Taura Horn Photography

Patrice & Ben E-Session

2012-01-16T15:00:00.001-06:00

I love this story... Patrice & Ben have known each other forever. They even went to grade school together, though being a year apart they were definitely not friends - girls, yuck!! I met them later on, through my sister, they ran around in the same circle and eventually became friends. They moved away, went to school and lived their lives - for years! And weren't on each other's romantic radar until a series of events brought them together after 20 years of just being friends. Patrice fell for Ben at a party in Lincoln. Ben drove to Michigan for a friend's graduation party with the secret mission to get Patrice. The rest is history. When I found out they were engaged, I was so happy for them both! Patrice & Ben are really amazing people separately, as a couple they're awesomness goes through the roof and I can't imagine anything stopping them:) Congratulations you two!!!

Randolph Elementary, Patrice made the calls and got us in over holiday break. Love it!!!

Jump rope on the playground:)

I asked Patrice how she does her hair like that, curlers? "I just do this" She says, and twirls her finger around a lock of hair, instantly making a perfect ringlet. So jealous!

We went out to a park for some end of the day photos, I just love how the grass looks!

So cute! I want to blow this up huge!!

And now for some studio shenanigans:)

Thanks for the great day you guys, I had an awesome time!

New Orleans

2012-01-11T20:15:00.001-06:00

It took a lot of effort to leave all my cameras at home when we went to Jamaica, but it was totally worth it. I didn't have to walk along the beach holding 5K of equipment above my head, worried it will get sandy or wet or stolen, and I didn't have to spend my fabulous vacation chimping and blogging and WORKING. I brought Joe's Pentax K1000 from his college days, and just relaxed....

So when Joe and I decided to go to New Orleans for New Years Eve, it was another no-brainer. I let him do the heavy photo documentation with his iPhone (he's a great iPhone photographer) and just took photos when it struck me.

These bleacher things were everywhere, I was hoping for a New Years Day parade, but everyone said they're just getting ready for Mardi Gras.

Put a bird on it!

Put an oyster on it! Or crazy plants. No, put an oyster on it, more delicious.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-10T11:11:00.000-06:00

I'm officially finished with vacation and back to work, though December was such a whirlwind I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation!

I am so excited for 2012! A new website and blog are in their final stages, some cool changes will be happening in my studio, all sorts of fun things up my sleeve for you all, and best of all, I have some AWESOME clients to work with!

I'm trying to package up some orders before I head in to my studio, and everytime I turn around our kitty Lindy Pickles Jiggleton (my stepson named her...) has turned an order into her own luxury lounge. The bubble wrap is just too irresistible!

So HAPPY NEW YEAR! Can't wait to see how awesome this year is:)

First Friday Massive Animal Photo Display!

2011-12-01T14:51:00.000-06:00

I'm starting to put together the massive display of photos of some of the animals that had their portraits done for the Capital Humane Society fundraiser! Come check it out tomorrow at First Friday, December 2 from 7pm-10pm. There's still one more chance for you and your pet to participate/donate/get their portrait, just come by my studio at 1410 O Street from 2pm-6pm on Sunday, December 4th.

After that, come to the Zoo Bar right around the corner for the cd release party and benefit show (click to view event) that my husband put together! Free vegetarian chili and cornbread, awesome music and a cd to give someone for Christmas, and you support a good cause! Extra bonus, I may be able to see my sweetheart perform on stage for the first time since high school:)

Hope to see you all tomorrow evening! And after that, SUNDAY!!

Karissa & Seth Wedding

2011-11-28T18:31:00.000-06:00

Karissa & Seth are truly sweet and loving couple, and had some very cool friends and family to help celebrate their marriage! The day was full of musical performances from both of their talented family members, bringing tears, laughter and... hysterical laughter at the reception:) Karissa had one of the longest veils I've ever seen, and with the pounds of petticoat she wore under her dress, she just looked like a princess. And totally random, I wore the same Jessica Simpson shoes for my wedding as Karissa did! Just had to share a few of my favorites from the day, enjoy your honeymoon you two!!

Capital Humane Society - Photo Fundraiser!

2011-11-17T21:38:00.003-06:00

Update! Thank you to everyone who has so far participated in the Pet Portrait Fundraiser for the Capital Humane Society! Getting ready to have an awesome "Wrapping It Up" party and show off a bunch of photos at my studio on Friday, December 2nd (more about that later...).

For all you people who want to donate to the Humane Society and get their pet's portrait done - BUT HAVEN'T MADE AN APPOINTMENT YET, I will have my studio open and ready for all you procrastinators between 2pm-6pm on Sunday, December 4th!

That's right, you heard it, just bring your mutt, kitty, bird, bunny, oinker or any other living creature down to my studio and get in and out in about 20 minutes! With no appointment, awesome.

If you'd rather make an appointment, please call or email! taurasuzanne at yahoo.com & 402 474 4676 (leave a msg)

Enjoy this slideshow of some of my favs so far!

Abby & Spencer E-Session

2011-11-15T21:24:00.000-06:00

I don't think I've worked with someone more prepared for their engagement photos than Abby - lots of emails, lots of ideas, thoughtful from her nose to her toes she brought hand-made props to incorporate into our session. And it all looks amazing, of course it helps that Abby and Spencer are a super fun couple who I had a lot of fun with. Thanks for the amazing afternoon!

Abby made this banner, it might make an appearance at their wedding!

San Diego Shooting Workshop

2011-11-14T14:55:00.000-06:00

The most fabulous (and pregnant!) Dallas photographer, Laura Parker, conducted a shooting workshop in San Diego at the convention I attended.

Here she is, demonstrating posing your couple, who were actually a real couple and seriously the most fun people to photograph! This is what shooting with a bunch of other photographers looks like - crowded! Had to share a few of my favs from the afternoon:)

Samantha & Keith E-session

2011-11-12T10:34:00.000-06:00

Where do I start with these two? I couldn't get Samantha and Keith to STOP smiling (or smooching) if I wanted to, which is good because that's what I asked them to do! They were so much fun to run around with and photograph, thanks for making a trip back to Lincoln for your photos:) You two are awesome and I can't wait for your wedding next year!

First Friday Photobooth!

