Making Pies

aimee & brendan. {b&w::maternity}

2012-01-28T11:56:00.011-06:00

aimee & brendan. {part II::maternity}

2012-01-28T10:47:00.007-06:00

aimee & brendan. {sneak peek::maternity}

2012-01-22T19:25:00.012-06:00

scones & coffee.

2012-01-16T12:48:00.009-06:00

sometimes it's fun to eat {scones} on a fancy plate.
today was one of those days.

pancakes. {red}

2012-01-15T12:13:00.010-06:00

saturday morning {coffee}

2012-01-14T11:44:00.005-06:00

{instagram}

this morning i'm thankful for:
saturday.
cups of coffee.
thrifted mugs.
snow on the ground.
pajama pants.
omelette's and waffles.

blurb. {tuna}

2012-01-09T19:03:00.015-06:00

are you familiar with blurb? if not, you should be. they allow you to create beautiful photography books for family and friends. i've created several wedding albums; a few for a friend {and bride who's wedding i photographed} as well as my own. and for Christmas i created an "ode to kolkata" if you will, for my brother lucas. and mr. tuna graces the cover. love him! makes me want to go back. anyone care to join me?

{sneak peek below}

highlights. {2011}

2012-01-07T15:51:00.047-06:00

can't wait to see what {develops} in 2012.

marie. {color}

2012-01-03T15:41:00.010-06:00

heidi. {prayer card}

2011-12-31T09:54:00.014-06:00

this is my dear friend, heidi. and if you ask me, she is one of the best. in a little less than a month she'll be heading to south sudan for five years, where she will serve as a nurse with world harvest. she asked me to snap a few photos for her prayer card and i was more than happy to oblige. every so often a friend comes who is a kindred spirit. and she is one such friend. i will certainly miss the afternoon walks, movie nights, talks over cups of coffee and frozen yoghurt that we have shared {many of} over the last several months. hoping and praying that one of these days, our walks and talks will continue, but this time in South Sudan.

marie. {b&w}

2011-12-29T15:43:00.007-06:00

marie asked me to shoot her senior photos, and i was happy to oblige. here is a mix of some of my favorite posed and candid b&w photographs of marie. how happy was i that she wanted a few shot in the loop? quite.

{do you recognize the booth at blueberry hill? love!}

Grandma. {Perkins}

2011-12-28T21:47:00.009-06:00

i was home for Christmas.
and it was lovely and holidayish.
i may have also snapped several photos of my grandma perkins as we decorated cookies and played a little skip-bo.

love her!

{p.s. she is also the instigator of the butter cookie tradition}

butter cookies {christmas}

2011-12-19T18:56:00.010-06:00

as far back as i can remember, my brothers and i would help my mom cut out christmas { butter} cookies. it's a recipe that my grandma perkins used to make with my mom when she was a little girl, and it has remained a family favorite. it's not quite the same rolling them out by myself, but a little amy grant, "a christmas album" {yes, the one from 1983} playing in the background, flour on my hands, and the scent of baking cookies, {and camera in hand} reminds me of home.

the dress. {wedding}

2011-12-15T19:28:00.017-06:00

merry christmas. {and a happy new year}

2011-12-12T14:29:00.010-06:00

{christmas 2011}

wishing you a very happy advent season.

love,

the patches

date night. {twinkle lights}

2011-12-09T12:54:00.010-06:00

i love twinkle lights. they're magical, wouldn't you say? we drove around last night enjoying some of the neighborhood lights in South City. such a fun, festive, and {free} way to enjoy an evening during the holiday season.

happy friday!

twinkle lights. {bokeh}

2011-11-28T21:45:00.003-06:00

i heart christmas trees. and twinkle lights. {shaped like hearts}

deck the halls. {christmas tree}

2011-11-27T19:11:00.029-06:00

the patch house has been decorated and the tree has been trimmed.
it is cozy, and cheery, and all things christmasy.
and my sweet husband looks forward to the day when my camera can be focused on little patches instead of his handsome face. but until then, i'm glad he is such a willing subject. (he's my favorite).

ho.ho.ho. {santa cookies}

2011-11-26T20:51:00.000-06:00

{polaroid}

sunday brunch. {pumpkin pancakes}

2011-11-14T20:44:00.010-06:00

sunday morning+a cuppa coffee + pumpkin pancakes+chocolate chips = a perfect fall brunch.

abby. {wedding}

2011-11-13T13:51:00.002-06:00

11.12.11.

happy friday. {film}

2011-11-11T16:55:00.006-06:00

hmm. the jury's still out on the new instant film. it just has a completely different look and feel. but i'm willing to keep at it, since my beloved 600 film is discontinued. the thought that i only have three boxes left still makes me sad.

the image of the carousel was shot on 120 film with the new/old mamiya RB67 Pro-S camera that my friend mark traded me. it was his grandfather's camera and it is metal, and heavy, and fantastic. i love digital, but i still love the old school feel of a heavy camera, the wind of the film, and the anticipation of a printed contact sheet.
oh, and happy friday!

nathan & luke. {brothers}

2011-11-10T11:15:00.015-06:00

{sneak peek}

their mom wanted to get a few photos before these two head off in different directions (Mizzou and NYC), so we spent the afternoon in the park taking a few. having two brothers of my own i thoroughly enjoyed snapping some photos of this pair.

They were naturals!

the maynors. {sneak peek}

2011-11-02T16:01:00.009-05:00

an afternoon of {photo} fun in forest park with the maynors...

whoopie pies {pumpkin}

2011-10-26T15:36:00.005-05:00

um, yum!

we spent the weekend in chicago with the akesters and had a fabulous time. andy whipped these up before our visit and they were a scrumptious part of our sunday brunch. (and they're so pretty!)

birthday {cupcakes}

2011-10-19T16:01:00.003-05:00

the perfect end to my 33rd birthday.

birthday party. {bonfires, burgers, & pies}

2011-10-16T19:08:00.027-05:00

soulard market. {pumpkins}

2011-10-09T19:10:00.005-05:00

the anderson's. {wedding highlights}

2011-10-06T16:44:00.036-05:00

(june 4, 2011)

much love, once again, to brent & lisa anderson.

love {october}.

2011-10-03T16:55:00.004-05:00

{apple picking}

{husband}

polaroids.
cardi weather.
apple crisp.
flannel sheets.
golds, reds, and oranges.
bonfires.
pumpkin patches.
chili.
birthdays.
all things autumn.

fallen apples. {polaroid}

2011-09-21T21:11:00.002-05:00

apple picking. {eckert's}

2011-09-17T18:08:00.014-05:00

apple pie and apple crisp? don't mind if i do.

nolan.

2011-09-14T15:36:00.010-05:00

i thoroughly enjoyed spending my sunday morning shooting some photos of this family of three. he was just darling.

{autumn}

2011-09-10T12:34:00.002-05:00

counting down the days.

happy saturday!

the bleys. {sneak peek}

2011-09-05T12:20:00.009-05:00

i spent a little bit of my friday afternoon hanging with and photographing the bleys. here are a few of the results. how cute are the twins? so cute.

the fair. {overland}

2011-09-01T21:27:00.016-05:00

i love a good fair.
even a small one.
as long as there's a carousel and some cotton candy, i'm a happy girl.
the husband, on the other hand, looks less than thrilled.
but he was a good sport and went with me.
twice.
i love him.

a baby story.

2011-08-30T20:20:00.017-05:00

just a snapshot of baby autumn's arrival.

carousel.

2011-08-29T21:07:00.002-05:00

tres jolie.

kolkata.

2011-08-27T11:43:00.009-05:00

autumn simone turner.

2011-08-21T18:08:00.007-05:00

born:

august 19, 2011.
1:12 am.

i had the honor of documenting baby autumn's arrival. and what an amazing and miraculous arrival it was. i am now totally smitten and can't wait to see mama and baby again soon.

much love and many congrats to aaron and joy on the birth of their sweet little girl!

fresh peaches.

2011-08-13T15:39:00.005-05:00

an unplanned trip to soulard topped this saturday morning off just right.

making (more) pies.

2011-08-03T18:09:00.008-05:00

i heart pies.

especially pies baked by my mom.

chiang mai, thailand.

2011-07-30T14:40:00.024-05:00

may, 2011.

pure joy.

