Ten Sixteen Blog {celebrating your story}

Ashley & Ryan {engaged}

karin — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:41:26 +0000

They knew one another in high school, but it wasn’t until about a year or so later that they both ended up at the same place when out with friends that a connection happened. Suddenly their eyes were open to a new possibility, and when Ryan asked Ashley that night to go four wheeling the next day, right then and there she quickly said yes. They’ve been together ever since.

4 years later, they had a relaxing day planned with Ryan’s brother and his wife. They’d take the boat out for a few hours, and do some fishing and just kick back. When they got to the family lake, Ryan suggested they wait for his brother by the lake. As they walked down the path to the lake, Ryan made Ashley close her eyes and lead her down to their Tiki bar area. She opened her eyes to flowers and candles everywhere with lights strung and a TV playing a slideshow of photos from throughout the past 4 years. At the end of the slideshow a ltter popped up on the screen from Ryan about what a wonderful 4 years they’d had together. With tears streaming down her face she turned to him and he was on one knee with a ring box open showcasing the ring of her dreams – and right then and there once again, she quickly said yes.

The two have a wedding planned for this fall and look forward to a lifetime of happiness. Enjoy a sneak preview of Ashley & Ryan’s engagement session!! All the photos were taken at his family’s beautiful property where they got engaged!

Catie D. {High School Senior}

karin — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:16:34 +0000

We’ve known Catie for awhile now. We photographed her brother’s senior session a few years ago, and anyone who knows us knows that session was one of our favorites of all time. We also had the privilege of photographing her sister’s wedding last year and that was a day near and dear to our hearts as well. One thing for certain – Catie’s parents have produced some amazing kids. So, when we knew we’d be photographing Catie we were sure it was going to be fun – but we had no idea HOW fun. We knew it would yield some great images – but we had no idea HOW great. And we assumed it would be rewarding – but there was no way to know HOW rewarding it would be. Catie rocked our world. I looked forward to going through these photos way more than just your average session, and editing was fun vs a task. Enjoy Catie’s amazing senior session!!I don’t think I can possibly put into words how much the camera LOVES Catie. She has amazing angles and eyes that just lock you in and captivate. Her session could not have been more enjoyable!!Catie’s mom had the idea of photographing her with her dance costumes from throughout the years. I’m pretty sure Catie had no idea that this idea would create some of our favorite images of the session, but wowza. I’m fascinated by these.
I mean seriously. Catie said she felt like she was in a scene from Narnia when we were in these pines. LOL. It is pretty darn magical. ;)Darn it Catie – you had Roger thinking he’s funnier than me. I’m pretending like I said something funny for this shot. Don’t tell him. Maybe white men can’t jump, but Catie can. The sky started to look very ominous and we were worried we wouldn’t get the entire session in. And then something magical happened. And we were able to use the moody sky to our advantage and get some dramatic shots. LOVE THESE!!!

Catie – your session was SO much fun!! It was such an honor to capture your senior photos. With graduation this weekend we hope you think of all that you have to be proud of, and we look forward to watching you succeed in your future!! Best wishes to you!!!

Jennifer & Ned {married}

karin — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:11:44 +0000

It was the quintessential spring day. Sun shining, but a chill still in the air. Flowers blooming, trees budding, birds chirping. It’s the day you would envision for the perfect spring wedding. And perfect it was. Jennifer and Ned are such a cool couple. Jennifer is quiet and exotically beautiful. Ned is outgoing, charming, lighthearted and wins you over within seconds of meeting him. You can see why each of them fell for the other. What they have together works perfectly and creates a unique sense that is all their own. Love comes in many different forms, but the underlying sense you get when watching Jennifer and Ned together is one of “security”. Each find comfort in one another and you can see the deep sense that when in one anothers arms they are in their refuge. Their safe haven. That’s a characteristic of love that stands the test of time and will always give them strength as the years and time tick by. Enjoy Jennifer & Ned’s wedding day!

So how cool are Jennifer’s shoes? Her style is SO cool!Oh, hey there!Seriously – how adorable are these two???Loved Jennifer’s choice of blush and champagne for her colors and that she let each bridesmaid choose their own dress. It turned out adorable. LOVEJennifer – you are seriously beautiful. I love the way you looked on your wedding day.Every detail of the reception was perfectly sweet!!

Jennifer & Ned – we are fans of the two of you!! Along with hundreds of other, we find you wonderful people and endearing both individually and together. We are so thankful to have watched you become husband and wife, and find it an honor just to know you! Enjoy growing old together!! XOXO

Jennifer & Ned had us also do video of their day, so keep an eye out for that in the next couple months, but for now see more of their day in this slideshow below!!

Jodi & Devin {engaged}

karin — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:02:38 +0000

4 years ago, on a Memorial day weekend outing a mutual friend introduced them. It’s a split second moment that changed their lives forever. Jodi & Devin talked throughout the night. If you ask Devin, at the end of the night Jodi gave him her number. If you ask Jodi, it was the other way around. Either way, texting began from then on out. She was leaving for an internship in Kansas two weeks later, so when he asked her out not once, but twice – she said no. Third time is a charm I suppose, because when Devin gave it another shot, she agreed. The date went perfectly, and by the end of the night he was already planning to come see her, and she was making plans to make it work.

