Baby Grace // Newborn Session

I had the wonderful privilege to capture Jim & Sarah's wedding a few years back. I can't tell you how thrilled I was when they contacted me to say they were pregnant and now wanted me to take photos of their new little one. When clients give you the opportunity to not only capture one, but multiple huge life events, it truly is an honor. Seriously, I was holding back tears watching these parents hold their newborn daughter, kiss each other and just stare at her - they are truly in love. Grace is such a sweet little baby - Congratulations Jim and Sarah!

Kayla & Kevin // Styled Shoot

A few months back I was able to meet up with the lovely Olivia Craft for coffee. This girl is an amazing photographer. I knew of her because we had met previously at a friend's wedding, but she also ended up moving into the apartment my husband and I used to rent before we moved last year. This girl is as sweet as they come and I love her photographic style.

We thought it would be super fun to get together for a styled shoot. So we made a social media shout out for a couple who was willing and available - insert Kayla and Kevin. This sweet duo is getting married in just 6 months! He's a DJ and she is a dancer and together they make photo magic! We decided to give this shoot somewhat of an edgy vibe by choosing a very structural, dry outdoor setting and going with black leather as one of the key pieces for the wardrobe. This styled shoot was a whole lot of fun for Olivia and I, as we tag-teamed taking photos of this great couple on a night with an incredible sunset and awesome light! Check out Olivia's images here: Olivia's Blog

Friday Favorites

Instagram is a wonderful thing. I mean, just wonderful. It is interesting how I've found it to be dangerous at times though. It only takes a split second to grow discontent or jealous when you see a person's 'picture perfect' life displayed in 100's of little square photographs. However, I've decided (and believe me you must intentionally make this decision) for Instagram to instead become one of my greatest inspirations. I have made it a point to only follow those that truly inspire, encourage or advise me in a positive way. Many of my Friday faves come from my Instagram wanderings.

New Favorite Book

1. The Nesting Place

This book is quite the reality check for an avid home decorator like myself. One I needed. This book has taught me how important it is to make your home a place for people to live within, not tip toe around in so they don't break anything in. Myquillyn Smith shares photos of her own home - messy and clean, put together and torn apart - all to show you that it is ok - that it is ok to not have it all together, that everything isn't perfect, that you don't have a lot of money to decorate or that you cannot figure out for the life of you what to hang on that wall behind the couch. She is a sweet soul, you can tell by her kind, encouraging and true to life words. Go buy this book. Seriously, if you love decorating or want to love decorating - go buy this book!

Myquillyn Smith // Instagram

New Favorite TV Show:

2. Fixer Upper on HGTV

Talk about feel good television. Seriously, this husband and wife team brighten my day every time I watch there show. Joanna is a decorating genius. She owns her own shop in Texas Magnolia Market (I SO wish I could visit this gem!). She is also a mother of four. This couple has some super cute chemistry - they don't take life to seriously. But they also do an amazing job with the homes they renovate and decorate. I have fallen completely in love with the rustic, fresh, soft and beautiful style that Joanna creates in the homes she completes. Favorite HGTV show ever and I watch a LOT of HGTV.

Joanna Gains // Instagram

New Favorite Product

3. The Mason Bar Company

How adorable are these cute little lids for your mason jar. Let's be honest, who doesn't feel a little bit cooler takin a sip out of a mason jar, verses a regular old drinking glass. Also, I'm bound and determined to solve the 'there aren't any more clean glasses' problem in my house, by having my 'go to glass'. Of course, it needs to be cute though too, right?! They have an array of different colors of their super awesome lids and different mason jar sizes, as well. They even offer really adorable, customizable cuffs too. Now if I could just decide which one I like the best, then I can place my order! YAY!

Mason Bar // Instagram

New Favorite Recipe

4. Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you know me at all, you know it only makes sense that my favorite new recipe is for cookies. This is the simplest, fewest ingredients and most delicious chocolate chip recipe for me to date! I love making desserts from scratch, but sometimes you just want a cookie and you don't want to take the time to make them. With this recipe I had cookies within a half hour of starting to make these bad boys. They are fluffy, soft and chewy, with a hint of moistness in there too. I must say I have eaten more of these little delights than I care to share with you ... I found this recipe on Pinterest - if easy is in the title, that's my kind of recipe. But this one is easy AND delicious!!

So there you have it - my Friday Faves. I hope these encourage you, inspire you, get you to pull our your wallet and even hit your sweet spot. I suggest you follow these people on instagram for inspiration. Happy Weekend!!!

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Senior Model Styled Shoot

The Kate Blauert Photography Senior Model Program was born this year. Part of my mission is to give people an experience, not just photos. The Senior Model Program is an experience. It is full of parties, desserts, freebies, discounts, hair and makeup, photo shoots, styling and wardrobe and the chance to earn all kinds of goodies, just by telling people about this experience. Another key aspect to my mission is to affirm people in who they are - to help them feel beautiful and to give them daily reminders of their confidence with the photos they receive. I feel so happy to say I believe this program is right on track with what I would like my business to accomplish and who I am as a person. So please enjoy these photos of an amazing experience I had with four lovely girls.

We spent the morning munching on bagels and sipping on coffee, while the incredible Erin Landis prepped the girls for their styled shoot. Not only did Erin do each of the girls' hair and makeup, she also brought many of the accessories/clothing and helped me to style the girls. Erin is a former beauty queen turned fashion blogger - PLEASE go look at her work! She is amazing! I also had some styling help from the adorable LuLu Boutique in Phoenixville. This is where I was able to find much of the wardrobe needed for this event. You MUST go check out their wonderful store and this awesome event they have coming up, as well. They are as sweet and creative as can be at that shop! I love it! So check out our morning getting ready!

After an incredible time of chatting over morning goodies and primping with curling irons and accessories, we headed out for the shoot. Believe it or not, it rained for hours in the morning on this day. But look how we were blessed with sunny skies when it was actually time to shoot! Woohoo! These girls truly do look amazing, right!? You nailed it Haley, Alli, Sarah and Tori!

If you're interested in being a 2015 KBP Senior Model, click the button below for my information!

Colletto // Family Session // Grand Rapids, MI

This summer my husband and I had the AMAZING opportunity to travel. In fact, we traveled across the country. We stayed with friends and family along the way and saw some of the most beautiful parts of America - more on this later!

Our first stop on this trip, was to see my college roommate and her sweet family in Grand Rapids, MI. It is always such a joy to be around friends that truly know you; friends you can be yourself with. You can enjoy meaningful conversations with these people and really, you just feel at home. Heather and Mike are some of those friends for Stephen and I. There love story will bring you to tears and their baby will make you giggle and squeal because her scrunched nose smile is as cute as it gets! It was my privilege to capture their first photos as a family - which just makes these all the more special!