2011-11-04T12:21:00.000-05:00

Yep, thought about it and I'm doing another Photobooth tonight at First Friday.
What is all this about? Check it here, here and here for starters...
For seconders, come on by and get into the action!
7-9:30pm at 1410 O Street in the Parrish Project
See youthere!!

Kate & Mike E-Session

2011-10-27T14:22:00.000-05:00

Say hello to Kate & Mike, super gorgeous and fun couple who I got to hang out with for an afternoon! I have known Kate for a while, and I would always say, "I have to photograph your wedding!" or she would say, "You have to photograph my wedding!" And I'm happy to say I AM photographing her wedding, to the ever-so-handsome and charming Mike. Couldn't imagine anyone else better suited for you, you two are awesome together!
And what better place to start their photos than the little ol place they met at?

Ok, how smoking does Kate look here?

So fun to go out to the farm where their wedding will take place - soooooooo beautiful!

And if anyone remembers, that is right after my birthday! May is the best!

Matching Sperry's, so cute!

Asher Newborn Session

2011-10-25T16:48:00.000-05:00

When I got a call from Sonya a month or so before she was having her baby, she felt she needed to remind me who she was - a close childhood friend of my sister Tasha, someone who I had gone on many a Girl Scout camping trip with and kid who I had babysat. Though I appreciate the effort, I don't need any reminders who Sonya is! I was so happy to hear from her, and now that her and her family live in Nebraska again, I hope to see her more than once every 15 years:)

Part documentary portraiture, part dreamy baby close-ups, it was an ideal session and I had a wonderful time with you two:)

Thank you so much for thinking of me for Asher's newborn photos, it means a lot to be a part of that special time! He's beautiful!

Lori & Justin E-Session

2011-10-24T23:31:00.001-05:00

I just have to share a few of my favorite photos from Lori & Justin's engagement session, they are super cute and I'm excited all over again about them! Lori is just someone that glows, you can't take your eyes off her and that amazing smile she has! And yes, their blanket seriously made a heart around them:)

Sara & Darrin Wedding

2011-10-19T19:03:00.000-05:00

Lincoln legend, Sara Kovanda, and London legend, Darrin Carlisle, tied the knot at the Capital Building with a few friends and family in attendance - probably their smallest audience ever. I loved working with this pair of very cool artists and making some very cool wedding photographs in what is my shortest & most hectic wedding day ever - 30 minutes!! Good luck with the move to London you two, glad I could be a part of your day:)

Quick embarrassing quip: This is the only moment Darrin sat still before the ceremony, he was chewing gum like mad and running around the building looking for people. "He's really nervous." Sara told me, "It's his first marriage."

Ayla & Katelyn Portraits

2011-10-19T17:20:00.001-05:00

I was able to photograph Ayla & Katelyn on a beautiful windy day just before a late afternoon downpour, the views at Jay & Kathy's acreage are amazing and the girls were so much fun to work with. They have cats and dogs and chicken and ducks, and Ayla is friends with them all - I think I have photos of her with all of them! Here you see Ayla with a Wild Katelyn:) Thanks ladies for the great day!

This was Katelyn's outfit she picked out for photos, I kind of like it - stripes on stripes on stripes:) I love her little rake and little pile of leaves she raked for the photo.

Finding the chickens in the tomato vines. How many can you find?

Katelyn, in number 42 of 57 "Cute Photos" she suggested I take!

Finao One Album

2011-10-12T21:52:00.000-05:00

I love all the albums I offer, but the Finao One really takes the cake! A flush mount gutter-less album - meaning the photos are printed directly on the page and there is no split between the right and left sides - for you who aren't familiar with this "album-speak" :)

What's awesome about the Finao One album besides having no gutter? Amazing print quality. Some serious luxury cover options, like the "magical mystery glass" front panel paired with "secret garden" styled leather, featured below. Full wrap around metallic canvas photo cover, embossed suede, vegan materials, enough brocades, silks, patent leathers, animal prints on natural hide to make your eyes cross and want 20 albums.

I photographed my cousin Micaela's wedding in Brooklyn earlier this year, and besides her being an amazing person and artist (she has work in the Whitney), she has great taste and created a FEAST of fun for the day that I was able to photograph. I could have made a beautiful album just out of their rehearsal dinner alone - I'm still dreaming of the hors d'oeuvres... Here is an album I created out of Micaela & Thomas's wedding day, and a few of my favorite spreads. Can I say I had executive control of everything and it ended up super huge? This mega 12x12 album is 46 pages deep, I would love to show it to you:)

Capital Humane Society - Photo Fundraiser!

2011-10-11T12:57:00.000-05:00

Help the Capital Humane Society build a new adoption center - AND - get a snazzy 5x7 photo of your pet! That's right, I'm photographing dogs & cats & etc! No animals barred!
The Capital Humane Society needs a better place to take care of the animals that come through their doors, and create a better experience for people to interact with potential pets - potential friends, actually.
All three animals below, Soda Pop "Poppy", Lindy Pickles and Otis, were rescued from a life of uncertainty and loneliness, and are the best friends ever! The scruffy kitty in the middle, is my sweet little girl from the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln.

Call or email my studio, and set up an appointment for you furry friend to come on down, pick your backdrop color, and get ready to make some seriously cute photos. In about a week your photos will be online and you will get a coupon to order your 5x7.
Book your pet's session before December 8th, and your donation will be matched by an anonymous donor and the Peter Kiewit Foundation.

The details?
$35 per pet - and it all goes to the Capital Humane Society.
Each session is around 20 minutes - more or less:)
Coupons returned by December 1st will have photos delivered before Christmas.
Studio will be closed from December 9th to January 9th.
My studio is at 1410 O Street, on the northeast corner of 14th & O.
Call me! (402) 474-4676
Email me! taurasuzanne @ yahoo.com (remove spaces around the "@" symbol)

THANK YOU! I hope to meet you and your special friend soon:) Please contact me with any questions.

More information about the Capital Humane Society's Celebrate Me Home campaign: http://www.capitalhumanesociety.org/celebrate_me_home/

Amanda & Luke E-Session

2011-10-11T11:24:00.000-05:00

Seriously had a great time running around Amanda's parents farm with her and her fiance Luke. Love your photos and can't wait for your wedding next year!

Bone's Baby!