2011-07-27T22:00:00.005-05:00

my beautiful friend joy is having a baby.
and i can't wait to meet her.

ste genevieves & wine country.

2011-07-26T15:46:00.014-05:00

first anniversary.
three day weekend.
french colonial town.
b&b.
wine in the garden.
county fair.
fresh berries.
vineyards.
villas.
antiquing.
pizza & wine.
farmland.
leftover wedding cake.

the taylors. {sneak peek}

2011-07-19T21:21:00.008-05:00

i spent saturday morning shooting some family photographs of our friends, the taylors. as you can see, they made it easy on me. beauties!

goats at the county fair.

2011-07-15T12:20:00.002-05:00

happy weekend!

wedding sweets.

2011-07-14T19:44:00.018-05:00

(she really wanted a cupcake!)

(all images shot at brent & lisa's wedding)

cuties.

2011-07-11T20:38:00.008-05:00

(all images shot in and around soulard)

happy 1st anniversary to my mister.

2011-07-10T17:44:00.062-05:00

love, courtney

july 10, 2010.
our wedding day.
and a happy day it was.

making pies.

2011-07-05T16:36:00.005-05:00

peach, strawberry, and black raspberry.

my mom makes the most delicious pies. from scratch. (and the recipes are a family secret. i think.) i decided that my visit home over the 4th of july weekend was the perfect opportunity for mom to make some pies, and for me to have a mini photoshoot in the backyard. so we did.

they were perfect.
(and delicious!)

carbonnades a la flamande.

2011-07-02T12:13:00.017-05:00

(me)

(joy)

"beef and onions braised in beer"

recipe by julia childs

joy and i each both recently finished reading "my life in france" which is chock full of anecdotes from julia herself about the Childs' lives in france, the process of perfecting and writing down hundreds of recipes for her cookbook, and their numerous travels and adventures in europe. if this book doesn't make you want to explore the streets, cafes, and markets of paris while learning to cook delicious french food, i don't know what will. i'd pack my bags tomorrow if i could. joy and i celebrated the completion of said book by picking a tasty sounding recipe and giving it a go. it was scrumptious, if i do say so myself. and we both decided that cooking with a friend is much more fun. our hope is to try it again from time to time.

Ingredients:

A 3-lb. piece of lean beef from the chuck roast
or rump
2 to 3 Tb rendered fresh pork fat or good
cooking oil
A heavy skillet
1 1/2 lbs. or 6 cups of sliced onions
Salt and pepper
4 cloves mashed garlic
A 9- to 10-inch fireproof casserole about 3 1/2
inches deep
Salt and pepper
1 cup strong beef stock or canned beef bouillon
2 to 3 cups light beer, Pilsner type
2 Tb light brown sugar
1 large herb bouquet: 6 parsley sprigs, 1 bay
leaf, and 1/2 tsp thyme tied in cheesecloth
1 1/2 Tb arrowroot or cornstarch blended with
2 Tb wine vinegar
Parsley potatoes or buttered noodles
Parsley sprigs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cut the beef into slices about 2 by 4 inches across and 1/2 inch thick. Dry on paper towels. Put a 1/16-inch layer of fat or oil in the skillet and heat until almost smoking. Brown the beef slices quickly, a few at a time, and set them aside.

Reduce heat to moderate. Stir the onions into the fat in the skillet, adding more fat if necessary, and brown the onions lightly for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and stir in the garlic.

Arrange half the browned beef in the casserole and season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread half the onions over the beef. Repeat with the rest of the beef and onions.

Heat the stock or bouillon in the browning skillet, scraping up coagulated cooking juices. Pour it over the meat. Add enough beer so the meat is barely covered. Stir in the brown sugar. Bury the herb bouquet among the meat slices. Bring casserole to the simmer on top of the stove. Then cover the casserole and place in lower third of preheated oven. Regulate heat so liquid remains at a very slow simmer for 2 1/2 hours at the end of which time the meat should be fork-tender.

Remove herb bouquet. Drain the cooking liquid out of the casserole into a saucepan, and skim off fat. Beat the starch and wine vinegar mixture into the cooking liquid and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully correct seasoning. You should have about 2 cups of sauce. Pour the sauce back over the meat.
(*) May be prepared in advance to this point.

