Kimberly Bee

beautiful bump

feels like Sunday

They're good ones, these kiddos of mine. I made a new promise to take a break from editing client's images every once in awhile to dote on my own family's memories. And I thought I should back up and start posting some oldies so you can see the huge difference when I share all things new. Like Amberly's new haircut (it was down to her lower back and now it's chin length), and Aiden's new glasses (I had no idea he couldn't see a thing until recently, poor guy), and my new dark brown hairdo (always been a blonde)... lots of fun stuff. I know a couple of potential brides/clients are waiting on re-hosted sample galleries... bear with me, I'm getting there. I'll hopefully have them posted by tomorrow. Happy Sunday!

the flowers

I'm very fond and proud of my friend Ivy's work, so the flowers got some GREAT coverage :). The Garage :: by Ivy is the ultimate artsy/boutique-style florist for weddings & events in the Phoenix area. I'll say it a million times; Anyone planning a wedding or party... she's your girl!

In the flesh, rrroowwwwrrr! Ivy played a big role in planning the entire wedding, and also served as a bridesmaid AND the florist. Suuupergirl! Check her blog for more flowery goodness.

 

rocky & meredithe | round 1

I had the blessing of photographing the most gorgeous, funnest, backyardiest, warm-fuzziest wedding in the world a couple weekends ago. The girls started the big day getting ready at Carefree Resort & Villas, and then we all headed to M's parent's home in Scottsdale for the not-so-quaint backyard ceremony & celebration. I need a break from my editing frenzie, so I'll blow off some steam by sharing a few of the "getting ready" shots. Lot's more images a'comin!

I have to shout out a huge THANKS to my friends, Jeanette Leblanc & Rochelle Oleson for helping me 2nd and 3rd shoot!

M's hair and make-up design was by super talented artist/bridesmaid, Jaime. I hope she sends me her contact info to share with the world (psst!). She's truly amazing!

 

Dear most beautiful bride ever ever,
I have something red-hot luscious for youuuu....

 

This custom storybook album contains a classy boudoir session, so the pages beyond the sexy red leather are way too hot for this family friendly blog. Blog readers, you'll have to use your imagination :). Mrs. S, this baby will be in the mail in a jiffy!

I'll be posting some sneak peek images + a slideshow from the big day sometime within the next few days. Stay tuned =).

inbox monsters

My email and voicemail inboxes have grown these rabid, ugly, growling heads and have taken on a haunting menacing life of their own. I would scream and run for my life, but I valiantly swear to respond to each and ever inquiry, request, and friendly hello that's poured in the last... I won't say how long. I'm so grateful and excited that my business has rocket-launched from the word go, *but* it's left me humbled, profusely apologetic, and sometimes even embarrassed that when I'm knee deep in a project or session, I struggle to keep up with the simple important task of immediate/timely correspondence with the rest of the world. Top-notch customer service is very important to me, so I'm looking into some options ((heeelppp!)) so I can start getting back to everyone quickly AND stay on top of sessions, editing, business projects, and family life. In the meantime, for those of you who are patiently waiting to hear from me, please expect an email or phone call shortly. If my responses are not as flowery and shootin'-the-breeze-friendly as usual... just remember that I'm flowery and friendly at heart! This will be the hardest part for me, but until I'm caught up, I've got my serious business face on and will be going for short (polite), concise, and CONQUER :). I can do it.. I think I can, I think I can...
THANKS!

♥ twins ♥

This session might as well have been a wedding ~ I took waaa ay too many pictures and fussed over each-and-every-tiny-little detail. And I'd have to keep reminding myself to snap to it and get back to work because I'd just get caught up staring, awwwing, and oooohing at picture after picture of these soft, sweet, wrinkly, snuggly little cuddlebugs! B & K, if you were wondering what in the world has been taking me so long... well, now you know :). I'm not sure how you two are ever going to get anything done around your house (other than awwwing, ooohhhing, snuggling, squishing, smooching...and, hopefully one of these days, sleeping!).

{heart}

 

and a few more...

Such a gorgeous super-sweet family, this one. Lucky me =).

he's got some rad moves ♥

Soo, here I am attempting one of the family shots I normally try to include... child goes right here in the foreground, parents snuggly and blurred out in the background... I've got it all planned out, right... everything's under control... he just might pause for a break annnyy moment now? pfft! Little Bryson had a much better idea busting out these crazy cute dance moves. And, once again, some images that "didn't work out" at all are among my favorites! Heads chopped and everything =)

:)

more birdie watching

I normally keep my blog posts to light, surface layer, fluff... but it's been another long week and I'm a little drained, so consider this a fair warning, alrighty?

