Cydil Waggoner Photography Blog

Shane and Jodi's Wedding Album

2009-11-14T09:15:00.003-05:00

The next wedding I'm going to share took place in May up in Marion, Indiana. You can read my blog post here about how I was with these two in Hungary in the summer of 2007 when they first met! Pretty cool, eh?

Click here to view their wedding album...

(Incidentally, the music accompanying the slideshow is played by Shane...)

Justin and Jennifer's Wedding Album

2009-11-12T22:46:00.004-05:00

The end of the year is approaching. We are down to six (yes, 6) weeks until Christmas! I am spending many evenings working late into the night retouching images so they might be ordered and transformed from computer coding of zeroes and ones into beautiful, tangible pieces of art for years of enjoyment on a coffee table or on a wall. As an early 'year in review', I thought I might share with you some pieces of work from this year's weddings. Tonight I'm highlighting Justin and Jennifer's spring wedding at St. Peter's Catholic Church and the Signature Club. It was a gorgeous spring day -- the weather couldn't have been better! Click here to see their wedding album slideshow, a greater collection of images than have been shared on here before.

The "C" Kids

2009-11-12T09:28:00.003-05:00

Aren't these children just the sweetest? I grew up in a family of all girls and often wondered how different life would have been had we had a brother. Watching these two interact brought back some of those thoughts. In between snapping some of those obligatory posed photos, I knew these two had relaxed when they picked up sticks -- er, um, swords -- and started shouting, "En Garde!" I don't recall Musketeers being one of those games that my sisters and I played, but it looked like fun!

Thanks, C Family! It was a joy!

Amber's Engagement Session Collage

2009-11-05T15:49:00.004-05:00

After taking someone's photograph, I don't often have the privilege of seeing what they do with their finished prints or wall art (aside from those used in albums)! You can imagine my excitement when Amber described the famed wall collage she made with her engagement photos. I asked her to take a snapshot of itbecause I REALLY wanted to see how it turned out.

She was so sweet to oblige and then gave me permission to share here on the blog with you all! I love the combination of color and black and white photographs. I think it really lets your eye move around the collage, yet enjoy each image independently.

If I've taken your photographs and you have a cool wall display you want to share -- snap a photo of it and e-mail it to me! You'll make my day!

Here's a link back to my favorites from Amber and Kaleb's engagement session at an amazing Woodford County horse farm...

The M Family

2009-10-30T14:28:00.003-04:00

A few years ago (five and a half, to be exact -- and I remember because our dog was a wee pup at the time), our church had an optional summer social called "Suppers Six". Over the three months of summer six individuals (or three couples) would get together for supper one evening per month. The groups were put together by someone at church and the point was to get to know others better in our congregation. We decided to participate in the event and were matched with the H's and the M's. It was nice to get to know better people that we had seen on Sundays but didn't really know -- and over good food in each other's homes. I'm glad that we all continue to attend the same church and now continue to see each other in the church nursery/preschool as we all have kiddos!

I was excited when Carrie contacted me this summer to request a photo session for her family. We decided to wait until the fall as Carrie wanted a photo for her Christmas cards while planning it close to her children's birthdays. Not long ago said session took place and here are some of my favorites! Don't these children have the most beautiful BLUE eyes? Thank you, M family! We love you guys!

Matthew and Jessica's Paris, Kentucky Wedding Photos

2009-10-26T22:21:00.005-04:00

I love how every wedding is so unique and personal to the couple getting married. For Jessica and Matthew, it began with their wedding location, the Cane Ridge Meeting House outside of Paris. Jessica grew up on a farm adjacent to this amazing, historic site (built in 1791, it's believed to be the largest one-room log structure in North America and was the site of one of the largest Protestant revivals in the U.S.).

Jessica incorporated many vintage touches to her day. Her bridesmaid gifts were antique pieces of jewelry which many of them wore for the wedding.

How do you get groomsmen interested in bouttonnieres? Attach unique fly fishing lures to each one! How neat is that?

The reception was held at the Wallis House, home of the Garden Club of Kentucky. Jessica collaborated with a friend of Matthew's mother to design a woodlands-meets-french-country elegant party. It was beautiful!

Congratulations!

John David & Jessica's Memphis Wedding Photos

2009-10-14T22:26:00.005-04:00

It sounds cliché, but it’s truly a privilege to document someone’s wedding through photography. It’s an even greater privilege when it’s a friend! I met Jessica back when she was a college student. She was involved in the student missions fellowship which my husband and I have the pleasure of facilitating at Asbury College. As ‘our students’ are want to do, Jessica completed her time in Wilmore and went on to graduate school in Nashville. I followed with interest when she took trips in medical missions to places in Africa and the Middle East. Upon graduation from Vanderbilt, I wasn’t terribly surprised when I heard that she was working at a clinic in Memphis, serving a primarily African refugee population, since she had done similar work during her time in Nashville. Furthermore, she had spent the first 12 years of life with her family in Kenya and I knew she was happiest when serving her African friends.

I was surprised and delighted when she contacted me this spring to announce that she was engaged. I didn’t have to think twice when she asked if I would consider serving as her wedding photographer! I must admit I was really curious about this man she was going to marry and it was such a joy to meet John David in person. He seems perfectly suited for her and I wished I had more than just that day to spend with them both.

In planning their wedding, Jessica and John David desired to marry in the community in which they work, live, and worship so their friends could all attend. I wish I could describe their wedding ceremony, but words won’t do it justice! It was just really, really special. They married in their friend’s back yard on a beautiful October Saturday evening. The service was rich in content and meaning, highlighted by the beautiful singing of their church friends. The reception, just a few doors down the street, was quite the party, with lots of joy, Ale 8, barbeque and kids! Enjoy these highlights from their day!

Drew and Kelsey's Wilmore Engagement Photos

2009-10-06T22:23:00.006-04:00

I really enjoy taking engagement photos and Drew and Kelsey's were no exception. These two (as you can see) are great friends with the camera and selecting images for this post was quite difficult! We had fun shooting here in little 'ol Wilmore and I love that even in a "familiar" place, I can find new places to shoot. I promise for the railroad track photo we were literally just crossing the tracks and snapped like three pics. ;-) Drew and Kelsey -- thanks for a fun evening and enjoy these days of being engaged! Blessings on your wedding next May!

Photos by Cydil Waggoner Photography.

Lee and Naresha's Lexington Wedding

2009-09-23T14:20:00.007-04:00

Everything came together beautifully a few weeks ago for Lee and Naresha's wedding. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the details were perfect. Even if nothing had come together right, I doubt you would have been able tell from these two. You could tell how genuinely happy this couple was to be marrying and it made my task of photographing their wedding a real joy. Add to that sweet family and friends, and it was a wedding I didn't want to leave!

Other favorite memories from this wedding...

The bride's adorable 7-month-old twin niece and nephew. They had bibs which read, "The bride is my aunt".

The beautiful architecture of Lexington's First United Methodist Church -- the columns, the steps, the texture of the stone are all perfect for formal occasions like this. Add to that their coordinator Bonnie, who's just a nice, pleasant lady to work with. Just as we were photographing the bridal party, the sun hit the towering 5/3 Bank Building a few blocks away and bounced beautiful afternoon light on the steps, providing the largest reflector I've ever worked with. It was serendipitous.

When the bridal party arrived at the Marriott for their recepion (where Lee and Naresha work and met), it was so neat to see many of the hotel staff on hand at the car port to congratulate them as they exited the limo. Over and over I saw how much this couple is loved by their family and friends -- and it's not hard to see why.

Finally, it was fun to hear the tunes of a band (Funk Seminary) started by our old college friend, Mike Vandemark. They kept the party going!

Others who contributed to the wedding:

Video: Jeff Meadors at JM Video Productions

Hair: Noelle Palmquist

Make-up: Tina Howard

Programs: Hunter at Notables, the Party Store

Florals: Bonnie at Stems

Transportation: Gold Shield

Wedding Photographer: Cydil Waggoner Photography

Cousins

2009-09-14T23:15:00.002-04:00

Last month I was excited to be able to attend the annual reunion of my Whiteford family (my mom's sisters' & cousins' families). I was especially excited because I have some cousins who were close friends/playmates growing up but have moved far, far away and can't feasibly come to the Midwest for the reunion every year. One morning after everyone was fed and before we took off for the rock climbing wall and zipline (yeah, my cousin Elyse and Aunt Marcia know how to plan a reunion!), I took some quick family photos of my Jenkins cousins' families and kids outside the B&B where we were staying.

Here's Sam. Big brother and Star Wars officianado. (Funny thing is, I remember playing Star Wars with his dad and uncle nearly 30 years ago -- otherwise, having no brothers, I'd probably still be saying "Star Whuh?").

Here's Maya. She likes Star Wars as much as her brother. She's also got a small role in her Dad's film and I can't wait to see her on the big screen! I'm sure she did GREAT!

Sweet Beannie. Bean made my day during the weekend when she came over and sat in my lap.
When years go between visits, you can't expect kids to really even know who you are, let alone warm up to you immediately, but I was so glad that she felt comfortable enough with me that she sought my lap as a place to rest.

(Below) Sam, Maya, and (a tired) Bean, with their parents, my cousin Dallas and his beautiful wife, Amanda.

Here's Isaac. He's the little cousin of the kids above. He wasn't thrilled at first to have his photo taken... until he was given a croquet ball that he started throwing at the photographer... with amazing accuracy -- thank goodness for lens hoods! (Maybe it has something to do with the athletic genes he inherited from his collegiate baseball coaching dad?)

(Below) Isaac with his dad, my cousin Chad, and his lovely wife, Christa. (Baby Micah is due next month!)

My cousins have found the greatest spouses. We love hanging out with them and only wish we could see them more often!

Jay and Mary Ellen are married!

2009-09-02T23:22:00.005-04:00

It was such a struggle to distill my favorite images from this wedding to an acceptable number for this post! Thankfully, I had a fantastic special, er second, shooter (Jan, a Washington D.C. based photographer) at my side who posted on her own blog her personal favorites from the day (so you'll get TWICE the number of teaser pics -- I wish I could do this for all my brides)! We had a wonderful time, thoroughly loving this couple and their families.

Wedding Photographer: Cydil Waggoner Photography

Seasons Catering and Special Occasions

2009-09-01T09:09:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago I had the privelege of taking 'head shots' for Michael and Kellie Stoddart, the owners of Seasons Catering and Special Occasions. They're going to be launching a new website soon and wanted some updated photographs of themselves. I was happy to help since I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Kellie at some special events over the past couple of years. My clients have raved about her service and attentiveness to their needs. The photo session was my first time to meet Michael, the man behind the yummy food and amazing, hand made ice sculptures. In addition to catering, their company provides wedding and event consultation services -- so if you need assistance, I encourage you to consider them! Though they are the exclusive caterers for The Signature Club at Lansdowne, I have seen them do a great job at other venues too. Click here to visit their site.

Lexington Photographer: Cydil Waggoner Photography

Ben: Senior Session

2009-08-25T14:43:00.003-04:00

This summer I received an e-mail from a friend of mine, Meredith. She wrote that she had a brother who was going to be a senior this year and was looking for a photographer to capture his senior pictures. I had never met her brother but knew that if he was related to Meredith, he'd be a sweet guy. My instincts were right. He was super nice, patient as can be (it was a typically hot summer day -- I nearly forgot until then what those are like), and despite the heat had a fantastic smile that didn't quit. Thanks, Ben, for the opportunity to photograph you. Best wishes for your last year of high school!

Baby Emily

2009-08-15T10:37:00.004-04:00

I couldn't wait any longer to blog these photos of Baby Emily. Her mommy and daddy are close friends and one of the first couple's whose wedding I photographed solo (i.e. not as a second shooter) -- you may recognize them on my website. It was such a treat to finally meet this sweet one. Isn't she an angel?

The W Family

2009-08-14T15:10:00.004-04:00

While Nathan and I were away on our anniversary trip, we took time to make some portraits of our dear friends whom we were visiting. They told us the kids don't usually enjoy having their photo taken so we were happy when they were more than cooperative. As for our location, we visited the small border town of Peebles where we celebrated Simon and Pam's reception 9 years ago. Scroll down to the bottom to see pics from that event (I was a bridesmaid)!

Joshua

Zara with Gran

(above --Simon, Pam, myself, and Nathan in 2009)
(below -- Pam and I along with Lillian at the same spot in 2000)

Three guesses which country we visited... ;-)

Congratulations, AJ and Bethany!

2009-08-11T21:53:00.005-04:00

(above) that's mint in Bethany's bouquet!

