Kacey Luvi Makeup and Photography

I GOT A NEW BLOG!!!

2010-01-26T22:34:00.003-06:00

Please update your bookmarks!!! I have a NEW BLOG and gave Kacey Luvi a little face lift!! Check out the new look of my MAIN WEBSITE and for all the future blog posts... THE NEW BLOG!

www.kaceyluvi.com/blog

Bare with me as I am attempting to import this blog to MY NEW BLOG so I can keep all the other 408 posts I've made in the past 3 years. This is such a fun milestone for me and I dearly thank all of you who have encouraged me and kept me going. I LOVE the art of photography and I always will, but it's my subjects that keep me inspired, so I thank you.

Enjoy THE NEW BLOG!!!

Our nieces and nephew: Bella, Ana and Dominic!

2010-01-18T22:56:00.005-06:00

Latasha's FLASH course!

2010-01-18T14:45:00.007-06:00

I have been contemplating branching out into teaching workshops as I have been SO blessed and overwhelmed with many emails of "how-to" questions from other photographers! I love answering emails and helping out, so I thought it was time to develop a one-on-one workshop for those of you wanting to learn! I am SO amazed that I have had such interest and I am pleased to show you images from the very first, and successful FLASH course!

Latasha Haynes, a budding photographer from Tacoma, Washington contacted me last September and asked if I would work with her. I saw potential in her and new what it was she was looking to improve in her photography. So, we booked it. Her FLASH course was to take place January 16th, 2010! So, I started compiling a teaching workbook filled with things I would've like to know when I started out, things that still help me today and all my "tricks" of the trade.

The course is designed to be totally uninhibited in my attempt to teach you the necessary and mandatory skills for this business. I don't claim to know everything---not even close---but I love to teach the practical things.. things you wouldn't learn in a semester long photography course at your local community college. It is meant to be practical, hands on and totally transforming in the way you think about shooting and editing. All that to say, this weekend was a success and we had a BLAST!

This is a glimpse of the FLASH course in action. We took McKenna (our beautiful model) out for some funky shooting in the morning.. and some gorgeous kids in my family in the afternoon.

Latasha uploaded the images she took onto her blog at the end of the day and by morning, she had 4 emails inquiring about booking photo sessions! I am SO proud of her and very thankful for our instant connection and our new friendship! Look for the new FLASH website coming soon to inform you all on one-on-one and group workshops coming up!

Here she is, shooting---and the results!!

Along with the workshop, Latasha was sent home with a few fun head shots of her for her website and a NEW LOGO!

McKenna... my most beautiful chocolate Barbie doll.

2010-01-18T14:21:00.005-06:00

We used McKenna for our morning model this weekend for Latasha's FLASH course!

These are a few of the shots I took!

The Gretzky Family!

2010-01-18T13:41:00.006-06:00

The Artinos... plus one extra pretty little Artino.

2010-01-18T13:23:00.006-06:00

The Marinello Family!

2010-01-18T12:59:00.005-06:00

The Carpenter Family!

2010-01-18T12:46:00.004-06:00

The Whittemore Family... Chase is 18 months!

2010-01-18T12:23:00.005-06:00

Payton Travis: high school senior

2010-01-08T12:05:00.004-06:00

I'm finally catching up on blogging after the holidays... so I'll be posting for the month of December... starting with the gorgeous PAYTON!!!

BOOKING FOR SAN DIEGO!!!

2010-01-07T14:49:00.003-06:00

April showers in San Diego....?? Hopefully not!! I'm coming to

San Diego April 13-16th 2010

and have limited space to fill with photo sessions!! So, please contact me with your inquiries!

Kacey Luvi: (712) 898.0418 OR email: KaceyLuvi@yahoo.com

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T13:25:00.003-06:00

Translation:

When asked: "What color is it?" The answer is always "DODGER BLUE!"

The enthusi-spastic "MERRY CHRISTMAS" is followed by ..."NAUNTIE AND CHANCE" (Nauntie is my nickname.. meaning "auntie" in Gaelic.

This is my first Christmas married---which is the absolute joy of my life! So, Chance and I are celebrating at home in Arizona with his family while my family traditionally celebrates in San Diego. Thanks everyone involved in the making of this little video for keeping us in the loop!! We love you!! Merry Christmas to you too, our little BUDDIES!!!!!!!

A preview of the Marinello Family :)

2009-12-11T12:55:00.001-06:00

Stacey and Jon... Just for fun :)

2009-12-06T18:50:00.004-06:00

Love love love this all natural sun flare!! Thank you, 85mm! You're my favorite... sometimes. :)

Testing out the stellar ISO range on the new Canon 5D Mark II. Waaaay past a normal time of day to shoot, but worth a try :)

The Smith Family!!

2009-12-06T16:52:00.004-06:00

In between photos.... a little candy break. My favorite part about this photo is that he has both hands open and cupped, ready for about 30 Skittles, but his mother is wise and hand feeds him one.. :)

Tyler and Hayley Johnson... and the loveliest little men, Braden and Yale.

