I had photographing Isaiah last month and capturing all this is unique about him.

He happens to be an amazing tennis athlete.  But on top of that, he also happens to be incredibly smart. Within just a few moments, this because apparent to me.  His brain is always moving and he laughs so much- I laughed the whole time with him and our session flew by.  Here are a few favorites from the chilly and beautiful November day:

Class of 2013: Justin

Justin's session was such a fun experience.  Like most guys, he wasn't super excited about the idea of having his portraits taken at the beginning.  But within a few minutes, he was relaxed, smiling and ready to showcase his love for all things sports.  We snuck in his various hockey and baseball outfit changes in between bouts of downpours and times of sprinkles.  He did all of it without complaint and even flashed a few wonderful smiles throughout the time.  Here is a sneak peek at his session last month:

Class of 2013: Maria

I had the honor of meeting Maria when I photographed her friend Kenzie and their inspiring story of friendship last spring.  When Maria contacted me to photograph her grad session, I was honored.  This lovely little teen is full of a lot of personality, smarts and motivation.  Because it was a cold, breezy fall day, we spent a lot of time running into cute little shops to warm and and chat.  It was a pleasure to photograph and get to know Maria!  She has an edge to her personality and style that i just loved to capture.

Here is a glimpse at her session:

Featured Fridays: Three Features in Three Days!

What a fun week for features and a great way to finish of what has been another busy and wonderful year for Kate Wenzel Photography!  I am less than two weeks away from having our 2nd son and am so looking forward to his arrival!  In the meantime, I am staying busy wrapping up the 2012 year!  

This week, Lindsay and Michael were featured on Lovebird Productions, an adorable national wedding planning site.  Meanwhile, Kenzie and her friends were highlighted on Senior Style Guide and last but not least, Katie and Cody's wedding was on Wedding Hopping!  Enjoy!

Fall Family Session: Extended Family Sessions!

I have photographed Tina and her family for the last few years and love that I can now call her friend.  When she thought of giving her mom a gift certificate for a session for her siblings and their kids, I thought it was brilliant.  It was such a joy to get to know ALL of Tina's wonderful family.  Although it was a gloomy day, the pictures were anything but!  So much laughter and so many sweet little faces- I really love that I get to call this my job.  Here are a few highlights:

Class of 2013: Katie

Sometimes, during a session, you know as a photographer that things are just right.  Between the locations, the fall colors, the beautiful subject, her sense of style and my desire to capture her in a creative way that reflected her love for all things country chic, it all came together.  Katie was wonderful to photograph.  You would never know that the hours leading up to her session were a bit stressful for this beauty!  A flawless smile was a constant throughout the entire session and we had a blast traveling in and around the area around her home.  Here is a glimpse into her session: