Jamil and Jennifer dated in middle/high school for 2-3 years, then separated for 10 years. Now they are the modern day Brady Bunch. Both Jamil and Jennifer had three (3) children each when they got together and have since had one (1) child together. This family of nine (9) is unique, as the seven (7) children range from 2 years old to 12 years old, and a couple of children are similar in age. Their family has such lively spirits and love to have fun together.
We met at the park and started with some posed shots of the whole family on the stairs and along the railing.
Then… I pulled out the powder paint. Every child was able to pick their favorite color, which made it personalized for them. It didn’t take long before the first child to throw the first color sprinkle. Before long, the siblings were chasing each other around; Dad was putting the powder on his hand and making his mark on each child’s white t-shirt, while Mom was armed with 2 colors so she could pay her kids back for all the irritating moments they’ve given her in the past. Hahaha…
Although it was a bit chilly yesterday and the family all had on jackets and sweaters when they first arrived, by the end of the photo shoot, every child and both parents were wearing flip-flops and they forgot about being cold. The whole family had a blast, even the cutie pie 2 year old. Thus, proving family photos doesn’t have to be boring or a major task to get ready for.
Have fun with family photos!
]]>What inspires, motivates and excites you?
What makes you feel really good?
For me, the answers would be...
I am very passionate about my family, all of who definitely inspire, motivate and excite me. From my 14 year old athlete-scholar son who keeps me physically active, to my 79 year old father who taught me to be a self-sufficient woman who is able to fix almost any household item and keep a finely manicured yard (and a few other important people in between those two). What makes me feel good inside is knowing I'm making a difference in someone's life - a positive impact.
With all that in mind, 2015 has been a year of walking in faith for me. And after much prayer and listening for The Lord Jesus' voice, I have officially gone full-time with my photography business. Yeah!!!!
July 1st marked the beginning of a new adventure for me and Highlights Photography by THT. Although I have photographed weddings and events on the side of my full-time job for a couple of years, going full throttle is a big step. There are a lot of professional photographers in the Kansas City Metro area, not to mention almost everyone has a smartphone with a nice mp-camera now-a-days and have perfected the selfie (smile). So, I wanted to be sure my skills were sharp enough to call myself a “professional photographer.” Anyone that really knows me, can tell you that I am big on education, as I do have my Bachelors and Master’s degrees in education, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), so it is only fitting that I get the necessary education and training in photography.
Also, I had to make sure I was fully prepared, mentally, financially, and most importantly, spiritually.
It is this passage from Jerimiah and other scriptures that I stand on and that gives me the strength, courage, and faith I need to pursue my dreams as an entreprernuer.
More evidence that God is blessing me and my business while walking in faith, is the fact that I now have studio space, located at 11925 Blue Ridge Blvd in Grandview, in the Reality Now Electronics building. It is still a work in progress, but I am currently doing photo shoots there. Feel free to stop by and visit.
Services offered include weddings and portraits photography, sports photography and special event photography coverage.
Please explore the website to see my work and the services offered. Also follow Highlights Photography by THT on the following social media outlets…
FB - https://www.facebook.com/HighlightsPhotographybyTHT
Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/HighlightsByTHT/
Twitter - http://Twitter.com/HighlightsPhot1
Instagram – http://Instagram.com/HiglightsbyTHT
Google+ - https://plus.google.com/+HighlightsPhotographybyTHT
]]>
Back in September 2014, I received an inquiry from a sweet young lady who was planning a Spring 2015 wedding, whose fiancé is a football coach in one of the leagues we partner with. Shortly after, I was notified by her that the wedding was postponed indefinitely due to the unfortunate health issues her mother encountered. Saddened by the news, I felt compelled to add her mother and family to my prayer list and informed her of such. Because of this, we kept in touch through the months and I was impressed by her dedication to her family.
I'm very happy to report that on June 6th, I was able to witness yet another example of her love and dedication, at her union to her mate of seven (7) years, Louie Fernandez. Their intimate ceremony was performed at the Historic Truman Courthouse, in Independence, MO. The couple exchanged vows in front of their two (2) children, parents (Yes! They were blessed with the presence of her mother. Thank you Jesus!!), siblings, and a close friend; all of whom also vowed to love them and support their union.
The couple kept things simple, yet eloquent with the bride’s gown from David’s Bridal and the groom’s tux from Men’s Warehouse.
"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: Love can't be bought, love can't be sold -- it's not to be found in the marketplace."
~Song of Soloman 8:7
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Fernandez!!
]]>Sunday, May 3rd of 2015
On Sunday, May 3rd, Highlights Photography by THT participated in it's FIRST Bridal Show!!! A lot of creative energy, time, and finances went into getting prepared for this event. First, we had to decide which photos would be used on the samples to be displayed. Second, we had to order them all: canvas and regular prints, metals, business cards, Save the Date cards, and many more product samples. Then, we spent a significant about of time picking out the perfect frames for the prints. Aside from all that, a decision needed to be made on the setup and decor for our booth. Luckily, we had alternative plans, because there was a bit of a hitch at the day Bridal Show. The Promise's new location was not complete and the Bridal Show had to be held outside. Being the professionals we are, the participating vendors adjusted and went with the flow. Despite the strong winds that kept knocking things over, we were able to present our services to about 75 brides and family members that attended. Below are some of the vendors that were present. Feel free to contact any of them to find out how they may be able to assist on your wedding day.
