Your Backstage Pass: AFM

Contest time...Happy World Photography Day!

2011-08-19T05:29:00.000-05:00

Happy World Photography day!! In order to celebrate this fabulous holiday I thought a small contest would be fun! So today, photograph how you see your day! Then post a link to your image that you upload online- ex: Flickr, Facebook, Myspace, or somewhere else, or you can email me the image you want to submit. The more creative, the better. There will be a random entry drawn on Monday for a $50.00 gift certificate to AFM and I will also pick my favorite 5 to be voted on next week to win a gallery wrapped canvas of your image- that is where the creativity comes in :)

The tough part is picking the image that really shows the essence of your day. I wonder what today will bring for us. I'm sure my day will be filled with my kiddos- getting their last Hurrah before school resumes next week, but who knows what the image that shows the essence of my day will be. Perhaps a trip to the zoo? Possibly a museum! We have a beautiful, unplanned day ahead and I'm sure it will be full of emotional images...(travelling with kiddos any distance usually does)

We also have lots in store...my sister, Tara, is due any day now...so maybe today will be baby day???!!!

What will your day bring... What image will you moment will you freeze forever on this day? I can't wait to see!!!!

Nana reading to Lainey on her last visit...Lainey loves books and pretty much anything fancy right now :)

SUPERmom candidates

2011-06-09T00:54:00.002-05:00

Meet our SUPERmom candidates! One of which will win a huge prize package for a day of beauty from Creme Salon (check out their FABULOUS new website) and a photography session from your's truly to show it all off!

I am posting these in order of when we received them. Read them over and come back Friday night to start voting for the one you think deserves the title and prize package. We will have 2 winners- the one you determine will be our "People's Choice" winner and then a group of business owners in the community will be voting on the grand prize winner.

NOMINEE#1: Cheri

Becky Williams nominated Cheri with these words:

Moms are amazing. We manage households, husbands, children and jobs {in home or out}, while maintaining patience, sacrificing ourselves, and loving unconditionally. In the middle of this crazy world, it’s easy to forget to teach our children about selflessness. That very characteristic is what humbles us all; to realize that we are not better than anyone else, and we don’t do things just for US all of the time. It’s hard to teach children that. They’re still learning about their world, and we want them to understand their place in it. We raise them, teaching them that they are beautiful, unique, and special, but sometimes we forget that there are others out there who are just as beautiful, unique, and special. We forget to put in a little extra effort and time to show our children selflessness. We don’t go out of the way to do things for others because we’re so busy with our own lives. Who can blame us? But, Cheri Moser manages to do it all. She stays home with her two girls (ages 3 and 18 months), is expecting another little one, any day, and yet manages to continually find opportunities to do things with her girls that are fun, educational, and yet always seem to carry a tune of selflessness. We all know actions speak louder than words! Here’s a few:

1. She tries to keep them involved with their Great Grandparents – while it’s good for the girls to have that interaction, it’s even more important that she’s teaching them to make time for the elderly. The very elderly generation among us often times is overlooked because of their age, but they need the young ones as much as the young ones need them (even if the youngest ones don’t know it!). The importance they place on their extended family is so inspirational. If you can’t learn to be selfless about your family first, it’s a hard lesson for our children to learn how to be selfless when it comes to others outside of the family!

2. They were sent a “Flat Mac” (kind of like a Flat Stanley) for a week. Not only did they take her places, but they did every day things with her, documented it all, and then she put together a little video - All for someone ELSE’S school project! (She’s a former TV editor, so these are her skills at work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZZgE_0WLx4&feature=player_embedded )

3. When I was in desperate need of participants to finish up my certification, she volunteered (7 months pregnant) to drive almost an hour, every week for a month, with her girls, for no compensation of any sort, just to help me out. It was a completely selfless act for a near stranger in need at the time. I had only met Cheri once prior to this through a mutual friend.. Without her help and selfless heart, I may not be where I am today!

Thanks to Cheri – a Supermom in sense of the word!

NOMINEE #2: Krystin

Krystin was nominated by herself...which I found awesome! Way to go to a mom who steps up to do this!

My Nomination for the contest very rudely is myself. I feel like I'm being very selfish in doing this but I would love to win this because I've been feeling a bit stressed lately and feel like a day all about me would do just the trick. Not to complain, but I lost my job recently, I have an 19month old son, 4months pregnant with my next, and my husband is currently deployed. I have placenta previa which has put me in pain and really limited what I've been able to do, and I feel like I'm tied down alot. I'm trying to juggle all of my responsibilities and also finish my G.E.D. which I've started and given up on 3 times, and go to school so I can better my life for my family, my children, and myself! I feel like winning this supermom contest would help me to have a day all about me, relax, and get back on my feet...making me feel better than ever!

Please consider me for Supermom!

NOMINEE #3: Ally

Her husband, Adam, nominated her and sent these words along....

It's hard to have a conversation with Ally without her mentioning
something about Ella and Jovie in possibly every sentence.You can easily
notice her great compassion and love for her two "perfect", as she calls
them, little girls, Ella and Jovie.Does this make her a super
mom?Probably not, but it's a great base to build on.

After Jovie was born in March 2010 Ally decided that she was not
going to return to work because she did not want to miss anymore of the
milestone moments in the girls' life.She spent the days teaching,
playing and doing crafts with the girls and the nights thinking about
what craft or learning opportunity they would do the next day.Rarely has
Ally taken the time to sit back and put herself before the girls, always
worry about them before herself.Several months ago Ally was asked by two
families to care for their two boys.Not even thinking twice about it she
cared for the boys as if they were her own so their parents could
continue to work.Again Ally slid her personal needs farther down the list.

A little over a year ago our oldest, Ella, took a liking to
dinosaurs and was always wanting to know more about them.Not really
knowing anything about dinosaurs Ally could have just found a couple
movies or tv shows about them and let Ella learn that way.Needless to
say that wasn't good enough for Ally and she became somewhat of a
dinosaur expert so she could share that same passion with Ella and teach
her about the different dinos.

As you have noticed Ally is always putting someone else's needs in
front of her own.To me that is the epitome of being a super mom,
worrying about your kids before yourself.This would give Ally that
opportunity to put herself on top of the list even if it is for just a
few hours.

almost there....Laura and Tim's last maternity post

2011-06-01T22:20:00.000-05:00

It has been a long joyful journey with Laura and Tim. I am so honored that she chose for AFM to be their photographer for this time in their lives!! I cannot wait to meet the little wonder! Soon...very soon!!!

In Laura's words:

So here we are, with a very short amount of time left, creeping towards the official due date of our precious bundle. Realistically though, our babe could make an arrival at any time of any day from here on out.

At my 38-week appointment, I made sure to tell my doctor that (in case he didn’t know) he WAS going to be the one at the hospital delivering my baby when I go into labor. He said he would do what he could do, but I’m pretty sure that silently in his head he was thinking, “oh, these first time mothers get so worked up and have unrealistic ideas.” I must say that I think I’ve been a pretty cooperative patient thus far, so he could at least do this one favor for me. We’ll see what happens ☺.

Now that Tim and I are mentally preparing for the end of this journey, I’m pretty sure my body is as well. I’ve read in some of my baby magazines and spoke to some of my close friends and family about the difficulty of bending over while pregnant. I never understood how challenging of a task that really could be. After I drop something on the floor, I find myself staring at the object for several seconds, evaluating whether or not it’s really worth picking up. Most of the time it isn’t.

Tim and I were at Theisen’s a couple of weekends ago (at least they accommodate to pregnant women with offering free popcorn), and while I was following Tim around the tools section like a lost puppy who’s feet were ready to burst from swelling, I ran across this cool contraption. It was a long metal stick with a magnet on the end. Had I known about one of those devices, I would have purchased one weeks ago! The magnet stick thing also would have saved many objects from being left abandoned on my floors.

Needless to say, I didn’t get it, but give props to whoever came up with such a handy tool.

Many people have also given me a heads up about this “nesting” phase that apparently hits not long before a woman goes into labor. I don’t exactly know what to expect when it does make an appearance, but I can’t imagine getting a sudden desire to want to clean the house, or fold and refold all of the baby’s clothing as I’ve been told. Maybe my nesting will come in the form of wanting to fold the laundry that’s been sitting in the basket for a few days, or finally getting around to washing those few pesky dishes that aren’t dishwasher safe (why would any company continue to make non-dishwasher safe products?).

At this point, I’ve been thinking about all of the unknowns as far as what to expect in the next days. Will my water break? Will I know when I’m having true contractions? Will I be able to remain calm? Will I have a long labor? There are just so many questions that can only be answered when the time arrives. For those of you who know me, I like to have a plan and know what is going to happen, so I can only hope that I’m able to let loose and let nature take it’s course. There’s only one way to find out, and that’s by patiently waiting for these next days to come and go.

There’s no letter to add this week, but I found this poem on the World Wide Web and felt that it fits perfectly with how Tim and I are feeling as we quickly approach these final days as just husband and wife, and the beginning days of our new family:

Creme Salon and AFM team up to bring you the SUPERmom contest 2011

2011-05-18T06:47:00.000-05:00

We all know super moms...you know the type! The ones who can balance, home and child rearing, a career (whether that be raising children and husbands, or working outside the home), those who find time to put other's first and never seem to even consider themselves. Well we want to honor those moms by pampering the heck out of them and showing off their gorgeousness!

Creme Salon and AFM are teaming up to bring you- SUPERmom the contest.

So here are the details- what we need is a little essay (up to 500 words) why your mom or friend, or even yourself should win this package....along with a full body snapshot of the nominee. The entries will be accepted until May 31st at midnight! just email them to alissa@a-fleeting-moment.com or FB me at Alissa Brickman.

How will the winner be chosen? Well, that was under a debate, because we really didn't want this to be a popularity contest. So, although we have decided that the ultimate winner will be chosen by a panel of community members we will gather, we do want the people's choice winner to receive something as well. AFM will award that person a 50.00 gift card to the studio, and Creme will give a 30.00 gift certificate to there too!!

To thank the nominator we also will send you a 20.00 gift card to both Creme and AFM. Because you know you are a rock star if you take the time to nominate someone??!!

Now for the fine print since there always has to be fine print :)

Females will be eligible, but must be over age 18. Please include full birthday.
You can nominate yourself, or someone else, but you must ask for permission before you nominate someone. We will not accept any nominations unless the person being nominated complies.
Must be able to travel to the Peosta/Farley area for the makeover and for consultations the week before the makeover.
Applications will be narrowed down to a top 5 which will be announced.
Hair will be cut, colored, and styled by Creme Salon and your input will not be considered (well maybe a little, but not much!).
Makeover photos will be done by A Fleeting Moment Photography, and will be posted on the internet and also may be used by AFM or Creme for marketing. A model release will be signed for permission.
Winner must be able to travel to the area for the day of the makeover that will be decided by all parties, but must be done by July 1st, and also for at least one day to meet about clothing.

34 weeks session for Laura....37 weeks at date of blog

2011-05-17T22:40:00.000-05:00

Not Laura's fault at all :) It has just been nuts at AFM right now (which is always good, but always puts me behind on these little things)! So the blog is just now getting uploaded.

Both Laura and I big puffy heart this session :) For me- I am super lucky to have a mom who is willing to dance pregnant in the rain!

with no further delay: Laura :)

I feel as though “Final Countdown” should be playing in the background as I write this blog. With less than 5 weeks left before our precious peanut will be welcomed into this world, Tim and I have been kicking the preparation process into a much higher gear. We’ve been busily working on the baby’s room and checking to see if any other necessities are needed in order for us to take care of this little babe.

At my 34-week appointment, my doctor left me with the statement, "I'll see you again in two weeks. From that point on it'll be safe to welcome you into the new baby club." I responded with the typical, “It’s crazy how quickly the time has gone!” However, I believe that after two weeks have passed since that appointment, his words have finally hit me. For a while I knew that there was only a short amount of time left, but recently I’ve come to realize how true that actually is.

With this bundle of joy come changes in a woman’s life. You know the old wives tale that says, “If you have heartburn during pregnancy, your child will have a lot of hair”? Well, within the last few weeks, the heartburn factor has seriously stepped up. If the tale is true, there may be a possibility that I’ll be giving birth to Chewbacca. I can’t help but continuously think about what our peanut will look like. Will the baby have dimples? Will the baby have wavy hair or straight hair? Will the baby have a full head of hair, or no hair at all?

Another change that I’ve progressively noticed is that pregnancy transforms a woman’s body into something that is completely unrecognizable from our pre-pregnancy bodies. There are parts of a woman’s body that shift in ways that never seemed possible. Stretch marks may also appear in the least likely and seemingly only safe and sacred part of a woman’s body that she thought she had (unless you’re the lucky percentage who have never been blessed with the stretch mark experience). Nonetheless, I’ve been reminded many times, and do believe, that all of those battle wounds are completely worth it in the end.

Even though there are many woes to the physical transformations of our bodies, there are positives as well. For example, as my belly has grown I have gained the optical illusion that my derrière has decreased in size. Also, my hair is thicker and fuller, and my nails have never looked better! Finally, the feeling of knowing your baby is safely tucked away in your belly could possibly be the best feeling of all. Those movements, which feel more like circus acts, are constant reminders that soon enough a beautiful baby will be lying in your arms needing a love that only his/her mom and dad can give. That could possibly be the best part of the whole pregnancy process.

Baby B's first Photo Shoot

2011-04-07T14:11:00.001-05:00

At my doctor’s office, mommies-and-daddies-to-be can expect to get two ultrasounds. The first of which is a dating ultrasound and the second is done around 20 weeks.

The first ultrasound was amazing. Sure, we saw the two little lines on the home pregnancy test that said “Jackpot, you’re pregnant!”, but this particular ultrasound made it real. Really real.

As the tech gently (not!) scanned my lady bits during this trans-vaginal ultrasound, we could see a tiny little speck on the screen. Inside the tiny little speck was a beautiful flashing heart, pumping away. Our baby. No bigger than a piece of rice, our tech commented. Holy moley. Our beautiful, teeny-tiny rice baby.

I wasn’t sure that anything could trump that visit.

Until our 12 week appointment when we got to hear the little one’s heart pitter-pattering away. “Oh, someone’s happy and healthy in there!” *the sound of a little thud* “And kicking away!” exclaimed our doctor. This was my first solid Mommy moment. Our doctor said our baby was happy! I cried on my drive back to work (and I’m NOT a crier!).

Nothing could top that, right?

Last week, around our 19 week mark, we got the “big” ultrasound. Now, if we were going to find out the gender of the baby, this would have been the ultrasound we’d be looking forward to. But my husband and I are Team Green, patiently waiting until the baby’s birth-day to find out.

The tech squirted an obscene amount of jelly on my belly (insert Destiny’s Child song here) and away we went into BabyLand. She placed the ultrasound tool on me and almost instantly we saw our little one moving around. Like, we actually saw hands and feet and kicking and dancing the cha-cha (I swear!). I’m not sure if I was more mesmerized by the baby or by seeing my husband’s reaction. His eyes were wide with amazement, staring happily at the 42” screen showing us our baby. I got a tiny little tear in my right eye – but just one.

The tech carefully sought out and described each part of the baby’s body, paying special attention to the spine, the different parts of the brain and the four chambers of the baby’s sweet little heart. We were almost too in awe to speak. In fact, I think I responded to the tech simply with a laugh every time she mentioned a body part.

Nothing – nothing could possibly top this.

Until the tech hit a button and magically the baby’s face was in 4D. Boo-yah! The little one had his or her hands in fists up by its face. It was tired and refusing to let the tech get a clear picture of its face. I laughed saying that the baby is stubborn and doesn’t like to be woken up, just like his/her mama! Then my husband commented that Alissa isn’t going to be so happy that the little one doesn’t like getting its picture taken! Although, I’m sure that will change – no worries, Lissa. :o)

As it turned out, we wouldn’t have been able to find out the gender, even if we had wanted to! The baby wasn’t cooperating and refused to open its legs for the tech. (I’m going to take that as a good sign if the baby is a girl!) The doctor needs to get a clear shot of the umbilical cord insertion point, so he ordered another ultrasound in a few weeks. But Baby looks GREAT, which is music to a mommy’s ears, so I don’t mind getting some more pictures.

And so the picture obsession begins. Because you can never have enough pictures of your kids, right, A Fleeting Moment fans?!?!