2011-10-03T20:11:00.001-05:00

The Bone Setter and Matt brought their new baby by my studio on their way home from the hospital today - had to share a few with you all! Madalyn is beautiful:) Thank you for letting me meet her you two!

Courtney & Paul Sneak Peek!

2011-09-28T20:53:00.000-05:00

Courtney & Paul received an enthusiastic birdseed shower as they came back to the reception to be announced. Did I say ENTHUSIASTIC? Thanks you two! Can't wait for you to see your photos!

Sawyer's First Year Session!

2011-09-28T11:43:00.000-05:00

Earlier this summer I had this little guy in my studio for a Dew Drop By session, now he's a big 1 year old and had me over to his house while he chewed on his blankie and enjoyed some cake:) I can't get enough of this little sweetie and have to share my favs with you all! Can you believe those big beautiful eyes??? Kill me now! Thanks Sawyer for the nice afternoon!

September First Friday Photobooth!

2011-09-03T20:28:00.000-05:00

Yep, I couldn't resist the people's demand for another Photobooth! Seriously, people will come into my studio during First Friday and they're all disappointed when it's just me! And so for my first First Friday in MONTHS, I knew what I had to do... I honestly love doing the Photobooth - getting to talk with everyone, seeing what interesting things people think of, seeing First Friday regulars and getting newbies who are just a little unsure about what this whole thing is, to jump on in and have them say they had a good time. Check out a few of my favorites! Check out the whole gallery on my Taura Horn Photography Facebook page.

Blondie here is just about to be my niece! Glad to finally be open when you come down to visit!

David, a retired painting professor at UNL, always comes in to say hi and give me a report on what my parents are doing. He had this umbrella as it was raining cats and dogs, and I asked him to open it up for a photo. Thanks for humoring me!

Yellow on yellow on yellow on yellow. It's like camouflage!

My stepson!

I shot Regina & Mike's wedding exactly 364 days ago, so happy to see them still kissing! Awesome couple, you might recognize them from photos in my studio! Well, I guess you won't recognize them from this photo as their faces are mashed together... but, CONGRATS ON YEAR #1!!

Friends Aubrey & Josh Leeker, fellow photographers and the people you'll see if you go to my old studio!

This young man took some convincing to get in front of the camera because he had just been rained on. I told him it would look cool - like he was just in a wet t-shirt contest - much to the amusement of the ladies behind me. He declined an email notification for the photos, saying "I'd rather it be a mystery" which I wasn't sure how to answer.

Super fun guys, enjoyed having them do their thing!

This gal didn't want her photo taken because her hair was rained on, I don't know what her hair looks like normally, but I think her hair looks cool and she just looks beautiful:)

And speaking of cool hair...

And more cool kid hair!!

Just met Gabby, she spends her summers in Lincoln and the rest of the year in Toronto, a super cute skater gal:)

This couple did some awesome swing dancing in the Photobooth, which the photos don't do justice!

This is so sweet, love the spontaneous kiss with smile:)

Carrie Masters of Robot Luv and her husband, Jim Stevens of Jim Is Awesome Inc, battle it out for the OCTOBOX.

THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE SUPER FUN NIGHT!

Stacy & Daniel E-Session

2011-08-25T16:56:00.000-05:00

Spent an evening with uber-cute couple Stacy & Daniel for their engagement photos, so much fun! We had spent some time talking about ideas and locations and outfits, Stacy knew she wanted a guest sign-in book made with a bunch of outdoor photos and a "picnic" theme, and I just love what we came up with! Thanks you two!

Yes, I have people kiss - A LOT:)

Love these black and white photos of them!

Diana & Kenny E-Session

2011-08-09T23:54:00.000-05:00

Diana & Kenny are a sweet and loving couple, and lucky me I had them for an afternoon before Kenny moves off to KC! Super hot day, super cute couple, love the photos!

Jessica & Jared E-Style Session

2011-08-04T11:27:00.000-05:00

Where do I start with this couple? AMAZING. FUN. SO IN LOVE. MARRIED FOR SIX YEARS... what??? That's right, Jessica saw the engagement session I did for Carrie and Eli earlier this year, and spent the next five months convincing Jared that they should have a session of their own like that. Like I said, a session that is amazing & fun, not to mention stylized & packed with ideas. Bring on the puppies, balloons, bow ties and rollerskates!

Thank you for the opportunity to create these images for you, I had a wonderful time with you all!

Jennifer & Dan Wedding Album

2011-08-01T21:40:00.000-05:00

I just love albums! I love putting them together, and helping people pick out everything and then getting them in the mail when they're done - it feels like Christmas:) And I really loved Jennifer & Dan's wedding, sweet couple with a romantic wedding, and a super wedding party to boot
I had to share a few photos of their album before I send it off to them tomorrow!

Thanks for the opportunity to photograph your wedding and create your album you two, you're awesome!!

Zane & Dalton Portraits

2011-07-30T12:14:00.000-05:00

Long long ago, in the olden days, my mother, Susan Horn, took her Hasselblad and photographed two little boys for her ongoing body of work about children. She painstakingly developed the 120 film, printed two 16x16 photographs in her darkroom, then matted and framed them for their mother. 20 years later, Zane and Dalton contacted me to recreate the photos as a surprise for their mother Paula's 60th birthday, How could I resist? What an awesome opportunity! They sent me a cell phone picture of the photograph still hanging up in their parents house, and I worked from that and my memory of the photos.

Zane and Dalton lived up the street from me in the old neighborhood, they were such cool kids and I loved to hang out, ride bikes and play with them. The original location was no longer available to us to shoot in, and I didn't want it to be one of those novelty projects where they recreate a childhood snapshot with the same pjs and bad lighting. I thought a lot about how to approach this, having to live up to my mom's artwork is a pretty big challenge. I tried to achieve the feel of the original photos, referencing them with the posing, setting and the clothing the boys wore, but create an updated "Taura" version that stands on it's own.

Adella Dew Drop By!

2011-07-30T10:40:00.000-05:00

Nikki & Nathan Wedding

2011-07-26T10:53:00.000-05:00

Nikki & Nathan were married on what may be the hottest day ever, and their love just made it even hotter:) Thanks for the awesome day you two!

Couldn't resist putting this together, the wedding party was a blast! Cracks me up the longer I look at it!

Baby Tilly is 1 Year Old!

2011-07-12T18:54:00.000-05:00

I have a soft spot for Little Miss Tilly, not only have I been photographing this little sweetie since she was a baby bump, but she came into this world on my birthday! Went out with Tilly & Gina to make these photos, LOVE both the photos and the people I was with:) Thanks ladies!

And she's done...

Katie & Bob Wedding

2011-07-10T22:17:00.000-05:00

Looking at Bob & Katie's wedding photos prompted me to start blogging about my favorite photos again, I mean - how gorgeous are they? Here are a few of my favs, hope to get caught up with all the other amazing people I've spent my summer photographing!! Stay tuned:)

And don't you just love her wedding dress with a detachable fish-tail bottom? And those shoes!!

Pictage Home Page!

2011-07-05T15:44:00.000-05:00

Yay me! My photo of model Hillary Osuniga was chosen to be one of the photos that grace the client log-in page of Pictage. I love Pictage, and it's my new home for the galleries where my clients see, organize and order their photos. Thanks Pictage, thanks Hillary!

Missouri River Flood - 2011

2011-06-15T11:47:00.001-05:00

My mother & I decided to see all this flooding in Nebraska & Iowa yesterday, went out to Plattsmouth, over into Iowa, down along the river and stopping by Tarkio, MO, then back through Nebraska City & Brownsville and then back to Lincoln. I don't think I've ever heard the word "berm" more times in a day than I did, I told my mom we had to say "mound of dirt" instead.

Plattsmouth:

Brownsville:

Thanks mom for the awesome "day off"!

JUNE!!

2011-06-09T13:51:00.000-05:00

It's that busy busy busy time of year for a wedding photographer, and I'm in the thick if it! My poor blog has been neglected in favor of getting my wonderful clients their photos on time, but I wanted to share this photo of me getting creamed (and still shooting) by the Mad Maxine jammer DropKick Muffy at the last bout I was able to squeeze into my schedule. Go No Coast!

Stay tuned for some fabulous updates on the photos I've been able to create for people!

NYC & Montauk!

2011-05-26T00:20:00.000-05:00

Over my birthday weekend, I went to New York City to photograph a wedding, spending almost a week with my husband Joe on what we call our "Third Honeymoon".
Between NYC and the summer home in Montauk, I had an beautiful and amazing (and exhausting!) time.

Thank you Joe!
Thank you Micki & Thomas!
Thank you Mattie & Dave!
Thanks to everyone else who made our trip special.
And to quote the born and raised Long Islander postmaster who mailed a shoe for me:
"Your accent is SO WEIRD! Where are you from? Nebraska? Don't you have those moles running around in the hills? What do you do for fun, run around those hills after those moles?"

Jennifer & Ben E-Session!

2011-05-24T19:42:00.000-05:00

Jennifer and Ben lucked out and had a beautiful spring day for their engagement session! I walked around with them in their fancy duds, then ran around with them in their shorts & flippy floppies - and had a great time doing both! Thanks you two!

Tommie & John E-Session!

2011-05-21T10:49:00.000-05:00

Had a really fun engagement session with Tommie and John, especially when we brought their 1 year old lab, Max, into the mix! Took waaaay too many photos of him, laughed when he was naughty, and got slobber all over my lens:) Thanks for the great evening you guys, and can't wait for your wedding!

Shelley & Dustin - Wedding Sneak Peek!!

2011-05-20T23:43:00.001-05:00

Super sneak peek of an awesome wedding out at Country Pines, love this couple, loved their day! So many amazing photos, but I just had to pick a few for you all:)

Lots'n'lots of pretty details, someone went to town on all these poms.

This cracks me up. "No, really honey! There are twigs in your dress!" What a helpful hubby!!

Congrats Shelley & Dustin, can't wait for you to see the rest!

Daily Deal!!

2011-05-09T16:42:00.001-05:00

hey everyone! check out my daily deal for monday, may 9 - it's a super crazy deal for a "dew drop by" sesion! get it through the Lincoln Journal Star website today and it will be the best $15 you spent all year:)

Dew Drop By Session:
Cute photos fast!! My Dew-Drop By is a 30 minute mini-session, perfect for your child’s first portraits so we can get to know each other, and great for all you busy people who need adorable new photos of their kiddies. Call or email to schedule a session and we’re done in less than an hour!

Daily Deal package includes:
- Thirty minute studio portrait session for one child, sitting age & older ($35 value)
- One 11x14 photograph ($55 value)
- Web-sized photographs on dvd with logo, just right for emailing to Grandma and posting to Facebook or MySpace ($60 value)
- Photos ready to order within a week

Link:

http://journalstar.upickem.net/Engine/Splash.aspx?contestid=17565&redir

ps - i've had a bunch of calls asking if this children's mini-session could be used for a senior portrait... while there is technically no age limit, ask yourself if your teenager really wants to get silly for a half hour! i have packages specifically for teenagers:)

Lisa & Todd - Wedding

2011-05-08T23:45:00.001-05:00

how did you know "this is it"?

lisa: because i could ONLY imagine the rest of my life with him in it.

todd: the question is better asked by another question, why is the sky blue?

what was the thing you were most worried about that didn't end up happening on your wedding day?

i was so excited to marry todd that I had very few worries about our wedding. i was most worried that my friend kara (my hairdresser) would go into labor before doing my hair! the back-up plan was for kara to do my hair and then go have the baby. i was going to send her some cake at the hospital. luckily, kara didn't go into labor, and she did all our hair -- mine and my bridesmaids.

lisa, one word to describe the way your groom looked on the wedding day?
handsome

lisa: do you have a favorite wedding day memory?

my favorite memory was seeing todd for the first time before the wedding. my other favorite memory is that our friend james married us. he prefers that i don't call it the james show, but our wedding ceremony was personal, fun and spontaneous...far from a canned wedding program.

todd, do you have a favorite wedding day memory?

while this may seem cliche, my favorite wedding day memory was seeing lisa in her dress for the first time. i also loved having all our friends and family together.

and one word to describe the way she looked on the wedding day?

scrumtrulescent

lisa's dad:)

what was the best part about planning your wedding?

lisa: i am blessed to have such talented people in my life, so i loved the diy projects. my sisters and i created our wedding invitations, we grew and assembled all the flower arrangements, and i made the ceremony programs.

todd's favorite part of planning... that lisa took care of most of it!

lisa, would choose to grow your own flowers again?

i would grow my own flowers again; however, only for my wedding--so i guess this was it! the stress of finding enough flowers to make bouquets and boutonnieres the day before the wedding was manageable because they were for me and not someone else. i had enough tulips to make all the boutonnieres and corsages. the backup plan to find more tulips was always a possibility. the scavenger hunt for orange tulips (the day before) was actually quite fun!

if your love was a book, what would the title be?
we looked to our bookshelves for inspiration to this question -- 1000 ultimate experiences, beautiful by design, and the power of positive thinking.

what was your favorite part of having your wedding at the magnolia hotel?

lisa: the dramatic entry into the courtyard from the bridal suite was awesome, but i loved everything about the magnolia. the atmosphere was perfect -- a mix of old architecture and modern decor. the event staff were so accommodating and made everything run so smooth.
todd: my favorite part was getting married, of course, and going to the rooftop during the reception to take photos.

why are you two so perfect together?
we have a great balance between our similarities and differences. although our paths may be different, we share the same values, goals and dreams for our future.

i want to thank my amazing "assistant", my mother susan horn for another great wedding! you can see her personal work here: http://www.susanhorn.net/
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! you are my biggest inspiration and i can only hope to be the woman and the photographer you are!

i also want to thank ron at the magnolia hotel for making things run so smoothly and being so considerate to my mother & i, and taking us to the rooftop for some awesome photos!

and last but not least, a gigantic thank you to lisa & todd for being such an amazing couple! i wish you the best!

VENDORS
ceremony & reception venue -- The Magnolia Hotel, Downtown Omaha
dress -- David's Bridal, my wedding dress was then customized by seamstress Beth Shirek.
shoes -- DKNY, purchased at Endless.com
tuxes -- Todd wore his own suit from The Hitchin Post and Wooden Nickel. The groomsmen were dressed by Tip Top Tux.
cake -- Linda Tills
flowers -- by me, my sisters Kelly and Sarah, and my good friend Julie
hair and make-up -- I did my own make-up. My friend Kara Clark (Kara's Hair Spalon) did all the bridal party hair.
live musicians-- The Vivace Trio
reception music-- Master DJ's

Amanda Carson & Mike Hanson - Wedding

2011-04-28T11:26:00.002-05:00

was it love at first sight? for mike, yes. for amanda, kinda. more like love at second sight:)

what was the thing you were most worried about that didn't end up happening on your wedding day?
that i wouldn't fit into my dress!!!

amanda, one word to describe the way mike looked on the wedding day?
stunning.

mike, one word to describe the way your bride looked on the wedding day?
breathtaking.

and do you have a favorite wedding day memory?
the first time i saw amanda in her wedding dress. and the vows.

one word to describe the married life?
perfect!

why are you two so perfect together?
because we bring out the best in each other, we can have fun, laugh and just be ourselves around each other, and we always put each other first.

how did you get engaged?
mike took me out to james arthur vineyard and we tasted some wine and walked along the path throughout the vineyard. as we were getting back closer to the end of the path, mike got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! and of course i said yes!! :)

If your life was a song, what would the title be?
"I Could Not Ask for More" by Sara Evans

Here's DJ Romeo going through the dance steps with everyone!

And the Shoe Game!!

The start of the "un-Cinderella-ing" of the evening:)

what was the best part about planning your wedding?
i knew our wedding would be the most special day of my life so I wanted it to be perfect and that's why i enjoyed planning our wedding.

what were your official wedding colors and what was the inspiration?
black, teal and silver. we both wanted to have a teal color and then thought the black and silver would make it "pop" and stand out.

how did you choose your wedding party?
we chose our wedding party based on who we are closest too over the years and also included family/family-to-be. we wanted our wedding party to be people that we still saw ourselves being friends with years and years down the road.

how did you make your wedding personal to you?
by putting little personal touches into the decorations/detail - such as the black hearts with love quotes.

what was your favorite "detail" or decoration from your day?
the black hearts with silver love quotes written on them and my dress!!

what song played for your first dance?
"she's everything to me" by brad paisley

how did you know they were "the one"?
we just did! we bring out the best in each other and both want to be better people for each other.

do you two have a favorite wedding day memory?
the ceremony (especially when we said our vows!) and our first dance

VENDORS
ceremony: Christ Lutheran Church
reception: Hillcrest Country Club
dress: Alfred Angelo
shoes: Alfred Angelo
tuxes: Tip Top Tux
flowers: Hy Vee
hair and make-up: Atlantis Salon and Spa - Sommer Kastl did my hair and make-up. She did an AMAZING job!!
live musicians at ceremony: Ellen Soukup played piano and sung.
reception music: DJ Romeo

Jason & Sandy - Wedding

2011-04-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

if your love was a sitcom, what would the title be?
"i love sandy" - like "i love lucy," that way i get to sing “babba lou” and say “sandy, you got some ‘splanin to do!”)

yep, they couldn't wait for their "first look" to see each other!

a kiss better than i could have planned:)

what were your official wedding colors?
ivory, blue/aqua & yellow

how did you two meet?
the first time we met was at Sandy’s graduation night celebration through mutual friends. jason demanded a second, more private, meeting though those mutual friends the next day.

where did you go on your first date?
1) home depot
2) ivanna cone

how did you get engaged?
i surprised sandy at the arbor day lodge in nebraska city with her favorite flowers (calla lilies), champagne, and her favorite ice cream - mint chip from ivanna cone.

what was the best part about planning your wedding?
inventing the “spire of wedding satisfaction”

how did you make your wedding personal to you?
we did it our way. kept it simple and brief. the focus was spending time with our friends & family.

what was the thing you were most worried about that didn't end up happening on your wedding day?
running out of food / drinks for our guests

one word to describe the married life?
for us…normalcy.

why are you two so perfect together?
sandy understands me and accepts me. she is a very genuine person and i trust her completely.