A large part of yesterday was spent at the side of my mom's hospital bed, holding her hand as she writhed in pain resulting from the last of three consecutive back surgeries. These past 5 years have been a slippery slope for her and the long slew of medical issues she's faced. She went from healthy, bubbly, bright, energetic entrepreneur and artist to pain-ridden, wheelchair bound, hardly able to stay coherent... on the verge of losing all hope. She's been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and has recently been tested for Lyme Disease. If any of you are the generous Faithful type, she could certainly use your prayers. Hope and joy or even just simple relief is a distant fog as she seems to slowly be consumed by pain, illness, and disabilities.

So, the kids and I took a long walk to get some fresh air - to do some more birdie watching, according to Amberly; and to have an exploring adventure, according to Aiden. We sprawled out in the middle of this field of soft grass (a rare find here in Phoenix), and I just sat. And watched. And truly savored my children's happy free spirits. I have so much to be grateful for. I Thank God for every undeserved morsel of goodness... my kids, their infectous joy, our loving home, a field of soft grass glowing in His beautiful light. Life is good, even when it's not.

happy belated new year y'all!

I'm going to kick off my first blog post of the new year with a handful of favorites from a recent mini session. Man-o-man, the "G" family kiddos have these beautiful eyes like giant glossed mirrors, dimples that make you smile just because they're smiling, and the cutest flippin' personalities to boot. See for yourself =)..

Can you tell that I wanted to shove the red/orange door in my camera bag and walk away whistling. dew-ti-doo...

Josh is shrugging his shoulders, letting me know *gently* that Tyrannosaurus Rex's eat other smaller dinosaurs... and it's okay... what can you do (((shrug)))?? I would've had a lot more pictures turn out if I wasn't giggling so much at his animated cuteness.

a nice warm bowl

...of sweet perfection =).

and one of my favorites of his big sisters:

To each of you who are waiting on me for "something" (can't spoil any Christmas suprises)... I'm on it ;). Emails, calls, and last minute image downloads will be finished and posted by tonight (wiping the sweat of my brow). **Thanks** for your patience!

A bunch of thanks to the H family for traveling waaaay out here and letting me and my camera have a glimpse into your little big world. Here are some of my faves from our mini session:

 

   

♥ sweet sweet baby izzy ♥

the front of her birth announcement:

and a snapshot of the inside:

   

lotsa love + a little bit of starbucks

I know I've mentioned this before, and I'm sure I'll mention it again and again... I absolutely love, love, llloooove to capture families who are totally in love with each other. The Starbucks theme wasn't really intentional, but we just so happened to be there and were all thirsty! I think it worked out perfectly =).

Hugs & Thanks to the W's for letting me be their personal paparazzi. Love you guys =).   

   

 

sisters ♥

=)

 

schluuurpp!

meet baby boy B... umm, i know i just met him, but i think i'm in luuuv. that's all i'm gonna say. he's *THAT* stinking cute.

We're Off!

    I just wanted to let you'all know that we're outta here! Please expect all emails and calls to be returned after Monday. THANKS!

Yep, we're going camping again YAY!

Hey, THANKS soooooo much to those of you who commented on my last post! You guys are very generous with your compliments - thank you, thank you (squeezy hugs)!

Missy, here are a quick few from the stash... Mike's hounding me to get off my computer lol! I only really got to the guys (and the kids of course!)... still chuggin along.

Aiden hopped up on candy and sticking his head in the fountain. WHOS kid DOES that?? hehe.

my beautiful silly girl:

The Roses... Part Deux

K & J, you're the most gracious, patient, adorably-in-love couple on the face of this earth. This might be my longest post of images ever, but I couldn't decide which ones to share from our mini session. I know this is belated and much overdue, but HAPPY 10 YEARS, you two! Big hugs...

 

 

Ivy W, your floral designs are gorgeous as always!
If anyone is looking for a creative & professional (and sweet!) wedding / event florist, she's absolutely the girl you want to talk to: www.thegaragebyivy.com.

playin' hooky

I sure hope that title means what I think it means ha! I haven't really been playing hooky, but I do have some serious catching up to do b/c these last two months have been super crrraaazy busy! We just returned from an extended weekend in Scottsdale where we celebrated my sis-in-law's post wedding reception. The official wedding was in Cali, which is where we were last week... so things have been a little go-go-go much more than I'm used to (love you missy- I *suppose* you are totally worth it :). If you haven't heard back from me via phone or email, I'm getting there... thanks everyone very much for your patience!