And make it work they did. Throughout the internship and college the distance made the heart grow fonder. 3 years later when it was time to see out Christmas cards, they got the idea to do a photo of the two of them together. Out on the bridge at SIUE taking photos when suddenly Devin was down on one knee. She started crying hysterically and said “If this is a joke it isn’t funny” (used to his teasing, she wasn’t sure). When he pulled out the ring and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him she knew it was for real. With that, family and friends began coming out from behind trees and hiding places where they’d all been invited to watch it happen. Devin had planned an engagement party to follow the proposal and they were all there to celebrate without Jodi having any idea. It was the perfect beginning.

Enjoy a few photos from Devin and Jodi’s engagement session and stay tuned next March when they start their new beginning officially when they say “I do”!!!

Abby & Adam {Married}

karin — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:19:13 +0000

Balance. When two things are in balance it insures stability, fairness, and strength. Smooth, solid, secure, and a sound foundation. Opposites can either counterbalance or balance one other. They can either point out the other’s weakness or lift up one another’s strengths. In the case of Abby & Adam, they provide one another with the perfect sense of completeness because of the way they even one another out. Each provides a mirror to the other of their true reflection – what they need in life is within the other. Their partnership is a perfect balance and makes their relationship endearing and oh so sweet. Enjoy Abby & Adam’s wedding day!Abby & Adam’s color scheme was so bright and colorful!! Loved every detail!I mean seriously. How cute are these kids?Abby, you are striking. I love your gorgeousness and your sass. Adam – you are as handsome as you are nice. Such a wonderful man and wonderful husband!!HottiesThis photo seriously cracks me up.

Thank you Abby and Adam for being such wonderful people not only to us, but to your friends and family and everyone who knows you. We adored your day and your company!!! Best wishes for your happily ever after!!

Be sure to watch more of Abby & Adam’s day on the video below!!

Linda & Josh {engaged}

karin — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:13:32 +0000

His sister told him practically every day that she had the perfect girl for him. ”Fine, just give her my number” Josh finally said. Nothing happened. Linda was not going to make the first move, so she gave her number to him instead. And on a whim, Josh sent a text to Linda. They talked for a couple weeks – talking all night long about their love of farming, tractors, and cows. When it was time for their first date, he nervously brought her a pizza and took her to a rodeo. Maybe it’s not every girl’s perfect date, but for Linda – it was. She knew she had met her life partner. And with the way she smiled at him and listened to him talk – he knew this was something special. They both walked away knowing they’d found their soulmate.

Down the road on the anniversary of that night, Josh decided to take Linda out on the date of her lifetime. After a evening at the Four Season in St.Louis, he took her to Our Lady of the Snows shrine to see the lights and the Christmas trees. After a long wait to get in, she started to give up on the idea to which Josh insisted that they were still going to make it work. They finally were able to make it to the trees, and they walked amongst them hand in hand. ”Look” he said “there is a cow on that one!” There amongst the trees was this little cow ornament. Upon getting a closer look, the ornament said the words “Turn Me Over”. Josh encouraged her to do it, but she insisted that you aren’t supposed to touch the trees. He insisted she try it, and after looking around to make sure no one was looking she turned it over. ”Turn Around” it said. Shocked, she did and then to even more surprise there was Josh on one knee. ”Will you marry me?” he asked and at that very moment a little boy walking by tripped over Josh’s leg. Both Linda and Josh were laughing and Linda feeling self conscious was a little embarrassed and asked him to stand back up. ”Well??” he asked. And with all the excitement that a person can have she said “Yes!”

Josh & Linda are planning a winter wedding for 2014. We had such a great time with this fun, sweet couple on their engagement session!! At the end, Linda let us know it was her Birthday. We were so honored that she chose her birthday to do her engagement session!! Enjoy a preview of some of the photos of this adorable couple!!

Silvana & Mike {married}

karin — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:41:41 +0000

She wrote him a letter, her hands a little shaky. She was excited, nervous, and so in love. He sent her a card, his hand steady. He was confident, happy, and so in love. He knew from the moment she opened that door that she was the one. She knew that he made her feel butterflies. The way she dotes on her and makes sure she is happy and content. The way she looks at him and respects his humility and honor. The dynamic of Silvana and Mike is that of an old world love. It’s sweet. It’s deep. And it’s passionate. Enjoy Silvana and Mike’s wedding day!!

