Once in a rare, beautiful moment… you meet someone truly amazing…
It happened to me… but little did I know, or appreciate, that the opportunity would slip right by, without my even hesitating for a second…. to realize that ‘that’ was an incredible young man – loved so dearly, so passionately – and I’d barely had more than a fleeting chance just to say “hello”.
I regret, that only in his passing, have I been given such a beautiful picture, of a man whom had touched the lives and hearts of so many. Michael Johnson II, lived large; loved immensely, and dedicated his passion for all of life’s gifts to those that surrounded him every day.
In celebrating his life, family and friends joined together once again, to adorn his final resting place with gifts of the season, and to surround those closest to him, with unwavering love and support. God’s blessings and comfort, be with all of those that shared in the life and memory of Michael….
~ Mike, Lori, Samantha, Angel, and Bradley… I hold you all dearly in my heart, and love you truly. I pray for peace and warmth to surround and embrace you, through this holiday season…. …. and always. ~ Donna
This is the best part of my job, and why I love doing what I do. It’s hard to believe that its been almost 8 months ago, since this adorable couple became “three”… and even more amazing… that I was there to watch it happen.
It’s a miraculous gift; the birth of a ‘family’. And it continues to be a tremendous honor for me, to witness the awesome changes and growth, that every new mommy and daddy experience. With every session, I see more of those familiar faces… those priceless, and timeless, gazes that can only come from new parents, as their child blooms right before their eyes.
Jen and Justin, thanks for another fantastic session! Cant wait for Colton’s first Christmas! Its going to be truly amazing! 
Last week, I was incredibly honored to journal one of the most remarkable displays of patriotism and support that I’d ever been witness to. Family, friends, neighbors, and community joined together, to rally their love for country, for our soldiers, and for the heroic sacrifice of Sgt Brian Woods. This was an amazing afternoon of unity; a common bond; a common goal… to pay tribute to those fallen, and to show support to those who continue to sacrifice.
Hundreds gathered along Hwy 30, just beyond House Springs. The event was scheduled to conclude at 3:30pm, but you couldnt tell anyone ‘there’, that! It was a constant flow of supporters, still coming in as late as 3pm! Signs continued to be under construction, and the grill was still hot! Plenty of refreshments to keep the supporters ready-to-rally, and of course, all proceeds and donations went to the Sgt Woods Foundation.
To continue our support of the Sgt Woods Foundation, please stay tuned. Contact information, to purchase any of the images provided by Design Imaging, will be posted soon!
All sales are not-for-profit, and ALL proceeds will go to the family of Sgt Woods. Thank you for everyone’s continued support. God Bless America!
Click HERE to see the full “Rally for America” image gallery!
I had the greatest time, spending the afternoon with this most fun-loving couple. Amanda and Tommy eloped over the summer, and have given me the honor of journaling this special time in their lives and photographing their nuptial ceremony and celebration next September. I couldnt be more excited!
This session would not have been complete without Amanda and Tom’s “kids”! Of course, I’m talking about two of the sweetest four-legged kiddos I’ve met in a long time…. Kooper and Bugzy!
Amanda and Tom…. Thanks so much for honoring me with the opportunity to capture and preserve this special time. I look forward to the upcoming year, as we approach your big day, learning all of the exciting details and how together, we can preserve each and every special element, to tell your beautiful story. Congratulations again!
As a photographer, I love to journal. As an artist, I love to create; I love bringing my visions to life. Culinary art is no exception! Having dinner is nice… Having a fine culinary experience, is a show all-in-itself, and one that spares no expense or attention to detail!
As my favorite time of year is in full-swing, I decided to celebrate all that I love with a very special ‘couple of people’. Mom’s birthday was yesterday, and I wanted to do something special for her, but also for the four of us; Mom, Dad, hubby, and myself; to really enjoy an afternoon of fine cuisine, succulent sparkling wine, and a soft-smooth jazz setting the tone.
I started our four-course presentation with a divine stuffed-Salmon filet, as our appetizer. The combination of cheeses, spinach, and rosemary was more than enough to get the palate craving for more! Next, was a fresh and light salad of baby greens ~ tossed with a light raspberry vinegarette and feta cheese. ……. We poured a little bubbly, toasting to the birthday girl, and it was on to the main course…. mmmMM!…. A bed of fresh, whole green beans, was the perfect foundation for the mouth-watering, herb-crusted Cod. …. Topped with a swirled tower of alfredo linguine and finished with a fresh sprig of parsley…. It was a true culinary treat, fit for kings.
No birthday party would be complete without a sweet finish! New York style Cheesecake, served on drizzled chocolate, and topped with the perfectly ripened strawberry. The birthday girl had her own special slice, complete with a few candles, to make her wish.
The afternoon luncheon was a complete dining success. The cuisine was exceptionally delightful, and the ambiance was better than any five-diamond could deliver.
At the end of the day, I apologize to dad… who was ever-so disappointed that I did not make the time to divide my focuses. Having given such attention to all the details, dad was upset that I had not taken the time to stop and PHOTOgraph every single course! LOL! … Yeah right, Dad! Not only that, but he also refused to use his linen because he thought it was too pretty to unfold! {He seriously cracks me up.}
So….. before they start to lose their life, I took the time to photograph the lovely fresh flowers and setting that we enjoyed all of the afternoon. The linens have all been laundered and pressed; the silver and crystal have been tucked away once again. Perhaps next time, I’ll photograph the cuisine…. But this time, it was about Mom; about a very lovely experience for us to enjoy.
Happy Birthday again, Mom. I hope it was all that you could have imagined… and more. Love you!
“Can you believe it!?”….. Thats what she said, time and time again….
Angel, and the girls, started their day at the spa. Things were moving along smoothly, for the most part {wink goes out to Sam’… you have the patience of a saint!}, and Lori…. God bless her…. ‘mother of the bride’ was already tearful. I think Kleenex stock rose 7pts. that afternoon! lol
This day wouldnt be the same without Angel taking time-out to make a very personal trip to the cemetery. Michael was deeply missed on this most special day in Angel’s life, as he is missed everyday that goes by. Although this was a very personal and private time for Angel to share with her brother, she still asked that I capture theses memories, as they are a very very important part of her day…. Michael, while he could not be here to stand as witness to the marriage of Angel and Bradley…. He was very much with them in spirit. His love and compassion lives on in the very fabric of their being, as a family. Mike. Lori. Samantha… Angel and Bradley…. You honored Michael’s memory in the most beautiful way possible, and I know he was smiling down on you all.
Moving on, from the cemetery, was a bit of a shift. Spending these few minutes; capturing those raw emotions, was a very sobering experience. Transitioning back to “wedding zone” was a little bit of a challenge, but ‘the drive’ did the trick, and we were on our way to Columbia.
From the moment the gals arrived at the Falls, it was non-stop fun! Crazy antics, laughs, and plenty of bubbly to go around! Angel is a master of organization! My hats off to ya, girlfriend! I had never seen structure like this before, and I have to say….. “You have raised the bar, my dear. I will definitely be encouraging all brides going forward to follow in your footsteps!”
The scene could not have been more perfect! Rain was threatening almost all day, providing a picture-perfect overcast and light breezes. It was perfect for portraits, the temperatures were comfortable for everyone… and sure enough…. the ceremony was blessed with only a short little spritz of raindrops….. just enough to ensure the best of luck that any couple could wish for!
The fairytale wedding went off without a hitch, and now it was time to par-tay! While the guests and wedding party retreated for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the happy couple and I spent a few minutes together, away from the hussle-bussle. Caught a few tender moments, and a few laughs too…. and then it was on to dinner.
Angel and Bradley, it was a fantastic party! The day was beautiful, and it was finished off with an evening of pure fun, a delicious dinner, and great times that people will be talking about for years!
Thank you, so much, for honoring me with the privilege of capturing your beautiful day. And, an extra-special thank you for inviting my family to join in your celebration of love.
* A super-special thank you, goes out to my trusty side-kick! Stacy, thanks again for giving me and my clients, the very best that is within you. Your vision as an artist, and the comradory that we share, always ensures the very best to our clients. As always… you rock my socks! Thanks darlin!
If ‘rain on the wedding day’ brings couples good luck, then Kevin and Kelly are set for life! The ‘luck’ could not have had better timing for this gorgeous couple. It poured down, all morning…. cleared up, just in time for the ceremony… held out, for the entire afternoon’s formal portraits, and returned just in time for dinner, after everyone had settled in for a beautiful evening of dinner and dancing. 
I just want to say that I think I have found the St. Louis Baseball Cardinal’s #1 Couple Fan!!! Kevin and Kelly took the Cardinal theme, to a level that I could not have even imagined, and gave it a realm of class that cant be beat! 
Kevin & Kelly, Heres wishing the two of you the best that all of life has to offer! You’re a beautiful couple with an amazing family and circle of friends. It was a true honor being a part of your special day!
Stacy ~ As always, working with you is a fantastic experience every time. You and Stephanie bring a whole new level of fun to my work! Kevin and Kelly’s wedding was definitely a grand slam! So excited to know that this was ‘game 1′ of our ‘double-header’ this month! We’re batting a thousand, darlin’, and I love it! ”Go Crazy, Folks!… Go Crazy!” :)
This is my second visit to Villa Antonio Winery this summer…. and I’m not complain’in! lol
This time, I was officially “off the clock”. Angel, thanks so much for inviting me to join all you ladies for a fantastic Saturday afternoon! I had such a blast, seeing familiar faces and meeting some adorable new ones! I love seeing a group of girls that know how to have a great time together; sharing laughs and stories…. and sure, some good’ole juicy gossip. lol
Ok…. so I cant go anywhere without journaling it. Hey… I’m claiming ‘occupational hazard’. lol! Of course, this is the crazy part…. I intentionally left my camera behind this time. I fully intended on ‘just having a good time’. As it turns out…. I’m rather incomplete without it. I just couldnt help myself! I nabbed Lori’s DSLR, and it felt like home again!
Seriously though, journaling special occasions is an important part of “my fun”. Without my trusty {trusty side-kick} a.k.a. my camera-bag, I feel like a fish out of water.
I want to put an extra-special thanks, and kudos, out to the sister-of-the-bride and Maid of Honor ~ Sam, for being a fantastic second-shooter!!! Hey, you’ve got an eye girl! Your image of Laura {above-right} just rocks my socks! And, you take a mean shot of a bag of chips! lol!
Ladies… Thanks again, for the invitation, and for tolerating my seemingly-obsessive habit. Make no mistake… I had the time of my life! Being behind the camera is a part of me. As an artist, it completes my experience in most everything I do.
{ Photobooth! }
Greg, Cameron, Erin, Patrick… and {seemingly-already-family-member}, April. This gang has a bond that pulls through! I finally got the pleasure of photographing this amazing bunch, and although quaint, the session was very personal; a sense of ‘long overdue’ wrapped around them like a warm autumn blanket, and dad was glowing with pride, from start to finish.
I cant remember the last time I photographed a family that had this kind of chemistry. One minute, Cameron is taking stomach-shots at his kid-brother… only to have the wind knocked out of him when the ‘not so little guy’ comes back with one of his own! {Cough – gasp – catch the breath}… and 30-seconds later they’re laughing about it. Wow. I stood in shock, witnessing how these guys express their ‘brotherly love’. {lol}
Greg, Cameron, Erin, and Patrick… thank you for a fantastic time, and a ton of laughs! Also, thanks to Tasha & Buddy! This family session would not have been complete without the four-legged kids, too! … and, Greg? I seriously need you to be a spokesman for ‘Photo-booth’, man! You rock!
These ‘kids’ have got a special kind’a somethin’. They laugh hard, they play rough, and at the end of the day… they’ll pull through the toughest of storms, together. Its inspirational, to know their story, and it was a true pleasure for me, to spend this very special time with them, and watch this incredible bond reveal itself, right in front of my eyes.
As much as I love the world around me, I’ve asked myself recently, “What am I doing, to try to make a difference?” It started with my collecting a surplus of those infamous plastic grocery bags…. You can only save so-many of those, before the collection becomes obnoxious! lol… So one day, recently, I committed to making a change. I went on my usual grocery trip… but this time?… I purchased a dozen canvas bags! Let me tell ya what…. I really felt empowered, and you wouldnt believe what an attitude-shift you get, from buying a bunch of canvas bags!!
So, as I have become passionate about the cause, Design Imaging Photography is adopting a “GREEN attitude” wherever we can. Immediately, going forward, CDs are history. Instead… Any time a web “CD” is included with a package, you will receive your “web-ready images” via email, in a zipped folder that will quickly and effortlessly download directly to your computer! Not only is this an immediate GREEN solution, but you’ll love the turn-around time too! As soon as you’ve purchased your qualifying package, you can receive your web-ready images the same day! Now theres something to be excited about!
As cost-effective, GREEN solutions continue to become available to the market, Design Imaging Photography will be adding those solutions to it’s product line. Please join us, in celebrating the beauty of our mother-earth, and how we can save our planet for generations to come.