(Added from Alissa....I am going to get my little hands on Tara's belly soon....it is tough being even an hour away we don't get to see much of each other)

Ps- We'd still love your vote for us on the KCRG A List....and your comment might even go on our brand new website that is going live soon!!!

Opening up our VIP session for this weekend to everyone!

2011-04-04T18:56:00.000-05:00

This was just on FB for about a week, but I want to extend it to everyone out there :) I do still have some spots available! This weekend- hopefully outside if the weather works out for us! If not, it will be in the studio. Think FUN, WHIMSICAL, COLORFUL and PLAYFUL! Let your imagination run away with you for this session. Babies, Children, Family, Couples, even Seniors or Friends!

By the way- there is still time to vote for us: http://kcrg.cityvoter.com/a-fleeting-moment-photography/biz/542630

29 weeks- Laura

2011-03-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

Well I'm back from sunny, beautiful Florida, and sadly I couldn't pack any of the sunshine into my suitcase....hopefully it will follow me close behind! I will post some images from our trip sometime, but for now, the much awaited update from Laura!!!

Welcome back AFM blog viewers!

Tim and I have recently entered into the 29th week of pregnancy and are realizing how quickly the time has passed. A couple of weekends ago, while speaking to my mom, I had heard myself say out loud that the baby will be here in 3 months…or less! Holy cats! It was at that moment that I had my first worrisome moment and doubted there would be any way we could be ready for this precious bundle to enter into our lives. Poor Tim has the tough job of trying to calm my doubts while attempting to reassure me that everything will fall into place.

Since becoming pregnant, I think Tim has earned the right to add a few more qualities to his resume:

Tim Herbers: Husband, Soon-To-Be Father, Counselor, Massage Therapist, Hormonal Wife’s Savior.

On another note, I’ve recently had some awakenings as to how big I actually am. Less than a month ago, Tim and I drove to Texas with his family to visit more family; including our beautiful niece who has recently been welcomed into the world. At this point, I was 25 weeks along. We were all out shopping one day and I realized that it was time to cave and purchase some clothes that actually fit (aka: maternity clothes). I took about 7 or 8 pairs of cute non-mom looking pants with me to the dressing room thinking “One of these have to fit. The next size up look like elephant pants!” Fast-forward 20 minutes later, and I was leaving the store with a trendy pair of black cargo maternity pants….elephant sized.

A couple of stores later, I was at the checkout and the lady working the register cheerily said to me, “I’m going to guess that you’re 7 or 8 months along.” With a pleasant smile on my face I corrected her by saying that I was still in my 6th month. “Well,” she said, “I was in my eighth month already when I was as big as you.”

….and people wonder why I avoid shopping at all costs.

You would think with the gradual growth of my belly, I would be used to it by now. I compare the feel of having this bump to that of wearing a new engagement ring. I don’t know about any of you other ladies out there, but shortly after I had gotten engaged, I bumped my ring on everything because I wasn’t used to it. Well, I’ve been bumping my belly on nearly every door and doorframe in our house. Not only that, but I can’t squeeze myself into tight spaces by sucking my belly in anymore. Try as I might, the only thing I try to squeeze into are my favorite pair of pre-pregnancy jeans…and even that’s not pretty.

I must conclude by adding that I really am excited to meet this baby. Although this blog may seem as though I’m unenthusiastic about this process, I’m really enjoying this part of the pregnancy. I’ve been feeling great and have been able to live a somewhat normal life because of it. I know of a few women who felt miserable the entire 40 weeks and weren’t able to enjoy one bit. For that reason, I thank God for my health and the health of our baby.

Until next time!
Laura

Alissa here :) What's is funny about this post is how excited I was that we could even see Laura's belly laying down :) we tried last time and you just couldn't....I think she is just gorgeous!!!

So what is your favorite pregnancy story? Post in the comments section and Laura and I will pick out our favorite to win a 30.00 gift cert. to AFM!

PS- If you love AFM, go vote for us on the KCRG A list-

From Lindsay!!

2011-03-05T11:29:00.000-06:00

Not only did I get a huge thank you and yippee from Lindsay (and a really wonderful one from her mom too)- Lindsay wrote this little note to me for this blog on finding out she won:

Alissa- First things first, I must say I'm completely speechless at the amount of people who voted, and is making this amazing opportunity come true!

When I first read about this contest, it was only a vision in my head about how cool this could be. Never did I think you'd extend the deadline in allowing more people to participate (hence baby # 3 is due in 15 days, so dress would currently not fit).

Secondly~ putting my two favorite things together in the same situation is going to be an amazing opportunity. When life hit a brick wall with my softball career ending, I didn't know that the beginning of best years were just in front of me. Upon arriving home after breaking my wrist while playing for the Akron Racers in Ohio, I met Jason. As cliche' as it is, I knew he was immediately the one! A year after meeting one another we were married! 5 years later and just 15 days short of 3 kids, life doesn't get much better!

Alissa has captured our family photos and never ceases to amaze me at what she captures. She's the most amazing photographer I've ever met, and blessed with this amazing opportunity! I promise you there will be some amazing photos!

Thanks so much for all you do Alissa!

Lindsay

I am soooo excited to be able to shoot her maternities tomorrow! She is driving 4 hours to come to me for these! It is hard not to be proud of that :)

I feel like running another giveaway- in the spirit of Spring... so who wants a FREE full session with all the fixins'.... as soon as I get up to 1000 likes on my business page I am giving away one full session, a whole copyright free CD to print up to 5x7 on PLUS a 16x20 image of your choice from that session! So go- tell your friends to "LIKE" AFM on Facebook as soon as we hit 1000 the giveaway will begin!!!

And the winner is......

2011-02-28T14:59:00.000-06:00

#2 Lindsay Wood Stanford...come on down! :)

Lindsay must have a huge network of friends and family who are behind her because she came in at 171 votes (when adding in the votes place on facebook as well as the poll on the blog, plus several of her family posted the link on their pages as well)

Now I find her winning a take back the dress session awesome and a little funny since this weekend I am shooting her maternity session! She is due with a baby in March!

Not only does her idea seem like it is going to be unique and fun and totally her! (UNI softball here we come) I am sure that it is going to be great to focus on Lindsay as a woman and not just a mom :)

I can't wait to hear how she reacts when she hears this!!! :)

Here is Lindsay- or as I like to call her- Super Mom!

Since I love all of the entries...this was so hard! I wanted to give something to each of the entries that were submitted, so each of you win a free session of any type, plus an 11x14! Feel free to use it for a Take Back the Dress session of your own or family, or child session....just mention this offer when you book!

Re-Introducing.....my sister Tara....and the Welcome Wagon

2011-02-25T09:18:00.000-06:00

First of all- here is a poster for our upcoming event I posted about the other day..... email, fb or text me (563-542-4817) to grab your time slot- they are going fast!!

I have to put a warning on this post....when I read this submission I seriously laughed so hard I cried.....and I lived with this girl for years...18 or so :) so I am used to her humor.....so be prepared....this post will brighten your day :)

PS-- she just announced this at Christmas and so there aren't any good shots of her yet.....so there might be mobile phone pics for a while :) until we see each other next! I am soooo excited to share this with you and to follow her whole pregnancy....especially since she is already so hilarious- I can't imagine as the due date gets closer.

The Pregnancy Welcome Wagon

Hi there! I'm Tara, Alissa's younger and less talented sister. (Okay, we're both talented, just in very different ways.) I am ecstatic to finally be one of her official Baby Bloggers, as I am now 14 weeks pregnant with our first little one! As thrilled as I am to be "with child," it's admittedly been a bit of a bumpy road so far. Let me explain.

You get the positive home pregnancy test and/or blood test and it's like, "Welcome, welcome!!! You're going to be a mommy!" Puppies, sunshine and rainbows - this awesome! I didn't feel very different, aside from complete elation from our big news! This pregnancy thing was going to be a breeze!

I clearly spoke too soon.

It hit me, almost all at once. Like a Mac Truck. I was about 6 and half weeks preggo when BAM! the Pregnancy Welcome Wagon dropped off a doozy of a morning sickness curse. All of the sudden the mere taste of water or the act of swallowing my prenatal vitamins made me beeline to the bathroom.

This leads me to a suggestion for the Pregnancy Welcome Wagon. Please stop calling it "Morning Sickness". Whoever coined that term should be shot. It should be more bluntly named "All F-ing Day Sickness." The proposed name change would help eliminate the surprise and confusion for first time mommies. Then the fact that I'm bowing to the porcelain gods at 3 in the afternoon and then avoiding dinner like the plague would just come to be expected.

I mean, seriously. If the BBB regulated things such as this, the good "folks" at the Pregnancy branch of the Welcome Wagon would be in big, big trouble.

I've been in bad shape, especially at work. Once we officially announced my pregnancy at 12 weeks, a co-worker revealed to me that he figured something was up because one morning I looked so shockingly bad that he thought "either this girl has a wicked hangover or she's pregnant." Another co-worker said that I looked so bad at one point that she was surprised I wasn't walking with arms stuck out straight in front of me murmuring, "Braaaaaaaaaaaains." Yep, so it seems that I pretty much
looked like a zombie. So much for that beautiful "Pregnancy Glow" people rave about. I guess I'll have to tackle that sore subject at a later date.

Another proposed suggestion: Women should be able to take part of the maternity leave at the very beginning of the pregnancy, just to help them limp through the morning sickness stage.

At fourteen weeks, things are finally starting to look up a bit. Although I have to give a big shout out to my Doc who prescribed me some killer anti-nausea pills at my last appointment. On the upside, there are some real perks to this pregnancy thing. Not having my period for a long time is a pretty sweet deal and I'm always game for larger breasticles. But the best gift of all is that I have a happy, healthy little baby growing inside me.

But all in all, Pregnancy Welcome Wagon, I have a bone to pick with you. You should really revamp your program, and then perhaps I'll consider having more children in the future!

24 Weeks- Laura

2011-02-24T07:42:00.000-06:00

Are you ready to hear from Laura?! She sent this last week for me to post, but with all the hustle and bustle of the weekend- including another winter wedding, a birth of another newborn baby, and that weather we have....I am just getting to it now :)

Hello AFM blog viewers!

I’m quite excited to be able to share my pregnancy journey with all of you. My husband, Tim, and I had the wonderful privilege of working with Alissa when we were married on November 29, 2008. We were so amazed by the beauty of Alissa’s work as she caught momentous glimpses of our special day.

When Alissa asked if I would be one of the Pregnant Moms of the Year, I have to admit, I was a little hesitant. At that point I was a little over 12 weeks pregnant, feeling quite nauseous all day long, and it was just beginning to set in that I was going to be a mom. Now, at 24 weeks, I couldn’t imagine not sharing this experience with everyone! I’m feeling great and everyday is a new page to this exciting journey. As we continue to travel through the second half of this pregnancy, Tim and I become more and more eager to meet our little one who is due on June 4th.

Recently, we’ve begun the task of registering for gifts. Oh my, is that ever an experience! At one point I looked at Tim and said, “There’s a lot that goes into this!” From grooming kits, to burp rags, diapers, and wipes we stood staring at the seemingly never-ending shelves of baby supplies. Thank goodness for family and friends who helped us create a list of necessities to consider. Who ever would have thought that one tiny little being would require so much stuff?

When all is said and done, we realize that all of this “stuff” is for the most important person to ever enter our lives. For this, we are willing to put in the extra time and effort in order to create a welcoming home full of our love and care.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Week, I would like to share a message to our little one:

I thought I'd remind you all that over 300 votes are in so far and you can still vote for the Take Back the Dress Contest!!!! So do it :) PLUS "like" our facebook page and post on the wall the one you want to win and those votes are being tallied as well!!!! It is like getting 2 entries! In fact- post a link to our page LINK HERE in your facebook status and I'll give you a third entry!!!! Make sure you post which number you want to vote for in the status too :)

By the way, we are doing a black and white mini session all day Saturday, March 5th! Similar to the winter session, except inside and YES you can order color images too :) But if you decide, you can get a CD of all of the images from you 15 minute mini session (in black and white only) for only 100.00 to print up to 5x7 on! But anything above that though the studio! The session requires a 50.00 fee to hold your time- with 30.00 back to you as print credit!

Look at the Take back the Dress entry to see what kind of images you can have from this mini session... seriously they are some of my favorite images of families, couples, babies and especially of my very own family. I have a gorgeous 20x30 canvas gallery wrap of my family of 4 (pre-Lainey) in the studio you can see.

Just email, fb, or text me (563-542-4817) me to book your time!

A Beautiful Momma

2011-02-18T18:11:00.000-06:00

When I received this face book message last November- I was so touched that one of my couples would tell me so early....I cried- literally cried when I read this! :) Then I asked her to be my Preggo mom of the year! How could I not!?

On this second anniversary of our marriage, we are still so thankful for the awesome moments you caught on our wedding day. It's so fun to think back and reminisce the day.

I also wanted to inform you that Tim and I are expecting our first child on June 4th :). We're super excited about this and since I feel like you have always been such a huge part of our lives, I felt it necessary to personally inform you :).

We do still have a few close friends to tell, so we are not yet posting anything on our fb walls. If you do reply, please keep it in a personal message.

Keep up all of the awesome work that you do!! I hope to hear from you soon!

So last weekend- we finally were able to get together to shoot her first session- 24 weeks- but she is tiny still :) I love that we were able to do some for valentine's day AND in the snow....(still amazed at the differences between this weekend and last weekend!!!) I can't wait to see how these next 16 weeks go!!! So everyone meet lovable, adorable and giggly- to a point where you can't help but giggle too- Laura!!!

one more tonight for Tim- Laura's husband- here is his favorite one!!! Happy Birthday Tim!

The next entry will be a letter from Laura to us and one to her little Peanut!!! Plus several more of the images from that day! Feel free to leave comments- in fact I KNOW Laura would love comments :)

PS- Voting for the take back the dress sessions is still going on and going strong! Over 200 votes are in..... #2 is coming in ahead right now.....then #3, #1, and #4.....keep voting! And got "like" my fb page too....then post on the wall- those comments will be totaled up along with this poll! :) Click here to get to that voting post.

The Entries are in- Time to VOTE!!!

2011-02-16T22:38:00.002-06:00

So in no particular order- here are 4 entries to vote on- each of these ladies followed the rules so I am just posting all of the ones who did :) 1 Vote per person....but you can also vote one time by "liking" us on FB- A Fleeting Moment Photography and commenting on the wall with your vote there too!!!

I know they can't wait to see these posted and start getting votes in!! How I wish I could choose them all..... :)

These images have nothing to do with this contest- more a preview of the next LE session, but I figured this post wouldn't be much for to see without images....

1) I love my wedding dress and I think I’d wear it every day…if the
attorneys I work for wouldn’t look at me like I’d lost my mind, of
course.

Alissa took our engagement pictures in 2008, but was booked the
weekend of our wedding, so we had to book another photographer for the
ceremony. While we have some great pictures of our day…I am certain
there was A Fleeting Moment (or two...) of the day that weren’t
captured quite as beautifully as we had wished, and due to a battery
mishap, we don’t have our wedding on video to enjoy. :(

Our engagement pictures, on the other hand, were awesome They were
fun, they were sassy, they were different than everyone else’s. This
was the way I want my wedding dress preserved in my memories…. Uniquely.

I was brainstorming ideas today and while I think that doing a shoot
on the beach, with my feet in the sand would be awesome, I’m a little
leery of that, because I don’t want to ruin the dress I’d dreamt of
for 26 years. Instead, I want something firey… something smoking.
Something unlike anyone else.

My husband is a firefighter and we carried this theme through our
engagement pictures that we were so in love with. I’d love to be in
my dress spraying a fire hose, putting out flames and having pictures
by a smoldering fire, spraying a fire extinguisher etc. while wearing
my husband’s fire boots and helmet.

I loved my wedding dress and I’d love a chance to wear it one more
time, to enjoy a photography session unlike any other, to tie one of
the things that is a huge part of our every day lives with the one day
that started our life together as a family.

2) I've been an avid softball player all my life. While playing ball since the age 4,and then wrapping up my college playing days at UNI. UNI allowed me to reach so many levels and dreams I wasn't sure were even reachable. My last days on the softball field was when I was playing for the womans professional fast pitch league out in Akron, OH. While playing for the Racers I broke my wrist and was sent home. While thinking I'll never be able to play again I was devastated. How fast things can change. Only did I know God completely had something better in store for me. While arriving back to the DSM area I met the man of my dreams. Had I not of broken my wrist I wouldn't of been invited to join a slow pitch softball league on which Jason was also a player on. The second we met, it was love at first sight. A little cliche' I know, but it truly was. It was the perfect ending to my softball career as I got to start a life with my husband!