When ready to serve, cover the casserole and simmer slowly for 4 to 5 minutes until the meat is thoroughly heated through. Either bring the casserole to the table, or arrange the meat on a hot serving platter, spoon the sauce over it, surround with potatoes or noodles, and decorate with parsley.

s'mores.

2011-06-28T17:28:00.002-05:00

backyard picnic.

2011-06-25T13:21:00.001-05:00

polaroid.

freshly picked flowers and lemonade.

bride & groom.

2011-06-25T11:36:00.005-05:00

just a few last edits to go...

soulard farmer's market.

2011-06-23T21:28:00.002-05:00

polaroid film.

2011-06-23T21:05:00.010-05:00

jora's village.

2011-06-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

to market to market.

2011-06-20T17:12:00.015-05:00

i've yet to find anything that parallels the vibrancy and energy of the fruit and flower markets in kolkata, india (though i've come close).

but oh how i'll love it when i do.

luke & lindsey. part deux.

2011-06-14T16:32:00.008-05:00

i seriously love(d) this wall. it was the perfect backdrop for a most fun bride and groom.

blueberries.

2011-06-13T21:12:00.002-05:00

sari bari.

2011-06-11T15:47:00.011-05:00

new life in the making.

and one of the most beautiful places on earth.

fruit salad.

2011-06-10T17:22:00.003-05:00

(polaroid.)

fruit salad for a friday night birthday picnic.

brent & lisa.

2011-06-07T16:53:00.004-05:00

(sneak peek!)

june 4, 2011.
omaha, ne.

wendy brielle.

2011-06-04T11:04:00.004-05:00

sudder street.

2011-05-29T11:14:00.008-05:00

many hours were spent right in this very spot. and now jeremy's been there too. i miss it, and i don't, all at the same time. it wouldn't be an easy place to live; to eat, cook, and sleep under a tarp on the hot pavement of kolkata. but jora and her sisters and many women and families before her have called this home. they are part of my life's story, and hold a very important piece of my heart. they taught me about love and mercy, about God's heart for the poor, and that friends and family can be discovered in unexpected places. dear jora ma.

cotton candy.

2011-05-20T20:05:00.003-05:00

last friday.

i was in kolkata.
and saw this dude selling cotton candy.
this friday.
i'm in st. louis.
with a sick buddy. (aka husband)
editing photos.
tgif.
no matter where in the world i may be.

thailand & india.

2011-05-14T19:40:00.002-05:00

may 3-13, 2011.
chiang mai, thailand & kolkata, india.
more photos to come!

luke & lindsey.

2011-05-01T11:01:00.002-05:00

farmington, mo
4.30.11

birthday cake.

2011-04-24T14:37:00.006-05:00

bouquet.

2011-04-20T18:11:00.004-05:00

(bridesmaid bouquet. july 10, 2010)

i've had lots of little projects going on. both photography and home. and limited time to shoot.

i hope to change that on saturday.

lots of spring chicks and ducks at the farmer's market easter weekend = lots of photo taking.

and a freshly painted kitchen and dining room should offer lots of inspiration for some food styling/photography.

happy spring!

ezra & ethan's baptism.

2011-03-29T16:46:00.017-05:00

my second shooter.

2011-03-19T13:54:00.003-05:00

it's saturday. and that means lots of coffee and editing and organizing photographs for my friend liz's wedding albums. i came across this little gem from their wedding that i shot in october and thought it was worth posting. he's my favorite, and i can't wait to shoot with him again in april. woot.

ice cream bowls.

2011-03-02T10:31:00.003-06:00

birthday cake.

2011-02-20T15:21:00.008-06:00

happy 1st birthday jack!

valentine's day.

2011-02-15T17:23:00.016-06:00

red wedding shoes.
mixed bouquet.

dinner on the hill.

cunetto's.

red wine.

chicken fettucini.

insalata.

chocolate cake.

valentines.

so thankful for my love.

saturday evening.

2011-02-12T20:25:00.004-06:00

home renovations.

hints of spring.

cereal for dinner.
reminiscing.
julia and julia.
chocolate cake.
hibernation.
photo exhibit prep.
valentines.
early to bed.

honeymooning.