Aaanyway, the real purpose of this post is to share some images from a couple weeks ago. I assisted Miss Marnie M. of Crescendo Photography with an Irish themed wedding (mm-hmm, kilts and everything!)... her clients were a blast and I'm so grateful that she had me tag along. Everyone should check out her website/s whenever you have the chance:

Crescendo Photography: website | blog

Here are a few of the shots I captured:

before his first peek...

and after :)

(The End :)

Thanks Marnie for having me as your sidekick, Jennifer for being your beautiful sassy self, *and Ben for wearing something down-under* WHEW!

Oakley Baby,

...you are srumpch-diddely-umptious. And that's all there is to it!

Remember when she was a little peanut and fit into the spoon? siiiiigh...

maternity galore!

I have a handful of maternity sessions to share, all of which are very special to me. I'll start with these first two... and you-know-who-mrs-J will have a dedicated post :).

My dear friend Abby is preggo *no longer*; Isabell Grace has finally arrived! I'll just pick the first two off the stack... she's one of the most beeeautifully shaped pregnant mommas EVER.

And... happy Baby Shower Day to super gorgeous mama, Mo =)!

 

(yyyeeess, I know where the focus fell: what can you say- when you got it, you got it, right? lol! Love you girl =).

holiday mini-sessions!

Well, it's 106 degrees outside and it's (not at all) begining to look a lot like Christmas... but nevertheless, the holidays are right around the corner! It's time to start thinking about Christmas cards and gift ideas - and I know *just the thing* (wink, wink):

Please note:

• Each Mini Session includes coverage for up to 4 people ($15 per additional person)
• The session fee is due at the time of booking to reserve your scheduled time slot.
• I will be offering a limited number of sessions per week until November 20th, so please let me know if you are interested as soon as possible to ensure availablility J.
• Fine art enlargements, photo-jewelry, mini coffee table books and other gift ideas are available a la carte.

Feel free to email me (info@kimberlybee.com) to book your session. THANKS!

my nephew ~ 1.5 days new

I could smoosh'm into a ball and gobble him up. That's how cute and soft all 8lbs, 19 inches of him is. I had to sneak in just one... welcome to the world, sweet little guy!

Boooooyah!

My new website is pretty much complete! I still have the maternity gallery to update, but other than that and maybe a few other tweaks, I think it's ready to rock and roll.

THANK YOU very much to those of you who have been helping test and cc!

Oookay, here goes...

first, a little screenshot:

...and the link:...................................................

www.kimberlybee.com

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description: kimberly bee photography

Heya!

As most of you know, I’ve been working over-time on the nitty gritty details of my business. I’ve been commissioned for enough projects, photo sessions and events to keep me busy for a lifetime without ever really having to fuss with becoming “official”… but I’m throwing on the breaks because it’s time. It’s time for a website, business forms, licensing, taxes, a business plan- the works. So, these are some of the items that I’ve been focusing on for the last couple weeks. I’ve put everything aside and buckled down for the sake of my family, my business and myself. This is the hard part for me, so thanks very much to those of you who have been extremely patient (especially Kristina B, Stephanie F, and Monica B!).

Now that I’m surfacing for air- somewhat caught up, I’m rewinding back to a couple weeks ago when mrs Tawnya tagged me with: “list 8 random facts about myself”. Wait, before I do that- I urge everyone to go check out her blog and website for some serious eye candy and inspiration. Okay… hopefully everybody is off visiting her awesome stuff and will forget all about reading my list of randomness hah! While I'm at it, here's a little snippet "about me" from my work-in-progress website (alllmost finished!):

(click to enlarge)

I think the less thought I put into this list, the easier it will be. So here goes…

I’m supposed to post the rules first:

THE RULES:
1. Post these rules before you give you the facts.
2. List eight (8) random facts about yourself.
3. At the end of your post, choose (tag) someone and list their name (linking to their page.
4. Leave them a comment on their blog letting them know they’ve been tagged!

8 random facts about me:

1. I wear flip flops daily (okay, not to church, the gym or weddings… but pretty much everywhere else).

2. I drive a cute, “sporty”, red mini-van named Rocket. I swore I’d never own a mini-van, but what can I say—you really can’t beat the convenience, functionality and safety features of this thing. At least that's what I keep telling myself =).

3. Not only am I a mini-van mama—I actually enjoy listening to children’s music. Might as well go with it, ya know? Unfortunately my kids will one day outgrow it, but I can just see my old grey self keeping those mp3’s handy for when nobody is around. Hard rockin’ baby!