VENDORS
ceremony & reception venue: Regency Lodge Omaha
dress: David's Bridal Lincoln
shoes: David's Bridal Lincoln
tuxes: Men's Warehouse Omaha
flowers: Beyond the Vine (Mark Griffith)
hair: Garbo's Salon and Spa Regency
make-up: Sandy's sister Susie
live musicians: Peter Bouffard (guitar) and Andy Hall (bass)
reception music: DJ Spence (Spencer Munson)

Nikki & Nathan E-session

2011-04-11T18:24:00.001-05:00

Had an fun engagement session with Nikki & Nathan, such a cool & easy going couple! We had lots & lots of wind that day, it blew Nikki's hair all around. So glad we got to spend some time together you guys, and I'm really looking forward to your wedding!

Totally perfect random chalk message we found!

Nikki's hair is windubitably awesome:)

Stella - Dew Drop By!

2011-04-04T20:27:00.001-05:00

Miss Stella came by with her mom Jessie for some photos, she was a cute little bug, equal parts sweet and sassy! Looking at her makes me remember how it was when I was her age, so cool! Hard to pick my favs from the session, but here's a few. Thank you for coming by Stella, so glad I finally go to meet you!

Alex & Christopher - Dew Drop By!

2011-04-04T19:12:00.000-05:00

Alex & Christopher came by my studio for some photos, so much fun!

Alex had his own ideas of ways to pose with his soccer ball, probably brimming with curiosity with what would happen if he kicked the ball as hard as he can in my studio!

No Coast Derby Girls vs Brew City Bruisers

2011-04-04T14:01:00.002-05:00

No Coast Derby Girls' all-star team, the Mad Maxines, took down the Brew City Bruisers from Milwaulkee on Friday night - 114 to 90! Congratulations ladies, you played well and did a beautiful job!

Flash Gloria, (the gal in all black if you don't already know who she is) was voted MVP in the 2010 Midwest Regional Championships, is a real slippery one and virtually impossible to stop! When you think you're getting ready to make a hit, she's already dodged you and calculating the points for her next lap. Go Flash!

Brew City makin some points, but not enough!!

Some very happy gals!

The evening started off with the Roadies vs the Warriors, NCDG's two JV teams battling it out for some hard spills.

This is a good example of the rule, "fall small".

And yes folks, this is real, not WWF! Miss Leevastitch went down in the second half, and went out on a stretcher with a seriously nasty broken ankle. Like as in bones popping out. Take care of yourself and hope to see you on your skates again lady!

During breaks, there are games, dance offs, and other competitions the audience can participate in to win prizes and glory, below are the gals who brought the bikes in from Joy Ride Bicycles for a little race around the track:)

The boys who started the race,

And the fathers who didn't know they would be the ones required to finish the race!

It's not just derby girls who take spills on the track:)

Photobooth was in full effect after the bout, come down to the track and get your derby girl signature and then get a photo with your favorite No Coast Derby Girl!!

Congrats ladies, on your Friday night win, and CONGRATS on the excellent Saturday win/slaughter against Sioux Falls - 163 to 72!!

Liz - Senior Portraits

2011-03-31T10:02:00.007-05:00

Liz - what do you say about a beautiful gal who is so cool and sweet? Liz is in the Arts & Humanities highschool program (insanely jealous that this wasn't around when I was in highschool!) and has been accepted to two universities to study Political Science. How cool is that? It was so cold outside and Liz felt like taking it easy, so we stayed inside and had a great studio session. She brought a backpack full of her favorite clothes and hung out while I thought of different ways to make her look great - not hard with her! She was so laid back and nice, drinking coffee and just saying "What ever you do will be fine!" it felt like I was spending time with a friend! Thanks Liz, you're awesome:)

The favorite skirt and t-shirt:)

Viviana & Jesse Engagement

2011-03-30T19:33:00.000-05:00

Viviana & Jesse are such a great couple, no shortage of love between these two! They braved the cold for some photos with me and even managed to have some fun - Thanks guys:)

2011-03-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

I've always wanted to take a photo of the Midwest Steel Building.

Savannah - Dew Drop By!

2011-03-16T22:16:00.000-05:00

When Savannah was 5 days old, she had just about as much hair. And she's such a precious little girl, with all her serious faces! This is her dress that she was baptized in just a few days earlier, she's on such a baby sized growth spurt we had to get photos of her before she outgrew it! Thanks Tara for bringing your little girl in, hope to see you two again soon!

Zerano - Dew Drop By!

2011-03-15T22:51:00.001-05:00

What a fun kid to work with! Zerano's mother is a model, and he must have inherited some of her pizazz in front of the camera - not only does Z look adorable but he's able to have fun and be himself! Thanks for coming by my studio, I promise to have more levels of Angry Birds to play:)

NCDG Season Opener!

2011-03-13T23:58:00.000-05:00

Women's Flat Track Roller Derby is a passion of mine, with super fan focus on the No Coast Derby Girls - Lincoln's Roller Derby League. As fast as hockey, as rough as football and as much fun as a three-ring circus, you'll enjoy yourself at a bout if you know NOTHING about the sport or if you're a regular derby rule-book and stats counter! Hey, if my sweet little mother-in-law and her friends can have a blast, and my husband can bring his son & nephew, it's guaranteed you'll have a rockin' good time:)
As an official sponsor of our Lincoln league and an ex-skater myself, Taura Horn Photography loves the No Coast Derby Girls!
The 2011 season opener was an action packed battle between our League's all-star team, the Mad Maxines (black) and the Omaha Roller Girls (red). This rivalry has been going on for years, and this bout commanded record breaking attendance to Pershing. Congratulations to the Mad Maxines on their KILLER win, 93 to 62! All your hard work is paying off! Can't wait to see you the rest of the season.

The Road Warriors, the JV team for the No Coast Derby Girls, split into two teams for a bout of team-mate against team-mate! It was like the Civil War, but purple & white.

And remember, children 12 and under get free admission:) Come say hi to me at the next home game on April 1st, I'll be down by the track!

Tilly - Dew Drop By!

2011-03-12T12:07:00.000-06:00

That's right, more Tilly! She stopped by my studio for a Dew Drop By session, bringing Cass & Gina with her. Love you Tilly, it's amazing to see you grow up!
Check out her first baby tooth below :)=

Dress-up Party!