2011-02-06T17:30:00.003-06:00

(aruba. shot with a fuji instax mini)

old man winter has me day dreaming of warm, sunny days.

vegetarian chili.

2011-02-03T17:50:00.009-06:00

new year's resolutions = cook more and eat more vegetables.

check. check.

summer as seen through a twin lens.

2011-01-31T20:54:00.005-06:00

kodak 120 film. b&w.

winter cravings.

2011-01-24T19:29:00.004-06:00

kolkata, india.

2011-01-23T10:48:00.005-06:00

photos taken in 2002. 35mm.

jeremy and i are headed there in may, and i couldn't be more excited.

christmas bow ties.

2011-01-10T20:27:00.009-06:00

bow ties made by lauren smith.

baking therapy.

2011-01-05T22:15:00.005-06:00

new owl cookie jar = peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.

our first christmas.

2011-01-03T19:51:00.020-06:00

december 29, 2010.

christmas in industry.

2010-12-28T11:06:00.020-06:00

christmas 2010.

industry, il.

dreaming of a white christmas.

2010-12-22T20:01:00.004-06:00

have a cuppa' cheer.

2010-12-19T17:49:00.019-06:00

oh happy day.

2010-12-17T17:59:00.003-06:00

am looking for a restful and fun weekend.

leftover chili.

a lazy saturday morning.

urban photo shoot.

cookie baking.

christmas party.

kids club.

coffee date with a friend.

christmas shopping with the mr.

merry christmas.

2010-12-13T19:01:00.003-06:00

we hope yours is very merry and bright.

love,

courtney and jeremy

snow day.

2010-12-12T12:50:00.009-06:00

rooster.

2010-12-11T13:21:00.001-06:00

brunch.rooster.friends.rain.crepes.coffee.

perfect start to three day weekend.

darlin' (christmas is coming).

2010-12-05T19:48:00.020-06:00

{Our first tree}

Darlin’ (Christmas Is Coming)
( by: OtR)

Darlin', darlin'

So it's been a long year

Every new day brings one more tear

Till there's nothing left to cry

My, my, how time flies

Like little children hiding their eyes

We'll make it disappear

Let's start a brand new year

Darlin', Christmas is coming

Salvation army bells are ringing

Darlin', Christmas is coming

Do you believe in angels singing?

Darlin', the snow is falling

Falling like forgiveness from the sky

(Darlin', darlin')

Darlin', darlin'

If I could have anything

What would I want this new year to bring

Well, I'd want you here with me

Tear these thorns from my heart

Help the healing to start

Let's set this old world free

Let's start with you and me

Darlin', Christmas is coming

Salvation army bells are ringing

Darlin', Christmas is coming

Do you believe in angels singing?

Darlin', the snow is falling

Falling like forgiveness from the sky

So it's been a long year

Every new day brings one more tear

Till there's nothing left to cry

Darlin', Christmas is coming

Salvation army bells are ringing

Darlin', Christmas is coming

Do you believe in angels singing?

Darlin', the snow is falling

Falling like forgiveness, falling like

forgiveness

Falling like forgiveness from the sky

(Darlin' darlin')

Darlin', darlin'

making pies.

2010-12-01T15:28:00.005-06:00

a new last name, new photography site, and now, a new blog title. thanks patty (griffin), once again, for the inspiration.

andy & katy. 11.20.10.

2010-12-01T13:37:00.015-06:00

the weekend before thanksgiving jeremy and i flew to dallas for the wedding of jer's best friend andy. it was a gorgeous and intimate wedding and it was such fun to see and hear katy and andy say "i do". yet again, much to be thankful for!

giving thanks.

2010-11-30T11:01:00.035-06:00

there is much to be thankful for.

family.

my grandparents.

jeremy.

homemade pie.

turkey and dressing.

chilly weather.

christmas tree shopping.

twinkle lights.

pancakes.

2 mile run in the rain.

the neighbors "griswold" house.

raura and daniel.

zips cheeseburgers.

peppermint mochas.

a fireplace and wine.

mom's lasagna.

someone (my love) to share the long ride home.