4. Crickets—eeew, they’re really really really really gross. Utterly repulsive. I dislike them more than all other insects combined. Well, except for maybe scorpions and wasps. I’ve *always* had a cricket phobia. [excerpt: The other night I enter our dimly lit kitchen to grab a drink… barefoot, of course… and somehow a large, plump, disgusting, doomed little cricket guy finds his way under my foot. CRUNCH. I will never be the same. I shudder at the slow motion memory, the sound, the gooooooo. I’m still in grossed-out shock.]

5. I don’t go anywhere without my handy dandy squirt bottle filled with ice cold water. It keeps the kids in line.

just kidding. It’s so stinkin’ hot here that I can’t survive without it. A nice refreshing mist of h20 on my face, the kid’s legs, or a scalding hot seatbelt seems to do the trick and makes this city sized furnace a little more bearable.

6. We don’t have cable- in fact we don’t watch programmed tv ever, ever. We purchase and download anything we feel like watching (including The Backyardigans, Dora, Lost, The Office, etc… so we’re not entirely out of the loop). I typically use our tv as a giant computer for watching image slideshows, listening to music, or looking stuff up on google.

7. I love condiments, often times more than the main dish itself

8. Friday night is “date night” at our house. I put the kids down for bed while my husband turns down the lights, puts on some soft music, starts grilling (usually something exquisitely yummy like steak or lemon pepper chicken), and hand mixes lime martinis that make my mouth water. And we just hang out. It’s my reprieve that I look forward to all week long.

Alrighty, easy enough! Thanks for the sweet words and for thinking of me, Tawnya! I’m on my way to tag my brilliant friend and Event Florist extraordinaire, Ivy Weesner (The Garage by Ivy). Have at it girl!

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ETA: I just realized that I've also been tagged by Samuel Barr! Woohoo, I'm flattered! I've always been very impressed with his work and his open testimony. When you have the chance, check out his blog and his beautiful story-telling images, and you'll see what I'm talking about. Well, I guess the above list works for both topics... riiight? I hope so because I can't think of anything else at the moment, lol! THANKS Samuel! =)

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label: wedding photographer | Phoenix, arizona
author: kimberly bee

after the storm

I LOVE monsoon season! Especially since we live out near these fields and the great wide open. The smell of wet dirt, the light, the breeze, the dark rolling clouds, ahhhh. Hey! See, there is a perk of summertime desert living.
Okay, most of you have seen these already... just catching up the ole' blog.  Thanks for looking again :).

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label: children photography | litchfield park, arizona
author: Kimberly Bee

We paused to watch the sun fade on our way home from Sedona last weekend. I'm so glad we did because it's been awhile since I've captured both bebes in the same frame. I'm pretty excited about this one, but I confess that I've resorted to a new low -- bribery. The reward this time: gobstoppers. Everybody wins, right?

(the lovely and wild M girls)

(Humbly overwhelmed: A typical Amberly response upon realizing she's the center of attention. That's my sweet stuff!)

...Just some random images and a HUUUUGE thanks to my sweet friend Karis (and her parents) for a refreshing and gorgeous weekend in Sedona!!! 

*AND* my glowing revived skin and I thank you so very much for all my new Arbonne goodies!! I feel pretty. Oh so pretty! You know I'm very bad about the whole thank you note thing (shame on me, slap slap)... but I decided this counts as a "note", right?? Regardless, thank you thank you thank you- you're too good to me =).

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label: children photography | sedona, arizona
author: kimberly bee

lil' miss spunk

Isn't her freckled munchkin face so adorable?!? This has been Amberly's best friend since day one-- and this past weekend she was mine too because she loves having her picture taken. We adore her spunky wild self to bits.

(click to enlarge)

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label: children photography | scottsdale, arizona
author: kimberly bee

Urban Cowgirl

This is one of my most favorite people. ever. She's more beautiful on the inside, if you can even imagine. I've always said that if I were a man, I would totally marry her (or at least want to). She's wise, tenacious, creative and filled to the brim with faith and grace. She also has more to say than any other person I've ever met, but I gladly forgive her ;) because she's witty and charming about it and every once in awhile she'll say something immensely profound... and her words make a permanent and positive life-changing impression. I really love that about her. When we're together we're both blabber machines, so I can't razz her too much. She's my best friend and knows every little thing about me... and loves me regardless. We were preggers at the same time, struggled and celebrated over the beginning phases of motherhood and running a household at the same time, and to this day we’ll always have each other's back when our similarly distracted and overly-passionate dispositions get the best of us. (wow, how's that for a run-on!). Anywho, she's my girl and I'm infinitely blessed to have her as my best friend.

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label: senior photography | glendale, arizona
author: kimberly bee