2011-03-09T19:03:00.001-06:00

Had three beautiful little gals come by my studio for a Dew Drop By session, and I witnessed some serious dress-up fun! Gypsy, Lexis & Kat had some awesome dresses and were lucky enough to have Ciara from Tangerine help with their cool hair-dos. Though they were shocked to find out I don't know who Justin Beiber is and I don't have Lady GaGa on my ipod, they managed to have a great time!

Gypsy proudly told me that she was wearing high heels. Her black socks kill me!

I like this, serious Gypsy & giggly Gypsy.

Lexis & Kat, two beautiful sisters.

Lexis was a total diva, so much fun to photograph:)

I thought Kat had a vintage Hawaiian look going on, so cute!

Thank you girls (and your parents) for dropping by my studio - you all look awesome! I had a great time and can't wait to see you all again!

Prairie Hill Learning Center 30th Anniversary Fundraiser

2011-03-04T16:21:00.000-06:00

Prairie Hill Learning Center had a 30th Anniversary Fundraiser where I was lucky enough to have a PhotoBooth to catch everyone hamming it up! Prairie Hill is a Montessori school, and to quote Anthony Hawley, a friend who has kiddies there, "It's a great place, with great values; kids take care of animals and prepare all their own food." Who couldn't get on board with that? We raffled off a children's portrait session, can't wait for warmer weather! Thanks everyone, I had a great time with you all.

Nathan is the winner of the raffle!

The rest of the photos can be seen on the Taura Horn Photography facebook page and on my Flickr page!

Carrie & Eli Engagement

2011-03-04T13:36:00.000-06:00

When Carrie and Eli came to my studio to do their engagement photos, I could barely see them with all the stuff they brought. Probably over a hundred silk peonies, a gigantic suitcase full of clothes & props and a little poodle named Coco who couldn't help be be a part of the crazy photos we took that day. Had an AWESOME time with you two, I always do! Congratulations on your engagement!

My mother-in-law Judy gave me this family heirloom trunk to keep at my studio, had been wanting to stick someone inside for a while! Glad Carrie & Eli were game:) Coco is perfect in the photo on the right, soooo cute!

They look so cool in front of this background, especially with Carrie's self-described "nerd glasses".

More Coco! She was an independent little model, only participating when it suited her. I wanted a cute standing photo of her, and Eli showed how pretty she can hop. Love her little tongue in the photo on the left, though notice how Eli doesn't even have a treat:)

Thanks you two, it's so great to see how happy you are together!

Viva Las Vegas!

2011-02-27T16:39:00.000-06:00

Took about three photos while at the WPPI convention in Vegas last week... It was a great experience, went to a bunch of classes and workshops for photographers, found a TON of cool gear that will make your photos cooler, and had some much needed quality time with my mom! At one of the classes with 700+ attendees I went to, I ended up sitting next to a photographer from Lincoln I am acquainted with - ha!!
Glad to be home:)

BACK!

2011-02-24T22:01:00.001-06:00

This February has been CRAZY, yes, in all caps:) Joe and I went on our honeymoon in Tennessee, and then a few days later my mom and I went to the WPPI convention in Las Vegas and od'd on everything wedding and portrait photography. We finally arrived home after midnight last night, and today I had some time with Esme from Whichita, clothing by Aorta. Here's a few photos that jumped out at me, more to come!

Baby Tilly at 9 months!!

2011-02-15T22:13:00.000-06:00

Baby Tilly is nine months old already, crawling and drooling and smiling and being all adorable with her pretty baby eyes. Thanks Cass & Gina!

Megan & Keith Engagement Photos

2011-02-14T18:08:00.000-06:00

Do you think I could make Megan and Keith kiss any more for their engagement photos?! Do you think they minded? Had a great time with you two, loved your ideas for your photos! Thanks for letting me spend some time with you:)

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

2011-02-14T14:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day everyone! Last First Friday at my studio I had a special v-day Photobooth, it was AWESOME... I had so much fun taking the photos, and I hope everybody had a blast making them! Kiss your sweetie, your baby, your grandma, your mom & dad and cats & dog, your friends, your gerbil, your favorite teacher or just kiss that face in the mirror and let everyone know how much you love them today. Here's a few of my favorites from that night, the rest can be seen on my Facebook page ('like' me to tag you & your friends) and on my Flickr page.
Thanks everyone!

Molly & Brian photos

2011-02-06T22:10:00.000-06:00

Today I took some photos of my little sister Molly & her fiance Brian for their save-the-dates, here's an out-take I liked:)

She showed me the flowers she's working on for the bouquets & boutonnieres. Beautiful!

Baby Tilly at 9 months!!

2011-02-05T16:14:00.000-06:00

Spent some time with Tilly today for her 9 month photos, had to share this sweet moment between Cass & Tilly in between her wardrobe changes:) More to come!

Make-up/Model Headshot Shoot!

2011-02-04T16:55:00.000-06:00

Long name, beautiful models! Here's the rest of the models, my fav photos from each of their sessions we did together. >TONS MORE HERE!!<
Thanks ladies! Hope to work with you all again:)

model: Stephanie Storm
hair: Hannah Mueller
make-up: Rachael Andersen

model: Jordin F
hair: Anne Mitchell
make-up: Anne Mitchell

model: Shauna Butler
hair: Hillary Osuniga
make-up: Veronica Smash

model: Hope
hair: Hillary Osuniga
make-up: Veronica Smash

model: Nadia Edison
hair: Meghan Sunderman
make-up: Rose Staley

model: Melissa Tarasenko
hair: Meghan Sunderman
make-up: Rose Staley

model: Hillary Osuniga
hair: Leigh Ann Whitmarsh-Hale
make-up: Leigh Ann Whitmarsh-Hale

model: Roxcy
hair: Anne Mitchell
make-up: Anne Mitchell

model: Julia Pelletier
hair: Leigh Ann Whitmarsh-Hale
make-up: Leigh Ann Whitmarsh-Hale

model: Gaia Foxx
hair: Hannah Mueller
make-up: Rachael Andersen

Featured on "Wedding Graduates" blog!

2011-02-04T15:35:00.001-06:00

One of my beautiful brides from 2010, Jenny, wrote about creating a day and ceremony that was meaningful & personal to her & her fiance. Nicely written Jenny! What I loved most about Jenny & Casey's wedding was how they didn't feel obligated to do anything that wasn't going to mean something special to them, things a lot of brides end up doing only because it's tradition - see how they handled THAT and you'll reconsider your own wedding planning strategies!