I think the take back the dress idea would be super neat in tying my two favorite things into one photo shoot! My love for softball, while in my wedding dress. These two went hand in hand more than I ever imagined they would!

Meeting at UNI, getting into the locker room, weight room, on the field etc. in my dress the ideas and thoughts are going through my mind like a mile a minute! :-)

3)I must take back my beloved wedding dress that was nearly destroyed in the dry cleaning process.

I was married in October of 2007 and determined to have AFM capture my wedding. I was able to arrange it and so thankful I did! I love my wedding photos. They aren't just beautiful pictures but a time machine that takes me back to that momentous day.

My sister had my dress picked out for me before I ever needed a wedding dress. She found it while shopping for her wedding dress, e-mailed me a picture and wrote "This is your dress". When we actually went shopping for my wedding dress a year later, I couldn't wait to see that dress in the store. I remember putting it on in the dressing room. I am definitely one of those brides that knew immediately when she had found "the dress". It's the simple, classic dress I had hoped for. My sister knows me well!

Like many brides, I danced the night away which took a toll on my dress. With some apprehension I took my dress to be dry cleaned. When I picked it up I was devastated. The dress was ruined. The dutchess silk satin had been stretched and scratched and stitching had come loose. They were
apologetic but I never got over the heartbreak. My seamstress did her best to revive the dress. To this day, the dress is not in great condition but I still love it and it's wearable. A "Take Back the Dress" session with Alissa would help me get over the damage done to my dress.

As for location, I can't help but think it would be fun and interesting to shoot the session at a dry cleaners or a laundry mat. Inspiration from anguish!

4) First of all let me say what a great idea I think this is! After just reading about this contest and with only 2 hours left to submit an entry (and way past my bedtime) I think I need to go with my initial idea. This isn't something I have thought of after hours of contemplating, it's the idea that came to me first and I believe my ultimate experience would be like. I would love to return to Miss Effie's Country Flowers and Garden Stuff. It is such a beautiful place full of life and with so many different settings. I can't wait until Spring to go back and see what a difference it is between the seasons. I want to play with the friendly cat and, most of all, the chickens! :) I feel that this is a place where a country girl at heart will feel right at home and where anyone can relax and just be themselves. The only drawback that I can think of is that if I were to lay down on the outdoor bed, I may never get up! I can't even remember what taking a nap in the warm sun feels like...

This year is the year I will remember what it is like to feel sexy and I don't think there is any better way to do this than to slip on my wedding dress and remind myself. Because I entered this contest, I better get motivated to make some healthy lifestyle changes so I can squeeze back into my fitted gown, maybe with a few more curves this time :) LOL

Thank you, Alissa, for sharing your talent with us and allowing us to see the beauty in ourselves and our lives through your eyes. I can't wait to see the shots that develop from this session whether it be me or some other fabulous and most deserving gal!

Online Surveys & Market Research

http://www.facebook.com/AFMPhotography

Take Back the Dress

2011-02-14T19:53:00.001-06:00

Don't forget the Take Back the Dress giveaway entries have to be in by midnight on the 15th (that is tomorrow night ladies)....I am loving what I have received already and I would love to give one away to everyone that has written, but since I'm only one woman and that wouldn't prove much of a blog contest, I can't do that :) So next week the top 3 will be featured on the blog and YOU will be able to vote on them!

I also am extending the deadline these have to be photographed by as lots of the moms are due in the spring and early summer! So anytime in 2011 is my new deadline for the actually session! This will give everyone a chance to enter :)

ahhh yes- and happy Valentine's Day to everyone.... from Lainey and the entire AFM family :)

Who is ready for some music?!

2011-02-11T15:28:00.000-06:00

Well I know Lainey and I are!!! And a little bird told me that Kindermusik will soon be coming to Dyersville! Not only that, but one of the nicest families I work with is running it.. I could not be more excited.

Jack took Kindermusik when he was 2 and 3 in Guttenberg and he learned a lot, met tons of wonderful kids and, I got to meet lots of great moms too. Then we moved and there was no longer that option so Sam missed out on it. Lainey loves music so I know she is going to truly adore this class.

If you haven't heard of Kindermusik, you should look it up. Here is a link to the site: http://www.kindermusik.com/

I can't say too much since it hasn't officially been announced yet, but stay tuned.....this person is going to guest star on the AFM blog next month to officially introduce it all.

We still have a few spaces available for the snow sessions on Sunday- and it looks like the weather is going to cooperate with a high of 37 :) Since this morning at 12 degrees felt almost balmy (LOL) I think 37 is going to feel like a dream! Email or call to book your time slot for Sunday.

here are a few images from another family in the snow: since I am sure you are wondering if all I shoot are gorgeous girls :)

It takes a very special family to dare the cold temps we did the day I captured these images below- much much warmer this weekend and this day was terribly windy too....can't tell on the kiddo's faces :)

Watch out- it's a heatwave!

2011-02-10T09:18:00.003-06:00

Okay- I know we are all tired of the snow...it has been here long enough, right?! But I can't lie- I am having so much fun this year using these beautiful winter landscapes to the advantage of my clients!!

First you saw Shannon and Aaron's wedding portraits in the snow (who of us wouldn't be thrilled with an image like any of those of ourselves??? ) then Candy's to die for Take Back the Dress session in the snow ( you can still win on- just email me with your entry!!), now I want to show you a couple of seniors who
recently dared to take on the cold snow with me.....(thank you Jackie and Julia)

Since this weekend is supposed to get warmer- if you call 20s and 30s warm....I decided that Sunday from 12:15pm-2:30pm I am going to be available for winter mini sessions in Farley- same location you see in these images :)

Due to the oh so cold nature of these, they will be prepaid 15 minute sessions for $50- $30 will be print credit to get any type of print you want, or a Cd of your mini session to print up to 5x7 for 100.00

Use this for your family, your child, yourself...couples are ADORABLE in the snow....

I would love to see snowmen being made....snow angels....snow ball fights....pretty much anything goes :)

To make the deal even sweeter...the first session booked and paid for will receive an additional $20.00 credit so your session will be basically FREE...

Email or text me (563-542-4817) today to schedule your mini session!

AFM's Take Back the Dress Session- Candy

2011-02-08T09:39:00.001-06:00

I am so excited to share these with you and the words Candy so thoughtfully wrote to describe why she was up for this "Take Back the Dress" session in the snow. So here is Candy's own words- and her slideshow!

So being Bride of the year was a amazing experience and I just didn’t want it to end. My wedding was the most perfect you could ask for . I absolutely loved and still love my dress and I wanted to do something more with it because I knew this was the last time I would be wearing it. I didn’t exactly want to do a trash the dress session because I couldn’t bear to see my dress ruined so when Alissa recommended a Take Back the Dress Session in the snow I was absolutely ecstatic. First of all I love the snow and my dress wouldn’t be ruined but I could still capture some more pictures in my dress. Well if you don’t know Keith and I by now we are snowboarders so when Alissa said how about some pictures in the snow; I said how about I try to snowboard in my dress also.

The day we took the pictures the weather was about 20 degrees. I love the cold when I am dressed for it and I knew this day I definitely wouldn’t be dressed for it so I didn’t know how it was going to turn out. Putting back on my dress was such a rush it felt like the day I was getting married all over again. With all my snowboard accessories packed I drive to Alissa’s studio. We take some pictures inside with my board and now it is time to go outside. So we drive to our sight and we start capturing outdoor pictures in just my dress. The pictures were going so well and I still had the rush of putting back on my dress that I wasn’t even cold. Sundown Mountain was where we ended the pictures with boarding in my dress to throwing snowballs at Alissa. Omg, I didn’t want it to end, I was having so much fun and I felt we were just getting started. Alissa informed me we had been shooting outdoor pictures for about 2 hours now, I just couldn’t believe it because it felt like a half a hour.

Later this same evening Alissa posted two of the pictures I took that day and they were absolutely beautiful. I just couldn’t wait to see more. With seeing the rest of the pictures that all were breathtaking I was so excited to have decided to take these pictures. I would recommend to each of every bride to do a take back the dress session. Why not put that beautiful dress back on and relive your day with pictures you will have for a life time. My dress doesn’t look any different then the actual day I got married and it is a exhilarating experience that I will always have the pictures to remember it by.

I can’t begin to tell you the whole experience I had with Alissa and A Fleeting Moment photography. When picking my wedding photographer I had always wanted Alissa and I am glad I stuck with my instincts and picked her. When looking at the pictures from the engagement to the Take Back the Dress Session you would think that they couldn’t get any better than the most perfect picture that you are looking at but then she posts another picture and it just amazes you. She is the best photographer and I thank her very much!!! I will have memories that will last a lifetime.

Click on Candy's image below to see the whole slideshow of her Take Back the Dress session

Didn't you just love that?!!! Doesn't it make you want to get out your dress- no matter how long you have been married- and do something to show your personality in it?

Take Back the Dress sessions were started by me in 2007, to help women who have been married, rediscover their wedding dress- I was going to post the entry I wrote that day, but instead I think you need to see these images to understand what a session looks like.....in a few days I'll post mine so you can see something different.

I am going to start offering these sessions again in 2011! To start it off with a bang, I am giving one away, including all of the rights to print your images up to 8x10- a value of up to $350.00!! The catch here is you have to email me with the crazy/fun/wild idea for your Take Back the Dress session and why you should be chosen to win- up to 300 words. The top 3 craziest/most fun/wildest entries will be posted and there will be a public vote to choose the winner. Entries will be accepted until midnight on February 15th and the top 3 will be published on the blog voting will start as soon as they are posted up until midnight on February 27th and the winner will be announced the 28th! I cannot wait to read these entries!

a little fine print- past brides of AFM are fine to enter, feel free :). You do need to provide and describe a reasonable location that you have access to or is public in the general Dyersville/Farley and surrounding 30 mile area. You have to be willing to do this on a weekday/weeknight before the end of May. No other cameras are allowed. You have to be willing to sign a model release form so these can be used in advertising/website etc....

Oh Heavens it is 2011.....

2011-02-03T17:23:00.000-06:00

2011- it has already brought some amazing things into my life....some I can talk about now and some I can't :) but it has moved me to change some of my perspectives about my business and my life.

I spent New Years 2011 under the Eiffel Tower in PARIS!!! It was amazing! Here are a few images from that night:
(I was afraid to take my professional cameras with that night, so these are from my point and shoot)

My sister in laws, my mother in law (that's right- no kids or husbands!!) and I spent 7 amazing days discovering the wonders of Paris- including a few fun clubs, some great cafe's and an English Pub when I was dying to speak just English the last night we were there. I came home with some memorabilia, tons of great stories, a thousand images, an urge to travel the world and ...less desirable....I came home with Walking Pneumonia....

I'm sure I'll have lots of images from Paris to show you later, but the reason I am blogging today is I wanted to share a wonderful event from January 2011...Shannon and Aaron's beautiful wedding. You will see- they had fun...this was a true experience for them as they are from Florida. So this who snow thing, well they wanted it! They wanted an Iowa winter wedding...and by golly- they got it. Luckily the roads were safe, there was a new dusting of snow the night before, and Shannon and Aaron weren't afraid to get a little crazy.

Check out the slideshow below since neither Shannon nor I could pick favorites to put on the blog.....they just have to be shown all together. Note, both Shannon and I took a fall on the ice at separate times....you will likely be able to tell when those occurred. To answer your questions...Yes, both camera's were safe...and yes..I kept right on shooting. Oh and both of us were uninjured! It just makes for a darn good story- a story told in images. Go ahead and click on the image below to view the whole slideshow..... and make sure to leave a comment below.

Welcome to 2011- a year full of changes, growth and where the unexpected might just happen.....

PS- I am currently revamping the whole website and am in need of some gushy testimonials. E-mail or Facebook them to us today and be entered into a drawing to win a $100.00 gift certificate towards any future full session or wedding! Any testimonials that are used on the site will also receive a free 5x7!

Halloween with Heart.

2010-10-22T01:17:00.000-05:00

Inturrupt my regulary scheduled blog for a special announcement :

During this busy busy season I probably shouldn't be smooshing something else in, but I am- Saturday we are having our first Charity event at the studio- to benefit the Ronald McDonald house. Come in your costume- kids/adults/even pets welcome for a walk in quick session. Packages of 2 5x7s, and 2 wallets of one pose are only 20.00 and 10.00 goes straight to the Ronald McDonald house. See the poster below for an idea of the setting and for a list of other things you can donate to the cause to earn free wallet prints to add to your package!

Hope to see you there! Walk ins are welcome and bring your treat bag- we will have a little something for the kiddos :)

Day 18 Post Candy and Keith's Big Day

2010-10-20T00:03:00.000-05:00

Some more- just a variety....seriously the day just handed us these gorgeous opportunities!

Day 17-18 Post Candy and Keith's Big Day

2010-10-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

meeting shots are possibly my favorite moments or the day- well those and the father daughter dance :) For now here are the first sight moments of Candy and Keith's day!

By the way- big thank you to my dad, Jack Martin, for photographing Candy and Keith's big day with me! He caught many wonderful moments- like this one- Candy waiting in her hiding place to surprise Keith!!!

( yes I know I already showed the last two but they just had to be in this grouping too...don't you agree?)

Day 16 Post Candy and Keith's Big Day

2010-10-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

a couple more between ceremony and reception...snuck out of the bar for a bit :) Was a little dangerous- you will have to ask Candy about the grabby tree!

tomorrow- the meeting shots...I love the first meeting shots every time I do them- sure gives everyone a more relaxed day and some beautiful emotional images I just don't get when my brides and grooms don't see each other before the wedding. Thank you to Keith and Candy for choosing to meet up that day!

Candy and Keith- gotta catch up...

2010-10-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

So the joys of owning your own business as a mom include having to and being able to stay home with sick kiddos....but no one to do any of the editing or blogging while I am not there......which also means since I had sick kids 3 out of 5 days last week, I have lots of catching up to do....on the blog, in the studio and elsewhere. Heaven help me if "I" ever get sick...LOL

Here are several to catch up on my blog of Candy and Keith's wedding!!!

one of my favorites is below :)

Enjoy and check back tomorrow- I already have the images ready to go :)

Day 8 post Candy and Keith's Wedding

2010-10-10T00:00:00.001-05:00

Happy 10-10-10!!! Another gorgeous one of Candy...and Keith- LOL- poor guy- I think most every image that I picked so far shows off Candy- I'll have to put a great one up of him tomorrow! But isn't she STUNNING?

PS- did you see this project: http://www.onedayonearth.org/ if you have a video camera/or little camera on your point and shoot- create a video today and submit it! I have an engagement session in Platteville, but I think after that I am going to do one of these- it is a be an awesome chance to collaborate with the whole world!

Day 7 post Candy and Keith's Wedding

2010-10-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

And the whole wedding party together!!! Aren't they fun?!

Day 6 post Candy and Keith's Wedding

2010-10-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

So the girls were kind of right :) You met them before, now check them out again....all Bedazzled too....gotta love the sunglasses- just don't accidentally drive, or event walk across the street with those on....

Thanks girls for rockin' this wedding!

Day 5 post Candy and Keith's Wedding

2010-10-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

Time to meet the boys... let's see- there was Kevin, and Kyle, and Kurt and Shane..and sorry guys, but I just can't remember everyone. What I do remember is you were all just great about posing, and having fun with your pictures! That doesn't happen at every wedding so thank you- it makes my job 100 times better when everyone has fun :)

Remember the more comments the more images you get to see the next day :)

Day 4 Post Candy and Keith's Big Day

2010-10-05T23:36:00.000-05:00

So it was a little windy on Saturday...so windy we needed no help doing lots of flying veil images, like this one....I love veils on brides!!! Even when they get to be a little unruly :)

Day 3 post Candy and Keith's Wedding

2010-10-05T00:43:00.002-05:00

How about one of the gorgeous bride?! Well- 2 since there were 10 comments :) Good job everyone!

oh and yes- I found the one color changing tree at the Seminary :) I was so excited I brought my orange chair and even though it wasn't easy Candy looked amazing standing on it!