AJ and Bethany -- thanks so much for inviting me to photograph your wedding. It was such a lovely day from beginning to end. I felt truly honored to be with you, hanging out with your family and friends, witnessing your first glimpses of each other that bright morning. You made my job easy and enjoyable with your cooperation and good humor (Bethany -- it was so tempting not to post the photo of you devouring your subway lunch -- Becky thought I should). I hope you remember the love of your family and friends surrounding you that day, the tears of happiness, and the joy of togetherness. Blessings on your future together. Love, Cydil.

Michael and Paige are married!

2009-08-09T22:36:00.004-04:00

Are not these the sweetest flower girl dresses? The girls are pretty sweet too. ;-)

I just had to include this little sequence of photos above from their recessional. It reflects the overall happy mood of the day.

My husband and I just returned from celebrating our tenth anniversary with a nice vacation (hence the lapse in posting these past few weeks). Thanks for checking back to see these images from Paige and Michael's outdoor wedding last month!

As you can see from the photos above, Paige chose a lovely shade of yellow for her bridesmaids with bright pops of accent colors in purple and fuscia, the perfect combination for her outdoor ceremony. Her brother-in-law created an amazing garden in which Paige and Michael were joined by family and friends to witness the start of their lives as a married couple. Though sprinkles threatened to spoil plans, they just as quickly blew away and the sun shone those in attendance. It was a joy to be present at the wedding of this couple who is so evidently in love and loved by their family and friends. Thanks, Paige and Michael, for the opportunity to document your special day.

Wedding Photographer: Cydil Waggoner Photography

Dustin and Kelly's Lexington Wedding Photos

2009-07-24T07:49:00.009-04:00

July 18 is a great day to get married. After all, someone I deeply love married me on July 18 (ten years ago)! This July 18 (2009) was a particularly good day to get married -- how often can you enjoy temperatures in the 70s for a summer wedding in Kentucky?

Not only was the weather lovely, but so was this wedding. Kelly chose some of the prettiest places in Lexington for her wedding! And she also gave me lots of time for portraits before the ceremony so we could take advantage of the beautiful venues. We got some fun portraits and bridal party shots outdoors and more beautiful portraits indoors. I know you want to just look at the photos, so here's just a sampling...

Aren't these the loveliest bridesmaid bouquets? Then check out these programs! Aren't they beautiful? I love the simplicity and elegance -- it's anything but plain.

Take my word for it that it was a wonderful day from beginning to end. Thank you, Dustin and Kelly, for allowing me to take part in it! Enjoy Cabo!

Here's some of the individuals that contributed:

Catering: Lundy's (their hot brown tarts melted in your mouth -- yum!)

DJ: Brian Williams

Florals: Kim Ross

Attire: Casablanca (Kelly's gown), White House Black Market (bridesmaids' dresses)

Hair: Shelley Johns

Make-up: Tabitha Crabtree

Venues: The Carrick House & Central Christian Church

Wedding Photographer: Cydil Waggoner Photography

Matt and Amanda's Wedding Photos

2009-07-21T13:37:00.004-04:00

I made my first trip to the end of the Mountain Parkway and Prestonsburg weekend before last to photograph Matt and Amanda's wedding. I later learned I traveled up 'the back way' and a multitude of hairpin turns to reach Stone Crest Golf Course, but the view was worth it! It was a beautiful place for an outdoor wedding and photos, of course. ;-)

Not long after the ceremony concluded and the receiving line wrapped up, a storm rolled in. We're talking BUCKETS of rain. Again, I was so glad that Matt and Amanda elected to do their photos before the ceremony! Not long after the rain stopped falling, fog rolled in, then the fog rolled out. I must admit as a farmer's daughter I'm fascinated by weather (it is always a topic of serious conversation, not just a means of filling silence or polite conversation). It's something to watch the weather from on top of a mountain ... just as it is to watch it on the prairie. Anyway, back to Matt and Amanda! ...

Some of my favorites from their wedding: 1.) Amanda chose a beautiful shade of pink ("candy") for her bridesmaids (LOVED it! So universally flattering, not to mention beautiful and feminine!), 2.) Matt's father's band cranked out some great tunes for their reception -- I loved how Matt's nephew (the ring bearer) spent the entire evening with them holding his own guitar (no question he's got music in his DNA!), 3.) everyone was just so nice -- I thoroughly enjoyed the folks I visited with at this wedding. Matt and Amanda, I'm sure you know you have a great community of friends and family who love and support you. Thanks for letting me get a glimpse of that and inviting me to be a part of your day! Congratulations!

