The Kelly Manno Show

~ Lauren and Mike ~ Congratulations!

As my assistant and I drove out to meet my bride Lauren I probably said out loud 3 times "We have such an easy day today, this bride and groom are so nice, and so laid back, easy going, go with the flow.... some of the most laid back people you will ever meet " then.... Lauren opened her hotel room door and says "Oh my gosh I'm totally nervous and freaking out!!!"

But I just had to laugh because I knew we had a "First Look" coming up. (First Look is when the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony to shoot all the photos) some might say it's a little untraditional but it's actually extremely intimate and romantic.

When Mike turned around and laid eyes on her she melted like butter, into his arms, and I could see the weight lifted off her shoulders all she need to do was see him, and hear his voice, and all was calm in the world.

Cute little thing second from left is Mrs. Kelly, whose wedding I shot last year. She is a doll baby and it was so good to see her and Nate and their families again. Shooting family referrals is like a mini-family reunion when I get to see everyone again.

I love fall weddings and everything about them, the sights, the sounds, the smells the decorations. Lauren and Mike officially kicked off my fall wedding season with a bang!

Thank you Lauren and Mike for being so much fun. And thank you Carol Johnson for second shooting with me!

~ The Pose ~

Luci has a new obsession.... it's "Dancing with the Stars" she loves the music, the lights, the costumes, the dancing, - she especially likes their dramatic ending pose to their routines.

So now...of course. Anytime I pull out the camera she shrieks "Waiiiit!!! Then she puts her finger to her lips and starts thinking really hard for the "perfect pose" for the photo.

I haven't had the heart to tell her it's pretty much the exact same pose every time. She executes it with such pride and ends with her little eyebrows raised waiting for my approval and cheers.

I've pretty much given up all hope of her being any sort of an athlete. But it's okay, she's mine, and she is perfect just the way she is.

~ I have a confession ~

I have a confession... Sometimes when I am shooting really cute babies I just want to scoop them up and run like hell and take them home with me. Then...I remember that it's illegal... Oh and that I already have 3 of them. That was the case with Miss Aubrey.

But look at her! Wouldn't you want to take her home? She'd fit right in with my crazy crew.

I remember shooting her Mom and Dads wedding a few years ago and actually telling them "You guys are going to have the cutest kids ever" - When Mom and Dad are this cute it's gotta be in the genes!

Katie and Brandon drove a LONG way for these photos. Which is totally flattering...but also sort of makes me want to puke. I still get nervous and I so badly want my clients to be happy.