That's all for today :) Keep the comments rolling in!! For every 10 comments, a bonus image will be shown the next day. (One comment per post, per person please :)

Day 2 post Candy and Keith's Wedding

2010-10-04T00:36:00.002-05:00

How about a detail shot- here is the bracelet Candy made herself- along with an image of her shoes! They were just so sleek looking! Oh and you can see a tad of her bedazzled sunglasses- you will see more of those later!

I decided this little series needs more motivation- how about for ever 10 comments you will see another image the next day- if there are 30- you will see 3 more :) get it?! And I'll raise the comments contest too- you will get a free mini session too...I know Candy would love to see comments, and I would too- over 100 views yesterday and not one comment....LOL

Day 1 post Candy and Keith's Wedding

2010-10-03T00:32:00.000-05:00

So after today's simply gorgeous wedding- full of great weather, great people and great images, I thought the best way to share these is to do one a day for a month! I will do some in order soon, but I had to share this one first since so far, I think it is my very favorite :)

What do you think?! Who wants a 25 free holiday cards?! Comments over this month will be entered into a drawing to win 25 -2 sided 5x7 personalized pearlized cards.

Tomorrow is Candy and Keith's big day!

2010-10-01T23:34:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I invited all of Candy's bridesmaids to come in for a fun little session with Candy! Here are some images from that day- I am going to do my best to identify each of the girls and as a little surprise I asked them to write something to send to Candy before her wedding- so here it goes :)
Here is Christy- Candy's sister along with an image of the two of them together- aren't they so cute?!

And what Christy had to say to Candy:  Hey sis I just wanted to give you a little pep talk and tell you, you still have time to run, JK!! You and keith will make a great couple and can't wait to babysit your 8 children you are having. Can't wait for the day we all get to forget about everything for one night and dance until we acn't dance no more, Luv ya sis!!!

I loved Lisa's note to Candy:



I was so excited the day you were born, my first niece Candy Lynn.  I couldn't wait
to hold you in my arms and love you.  You touched my heart the day you were born and
have stayed there ever since.
I was even more thrilled to be chosen to be your Godmother and to watch you grow up
to be a beautiful young lady with a style and  personality that's unique to only
you!

Sweets, you are like the daughter I never had, you are my best friend and we have
shared many many good times together!  Thank You for letting me be a part of your
life and a part of your special day!

I wish you and Keith all of life's blessings and all the happiness in the world as
you become husband and wife!

Luv U Always Your GodMother and Aunt,
 Lisa

what Jenny had to say to Candy: I can not believe it is finally here you are going to Candy Connolly (WOW!! well to me you will always be Candy Gansen) I don't really have advice to give you since I

am not married, but everyone always says don't go to bed angry and I think that is
true. I wish you all the happiness in the world. Love and cherish all the days you
have with your husband. Congrats~

and Katie:

and Lara:

I am honored to be in your wedding! For only knowing each other for 1 year and 1/2,
I feel like we've known each other forever!! I consider you one of my closes
friends. I can talk to you about anything and that means a lot to me. Keith and you
are amazing together! Both of you are always a fun time, my abs and cheeks always
hurt so much from laughing so hard with the random jokes made! I can not tell what
the future holds so I can only wish you the best of luck with all my heart! If you
are ever in need I will only be a call away with an ear for listening, a shoulder to
lean on or if ya just want someone to hang out with I will always be there for a
best friend. So here is to an amazing person, that deserves only the best!!
Congratulations!

With Love



Brittany:

 From Julie:

Candy,



The big day is here and I want to wish you good luck and congratulations!  You and
Keith make a great couple and you make each other so very happy.  You have become a
sister to me and happiness is the biggest thing I want for you and I can see that
Keith does that for you.  CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK for all the happy years that
are ahead of you being Mrs. Candy Connolly.- Julie

Becky and Candy:

And Amanda- her PA! (personal attendant)

Wow!!! What a great wedding party!!!!  They all our closest and best friends in the
world.  We love them all and are very pleased to have each and every one of them to
stand up for us!!!!  We just couldn't be happier that they will play a huge part in
the best day of our lives!!!

(Alissa here- I have a feeling this is going to be a rockin' wedding with this gorgeous group of gals- and a pretty good lookin' group of guys too....can't wait to post a few tomorrow night!)

PS- I did my best to get the names right- hope I did if not so sorry- also was missing Carrie who wasn't able to make it that day :)

See you all tomorrow!!!

32 weeks and counting

2010-09-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

Jeni is back- and she is getting prepared. She looks amazing! I think that as I progressed, I was slouching and looked shorter than ever, but Jeni is still tall and gorgeous and just has the best attitude about the whole pregnancy! She is going to make a wonderful momma :) We are going to have to start checking in weekly soon :)

As I reflect back on the 32nd week of pregnancy I can only describe it in two ways, a bundle of nerves in my stomach and a tiny foot under my ribs. The nerves range from excitement to fear. Extreme excitement about the changes to come and extreme fear about the changes to come! Despite some discomfort at night, physically I have been feeling great! The early autumn weather has definitely given me an abundance of energy which has been welcome with the last minute preparations for Baby H! My body has definitely changed the most drastically between week 28 and now. In addition to my stomach seemingly doubling in size, I have been able to feel an immense amount of movement from Baby H. I was always skeptical of women who said that they missed being pregnant. I can now relate as my pregnancy gets closer and closer to the finish line. It is hard to believe that I soon will not be feeling these slight and sometimes startling movements everyday!

Countdown to the big day!!! 2 months to go!

2010-08-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

Actually there are now 56 days until the big day for Candy and Keith!!! She sent in a blog about just that!!! Of course I have no images to go with it- so here is one from a very happy little 2 year old's recent session :) I am sure Candy will be beaming even more on October 2nd, even if she is a little stressed right now!!!! Thanks so much Candy for this little insight into your wedding planning!

Ahhh 2 months!!!!! It feels like tomorrow; no matter how prepared or organized you are up to this point it feels like all the weight of the wedding is on your shoulders the last couple of months.

With addressing and stamping all my invites they go out within the next week. I have a meeting with my singers to go over the songs that will be sang at mass. Once I have that taken care of I have to run it by Father Kuhn to get his ok on what is being sang and the readings so I can start making my wedding programs.

Keith and I both have to sit down together and pick out what music we want and don't want played at our reception. We also have to choose the entrance music, father/daughter song, garter toss, bouquet toss, first dance, wedding party song, last song of the night, and any other special dances we would like that night.

I have to finalize what I need for decorations from white to ivory tablecloths and all the fabric for decorating. Also any last minute appointments I might need like manis and pedis for the girls I need to book.

Put the finishing touches on the wedding party gifts and order the wedding favors which is not a easy task to decide. All dresses (including mine) and tuxes need to be fitted by the end of August. We need to meet with our caterer to decide exactly what we want for food. Also our cake decorator has to know our final opinions for our cake. We also have to register for our wedding shower.

Besides all our wedding stuff we are doing every night you have to make time for a social life not only so you don't pull out your hair but for the 6 weddings we have to attend before ours and we only have 8 weeks left. Omg. When they said enjoy your engagement with the 1st six months they meant it because the last 3 are the most stressful.

Anyone out there have any tips for Candy? I just want to get her a massage or something!!! Go ahead and post below if you guys have any words of wisdom!!!

Update from the AFM pregnant momma of the year

2010-08-06T07:48:00.000-05:00

Jeni came in for her session a couple of weeks ago, she is looking even more gorgeous and glowing! I am so thrilled with our images from that day! Jeni is too :) She was even recognized at Target in another city yesterday! Just from the blog....so whoever you were (Jeni said she was too shocked to even ask their name) thank you for loyally reading our blog and here is Jeni's 28 week update!

Jeni's message hit me in just the right place yesterday- I was having one of those tough, I-am-working-too- many-hours-(studio and home)-and-my-poor-kids-are-missing-their-mom...kind of days...so when she wrote to me last night I am not too proud to admit I was so touched and in awe I cried a little.

"I just had to message you and tell you that someone at Target recognized me from the blog today! She mentioned that she was a huge fan of your work and of course I was too shocked to get her name! You truly touch so many lives and I know your kids will someday recognize this! You have so much to be proud of!"

Yeah....it is worth it! Thanks for that boost whoever you are!

Before I start, I would like to give Mercy Birth Education credit for the title to this blog! After recently taking this class in the birth preparation series, it seemed to fit with the feelings I have been having as I head into the final trimester. It is now the crunch time to make room for a new addition into our home and lives, which at times already seemed jam packed. Shopping and assembling baby furniture made it to the top of the household to do list for a few weeks. It was a great feeling to finally put the finishing touches on the nursery. As I pass by it every day my new life as a mother becomes more of a reality. The feelings of excitement mixed with nerves are more intense than ever. As my mid section keeps expanding, I am wishing for more time to prepare and at the same time wishing this baby was here already! Talk about mixed emotions!

Pregnancy. Summer. For most these are a dreaded pair, especially in the humid Iowa heat. I have been fortunate to remain comfortable so far and able to stay very active. Hopefully this will continue to my next post, because making room for baby is certainly active, physically and emotionally.

Dubuque area Senior Photography at it's best- Annie

2010-07-30T00:52:00.000-05:00

Annie might be one of the sweetest seniors to even step foot in the AFM studio....it is funny how when seniors walk in, I automatically sense the style they are wanting to portray in their images and much like the weddings I shoot, the whole session leans a new way depending on who walks in. I could tell Annie was that girl next door that just makes everyone smile. I can't imagine her with an angry look- serious- contemplative, yes, but with that beautiful smile and contagious peacefullness... It was just a pleasure to photograph you, Annie!

Annie asked for this to be the image I posted since it was her favorite! :) I just love it too!

Dubuque area Senior Photography at it's best- Mikayla

2010-07-28T16:15:00.002-05:00

Hello all- it has been an extremely busy summer here at AFM! With many weddings, and families and mostly seniors all choosing us to be their photographer, blogging has taken quite a backseat to preparing, shooting, editing, and ordering! I am doing my best to make blogging part of that priority list, but I think the only way that is going to happen is one image from each session. So here is the tiniest taste of the first senior I am doing this with (going to attempt to go back and catch up with the many other seniors who have already seen their session in full, but starting with Mikayla and will go from here :)

I chose this image because isn't Mikayla just beyond stylish?! and her eyes just pop in so many of her images. This one is my favorite showing both of those things.

So there you go Mikayla! There is a link in your inbox to the rest of your session! Thank you for choosing AFM.

To book a senior session- email us at alissa@a-fleeting-moment.com, FB us at Alissa Brickman or call 563-542-4817

Candy and Keith- counting down- 3 months to go

2010-07-07T04:13:00.021-05:00

Candy is so good about getting these blogs done for me and you, and the one thing holding me up are pictures :) Since of course the wedding hasn't happened yet, I have a heck of a time coming up with the right images for these posts. But I am making a resolution to blog lots more- or at least to update my blog a lot more- maybe just with images and maybe with just words- like this one :) I may add some more images to this post later, but I think the message is clear with just Candy's words- I forget how complicated planning a wedding can be- this really brought me back to- oh my- 12 years ago when I was planning my own. Although we ended up with a 60.00 Chadwick design at the time :) LOL I'd love to read about your bridesmaid dress experience in the comments!!!

Now that I’ve found my dream dress, it was time to focus on my beautiful bridesmaids and what they would be wearing on the big day. I had a few of requirements in mind: 1) the color should be Espresso or Chocolate, 2) the material should be comfortable, 3) the dress should flatter all shapes, 4) the dress should be floor length and 5) be affordable for all my girls. So I picked a date to go shopping for bridesmaid dresses and then rounded up whoever would be available to go with. Four of my bridesmaids and my mom were able to join me.

Since Soiree did such a great job with my dress, we started there. The six of us began searching through the racks and ended up pulling 10-15 bridesmaid dresses. We had all three dressing rooms filled with my bridesmaids trying on dresses, ranging from mermaid dresses to empire waist dresses. We were all on a mission to find the perfect one. Comments were flying -- “Don’t like that bow,” “That sits on the hips weird,” “Your butt looks huge in that dress,” and “the top fits funny.” Then Julie came out in a mermaid fitting dress; it was absolutely adorable!!! For the first time, the six of us were all in agreement on how we felt about a dress.

That all came to a screeching halt when I took look at the price tag and, OMG, it was $340.00! No way on this planet would I have my bridesmaids pay that much to wear a dress for one day! And, on top of it, I don’t think everyone would have been comfortable in a taffeta mermaid dress. The craziest part was that the four bridesmaids that were with me liked the dress so much that they said they were willing to pay that outrageous amount. I suggested that we look other places to see if we could find something we liked more for less money.

We decided to drive to Dyersville to check out Always and Forever Bridal. Again, we all searched the racks. My sister pulled out a dress designed by B2 that looked similar to the dress at Soiree, but was chiffon (great fabric). It was a strapless dress with a A-line skirt with a gathered chiffon bodice and with a chiffon bow on the waistline. The dress even came in Espresso! This dress had all the qualities I was searching for! So we looked at the price and…. It was only $160! That sealed the deal for us!

I am very happy we found a dress that is adorable, comfortable, inexpensive, and I know that all my bridesmaids will look great in it!

Me again- I for one, cannot wait to see Candy's dress and the girls' dresses too- well I did get a peek and ohhh I can't wait to create some awesome images with Candy in her gown and the bridesmaids looking gorgeous :) She is going to have one stunning wedding party! And how lucky are the girls that Candy took the time to find the perfect dress for them!

Thank you again Candy for sharing your experiences with us.

Here is another way to make your bridesmaids look like a million bucks- check out these shoes from Meg and Andrew's June 5th wedding:

oh or the dresses from Sarah and Jason's wedding- sassy and sweet- loved them! The material was fun and flowy- all thing I love in a bridesmaid!

Introducing AFM's new mommy blogger

2010-07-03T08:24:00.000-05:00

I am just so excited to share these with you. Jeni and Benji were married last year on October 10th and I just adore both of them and were so very excited when Jeni announced she was pregnant! She has agreed to let us all in, just a little bit, to her journey to motherhood. I will be photographing her along the way so you can see her progress and she will be blogging a little each time about how she is feeling at the moment.

Thank you so much Jeni!

My name is Jeni Heisler and my husband and I are expecting our first child in early October! Benji and I got married in October 2009, where Alissa took fabulous, breathtaking photos of us! We both knew we wanted to be parents soon and were so fortunate to be staring at a positive home pregnancy test a few months later! I am thrilled to document this incredible experience as Alissa's guest blogger and look forward to hearing your comments!

20 Weeks. The halfway point! The past five months have flown by. I have been one of the lucky ones to go through the first half feeling great! The changes to my body have been minimal to others, but with my favorite jeans not fitting, I cannot help but notice! The tiny movements I have been feeling reminds me of the reality that I will soon be a mother to a tiny baby! To say I am ecstatic is an understatement! Preparing for a baby has been a joy for the most part, but at times overwhelming. Sometimes it feels like you need to break a secret mom code to learn the best brand of car seat or whether breast is really best! All I know at this point is that even though the first half of the pregnancy journey is over, the adventure of getting ready for our newest family member is just beginning!

Sarah and Jason's rockstar wedding

2010-06-10T09:20:00.001-05:00

I say ROCKSTAR because seriously I look at these images and I hope that Sarah and Jason and their whole wedding party remember having as much fun as I see they had! I love when editing the wedding brings back their story to me because I think if it does that for me, it has to open up all sorts of emotions and memories for Sarah and Jason. Have fun checking out their preview. They are coming for their slide show viewing on Monday to see all of these and the rest of their wedding day story!!

The flowers were stunning!!!

This I can see big- Sarah looks so classic!!!

Love this one!!!

Simply gorgeous girls!!

Check out the dance that Sarah and her dad medley surprised everyone with! INCLUDING Jason!!

Winner of our comment contest!!!

2010-06-04T10:10:00.000-05:00

So excited to announce:

LINDSAY!! You won!! My kids picked a number between 1-6 and you were if :) So $50.00 off your next session with AFM!!

Thank you guys so much! I have a weekend full of weddings, but we will have some great entries for you next week!