Happy 10th Anniversary, Nathan!

2009-07-18T12:48:00.003-04:00

Photo by Fine Arts Studio (Peoria, IL).

Faith and Drew's Central Kentucky Wedding Photos

2009-07-17T20:47:00.005-04:00

John and Faith going to see Drew and begin pictures...

Faith got ready literally down the street from the Capitol, so this is where we started photos!

I loved the romantic feeling of Faith's bouquet -- very elegant yet natural. Old fashioned (in the best sense).

Melissa, it was so nice to see you again after all these years!
Blessings on you as you finish med school!

The governor's mansion is so lovely, it was hard not to post every photo we shot there!

Here's Drew showing the foreboding radar map which confirmed what we could see outside: buckets and buckets of rain that forced a relocation of the outdoor ceremony.
I was so sad that it didn't work out, but grateful Faith and Drew had opted to do photos BEFORE the ceremony so the formal portraits were mostly wrapped up before we got rained out.

Faith and Drew are both Starbucks baristas and met through mutual S'bucks friends. Of course, there was no question that it would serve as the coffee of choice at this dessert reception. When it came to snapping a few group photos during the reception, a Starbucks group pic was a no-brainer.

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you'll know I'm a sucker for the father-daughter pics, especially right before the ceremony.

Faith and Drew -- it was such a privilege to document your wedding day. Thank you for entrusting that to us.

Muehleisen family: Nathan and I love you and respect you all so much.

Drew, it's been so nice to get to know you over this past year. We look forward to many years ahead of game nights and coffee while you still reside in central Kentucky!

Beth, I'm sorry I just realized I don't have a photo of you in this bunch. Forgive me! You looked lovely! I trust you've made it back safely to Uganda!

Baby Jackson

2009-07-15T15:49:00.006-04:00

John and Erica are dear friends and when they asked me to photograph baby Jackson, I was totally thrillled. Initially they were going to come down to Wilmore, but our plans took a detour and I ended up shooting the session at their home in Louisville on our way back from vacation. The change worked to our advantage because we were able to get some shots in Jackson's nursery, then put him down for a nap and visit. Don't you love how Erica's color scheme worked with his eyes? ;-)

Thanks again for the opportunity to photograph your new little family! We love you guys!

Drew and Faith's Wedding Favors Featured...

2009-07-15T11:30:00.005-04:00

I've got some photos from Drew and Faith's wedding to post soon, but in the mean time, check out http://www.52teas.com/ for this feature on their wedding favors: a chocolate-mint loose tea blend that smelled AMAZING!!! (Haven't brewed mine just yet but if it tastes half as good as it smelled, I'll be more than happy and looking for that perfect dessert accompaniment). (Note, the label features one of their engagement photos). This favor was perfect for a girl heralding from one of the worlds finest purveyors of tea: Kenya!

Jaedyn -- Age 2

2009-07-14T16:48:00.004-04:00

While I was visiting family in Illinois over the holiday weekend I was honored to photograph my cousin's daughter, Jaedyn. It seems like Heidi's baby grew up to be a little girl between our last visit! Isn't she a doll? Enjoy!

This baby buggy has been in our family for nearly a century. Isn't it a great prop?

Who doesn't love it when a child thinks you're hilarious? ;-)

See you in August, Jaedyn!

Meet some of my family...

2009-07-13T23:16:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago Nathan's family got together here in Central Kentucky for a reunion. It's always nice to get some family photos of the generations together when you're usually separated by distance! Here's a few of my favorites!

My brother-in-law, Stephen, and his wife Rachel

Here they are with their five sweet kiddos.

To keep the kids "excited" about 'picture time', I told them to go find their own special spot to be photographed. Above is my nephew Caleb. He's a great big brother with such a tender heart. He's a great help to his parents!

Here's Josh - he's so talented and smart -- I can't wait to see what kind of young man he grows up to be!

I think you can tell from the photo above what a charmer 5-year-old Micah is! Love that boy!

Here's Leah -- her momma's girl. You can't blame them -- they're WAY outnumbered in the gender department! It was a treat to be in town when she was born as her older brothers were all born while they lived far away in New Jersey and we didn't see them until they were months old...

My sweet in-laws. They are SO thoughtful and loving. I am blessed beyond what I deserve!

All the grandchildren (minus baby Elisha)

Last but not least, our own Els. Just 2 weeks after her 4th birthday.