Silvana’s veil was one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Perfect for the beautiful bride.Seriously? How cute are these two?!?MARRIED!!When we stopped at this location for photos, we noticed someone had written the word “Love” in chalk on the stones. How appropriate. Silvana – you are so adorable in every way. You truly bring light to every room!How sexy is this wedding party? Sheesh!Beautifully in love.Silvana’s family is originally from Peru, so there were many details that incorporated that. Sweet and charming, just like the couple.I will go ahead and tell you that Silvana’s ring is the largest, most beautiful diamond I’ve ver seen. When Mike found this ring with it’s sparkles and fire, he must have know it fit Silvana perfectly.

Silvana and Mike – we looked forward to your day since they day we met. You two are a wonderful couple and everyone that is around you feels happier because of it. Thank you for letting us share in your wedding day!!! Cheers to lifelong love and happiness.

Enjoy more of Silvana & Mike’s beautiful day by checking out the slideshow below!!!!

Special thanks to our friend Paige Hampton for shooting with us. We shot video as well (keep an eye out for it) and needed to enlist the help of someone great for photos. She was the perfect match to the day and gave us more beautiful images for Silvana and Mike!! Thank you so much Paige!!

Ashlyn & Derek {engaged}

karin — Thu, 02 May 2013 22:10:13 +0000

On New Years Eve 2009, Ashlyn & Derek locked eyes. Both attending a party with mutual friends, they found themselves hitting it off immediately. They spent the night talking, laughing, dancing, and most of all… flirting. When the clock struck midnight, time stood still for a moment – and he kissed her. From that moment on they’ve been inseparable.

Derek planned a dinner date one night, and when Ashlyn realized this was not your typical night out at the local pub, she began to get butterflies. Not wanting to get her hopes up, Ashlyn decided to just take in the moment and enjoy the evening. He took her to a romantic dinner, and then for a walk to enjoy the summer night. While walking, they came to the hotel they’d met at that New Years Eve, and decided to have a drink at their patio to reminisce. ”I bet you can’t remember exactly where we first saw one another.” she said coyly. Never one to back down from a challenge, Derek grabbed her hand and lead her right to that very spot. He pulled her in close, told her how thankful he as to have her in his life, and how he never wanted that to end. Bending down on one knee, he asked her to marry him. In that same place, time stood still for a moment and without hesitation she said yes – and he kissed her.

Ashlyn & Derek are planning a wedding for this September. Enjoy a few photos from their gorgeous engagement session!!

Lacy & Blake {engaged}

karin — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:23:27 +0000

When you live in a small town, many of your summer nights during high school are spent “cruising” with friends. Lacy had seen Blake before at school and definitely thought he was cute. When they all met up and went cruising one night she was smitten right from the start and he certainly felt the same. They spent countless nights that summer together and just could not get enough of the other. That summer was the start of something special, something that would never have an ending. The start of forever.

Life kept on moving forward and changing, but their love remained constant throughought the next 8 years. One Friday, Blake wanted to take Lacy out to a nice dinner to celebrate her recent promotion. After a day of hustle and bustle, she wanted to put on some comfy clothes and order a pizza. He tried and tried to get her to go, but she wasn’t budging. He sat a big box on her lap and she recognized the label – her favorite cupcakes from a bakery in town. When she opened the box there was a sign that read “Will you marry me?” with a huge Christmas ornament shaped like ring. By the time she lifted her eyes, Blake was on one knee asking Lacy to marry him. For a couple that never were able to keep secrets and who know one another better than they know themselves, this was the suprise of a lifetime.

After Lacy was done crying, they celebrated with lots of champagne, and of corse – cupakes.

The couple make their next step towards forever this August in their hometown where they met and grew up. Enjoy a few images from Lacy and Blake’s beautiful (and windy!!!) engagement session!!

Andee & Ryan {engaged}

karin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:47:55 +0000

Although they were from different towns, during high school their circles of friends would sometimes hang out. Andee and Ryan knew one another, but that was the extent of it. 5 years later while home for winter break from U of I, he called her on a whim. He would come sit with her and chat while she was working and they completely hit it off. One day he asked her to meet his parents over dinner, and from that day on, they were an item.

Over the next few years, he went to law school and she went to school and worked in St.Louis. After Ryan took a job in Peoria the distance between them started to set in and they discussed the future. He asked her to move to be with him, and with that she and her 2 boxers Oskar and Laila set out to Peoria to start their new future with Ryan.

On their 9 year anniversary they spent the evening in St.Louis and had a nice dinner. Ryan mentioned having a gift for Andee, but said he’d forgotten it at home. The wonderful weekend passed, and sitting there on Monday, she remembered that he still hadn’t given her that gift he mentioned. She asked him about it and he explained that she would have to close her eyes. When he told her to open them, her dog Oskar was in front of her with a ribbon tied to him holding a ring. Ryan asked her to marry him and she immediately said yes!

She later found out that Ryan had the ring in his pocket during their entire weekend away, but never felt it was the right time to propose. In the end, their in their living room on the couch with her dogs is exactly the moment she would choose over and over again. When you promise forever to someone, it’s most meaningful to be surrounded by the ones you cherish the most.

The couple are planning a wedding for this September in St.Louis!! Congrats and enjoy a few photos from their engagement session!!