AFM is #5 out of 85 photographers in Eastern Iowa

2010-05-27T18:54:00.001-05:00

We did it!!!! A LIST vote results are in and out of 85 photographers, you made AFM your choice for one of the top 5- okay- so we are 5th, but so be it..... :) I am much more into the quality of my clients than the quantity. We are not a "rush you thru" studio but the ones who come, stay and the ones who don't stay seem to come back for all of the big milestones. We may not have been number one in quantity, but the reviews say it all to me! Here are just a few examples of reviews we received on there- you can read all 3 pages of them by clicking HERE

From Sarah F.
A picture is worth a thousand words???? Words alone cannot capture the unique magic and spirit that Alissa somehow seems to so effortlessly. Her work speaks for itself. I have and will continue to recommend Alissa Brickman & 'A Fleeting Moment' to others.

From PoshWeddings:
Alissa's work is fabulous! Being a florist, I always am excited to have her shooting the weddings I deliver flowers too. I always know I am going to have great shots to show future brides. Alissa has also down fabulous work for myself personally and people close to me. You will always get pictures that are original and georgeous! She is very current and always seems to be constantly looking for new ideas for her clients. When you see photos of a couple's engagement, then wedding, then babies, you know a photographer is good. Her customers come back for more and that means there is trust and loyalty built.

From Jennifer:
Where do I even begin to express how wonderful AFM is...
Alissa has not only captured my engagement and wedding pictures, but has also captured the most beautiful pictures of my son. My son has a disability and Alissa goes above and beyond to work with him and all his needs. She does such an amazing job and those pictures are my most treasured items!

From Tabitha
Alissa does an amazing job!! She thinks outside the box and captures more than a picture--she seems to be able to portray the soul of the subject in her images. She is fun, upbeat, creative and as soon as you meet her you feel like you've been friends for years. Her demeanor makes you feel totally comfortable during her sessions...and she's great with those sometimes hard to photograph children.
Highly recommended for any event or photography need you have.

YES- I cried- yes I am still crying......tears of JOY- I never expected to win. I try to take very special care with everyone who comes in my life through photography, so I limit the sessions to 2 a day, and only 3 or 4 days a week. So I never expected to win........thank you for showing me that what I do means something to all of you. I won- oh I so won!!!! :)

So did you- anyone who comments- at least a whole sentence :) on this post will be entered to win a 50.00 off their next session order with AFM! We will be drawing Tuesday!!!!

Go to it guys- are you as excited as I am?! :)

Dawn and Brian, A beautiful May day to say "I Do"

2010-05-21T18:15:00.000-05:00

Our first wedding of the season started off with gorgeous (what I think are) dogwood trees blooming as I drove into town and I knew then and there we had our meeting shot location! Dawn and Brian did not disappoint- the per wedding ceremony meeting moment was so sweet and then they just so naturally flow with each other, it made my job almost fade into the background. The moments just happened from there.

Their wedding party made the after images, so much fun! They ran and jumped like pros and didn't even blink when I asked them to do something goofy. That is my kind of wedding party!

They are coming in next week for their full slideshow viewing, something new I started this year, and I can't wait!!! There are so many gorgeous images from their wedding!

Much love and happy moments until next blog :)- Alissa

Update from Candy- the One

2010-04-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

Candy has been so sweet to give us another blog post! It is now about 5 months until her big day and she wanted to share how she found "the one"...no not Keith....the other BIG one for her wedding! (I do want to note that these are not AFM's opinions- as with all of my guest bloggers posts, I let them write it on their own and this was just Candy's experience in her own words)

Everyone says, “You will know when you find the one!” They say that about finding your true love, and they were right – Keith is “the one.” They ALSO say that about finding your dream wedding dress – and it was now time for me to put that part of the common theory to the test.

The time had come to start looking for my wedding dress; I was ecstatic! Like many newly engaged girls out there, I had been looking at magazines of dresses since the day Keith proposed. I had only found one dress in the magazines that I kept going back to. So I had cut the picture out to bring along with me as I searched for the perfect dress.

The word on the street was that brides needed to make appointments at the bridal boutiques. There are two boutiques in Dubuque that I know of, Soiree and Cheryl Ann’s. In preparation for our weekend dress excursion, I called and booked appointments: 1pm at Soiree and 2:30pm at Cheryl Ann’s. I assembled a team of available people to join me, which consisted of my mom, sister/maid of honor and three of my bridesmaids. Everyone seemed just as excited as I was!

I have to admit that Soiree, our very first stop, blew our expectations out of the water! My consultant at Soiree was Sarah, who happens to also be a friend of mine. One thing I loved about Soiree was that they have a stage with a runway you walk out onto while your onlookers sit in chairs in front of the stage. So my bridal team hung out in that area while Sarah took me the back to pull dresses. I have to tell you that this back area is basically a huge, long hallway that is just brimming with hundreds of gorgeous bridal dresses. I was in heaven!

As a starting point, I shared with Sarah the picture of the dress. Going off the picture, Sarah began pulling dresses that were similar. Although they didn’t have the exact dress from the picture, I wasn’t worried because she immediately pulled ten dresses that were just as beautiful. She helped me into the first dress. It was pretty, but wasn’t “the one.” The second dress was also lovely, but was made from very uncomfortable material. That dress was definitely a “no.” I slipped into the third dress and instantly felt like Cinderella! I absolutely, positively loved it!!! When I walked out onto the Soiree runway, there was not a dry eye in the house, including myself. Right then and there I knew it was “the one.”

I continued to try on other wedding dresses that had been pulled for me, none felt the same as that my fairytale dress. So I put it on one more time, this time with a veil. The look was complete; I officially looked and felt like a bride. I loved it!!! Although I was pretty much ready to buy the fairytale dress right away, Sarah encouraged me to still go to Cheryl Ann’s because (in her word’s), “ you just never know.”

So my team drove to Cheryl Ann’s. We walked into the store where no one was available to help, despite the fact that I had made an appointment. We felt overwhelmed, as there were hundreds of dresses that we now had to navigate through on our own. I was, however, pleasantly surprised that they did have the dress that was in my magazine picture. I was excited to try it on! We pulled a few more dresses and then I was put into a dressing room. But, unfortunately, there were still no consultants available, so I had to get these complicated dresses fit right on my own. I did my best and I walked out in all the dresses we pulled, including the one from the picture. None of the dresses felt the same as the fairytale one at Soiree. Overall, I was disappointment in my personal experience at Cheryl Ann’s, but I realize that everyone has their own opinions. Maybe it was just an off day.

To be honest, once you find “the one,” it’s really not even fun trying on any more dresses because they all pale in comparison. At that point, I knew I found my dream dress and was done trying on other dresses. The very next weekend, my mom and I set up an appointment to try it on one more time and guess what; we ordered my fairytale dress and veil. Soiree said it would take 6-9 months before it would arrive at the store.

So, once again, the saying was right – you WILL know when you find the right one. My dream dress and I are living proof!

By the way- the images above are just some wedding dress shots- not Candy's- you will have to wait until after her wedding to see those!! :)

Tough Decisions

2010-04-14T00:04:00.005-05:00

Checking in with Candy and Keith, our 2010 Couple of the Year!! :

One of the most important decisions when planning a wedding is choosing a great
wedding party.  It was really important to Keith and I that we choose people who
have encouraged us to date since day one. So Keith and I sat down one night to plan
our wedding party.  We had originally hoped to have a small wedding party, so I knew
that this was not going to be an easy decision for us. Keith comes from a family
with all boys while I have twin brothers and a sister.  Our family alone would fill
up a typical wedding party roster!

Our easiest decision in the entire process was choosing our flower girls. Keith and
I have 3 goddaughters that we adore, so they were of course added to the wedding
party. They will be simply adorable!

In order to determine how many bridesmaids I could have, I needed to first know how

many groomsmen were going to being standing on his side! Keith started off by
telling me that he wanted all 3 of his brothers, my 2 brothers, and all 3 of his
best friends as groomsmen.  My instant reaction: "Really, Keith?!?! That is 8
groomsmen! Can any of them be ushers?" He told me "absolutely not" because he is
close to all of them.  Keith then proceeds to tell me that he had three friends in
mind that he wanted to be our ushers.  Well, there goes our small wedding party!!!! 
His biggest decision was choosing his best man.  I had a feeling that it would be
his oldest brother Kurt, since they've always been pretty close. Surprise, Surprise
-- Kurt is his best man!!!!!

With Keith's side finalized (a whopping 8 groomsmen and 3 ushers!!!), I knew that I
would get to choose 8 bridesmaids.  Hands down, I knew my sister Christy was going
to be my maid of honor since we have been inseparable since birth!

My 2nd decision
was selecting my godmother Lisa. She has been like another mom to me since birth and
would stand behind me in any decision I make.

Then I chose two of my best friends, 
Jenny and Katie. I've known Jenny since 5th grade and Katie has been in my life for
2 years.  Here is Jenny:

and Katie:

Next I added my 1st cousin, Brittany, because she's been like a little
sister to me.

Of course I couldn't forget one of my most favorite people in the
world, Keith's sister-in-law, Carrie.

She's been such a great friend to me since

the moment Keith and I started dating. I then added my brothers' girlfriends, Julie
and Becky, because they are like sisters to me.

For my personal attendant I knew
that I needed to chose a person that I could really trust and depend on; someone who
would be able to ease my stress on the wedding day. Instantly, I knew that my friend
Amanda would be perfect for that role!

Wow!!! What a great wedding party!!!!  They all our closest and best friends in the
world.  We love them all and are very pleased to have each and every one of them to
stand up for us!!!!  We just couldn't be happier that they will play a huge part in
the best day of our lives!!!

Thanks for that insight Candy :)  It is so fun to read about your wedding party- now for the comments- I'd love to know how you chose your wedding party- did you pick relatives, friends you have had forever, friends you more recently made, a combo....reply below...we are still having our comments contest!

Candy and Keith Lovin' on their images from AFM!

2010-04-02T19:08:00.000-05:00

I thought it was the perfect day to post this. In just 6 months, on the dot, Candy and Keith will be getting married- by this point they will likely be done with pictures, and already entering into their reception. In just a little while they will be dancing their first dance together, looking into eachothers eyes and laughing about how long they have been planning for this day. I am so lucky that I will be there to capture those moments, with Candy our gorgeous bride and Keith who couldn't be more sweeter.

Candy's post below made ME feel like it was Christmas- I scattered 11 of her faves throughout this post. Next week i will be posting a slideshow and I told her that I'm guessing there is more to wedding planning than the images, so she is going to surprise us with a non photo related post :)

So our pictures are taken and it’s only been a week and we are so anxious to see them. I receive a email and Alissa posted our first three pictures on AFM blogspot. My anticipation is killing me and when I open the blog the pictures are even more remarkable than I thought they would be and I expected them to be great.

The 1st picture I opened was black and white and I absolutely love black and white pictures. Ahhh, us Eskimo kissing on our snowboards and a cute one of Keith looking at the camera and me looking away. Oh my I have only seen three and they are all great. The very next day Alissa posted three more. It is like Christmas everyday opening these pictures!!!!

Another three and they are all my favorite. Alissa really knows how to capture us in the moment. How cute and they are all very different pictures ranging from the scenery to our faces. They look like something that is out of a magazine.

On Friday she posted two more unique pictures. One capturing my gorgeous ring from Keith and a fun, flirty picture of us both! There has been only eight pictures and I have no idea how I am going to choose from these beautiful pictures.

Alissa writes a cute blog with our last four pictures before she sends me the link to see all of them. LoL, the one of us jumping cracks me up. Looking at these pictures makes me feel like the moment we took them. It makes everything feel surreal. It is so great that by looking at the pictures you can see how much we love each other through our eyes!!

What seemed like a eternity(which was only two weeks) we get the link. I think because we loved the 1st pictures so much that it was killing us to wait. How cute- Alissa really doesn’t take a bad picture.

I did realize from the pictures I am not a serious faced girl. I love them all so much from Sepia to focusing on just one color in the picture; I just can’ make a decision of which ones I like best. There are too many adorable ones!!!!! Alissa is remarkable-what photographer can get a guy to take this many great pictures?

It is neat to see the pictures of us making snow angels because not only did it bring back childhood memories but it also made a memory for Keith and my future. Besides having almost all of them as my favorites; she is still adding more. I can’t wait to see the rest!!!!

Comment below!!!! Otherwise these blog posts may stop....gotta know people are reading :)

Follow us on Facebook

2010-03-26T11:10:00.002-05:00

I am just getting used to all of this social media, being 30 something it is hard enough, I can't imagine if I was older! LOL SO today I got my facebook fan URL: http://www.facebook.com/afmphotography and you can be a fan there to see specials and updates just for fans!

While thinking about this I really did wonder how the earlier generations are doing with twitter, and facebook and youtube- so here are a few links to some proof I found on the internet.

The World's Oldest Blogger- or so she called herself

Or the 107 year old blogger- can you imagine?!

AND this one is just funny :) Don't feel bad- I don't get twitter yet either!

Hope you found that as interesting as I did! :)

Hmmm.....what image to put with this post?! Sorry- this one is just random, but it is one from Sam's 6 year session.... :) what a HAM! I'll have to post the boys more often...they just don't let mom get away with shooting them a lot...Lainey doesn't have much say yet.... :)

ALL you need is LOVE

2010-03-24T15:33:00.001-05:00

So, it is probably no secret that there are too many photographers to go around, especially around here, and that I had fallen into that abyss of feeling like just another fish in that ocean. Until this A List thing came up. Seriously, just what I needed. So here I was nominated for it and was pretty darn honored to be. Now I am just awed- we made it to 3rd place yesterday- 3rd place out of all of those photographers. It is because of you, my fans- LOL.

I laugh at that because only 6 years ago I was starting photography, pushed by a fellow scrap-booker online to photograph her wedding because she "loved the pictures you take of your kids". That is how this journey began. Because I was in a place where I was feeling like I was drowning in logic, and just prayed that there was an answer better than running away from that life all together.

Backup to high school and you could have bet me a million bucks that I was going to have "fans" someday and I wouldn't have bet a dime.....that just wasn't me. I was shy, quiet, and pretty much a good little rule follower. No- I'm not kidding :) Now there are 100-200 hits on my blog every day-nope I could go back in time and tell myself that to my face and I still would have never believed that many people would ever want to hear what I had to say, or see what I had to show.

So I don't care if we win that A-List thing- I know it is mostly a popularity contest. I am guessing there are others out there who have a bigger list of followers, but you all have re-boosted my confidence with the emails and comments and recommendations that have been posted.

So thank you- I wish I could reach out and give each of you a huge hug for that! Instead- here is something else that is making me smile right now- Lainey- at 9 months- waving her pretty little princess wave....how sweet and dainty is that?! She is definitely different from my boys :)

Comment contest!

2010-03-22T09:00:00.002-05:00

UPDATE: If you just love AFM, or even just me, vote for us on The KCRG A-List. make us the "Best Photographer" in Eastern Iowa!!!

I also just wanted to remind all of our readers about our comment contest here is pretty much a repost from a couple posts below:

It is good to see some comments rolling in- I'm sure Candy and Keith appreciate it too. In fact, we appreciate it so much we are going to run another comment contest, so for every comment you write (only one per post- and they have to be 2010 posts :) you get an entry for one free 8x10 or $30.00 off your next session with A Fleeting Moment. You can also give this gift away if you are not nearby- fully transferable!! Which means you can gift it to a friend! We will draw a name and announce the winner on April 30th!

Also I have had a few interested soon to be mommy's ask about the details of the blogging deal. I will be posting those in a couple of days and we will choose our Blog Momma at the end of March!

Oh and there is more- Seniors 2011, if you are interested in being a rep- email alissa@a-fleeting-moment.com or facebook me (Alissa Brickman) I have an application and we are choosing up to one from each school in the area to model for us this year and earn some free portraits!

Since I have vowed not to post anything without a picture- here is a sweet recent little one and his welcoming siblings. I have photographed all of these children's newborn sessions as well as several sessions in between. I so appreciate their mom and dad for trusting me to document the amazing moments in their lives!

Okay- so get commenting- I want to give away some stuff :) The better result these contests have, the more to come!