Vendors (not all inclusive):
Adnaloy’s Weddings and Events | 816.588.8632
Be Seated | www.be-seated.com | 816.941.4122
Events of Elegance | http://www.eventsofelegancekc.com/| 913.568.5004
The Fiddly Fig | www.fiddlyfig.com | 816.456.0254
Glamorous Galas Event Planner | https://www.facebook.com/glamorousgalas
Highlights Photography by THT | http://Highlights-Photography.com | 816.885.4986
The Promise Event Space| http://thepromisekc.com
Vanilla Entertainment | http://www.vanillaentertainment.com/ | 816.456.0254
]]>
We had the pleasure of photographing one of the easiest families to photograph... The Partridge Family (hence, "Partridge in a pear tree" :-)). The mother (yes, mother), Tisa, is ssssoooo photogenic, with her ageless beauty and gorgeous smile, and her sons follow in her footsteps. The youngest son wasn't excited about the color choice for the shoot, but they looked great and stood out in the sun-setting backdrop. See for yourself.
Tisa says, you gotta take the Bull by its horns, and that's exactly what she does.
At the beginning of the shoot, Kane was unhappy and didn't want to smile for any pictures and Mia was just unsure about it all (as you can tell from the photos above). We walked around while to let them explore and captured their expressions. How adorable...
We were soon able to capture some really cool family shots with Mom and Granny...
And of course some more shots to show Kane and Mia's distinct personalities...
Family Love!
Lupe & MarioMr. & Mrs. Torres
That particular weekend was an eventful one for them. That Friday was the groom's birthday. Their baby girl was baptized on Saturday morning. They capped it all off with their wedding Saturday afternoon. They were truly celebrating a lot as a family. And yes, they did so in classic Latino-style. Fun was had by all, from the youngest to the oldest person there.
Fun for All!
Celebration!
Here's to the happy couple!
CheersHere's to the Happy Couple
Mr. & Mrs. Mario Torres
CongratulationsMr. & Mrs. Mario Torres
Michael and BilleeHandsome Groom and Beautiful Bride
Father presenting his daughterHere comes the bride...
Their wedding was especially unique as it was also the uniting of 2 families - her 3 teen children and his twin college-age children. Their children participated in a sand ceremony, where each one was represented by a different color, and they blended all of them together, representing their new family.
Sand Ceremony2 Families become ONE
Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Michael Potts, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. PottsIntroducing Mr. & Mrs. Michael Potts
Love filled the air.
Celebration!Happy Dances and Toasts
The reception was full of special family moments.
Family LoveMother/Son and Daddy/Daughter Dances
Thank You Bag for wedding guests that stayed in the hotel.
Guest bagThank you for staying with us!
Venue: Hilton Airport Hotel, Kansas City, MO
Flowers/Decorations: Mrs. Lee Ingram
Wedding Cake: D’Maries Cupcakery
Hairstylist of the Bride: LaKisha Hassan
Hairstylist of the Bridal Party: Pretty Rickiey’s (Mrs. Rickiey Dunn)
Make-up: Ms. Marnica McMillion
Music: DeeJ Smooth
Photographers: Highlights Photography by THT
]]>
The wedding and reception took place at Rivers of Life Church. The attention to detail by MyEventVenue was impeccable…from every handmade bow, to the embellished bouquets and boutonnieres, to each unique centerpiece. Much care and love went into the catering by Vonnie Rentz and the cake made by a friend of the bride, Becky Bouchard.
Venue: Rivers of Life Church, Brandon, FL
Event Design: MyEventVenue
Floral Design: MyEventVenue Designs by JANJAN
Catering: Vonnie Rentz
Wedding Cake: Becky Bouchard
Photography: Highlights Photography by THT
]]>We were very excited to share and capture Tammy and Marland's wedding ~ a couple that has only known each other a short time but knew from the start that they were meant to be together. The wedding and reception held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, was beautifully decorated by Exquisite Boutique and Elegant Designs, flowers by Ashley Alexis Weddings & More specially designed delicious cake by Melissa Brown, Just Because Bakery, The planning and coordination by Ty Smith, Beautifully Planned Events, brought it all together! The love was in the air for all to experience!
The Love and BeautyGroom watching Bride's entrance, escorted by her father
Here comes the bride...
Mr. & Mrs. Marland HughesWe're married now!
Celebrate!Celebrate together and with our children!
I DO!
Always and Forever!
Venue: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
Event Design: Exquisite Boutique and Elegant Designs,
Floral Design: Ashley Alexis Weddings
Wedding Cake: Melissa Brown, Just Because Bakery,
Event Planner: Ty Smith, Beautifully Planned Events
Videographer: Richard Kearney
DJ: DJ Steve w/ Auspicious Occasion
Bride’s Makeup: April
Bride’s Hair: Andy
Photography: Highlights Photography by THT
]]>