Over the years, we made a couple other trips out to Vegas, including many New Year’s Eves and my week long 21st birthday celebration, but none would prove to be as memorable or impactful as the first, the first plane ride and the first unknown city.

My last trip to Vegas was a couple weeks ago. I spent those days reconciling what the city had become to my family and I. Two of my brothers graduated from UNLV. Las Vegas is where they found their voices and figured out what they wanted out of life. Las Vegas is also where they learned to appreciate the ups, and fight through the downs of life. And during that trip, Las Vegas is where I began to open my heart and find the courage to understand what it means to love the way that God loves, and forgive the way that God forgives.

This is what I saw while walking through the familiarity of The Strip.

~AK

Holy cake bling!

~AK

Lindsay contacted me because at the last minute Brice was given an unexpected 4 day pass, which they planned to spend together in NYC. Brice is in the Military Police in the United States Army. A couple weeks ago, he deployed to Iraq, beginning a one year tour of duty.

I am honored that they chose me to capture their love at this time in their relationship. My gratitude is enormous for the men and women whose hearts lead them to serve. Thank you Brice for your courage and passion, and to your family for their strength.

Our session started in the heart of NYC, Times Square, and we walked to Central Park. Although, by the time we reached the park, it started to rain. It was a light rain but consistent, so we still got wet, and decided to end at the Columbus Circle Mall. Lindsay trooped it out and threw her hair into a ponytail. I love a girl who rolls with the punches.

~AK

Back to Amanda & Rory… I shot this wedding for Jennifer Davis. The style seemed to fall right out of yacht club heaven. The backdrop of the pier with the water and boats was absolutely gorgeous. It’s a scene I rarely get to see living in NYC. And those navy bridesmaids dresses really are super cute. What you can’t see is that they have pockets! I am in deep love with dresses with pockets. It’s the perfect effortless mix of chic and cool.

~AK

Another shout out today goes to Texas! I went to Grand Prairie for Thanksgiving to visit my family. We had so much fun. The southern hospitality is unbelievable. Seriously. People were so helpful and polite. While boarding my return flight, the airport staff reinforced for me what I love about TX. They actually made the friendly skies, friendly.

Sometimes going through all those security requirements can make me grumpy, especially at the end of  a trip when I am already in a sad mood after saying my goodbyes.  But  there was the security guard to save the day! She saw my hands full and said “Wait, let me get that for you.” Then, watched and waited for my carry-on to come out the xray machine, rolled it around to the front and waited till I put my shoes, belt, jewelry, sweater etc… back on to hand it to me. I guess it also helped, that DFW wasn’t nearly as busy as I have seen JFK on a quiet day. But regardless, after that, it didn’t even rumple my feathers when my flight was delayed a couple hours. All that, only to land in NYC, when a fellow passenger decided that it would be nice to drop my coat on my head from the overhead bin because it was blocking her bag. I took a deep breath and repeated to myself “kill ‘em with kindness” a couple times. Then smiled and said Thank You. Here’s to hoping, that kindness will turn around her grumpiness and she shares it with someone.

Here are a few photos from my trip. Happy to get back to business!

~AK

Making the greens and gizzard gravy…

Miles and his friend Brownie waiting patiently for droppings. (Using the word friend is a stretch if you know Miles.)

The meal!

Cousin Jessica and Cousin Martel approving.