Candy and Keith and a very cold day to wear a skirt

2010-03-21T00:11:00.001-05:00

Of course I can't say much about the preparation for Candy and Keith's engagements, since honestly, the only one I've ever had to actually be at the getting ready for was my sister, Tara, and that makes me highly grateful- (Love you both Tara and Luke!) But I know how stressful just getting the kids dressed well for church is so I am under the assumption, a once in a lifetime photo session preparation has to be highly stressful. So I get to begin when Candy and Keith arrived at the studio. I had to clean up from my rampage of children's sessions during the week, mostly babies ( I think there is some sort of boom out there right now). They arrive, both extremely well dressed- Candy has the best heels and the best hair- and we go over their clothing. I normally tell my couples to bring something formal, something flirty and something a little more casual for sessions since I love to show variety in the day. Well Candy showed me both of her outfits and all I could think is they are great outfits, but she is gonna FREEZE outside and I knew they wanted to try to focus on the outdoors. So this happens more often than not, where things aren't exactly as I imagined they would be. I have to be EXTREMELY adjustable all of the time. I had planned on a few inside, but instead focused on the pants outfit inside and then asked Candy if she wanted to do the skirt in or out- "outside" was the plan...so I thought "okay...I guess it could be colder". My mind changed when I saw poor Candy turning purple out there. We rushed through those and were going to do more inside with that outfit when the thought occurred to me to ask if Candy had brought any jeans- she hadn't... and I think felt kind of bad about that- but sweet Keith- spoke up and said that one of the locations I was talking about was near where they lived and we could just swing by there and pick up a new outfit on our way. I knew from their clothes- they do not wear crappy coats, so I told them to grab those too, but I had no idea how cute Candy's coat would be. You can tell from the fave images that this last minute outfit was my favorite!!

While we were at their house, I learned that they live in the home Keith grew up in, and get this, Candy was his neighbor- and like so many romantic movies- they didn't even like eachother while growing up. I don't know about you, but that makes the "sweet-little-birds-forming-a -heart-around-their-heads" image pop into my mind.

I also was able to talk to Keith there while Candy was getting ready and found out he was in Sarah and Shane's wedding in 07' and they also both were at Jessica and Nick's wedding...in 05' and of course I am guessing that is why he looked so familiar.

In their dining room I spied a few pretty cool things- a couple of amazingly fun snowboards and an image of one of their grandparent's. It was beautiful and Candy told me about it when she came out- I'll have to have her tell you more details, but it was one of those in the moment images that no one did back then and tells you so much more about the couple than any posed shot ever could. We decided that is a must have reenactment for their wedding! Both of them thought that would be wonderful!

I also talked them into using those boards- I found a pretty clear space in their backyard, they tossed on their snowboarding jackets and were able to find me a ladder, because being on a folding chair in my rain boots wasn't dangerous enough- I wanted to be higher. I saw Candy mentioned that I am scared of heights- yep- that is true. Don't ask me to do anything higher than a chair unless I am photographing a session- for some reason I just suck it up for those. In fact I am often the one suggesting that I do crazy climbing stuff.....yes- even at 9 months preggo....

Anyway I tossed out suggestions at them- like lay in the snow on your boards... okay now I hope you don't mind getting wet....snow angels...makeout in the snow- (I think Keith's fave part of the session was the kissing). You know- I find the most silly, messy, weird things are the parts that make my sessions what they are.

Then off we went to the rest of out outdoor portion. Barns, garages, alleys and bridges, oh my... climb on this, lay on that...okay now kiss....you know the rest. You can see it in the images below.

What makes these sessions just awesome to me is the love- absolute love you see Candy has for Keith and vice-a-versa- how you can tell they just balance eachother out and how they tend to eachother's needs. I see this so often and it just never gets old. I secretly pray after every session that in 50 years they will look back at these images and say- "can you believe we were in love like that, even back then?!" That is my dream for all of my couples!

Please remember to comment- I'm sure Candy and Keith love to read them as much as I do- and who wouldn't want a free 8x10 or 30.00 off your next session with AFM?!

By the way- I am looking for a pregnant mom who wants to be a guest blogger through the pregnancy and first year of your baby's life! Email me if you are interested!

Part Two: Candy's side of the story

2010-03-19T12:35:00.001-05:00

Part One: Candy's side of the story! :)

2010-03-18T09:43:00.015-05:00

Meet Keith's other half - and they were are just the sweetest couple together. Candy is gorgeous - like you can't tell that from these images. Not only is she gorgeous on the outside, she has such a great personality!! It honestly makes her even prettier. I am honored to have them as our 2010 Couple of the Year!

Candy tells us:

Well, we are getting our engagement pictures done this weekend! It is very nerve wrecking. What are we going to wear? Isn't that the question we all ask ourselves every day, even more on the day you are getting these once in a lifetime pictures taken? Keith and I made sure we made no plans for Saturday night to make sure we get enough sleep and look our best for pictures. Good plan, right?

We went to bed early and, guess what, didn't sleep because of all the anxiety. So I finally get out of bed at 6:30 A.M after looking at the clock for hours. Our appointment is at 12:15 p.m. and I start out by painting my toe nails, but I can’t stop to let them dry. Oh well, they will have to dry while I am pulling outfits.

So here I go, time to check off my mental list. One pair of dark jeans for Keith and a baby blue collared shirt, yeah, that will work. Whew, ok, so now outfits to match his. Do I want to wear jeans, a skirt, a dress, or dress pants? After pulling out all of my clothes, hours later I finally decide on the skirt outfit and dress pants, both in brown tones.

Are we still bringing our snowboards and snow clothes for boarding pictures? Keith and I just love to snowboard and Alissa had said that would be really fun to use in our shots, but looking outside and seeing the rain, snow pictures are out of the question.

After a few more hours to take a shower, do my hair, makeup...I'm only left with fifteen minutes until we have to leave. Where did my time go? Now I start to get nervous again. I can’t forget my ring, extra clothes, and make-up. It will be good to get these over with!

Here are a few images to go along with this post- as you can see- Candy did a great job on her hair and makeup :) Part 2 will be posted tomorrow, along with a contest- I'm saving my side (and my faves!) for next week!!

A groom's view of the normally dreaded engagement session

2010-03-17T10:17:00.011-05:00

To be honest- I can't post this without first saying what a great sport both Candy and Keith were! Keith is just an awesome groom who was in Shane and Sarah's November 2007 wedding, so he kind of knew what he was in for :) But his words still make me happy- I'm always glad when my clients have as much fun, or more, than I have during their session!

Well it is the day of our engagement pictures. They are at 12:15pm and I am just dreading them. What guy likes to get their pictures taken? Candy has been up since 6:30am getting ready. I can’t say two words without her yelling at me. She is so stressed out. I had to just sit quietly in the living room until 11:30am, when I have to get ready.

Alissa was waiting for us at the studio. We start out by taking pictures inside. These aren’t bad; she has a good sense of humor! She doesn’t make us do cheesy poses, plus we are serious for some of the photos and I’m not going to complain when she tells us to kiss every minute!!!! Even though Candy took hours to get ready we still had to go back to our house in the middle of the pictures for her to change into warmer clothes!

Then it was awesome; we got to take my favorite pictures with our snowboards! We finished our photos off in Dyersville. Alissa has a great personality and made us laugh a lot. I actually had fun taking the pictures and it didn’t seem long at all. I am looking forward to her taking our wedding pictures. A Fleeting Moment is not your everyday cheesy and posed photography.
Keith

Of course I can't post this without at least a few of the images from that day- Candy wrote a blog too- so more will be posted tomorrow with her view of things and then Friday, some more with my view of the day, along with a new contest :)- stay tuned!!!

(Give some comment love to Candy and Keith below!!! :)

Introducing our 2010 featured bride and groom- Candy & Keith

2010-03-12T16:56:00.007-06:00

Candy and Keith won our guest bloggers before Christmas and lordy if I didn't just go crazy busy about then, but with their wedding approaching and engagements just being done, I thought it was a great time for you to meet our Couple of the Year, and I think you will agree they are so adorable and in love! With no further delay- Candy & Keith- starting with their winning entry!!! We are so excited to walk with them through all of the details of their wedding planning. After spending last weekend shooting their engagement portraits, I know they are just perfect for this job :)

I am going to tell this from the guy's point of view because of all the excitement and anxiety a man goes through designing the ring and the awaited moment of when to give it to her. I asked Candy to go ring shopping for awhile and it never just worked out for us to go or she really didn't see anything she liked. The only idea she gave me was she wanted a princess cut and not a big band. Wow me being a guy that doesn't give me very much of an idea.

We have been dating for 5 years and I knew the time was right. Since I didn't have an idea for the ring my only option was to design the ring. My friend went to McCoys to design a ring and I decided to go there too. I met with Jonathon McCoy in January and brought down a bunch of pictures and he also had a book for me to look at. He called me a week or two later to meet with him and look at the sketches he had drawn of what he thought I wanted from all the pictures. The one sketch was the ring I wanted so the next process was to wax sculpt the ring. So he brought me all these diamondss in order to see which size I wanted in the ring.

I got a phone call in April when the ring was completed. I was so excited and nervous!!!!! I can't keep surprises and Candy knows that. Every weekend we had planned to go on a date but our plans were ruined.

Finally April 25th I had planned to take her to Galena to Vinny vanucchi's and propose there. I went out the night before so my hangover played a great part in the day helping her believe it was just the hangover when I was really nervous! We went to Galena around 5pm and went shopping and then we went to Vinny's for our 7pm reservation. When we walked in it was completely packed with prom teenagers (great, like my nerves weren't killing me already). We sat down to eat and all the tables around us were packed with prom teens. Of course I coudn't do it here so we ate our meal and headed on our way.

On the way home it was a rainy 45 degrees out and I had to turn on the air because my nerves were getting to me, luckily Candy just thought it was my hangover. We arrived home and I prepared myself to do it at home. I got out 2 wine glasses and then went to the back of the house. I came out and got down on one knee I said "Candy, will you marry me?" Her response was "shut-up" and then she started crying so I said what does that mean, yes or no? She said of course yes!!!!!!!

Here is the snapshot candy submitted with her entry. Fun, and gorgeous- how fair is that?! Good for me though :) Candy will make a stunning bride!

Life After Weddings - Eastern Iowa Photographer

2009-11-20T10:12:00.003-06:00

Wow! What a wedding season! Some of you in the Blogosphere might be worried that since we're done shooting weddings for a little bit, that maybe we'll start slacking on the Blog. Have no fear, friends! There are always tons of things happening at the Studio, and now we'll be able to share more the fun with you!

So what is life like after wedding season??? It's a little less borderline psych-ward, but still crazy. We are working very hard to edit, edit, edit and get wedding albums out! When things slow down, we'll begin implementing some changes that truly believe our clients will enjoy.

You may not be able to tell from our Blog, but we keep very busy with a constant flow of Seniors Sessions, Family Sessions, Baby Sessions, Pet Sessions, Engagement Sessions - the list goes on and on! Of course, we'd love to be able to Blog about every single session that we shoot, but it's just not possible! We figured our clients would rather have us meticulously editing images instead of spending time blogging about each session. Do note that all of the sessions and content highlighted on this Blog will be selected by me (Tara).

One small group of people who are particularly glad that wedding season is over are Alissa's three children and husband. They finally get to have her back on Saturdays! Hooray!!! Below are some of their Super Hero themed photo shoot. Keep checking back often, as our Blog will continue to be your Backstage Pass into the world of AFM.

Congratulations to Ashley and Jason Lansing!

2009-11-12T16:40:00.008-06:00

Ashley and Jason Lansing
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Edgewood, IA

Ashley and Jason’s November wedding was the grand finale of our 2009 wedding season! AFM couldn’t have asked for a better couple to round out this incredible year.

Depending on the Wedding Package selected, AFM will be there at the salon to capture all the fun moments being shared between the Bridesmaids and the Bride. We actually LOVE shooting at the salon because it allows us the time to get to know the wedding party before the craziness of the day sets in. On this particular day, we met Ashley and her besties at a cute little salon in Manchester, Lacey’s Looks.

While chatting with the girls, we discovered that the Matron of Honor, Andrea, is the sister of one of our past Grooms. We were lucky enough to be part of Jordan and Jennifer’s beautiful December wedding back in 2007! And, in yet another twist, we also found out that the Mother of the Groom, Luann, and her sisters came to the AFM studio a few years ago for a family photo shoot!

Some Brides want to be the central focus of the day (let’s face it, it’s part of the fun!), but Ashley seemed to really be living in the moment and not obsessing over tiny, little things. In fact, she and her mom, Gina, kept asking about little baby Lainey instead of talking about the wedding details. They immediately made Alissa feel like she wasn't just there to shoot pictures, but that she was really an important part of the day.

Since most of the trees have lost their leaves, using their beautiful colors as a backdrop wasn’t going to be an option for Ashley and Jason. As all our readers know by now, AFM loves the urban, rustic feel in pictures, which matched perfectly with Ashley’s vision! We agreed that it would be so cool to take pictures at a farm and maybe even try to find a round bale to use as a prop. Now where on earth were we going to find a round bale?? Hmmm...

The ceremony was lovely. Our favorite part was when Zac, Jason’s 7 year old cutie-pie son, stood next to the Bride and Groom as they made their vows to one another. Not a dry eye in the house!

Following the ceremony, the wedding party loaded the bus and headed out with the intention of doing a bar crawl. At Fitzy’s, a conversation was struck up with some gentlemen. The exchange included Iowan words such as “Round Bales” and “Silos,” mixed in with “wedding photos,” and ended with a “We’d love to!” Translation: The gentlemen invited us to take pictures at their farm. Let’s think – amazing pictures with awesome scenery…. Don’t mind if we do, kind sirs!

Everyone in the wedding party seemed up for anything! AFM actually put that theory to the test! When the bus stopped along a busy road, the wedding party trickled out and reported for wedding photo duty. This farm’s backdrop was gorgeous and fit our urban, rustic vision to a T! And, yes, there were round bales! Glorious, ginormous round bales!!! While situating the Bride next to one of the bales, Alissa muttered, “Ahh, I wish that this bale was facing away from the sun!” Instantly the guys piped up, “We’ll move it!” Though it was no simple task, they moved that round bale to the perfect location. Of course, we got pictures of the whole process so that years down the road the Lansing wedding party can continue laughing about it. Thanks to the fabulous wedding party and some gentlemen in a bar, narrowing down which pictures to put on this week’s blog was no small task! Just gorgeous!

We must mention that Brandi from Posh Weddings and Event’s Floral did the flowers, and they were swoon-worthy. Keep checking back, as we’ll post pictures of the flowers and describe their unique feature. Don’t miss it – this feature is quite tasty…

At every wedding, AFM can feel the love between the Bride and Groom. But this wedding was different. Not only did we feel the pure and beautiful love between Ashley and Jason, but they truly made us feel LOVED. AFM nearly felt like a VIP guest! Thank you for making AFM feel so welcome. This was our last wedding for 2009 and we couldn’t have ended this season on a better note. We wish you nothing but happiness in the future!

Recently engaged??? This blog entry is for you!!!

2009-11-11T10:47:00.003-06:00

Wedding planning far more than just showing up at a certain time and place. We know that an incredible amount of time and thought goes into planning your special day. AFM is looking for a recently engaged couple to provide an insider’s view on planning a wedding. This Guest Blogger will only need to write one entry a week, updating our readers on how the planning is going.

Not only will you have a record of this extraordinary journey, but AFM will happily give a pretty sweet deal on engagement and wedding pictures!

We would like this Guest Blogger to be getting married in 2010, preferably next summer or fall. Current AFM Bride-To-Be's are eligible for this contest.

If interested, email alissa@afleetingmoment.com or Facebook Alissa Brickman the following items:

1) The story of your engagement;
2) A picture of you and your fiance; and
3) A sample of what your blog would be like.

We will allow our readers and Facebook friends to vote on who will win the Guest Blogger position!

Holiday Limited Edition Session 2009!

2009-11-02T11:12:00.002-06:00

Don’t hide it - we all know that YOU want to win the coveted title of Best Christmas Card of 2009! You want to have the card that people can’t resist showcasing on their refrigerators. You want to have the card that Grandmas and Grandpas everywhere brag about. Don’t mess with the self-timer this year, treat yourself to a professional photo session.

If you missed out on Sunday’s Holiday Limited Edition Session, no worries! By popular demand, Alissa will be open for appointments each morning until Friday, November 6th. If there is enough interest, AFM may have availability on Sunday (must have at least 3 sessions).

“What is included in the Holiday Limited Edition Session?”

I’m glad you asked! Here’s how it works:

Come to the studio for one 15-minute session with Alissa, using two different backgrounds
Alissa will post your pictures on a private online website within one week following your session
Using the online site, choose your favorite picture and a holiday card layout
Within one week following your request, Alissa will email directly to you 1) a JPG of your favorite photo, 2) a file containing the personalized holiday card you selected featuring your favorite photo and 3) a copyright release which allows you the ability to print off your favorite picture as many times as you’d like in sizes up to 5x7 AND print your holiday cards wherever you choose!