Read Jenny's article >here< at APracticalWedding.com. I LOVE finding new blogs & websites, and I wish I would have known about A Practical Wedding before I got married! They have a fresh perspective on weddings, thoughtful and non-catty advice for your wedding woes and a bunch of diy projects!

If you love your wedding (and wedding photos!!) and are submitting it to blogs & websites, send me the link and I'll feature it on my blog!

Thanks Jenny!

Emily & Connor

2011-02-01T18:57:00.000-06:00

Another beautiful Emily & Andy creation, thanks for having me come over and spend some time with you two! Baby Connor, just a week old.

"Hark, what is that sound I hear? Time to change my diaper..."

Look at those wrinkly little baby legs!

Mommy & Baby magic:)

Make-up Headshot Shoot!

2011-01-30T00:03:00.001-06:00

Just got back from an amazing day with an amazing set of models, stylist, make-up artists & photographers, couldn't help but to post this photo of Hillary, the woman who organized the event! More to come, thanks everyone for a great day of shooting!

model: hillary osuniga
hair & make-up: leigh ann whitmarsh-hale

Jason & Sandy Engagement Photos

2011-01-28T13:27:00.000-06:00

Hesser Family

2011-01-24T12:32:00.000-06:00

Kara & Kurt brought their their growing family in for some photos, my favorite little dude Alex is a big brother now! Welcome to the world, baby Christopher! Look at his chubby little baby cheeks, soooo cute!

You can see Alex grow up through my website & blog, he's into cool spikey hair now:)

Vanessa Maternity & Newborn!

2011-01-24T10:22:00.000-06:00

I met with Vanessa literally DAYS before she went into labor, made some beautiful belly photos and portraits, and a week later I met sweet little Felix for his first photo session! Love you all, congratulations on your new baby!

Josie & David Wedding

2011-01-05T14:45:00.000-06:00

Was it love at first sight? Yes!

How did you get engaged? David snuck into my classroom before school one day and wrote on my chalkboard "Will you marry me?" When I walked in I first saw roses on my desk, then I saw the board and then David came out from behind me and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

One word to describe the way your groom looked on the wedding day? Calm

One word to describe the way your bride looked on the wedding day? Radiant

Groomsmen, always up to something:)

Anna, putting the finishing touches on the birthday cake she made for David's grandmother and Josie's aunt - she also made the vegan cake pops on the right! Soooooo delicious!

I love how the kiddies can't help but dig into the cake asap! Look at the little boy in the back!

Seriously the BEST Father of the Bride speech EVER! I was in tears, I was laughing so much. Thanks Jay!

What were your official wedding colors and what was the inspiration? Fall theme: tan, espresso, red tones for flowers.

What is the official name for the bridesmaid color? Praline

How did you make your wedding personal to you? We planned it ourselves. Involved family and friends. Our good friend and neighbor did the flowers, you took the photos, our good friend is the chef at Venue who did all the food, my cousin Anna made the cake pops and b-day cake for my aunt and David's grandmother. My mom made the flower girl dresses and lots of friends and family made the caramel apples.

What song played for your first dance? Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra

Favorite wedding day memory?
Josie: Katelyn dancing in the party bus and my aunt crying when we sang happy b-day to her
David: the shoe game DJ Romeo had us play

What was the best part about planning your wedding? Being done planning it!

How did you know they were "the one"? An instant connection.

Why are you two so perfect together? We compliment each other, he's outgoing, I'm shy. I'm responsible, David.... is not quite as responsible. We keep each other grounded.

Where did you go on your first date? The Dish

One word to describe the married life? Busy!

VENDORS
Getting ready spot: Josie's house
Ceremony: Blessed Sacrament
Reception: The Rococo
Dress: "Allure" from a shop in Kansas City called Bridal Extraordinaire
Shoes: Carlos Santana
Tuxes: Men's Warehouse
Flowers: Lori at Oak Creek Flowers
Hair and make-up: Missy at Tranquility Salon and Spa
Reception music: DJ Romeo

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm married:)

2011-01-03T15:54:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! It has been a crazy amazing holiday season, I married the man I always dreamed of, gained the coolest stepson, and doubled the size of my already amazing family when Joe and I were married a week before Christmas. My little sister Molly got engaged to her sweetheart Brian, and my new sister-in-law Erin got engaged to her sweetie Eric! My best friend Robin is getting married to David in New Orleans - my first time as a bridesmaid!! My cousin Noah is marrying Ashleigh in Flagstaff, my other cousin Micki is getting married to Thomas in NYC! I am almost booked up for 2011, and can't wait to get started:) I LOVE WEDDINGS, and am so excited that I get to be involved in the weddings of so many people I love, and that so many people want me to be there and do what I do and document their weddings. To quote my stepson, "Yay-ness!"

When people found out I was getting married, everyone wanted to know WHO was going to photograph it! More about that when I get the photos and can gush about all the everything. Because you want to know all about my wedding, right?! It was hard not to take photos, but here are a few that I was able to take before I was swept away!

My Groom! I jokingly 'gave' Joe a get-out-of-haircuts pass in June, and was over the moon when he finally sat in the chair. Our hair was styled by Mandy at Tangerine.

Joe chose to get a pompadour as his wedding hair. His mom was disappointed, I thought he looked cute!

My gorgeous little sister Molly, part I of my bridesmaids!

My beautiful little sister Tasha, part II of my bridesmaids!

Molly had a surprise engagement party thrown by her friends after Brian proposed. I'm impressed everyone was able to keep the secret! One of the first persons Molly called was our dad, his end of the conversation was funny: "Brian panty-hosed? Oh, proposed! Ha ha! Brian proposed!"
Molly with our mother Susan.

Everyone loves rings!!

Let me get a look at that ring...

Can we all get a photo with the ring?

This is my sister-in-law Erin on Christmas day, opening a mystery present from Eric and saying, "What is this? I don't remember wrapping this..."

The surprise proposal!

The acceptance!

Loving that ring!!

Congratulations everyone, and I mean EVERYONE! Happiness abounds!