pure photography by april cochran-smith

christmas parade

Last weekend we braved the very cold weather to take Jack to the Lafayette Christmas Parade for the first time.  The poor kid was so cold, but every time we asked him if he wanted to go he'd issue a very definite "NO!"  As horribly cold as it was, it was totally worth it to see how excited he was once he saw Santa.  Well, at least I think it was worth it.  You may have to ask Dustin what he thought.  I believe his words were "Never again unless it's at least 40 degrees out".  What a tough guy :)

Look!  I do exist!

Of course I had to get a picture of the Wabash trailer

FINALLY, the reason we stood in the cold for an hour and a half...

Ok, it was worth it :)

We have a pretty strict nap schedule for Jack, but thought we'd be flexible for the parade.  Here he is in the car on the way home, 2 hours late for his nap.  Hey, at least he looks happy, right?  Don't worry, no permanent damage.

emily & adam - slideshow

If the post below didn't satisfy you, here's a nifty little slideshow too!

emily & adam

Ahhh, finally, Emily & Adam's full post.  What a great day I had photographing their wedding.  I know I've said this before, but I have the best clients.  Ever.  I felt like I was just hanging out taking pictures for the fun of it.  And really now, what photographer doesn't want that as their job description?  Emily hired me after seeing my at the Bridal Affair last year.  I knew once we talked that we were a perfect match.  We've traded emails off and on this past year, so I felt like I already knew her, even though we'd never really met.  Of course in speaking of perfect matches, there's no better way to describe Emily & Adam.  They are so comfortable together & you can just tell that they love being in each other's company.  They are so much fun & have a great group of friends too.  What more could you ask for?  Pictures you say?  Ok, I can do that!

The day started with hair & makeup at Christina & Company.  I absolutely love the flower/feathers in her hair.  So unique.

love, love, love these shoes.  Both the flower/feathers & the shoes had a very Sex & the City vibe.  Works for me...

Emily's dress was by Maggie Sottero.  Beautiful...

I don't know why, but I absolutely love this picture. 

Ok, I love this one too.  Isn't she gorgeous?

Emily & Adam chose to see each other before the ceremony to make sure we had a lot of time for pictures.  It totally paid off because they're quite the models, huh?  

Remember this one?

As we were walking back to the car before the ceremony, Emily said she thought it'd be cool to do a picture in the alley.  Um, hello?  ME TOO!!  See, I told you we were a good match :)  I've been dying to show her this one...

The ceremony was held at the Lahr Atrium in downtown Lafayette.  It's amazingly beautiful with this gorgeous marble staircase at the front of the room.  They chose to have their ceremony at the top & it couldn't have been more wonderful.  A big congratulations to the wedding party for making it both up and down the stairs without tripping, btw :)

LOVE it.

Their lovely cake was by Kelly Chaffin.  

Emily's sister, Molly, made the awesome groom's cake.  She also made all of the truffles in the favor boxes.  Who doesn't want a sister like that?

Favorite <3

Emily's mom did all of the flowers.  Talented family, huh?

Emily & Adam wanted to make sure that they had a lot of cool photos together, so we took a break during the reception & walked across to the Union to get some cool stuff.  You know how I love a good couch shot.  Know what else I love?  Adam's shoes.

Their dj, Josh Caudill with Epicenter Entertainment, definitely kept the entertainment level up!

:)