You get all of the above for only $75.00! Email alissa@afleetingmoment.com or Facebook Alissa Brickman to reserve your timeslot now!

Note that Alissa is happy to save you the hassle of ordering the cards on your own. Upon request, Alissa will order your Holidays Cards for you, and promises to have them available no later than two weeks following your request. The fee for this service is only $0.50 per card.

One of the families that joined us on Sunday’s Limited Edition Session was Kathy and Ted McClimon! AFM was lucky enough to be part of their wedding day last year on December 12th (also Alissa’s birthday). It was SO great to see them again!

Just for fun, here is Lainey modeling the sets for us, as well as peek into the McClimon’s session!

Congratulations to Amanda and Drew Hackney!

2009-10-30T07:10:00.006-05:00

Amanda and Drew Hackney
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Cascade, Iowa

Anyone familiar with saying “Live. Love. Dance.”? At the Hackney wedding, they lived, they loved and, boy, did they ever DANCE!!!

Our dance theme began before we even met this fantastic couple, Amanda and Drew. Melissa, one of the Bridesmaids, coaches the Western Dubuque Dance Team and had used AFM for the team photos. She gave us a glowing recommendation and – BAM – we were put on the Hackney Wedding Roster!

Amanda’s dress was unlike anything we had ever seen before! The bottom of the dress had thin layers that seemed to be custom made for dancing, as you’ll see in the pictures below. Her hair, her veil, her jewelry and that dress – her wedding attire screamed out Old Hollywood Beauty!

Though it was a tad cold outside, the leaves had turned a perfect shade of yellow. Our Old Hollywood Bride looked stunning as she contrasted against the brilliant hues of Fall. We’re pretty sure that Drew though she looked downright hot, too!

Now, throughout the day we observed the vivacious wedding party and had a feeling that ( in the words of the Black Eyed Peas) **singing** Tonight is going to be a good, good niiiiight. We so underestimated how fun that evening would be. As soon as the ceremony was over, it was game on. Once we hit the first bar, it was clearly time to D-A-N-C-E! That music-infused pace never slowed!

The reception included Amanda and Drew’s first dance (aww!), and the Father-Daughter dance and the Mother-Son dance. But then the party hit a new level. Much to the surprise of their guests and us, the ENTIRE wedding party busted out into an organized dance medley, including songs like “I’m Too Sexy,” where Drew started unbuttoning his vest, and “I Like Big Butts,” which showcased Amanda’s mad dancing skills. It was an absolute blast! We seriously had a hard time leaving the reception!

Congratulations again to Amanda and Drew! Thanks for showing us the true meaning of “Live. Love. Dance.”

Congratulations to Jessica and Jim Menard - Part II!

2009-10-29T17:32:00.005-05:00

Jessica and Jim Menard
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Dubuque, Iowa

To begin, my sincerest apologies to Jessica and Jim, who have been so patient while waiting for their wedding story to be added to the blog. To make up it up to you, we're adding some more images from your beautiful day! ~ Tara

Jessica and Alissa go waaaaaay back -- about 3 or 4 years. Okay, maybe that doesn’t seem like a long time in normal people years, but in the "Wedding Biz" -- that's awhile. Jessica used to work for Dreamcatchers as a videographer. They worked side-by-side at numerous weddings. So when it came time to choose a photographer to capture her own wedding, Jessica selected AFM. We couldn’t feel more honored, since we know that Jessica has worked with the best of the best over the years! In addition to AFM, Jessica brought in all her favorite vendors, which included Joe Shermann from Dreamcatchers (naturally!) and DJ Keith Hartmann.

The Big Day kicked off on a romantic touch when Jim sent pink roses and a note to his Bride-To-Be. Though we didn’t see the note ourselves, judging by her reaction, his words must have really sealed the deal! ;o)

Also at the beginning of the day, a large blue tote arrived with a note, “Members of the Wedding Party, This is our Traveling Basket. It’s purpose it to make your day easier. Enjoy!” Turns out that Jim’s family has a tradition of sending this same basket to each wedding within their family. It contains all the things a Bride could ever dream of needing, including Gum, Glue Gun, Thread in every color, Needles, Duct Tape and, yes, even Preperation H. Hey, you just never know! In keeping with the tradition, Jessica will sign the card and then send it along to the next Bride in the family.

We loved that the all Girls were rocking one strap dresses. We loved it even more when we found out that Jessica’s wedding dress was actually changed to look that way. The strap that is over her shoulder was initially located elsewhere on her dress and she had it altered to fit with the style of the Bridesmaids dresses! It looked awesome and definitely added some sass!

Jessica isn’t so much into cake, so this Bride and Groom opted for tiny little cheesecakes at the reception. From Turtle Cheesecake to Raspberry topped (my favorite), these sweet treats certainly pleased their guests!

Mr. and Mrs. Menard, we are so happy for you! It truly was an honor to be part of your day!!!

Congratulations to Jessica and Jim Menard!

2009-10-22T21:25:00.003-05:00

Wanted to get these pictures posted! Will update with story soon!!! :o)

Blisslits: Repurpose!!!

2009-10-16T07:25:00.003-05:00

One of the hardest things to swallow about weddings is that you’re shelling out so much money on ONE day! As I was selecting decorations and details, I tried very hard to rent or borrow as many items as possible. Anything that I did buy, I tried to find a way to repurpose them for use after the wedding. Here is one such idea!!!

I was often inspired by looking on The Knot. One day a girl from the East Coast showed off pictures of her latest wedding-related craft project. She bought large letters symbolizing the initials of her and her fiancé’s first names then decorated them to fit her wedding. They looked amazing!

Naturally, I just had to incorporate this into my own wedding. I purchased a 23.5” letter B (for my soon-to-be last name) from www.joann.com for only $8.95 plus shipping and then painted it my accent color. Initially, I wanted to hang the B on the door at the church and then move it to the head table, but I didn’t want to have to worry about shuffling it around between the two events. Instead, we placed it above the gift table at the reception.

I loved the idea of having the initial of our last name somewhere in our home, but knew that a huge blue B wouldn’t translate well into our décor. Recently, I repurposed the B by covering it in rolled moss (Michael’s for $5.99 per bag; needed about 5 bags).

The tasteful, timeless B now proudly hangs in the foyer of our home where it will stay until I get the urge to repurpose the B again!

Future Brides: Beware!

2009-10-15T16:42:00.002-05:00

A high school classmate of mine finally found the woman of his dreams and married her at the end of September. Unfortunately, their fairy tale ending has been postponed as a result of what they discovered the next day – their card box had been stolen. My classmate was kind enough to allow us to share their story in hopes of helping Future Brides. Here is the story, in his words:

“We had a box in wrapping paper on our gift table for cards. Our gift table was located inside our reception hall, where we thought was it safe because it was in plain sight. At some point, while the hotel employee's where clearing the dinner tables and the rest of us were dancing, an employee took the box off the table, opened it in a supply closet, then wrapped the envelopes in one of our colored table clothes, and exited the building out the back door and we assume put them in another employee's car who had given him a ride. We did not notice until the next morning because the hotel staff also picked up all of our gifts and locked them in a secure location. We thought the card box was in there. The suspects turned out to be temps hired just for the night to help at hotel because there were 2 weddings.

The best advice I could give would be to have the biggest, heaviest, and very noticeable container to put your cards in. I would also suggest having that container on or near a family table. I would also suggest assign someone to pick up that container and put it in a secure location before the reception ends.”

We’re thrilled to let you know that this particular story is on its way to a much deserved happy ending! The police have suspects in custody – temps hired by the hotel for that night since there were two weddings. The couple has asked for their names not be released, as the case is still under investigation.

AFM would like send a heartfelt congratulations to the couple (you know who you are!) and thank them once again for sharing their story.

Congratulations to Jeni and Benji Heisler!

2009-10-14T17:05:00.008-05:00

Jeni and Benji Heisler
Epworth/Farley, Iowa
Saturday, October 10, 2009

Saturday was a very momentous day. People were cheering, eating great food and celebrating the night away! And, no, we’re not talking about Iowa Homecoming; we’re talking about the wedding of Jeni and Benji Heisler!

The morning brought to Iowa our first snow of the year, but that didn’t stop this fun-loving couple from braving outdoor pictures!!! We planned to take the “first sight” pictures at the Seminary. Benji was set to arrive first. Well we waited. And waited. No Benji! (This only a general reenactment) **ring ring** Jeni: Where are you at? Benji: I’m here! I’ve been here for awhile! Jeni: Where?? Benji: The cemetery. Jeni: Nooo, we were supposed to meet at the SEMINARY!!!

We had a good laugh over that one! Turns out Benji was a little confused (and rightfully so!) about why we’d all be so excited to take romantic pictures at a cemetery! This story truly captures the essence of this couple. They love to make each other laugh and, more importantly, smile. They did A LOT of both on Saturday.

When everyone arrived at the Seminary (not Cemetery), we realized another couple was getting wedding pictures done in the locations we had thought about using. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we discovered that neither Jeni nor Alissa really loved that location. Jeni actually suggested using the cool old building we found around the corner and it was perfect. We love that Jeni has the same appreciation for contrasting beauty with old, run down stuff! Jeni is a wee bit taller than Benji, so we got dive deep into our creative soul to come up with some fun poses and camera angles! One of the funniest touches at the wedding had to do with their height difference. On the bus was a decal that read: Normal Sized Kids – The Heislers.

Speaking of decals, Jeni designed her own decals in so many ways, shapes and forms. From the banner on the bus to dots on the reception wall to a large decal showcased behind their live band, AFM was truly impressed with the way they were worked into the scheme of the wedding! Everything looked so polished and professional!

During the reception, Jeni and Benji had quite the gift for their Hawkeye-obsessed guests – a TV with the game on. It was so funny to watch all the guys dancing towards the TV. Every once in a while the room would erupt with cheers and we all knew the Hawkeyes scored.

The Hawks went on to win against Michigan on Saturday, though we think the TRUE winners of the day were Jeni and Benji! Thank you for letting us be part of the day that your normal sized kids will hear about in the years to come. Congratulations to the both of you!

Blisslits: Come On Baby, Light My Fire!

2009-10-09T06:46:00.007-05:00

The Unity Candle – the symbol of joining two into one. **sigh** So beautiful! Well, sometimes… let’s face it – some of the pre-made Unity Candle Kits that you can buy look circa-1960’s. Don’t be afraid to create your own unique candle!

Simply buy one 3x9 candle and two 12” taper candles from the store (I went to Michael’s and used their 40% off coupons) and decorate to fit your style. I used a small strand of Tiffany Blue Ribbon and a rhinestone bouquet pin (from a failed project!) and used glue to affix to the 3x9 candle.

It was easy, FAST and more to my taste than some of the other Unity Candle Sets I could have purchased!

New Additions to the AFM Family!

2009-10-08T08:10:00.002-05:00

Introducing Lainey Brickman and Wrigley Bross! Born one month apart, these two have a lot in common. Both adore long naps, cuddling, being carried from place to place and watching the world revolve around them. Tough life they have, right?!?!

Lainey is Alissa’s 3rd child and first girl! Third time really was a charm! Her older brothers, Jack and Sam, absolutely adore her. Lainey is a big fan of the color pink, anything sparkly and being in front of the camera.

Wrigley is a Yorkie-Bear, which means that his dad is a Yorkie and his mom is a Teddy Bear (Bichon, Poodle, Shitzu mix). Luke and I welcomed him into our home in late August. He loves playing with leaves, taking “long” walks around the block (he actually prefers running!) and, of course, the Cubs.

Here are some pictures featuring Wrigley with a guest appearance by Lainey! Enjoy!

Congratulations to Stacey and Andrew Humke!

2009-10-07T17:01:00.005-05:00

Stacey and Andrew Humke
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Bankston, Iowa

AFM has truly been looking forward to the wedding of Stacey and Andrew for quite some time. It feels like we’ve known them forever; which isn’t exactly an understatement! Stacey and Andrew are the last of four couples in one group of friends to get married. AFM has been fortunate to capture ALL four couples’ wedding days. It began in 2006 at the wedding of Chelsea and Brian, who happened to be the Maid of Honor and Best Man at this wedding. Talk about coming full circle!

We weren’t quite as lucky with the rain this weekend, but it didn’t seem to bother this blushing bride. Stacey came prepared with her very own rain boots and a great attitude! Directly following the ceremony at Park Farm Winery, AFM took the wedding party to Ball Farm for some crazy fun outdoor shots (cue the rain boots and cute umbrellas!). As you can see in the pictures, this wedding party really had a good time!!!

After pictures, we headed to The Meadows where the couple danced the night away! The colors were Tiffany Blue and Lime Green which gave the wedding a contemporary look. Behind the head table at the reception hall were towers of balloons in the wedding colors. We’ve been to A LOT of weddings, but hadn’t seen something quite like this before! It only added to the fun vibe at the reception.

We can honestly say that we are going to miss not only Stacey and Andrew, but their entire group of friends! Working with you has been such a true joy. We wish you nothing but happiness! **whispering** And lots and lots of babies that need to have their pictures taken so that we can see you guys again!!!

Congratulations to Vicki and Jeremy Roling!

2009-10-01T18:49:00.010-05:00

Vicki and Jeremy Roling
Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Dyersville, Iowa

Armed with a slew of umbrellas, AFM marched into Vicki and Jeremy’s wedding with a Plan A for a clear day and a Plan B for a rainy day. Mother Nature was certainly looking out for this lovely pair, as the day stayed clear and actually turned out to be simply perfect for picture taking!

Vicki and Jeremy had intentionally set aside plenty of time to take photos during their wedding day. (AFM loves when Brides plan ahead like that!) Vicki had originally wanted to get pictures taken at the Park Farm Winery, but unfortunately another wedding party had the same idea. Instead, Alissa suggested the New Melleray Abbey. This unique location worked out beautifully! There were so many different places to take shots and they all turned out stunning!

One really fun thing that we learned during the day was that Vicki is one of 7 children! She has one sister and FIVE brothers!!!! As we were taking pictures while Vicki was getting ready, three of her brothers came downstairs donning their jackets and ties paired with overalls! “We’re ready for the wedding!” they exclaimed. Vicki wasn’t the only one her brothers were razzing that day; Jeremy certainly was given his fair share of a hard time, too.

The ceremony took place in Dyersville. We even got to see former AFM girl Jen Helle, Vicki's sister-in-law, who sang in the ceremony! Jen's husband, Mike (Vicki's brother) arranged for the newly married couple to be swept away from the ceremony is a very special way-- a hayrack ride!

AFM has captured many wedding receptions in Worthington, however, this particular reception was so meticulously decorated that even we were in awe! Vicki asked for us to bring along our digital frame and play a slideshow of their Engagement Pictures (an inexpensive add-on and great way to showcase your pictures). Posh did the flowers - which were fabulous!!!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Roling! We loved being part of your day!!!

Congratulations to Vicky and Dean Jensen!

2009-09-30T17:32:00.009-05:00

Vicky and Dean Jensen
Friday, September 25, 2009
Dubuque, Iowa

After three weeks of nearly non-stop sunshine, AFM was crossing its fingers hoping that the feisty rain would stay far away from Vicky and Dean’s wedding. Our wish came true!

The wedding was held at the Cathedral in Dubuque, which is always gorgeous. The reception took place at Stone Cliff Winery. It was our first time taking pictures at this particular location, and we had a blast! A unique feature that made this Winery great for photos was that they allow you to take pictures using the wine barrels and wine bottle as props/background.

Vicky was a very laid-back Bride and such a natural beauty. She had made the decision that she wanted to look like herself on her wedding day. Be sure to take note of her hair and make-up when you check out the photos below – she actually did both herself! Not only did Vicky look lovely, but also so happy and comfortable in all of the pictures.

Typically at weddings, couples request lots of posed pictures. It was completely the opposite this time! Vicky and Dean wanted to keep everything “in the moment” and truly preferred candid shots. **whispering** We have to admit that candids are our favorites as well!

For any of you past/present/future Brides – know how you have an idea for a simple, cute project and then, as you delve further, it spirals into a massive production of a project?? But it’s just so cool that you can’t stop!??! Well, Vicky had one such project. It was a Family Tree that originally began with pictures glued to posterboard, but evolved into an amazing piece of art. It was displayed on the gift table, where guests could be heard “ohh-ing” and “ahh-ing” as they examined the extraordinary Family Tree.

A huge AFM congratulations goes out to Vicky and Dean! Thank you for letting us share in your beautiful day!

Blisslits: "Will You Be My _________?"

2009-09-24T10:21:00.008-05:00

You’ve been dreaming of this day since you were a little girl, or at least since you realized that he’s “The One”. It is certainly no small task to select the people who will stand beside you on this important day! We recommend that you aren’t too hasty in your decisions – but when you finally know “Who’s Who” in your wedding party, why not make the asking process fun???

Sure, creating “Will you be my ____?” cards will take some extra work, but since these people are special enough for you to ask them to be your wedding, they’re certainly special enough to spend a little more time on. Chances are these people are just as excited as you to hear that you two lovebirds are FINALLY engaged!

I have to admit that we did not do anything particularly special for the guys. Luke, my husband, felt that my idea for cutesy cards might be overkill. :o) The people that we created cards for are the Maid of Honor, each Bridesmaid, the Personal Attendants, the Flower Girl, the Ring Bearer and the Junior Groomsmen.

I went to Michael’s and bought packs of solid black cards with envelopes. There were ten in each pack and the total was only around $6. Next, purchased pieces of paper in our accent color and lots of glue dots (my new BFF!). Then I went through all my pictures and printed off a funny picture of me and the person that specific card was intended for. I used Google as a guide for some of my poems that I wrote on the inside. Others I changed around to fit my relationship with each person. I created my own silly poems for a couple of the cards, as well.

Your cards don’t even have to be cards at all – the sky is the limit! Don't forget that AFM can even help you create something special!

Blisslits: "Ring" Bearer!

2009-09-23T09:46:00.007-05:00

Not big on the traditional ring pillow? If you’re like me, I wasn’t going to pay money for something that carried fake rings and didn’t fit my style. I had to come up with something that would be more fun! I decided to take a differently spin on what a "Ring" Bearer would be!

I promptly went to my local Theisen’s, purchased a small cowbell, painted it one of my wedding colors and attached a ribbon. Instead of just walking down the aisle with a pillow, my nephews Sam and Jack strolled down the aisle ringing the cowbells shouting, “Here Comes the Bride!” It was adorable and truly fit perfectly in our wedding.

AFM’s Gift To Our Brides: Blisslits!

2009-09-22T09:17:00.000-05:00

Pronounced: bliss-lits

Definition: AFM’s little tips, suggestions and creative ideas for making your wedding day simply blissful!

Coming soon to your Backstage Pass!!!

Brides, Brides Everywhere!

2009-09-21T12:18:00.004-05:00

At 11:00am sharp, the stampede began. Brides and their crews (a.k.a. the bridesmaids, mothers, friends and an occasional groom) poured into the 2009 Fall Bridal & Special Event Show clutching their white handled bags, which eventually serve the purpose of carrying all their freebees from the local vendors. Who doesn’t love free stuff?? It was so fun to watch as the Brides and their Crews perused the aisles, tentatively searching for those vendors that they wanted to speak with.

The AFM booth was very appealing, donned with damask patterns, pops of our signature green and, of course, pictures galore! Alissa, Amy and I handed out little ring pops with the AFM business card attached. Cute, right?? ;o) Passer-bys “ooh-ed” and “Aww-ed” at the uniqueness of Alissa’s creative eye. One show stopper was the “LOVE” collage, which was made up of thousands of tiny pictures.

We had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful Brides! Some Brides had been engaged for awhile, with weddings coming up right around the corner (of course, those Brides had already selected photographers, but you could see a hint of regret in their eyes as they glanced over AFM’s exceptional work!) Some Brides were recently engaged – in fact one young lady had just been proposed to the day before! And some Brides weren’t actually real Brides, just Brides-In-Training wanting to gather ideas full well knowing that the ring isn’t far away! Our favorite Bride-In-Training was the adorable Paula, as seen below. We hope her man gets the hint and puts a ring on it soon!!!

Naturally, AFM had a great time chatting with our Brides that have already booked with us, who stopped by to show off our chic photos to their Crews. It was fun to chat with them as they dreamed about their wedding days!

The Brides had an opportunity to sign up to win a $100 off an AFM session. Because we had so much interest, we decided to select not just one but TWO lucky winners – Kayla Oaber and Brittany McElmeel!!! Congratulations, you beautiful Brides! You’ll be contacted soon with more details!

Thanks again to Forever and Always Bridal and Posh Weddings for putting on such a fabulous event! We look forward to doing it again year!!!

Congrats to Debbie and Jon McGrath!

2009-09-16T19:32:00.005-05:00

Debbie and Jon McGrath
Saturday, September 12th
Bankston, Iowa

Over the weekend, AFM was lucky enough to spend not just one, but TWO evenings with Debbie and Jon. On Friday night, we met the adorable couple at their Rehearsal Ceremony. Afterwards, we had a chance to take some Engagement Pictures while getting to know them a little better.

We found out that Debbie actually met Jon’s friend Marty while on a trip. Marty thought that Debbie would really hit it off with his buddy, Jon. Soon after the trip, Marty introduced the future Mr. and Mrs. McGrath during what he thought was going to be a “guys weekend”. Clearly there was an instant connection between the two, as by the end of the weekend Marty was left saying “Hey, I want my friend back!”

The ceremony and reception took place at Park Farm Winery, which is absolutely breath-taking. Alissa describes it as a little bit of Tuscany in Iowa. It is gorgeous with rows and rows of grape vines. One of our favorite areas is the fabulous room where the girls prepared for the ceremony, which ended up being the location of some of our favorite pictures from the day! You can step out onto the balcony and the view goes for as far as the eye can see. Just stunning!!! **hears the sound of Future Brides Googling Park Farm Winery**

Everything about this wedding was utterly elegant. The couple decided to not see each other before the wedding. Instead, Jon arrived in the morning and Debbie arrived in the early afternoon – both in limos! Debbie looked amazing! Her dress was gorgeous and fit this wedding to a T. The ceremony was held outdoors, with the rolling hills as the perfect backdrop. Debbie and Jon included a wine ceremony, which was perfect considering their surroundings.

Since the rings were from Tiffany’s (I know!), the couple had wanted to take pictures of the rings in their famous little blue boxes. However, in the rush of the day, the boxes were forgotten. Have no fear, Alissa improvised using a wine cork and captured some great images that will probably be even more meaningful!

Debbie and Jon – congratulations! We had a blast with you and your super fun wedding party! Thanks for choosing AFM to share in your joyful day!

Hey, what are YOU doing this weekend??

2009-09-16T12:36:00.005-05:00

Are YOU a Bride-To-Be?? Whether your wedding is a two years or two months away, it’s always good to get new ideas! Bridal Fairs are the perfect place to see all sorts of fun things, get free stuff and have an all-around enjoyable time!

This weekend we’re going to be at the 2009 Fall Bridal & Special Event Show. Here’s everything you need to know:

2009 Fall Bridal & Special Event Show
Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 11:30am to 3:00pm

Peosta Community Centre
7896 Burds Road
Peosta, Iowa 52068

Along with our friends at Always & Forever Bridal Boutique and Posh Wedding & Special Event Florals, we invite YOU to join us at this fun and informative event! This is the perfect opportunity to meet with vendors from all over the area! While you’re there, enjoy a drink from the bar while watching a fabulous fashion show, which begins at 1:30pm.

For additional details and a list of vendors, go to www.afbridal.com and click on “Special Events”.

See you there!!!

Our Wedding Blog (Moving Forward!)

2009-09-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

Wedding season is full steam ahead! Here at AFM, we’re swimming in fabulous pictures of beautiful brides, handsome hubbys and unforgettable days. We, of course, want to share it all with you!

It is mid-September and our hope is that moving forward, we will be able to blog about weddings a bit sooner. We must stress that this plan is for moving forward. We have no plans at this time to create specific blogs about past weddings, but we’re currently brainstorming ways to get some previous wedding pictures up!

Here is our new goal: let’s say we photograph your wedding on Saturday (or anytime during the weekend), we plan to blog and give a few teaser pictures on the following Wednesday or Thursday.

So keep using your Backstage Pass to see all the fun that happened over the weekend!!!

Congrats to Dottie and Brian McDermott!

2009-09-10T12:31:00.006-05:00

Dottie and Brian McDermott
Married Sunday, September 6th
Galena, IL

The day of the wedding was the very first time AFM and the soon-to-be McDermotts met! Some may see this as a wee bit risky, but this tender-hearted couple didn’t seem too concerned. We were recommended by a family member of Brian’s and he took their word that our work would be fabulous! After taking a look through the pictures, I’m certain we won’t disappoint. :o)

I use the word “tender-hearted”, as that was how people kept referring to the couple throughout the day. The couple shared this beautiful day with Brian’s three kids and Dottie’s two little ones. Even with all the wedding craziness going on, Dottie was always wearing her beautiful smile and kept her arms wide open (literally!) to the kids. It was apparant that this is a couple that puts their family first.

The outdoor ceremony was nothing short of powerful. Sheer joy radiated from the beautful couple. An amazing folk singer and a violinist performed throughout the ceremony, which was something very unique and moving. AFM’s favorite moment from the entire day was during the vows when hot air balloons spontaneously began sailing up into the sky. Such a beautiful and unplanned surprise!

At the reception, Dottie and Brian did something that AFM had never seen before! They had a blank canvas that each guest would add a stroke of paint to. The result was asbolutely amazing! What a creative idea!

It was obvious how genuinely happy everyone was for Brian and Dottie. AFM fervently joins the rest of the crowd who are big fans of this beautiful couple!

Congratulations from the AFM family! We are so happy to have been there!

Congrats to Danielle and Aaron Boosinger!

2009-09-10T12:14:00.004-05:00

Danielle and Aaron Boosinger
Married Saturday, September 5th
Dubuque, IA

Here at AFM, we are suckers for hopeless romantics! Aaron and Danielle definitely fit that mold. This couple had planned special surprises for one another without knowing that the other had been planning anything! Whew – that’s a lot of secret planning!

First, Aaron had asked AFM to make a large print of a rose Danielle had taken a picture of. On that print, we added Aaron’s promises to her. This would be his wedding gift to her. **insert a big, huge AWW here** Well Danielle had been planning to surprise Aaron in a secluded place for the “Big Reveal”. He had no idea 1) that she was going to do that and 2) that she would be so breath-takingly beautiful!

But all these lovely surprises don’t come without a small (and hilarious) hurdle! As we were driving to the secret location, Aaron (who drove separately from AFM) called to say that he absolutely had to stop for gas or else he wouldn’t make it there! When Danielle was told that, she responded with a laugh, “Oh yeah, that sounds like him!” After we were all gassed up (yes, pictures were taken of this!), the reveal went wonderfully.

The reception was full of their hopeless romantic touches, as well. They met while Aaron was a big-wig at a video store where Danielle worked and as they say “the rest is history”. Not only is it a cute story, but they were able to tie it into the centerpieces. Another cool detail was the cake. The family of the Bride all had a hand in making it, whether it was in the design or the baking. Congratulations to the happy couple! Thanks for letting AFM be part of your day!

Your Backstage Pass: AFM

2009-09-08T13:31:00.007-05:00

Well hello again! This is Tara, Alissa’s sister and occasional second shooter! You might remember my rousing blog regarding Kelsey and Shane’s wild weather wedding, which I second shot. I am now taking on an additional role at AFM as the official blogger!

If you hadn't noticed, the AFM Blogging site has been a tad bit, well, non-existent since April. Think waaaaay back and you might recall that AFM would blog weekly, if not daily! It’s time to fire up the blogging machine again!!! Which I suppose is me now…. :o)

We’d like to share with you some of the exciting changes that have happened since that last blog and fill you in on what’s to come! In April, our beloved Tonya was given an opportunity to work in her field of passion – daycare. While Alissa was happy for her, AFM found itself in a bit of a frenzy, as that was the beginning of wedding season. To make the situation ever crazier, Alissa was 8 months pregnant at the time and preparing for the arrival of her third child (and first girl!) expected in early June!!!! Oh, and then there was this little thing called a “RECESSION”. It was time for Alissa to stop and re-evaluate how to run the business side of AFM.

Well, when life gives you lemons, you make Vodka Lemonade (or is that just me??)! As a result of everything that happened, our parents stepped up to the plate to help out. Truth be told, they were a little reluctant at first as they live two hours away and that’s quite a big commute! But now, months later, they are still happily coming to the Studio twice a week.

Our mom, Janice, handles billing, phone calls, emails and other office manager functions. On Tuesday’s she has the added responsibility of watching the kids (Jack, Sam and little Lainey). She’s an awesome Nana! My dad, Jack, has been giddy-upping through DVD slideshows. He also gets the job of weeding out “just the best” of the images Alissa takes - sometimes he has to go through 3000 wedding shots. Currently, he is drowning in seniors. It’s all good though; he’s a very focused individual and enjoys a challenge!

And then there’s little old me who will happily and very expressively offer you a backstage pass into AFM via this blog. This will include AFM news, upcoming events, pictures (because we know you’re just dying to see her AWESOME images!) and other random things we think are cool!

So join us (or re-join us) on this amazing adventure we call Your Backstage Pass: AFM!

1st Communion, Spring and Mother's Day LE Session

2009-04-09T12:34:00.008-05:00

Cherish the memories of your child's first communion forever with special portraits by A Fleeting Moment. Or use this session for your spring portraits or special Mother's Day Portraits!!

A one day Limited Edition Session will be held on Monday, April 13th, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to to 6:00 p.m.

**Session Fee - $10.00 retainer paid at time of booking your session. This holds your spot. You must select a package on the day of your session and half payment of that package is due at the time of the session. Packages start at $75.00. For more info on packages, please contact us at alissa@a-fleeting-moment.com. The remaining balance is due upon pick up of your portraits.

**Your images will have online proofing with a password protected cart. You will be able to order directly online.

**The session fee will cover 1-15 minute mini session. If you have more than 6 persons in a group, you will be required to reserve two sessions.

Don't Delay! Call 563-542-4817 or email alissa@a-fleeting-moment.com to set up your 15 minute session.

My beach maternities

2009-04-07T14:55:00.003-05:00

I just have to wildly rave about this image..... I was in California for a photography gig and was able to meet up with Gina, who has been an online and real life photography friend for almost 6 years now. Ever since I found out I was pregnant, I dreamed of having an image like this taken of me. Luckily on the last day there, we were able to arrange meeting for these....I just am so thrilled with this one and cannot wait to see the rest!

Fabulous Friend contest

2009-04-06T14:55:00.014-05:00

And the winner of our fabulous friend contest is.......

In the first 5 minutes this contest was up, I received the most heartfelt nomination from one of my former brides! After wiping my tears from the beautiful words Kristi wrote about Kerry's family and why they deserve the prize, I almost knew they were the winners. Because of their situation I scheduled a complimentary session right away, which is something I would do for anyone in a predicament like theirs, and gave them a small gift included in it as well.

Here are the words that won them the 200.00, plus a free session prize!

Wes and I moved to Dubuque in February of 2007 and became instant friends with our next door neighbors, the Newlands.  They are by far our best friends

and love them like family.  We don't even knock when we go each other's houses and it's just a given that we will hang out on the weekends for a nice dinner and usually a few cocktails!  Our 18 month old daughter Ava lights up when she sees them and we love their three girls as well.

A few weeks ago, their 13 year old daughter Alex suffered a seizure. After an ambulance trip to Iowa City and several excruciating nights in the hospital,Alex was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Alex is having brain surgery on March 16,

which will of course include shaving part of her beautiful hair.  They have never had a professional family picture taken and I can think of no better

gift to give these best friends than a certificate for a family picture before Alex

undergoes this incredibly scary, potentially life threatening, procedure.  The only problem is your contest doesn't end until after the surgery!  Not sure if an exception can be made, but this would be an AMAZING gift that

I know they would all treasure forever.  Crossing my fingers that you pick them!

Kristi Burkle

After meeting this family, I just was in awe of their relationship.

It was such a beautiful session. I just felt so blessed to be able to capture them together.

Congratulations Kerry and congratulations also to Kristi! Not only is she blessed to have a fabulous friend-

she has won 50.00 towards any future print purchase at A Fleeting Moment Photography!

Paige 2010

2009-03-24T11:04:00.001-05:00

Michael's Slideshow

2009-03-24T10:57:00.001-05:00

Michael 2010