2009-11-30T13:36:00.007-06:00

Sugar Magnolia: Part 2

2009-11-30T11:58:00.006-06:00

Sugar Magnolia, the most beautifully exquisite bridal boutique in North Scottsdale has a little of everything--and not just for weddings! Their specialties are flowers (as seen here), chocolates and unique gifts, but are not limited to only that. Unique home furnishings, soaps, lighting, books, candles, vases, specialty birthday items, candy... just to name a few. It's worth a stop in there just to see all the things they have! The owners, Jenni and Rachel have asked me to do a second advertisement shoot for the upcoming 2010 bridal magazines. Last year, they were voted "Best Ads" from the Arizona Weddings Magazine! So, we are just trying to stay in line with our ranking. Just bring me hot models and a camera and we make it happen!! Here is a link to the first Sugar Magnolia shoot last fall.. Sugar Magnolia: Part 1 featuring Joe and Stacy Kokes and the little precious Abby-- a real couple, but unrelated child :) Also, here is a link to the Sugar Magnolia STORE BLOG. ENJOY!!!

And now, the modeling stylings of Ashley and Nathan... soon to be married in March 2010 and my gorgeous cousin, McKenna :)

Seth and Kerry: Married in Pasadena, CA on October 24th!

2009-11-28T21:12:00.008-06:00

This wedding was a HUGE pleasure to be a part of. This is my very long time friend Seth and his amazingly beautiful wife, Kerry. Seth and I met in our high school youth group in Sioux City, IA our sophomore year in high school. Once we graduated high school, we found ourselves enrolled in the same University in LA, Azusa Pacific!! It was at APU that Seth met Kerry (our well-deserving class homecoming queen) :) and here they are now beginning their happily ever after. Seth---I can't thank you enough for your friendship over the past 13 years. You looked out for me in your own particular and unmentioned ways... and I appreciate it more than you know. What an amazing girl you have in Kerry. Kerry---you, my dear have snagged a quality guy. Always consider each other first and you will find so much joy. Love you both!!

PRVCY Jeans Advertisement...

2009-11-19T17:09:00.006-06:00

This photo session was an advertisement for PRVCY Jeans for UNQBOUTIQUE based in Chandler, AZ. Since I had these amazing models to work with, I also shot a few extra "headshots" just for fun. So, enjoy Ryan and Brittany... in PRVCY jeans!!

Check out these Fox girls...

2009-11-16T19:56:00.002-06:00

I L-O, L-O, L-O, L-O-V-E this shot. Katie is gorgeous and this her 2nd daughter, Faith!!

Aren't they the most precious little crew?

Hannah, who is a delicious little 5 year old, wanted to see what it took to be a photographer. Though Katie, her gorgeous mom, was apprehensive, I wrapped the camera strap around Hannah's neck and off she went! Great job, girlfriend!!!

My sisters... a kitchen session.

2009-11-16T11:20:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago, I had a chance to spend some time with my sisters, Sunshine and Katie! We had a free morning and afternoon so Sunshine and I had coffee in the morning and made a quick girly trip to Ulta to do grab a few fun products. Then, grabbed some lunch and went back to Katie's house and played with all the new stuff! So, here we are, in the beautiful kitchen light that I love so much. Just a few curls and a makeup always make girls happy :) Here are my sweet sisters... just wanted to show them off to you.

SUNSHINE:

KATIE:

Katie and her boys, my nephews... Micah and Liam!

The Serrato Family... the 2009 version :)

2009-11-11T14:59:00.007-06:00

Their 8-week old English Bulldog, HANK!!

The Klein Family in Balboa Park, San Diego!

2009-11-11T13:08:00.006-06:00

The Warren Twins..

2009-11-11T11:57:00.005-06:00

This was a session that I couldn't stop talking about for DAYS after I shot it. These twins just melted my heart and I can't wait to go back for their 6 month and 1 year sessions! They are 6 weeks old here and just delicious!!! I even had Jessica, the proud (and gorgeous) mother snap a photo of ME holding the twins at the end!! ENJOY!

Allison and Tim: Engaged to be married in APRIL!!!

2009-11-02T22:10:00.005-06:00

I met Allison and Tim last weekend in San Diego for the first time, but it felt as if we had been friends for years! We instantly hit it off---of course a makeup session before a shoot always brings two girls together :) I can not WAIT to be a part of your wedding day in April! You guys are awesome!

Carly.. a high school senior!

2009-10-29T19:34:00.003-06:00

Carly!!! My mini-me! Not as much in looks (I could only wish) but in our interests! We hit it off instantly and my camera couldn't get enough of her. She has no bad angles, she laughs a lot, she has a heart of gold, she has no idea how gorgeous she actually is, she is respectful and a great student! I only put up a few for her to see because I am waiting for the DVD slideshow viewing for her to see the rest--otherwise, I would want to post ALL of her images. I will post more as soon as she sees the rest! :) See you soon, Carly!

2009-10-19T21:27:00.005-06:00

CHECK OUT OUR NEW HOME AT

The Pearson Team Blog

The newest miracle in my life... baby Evy Love.

2009-10-19T15:55:00.002-06:00

Evangeline Love Artino... born to 2 of my very, very dear friends, Paul and Lauren. These photos were snapped at my first meeting of her... just 4 days after she was born! I am in love and trying now even harder to subside my baby fever.

Congratulations guys!! xoxoxo

The Roberts Family :)

2009-10-19T15:20:00.004-06:00

Tracy and Aaron: MARRIED!!! and GORGEOUS!!!

2009-10-18T20:50:00.003-06:00

Tracy and Aaron have a great story and even more so have hearts of gold. Tracy has been a friend of mine for about 3 years, but now the couple has become friends of Chance and I's and now it's opening a whole new element of fun. We are greatly looking forward to dinner dates, snowboarding trips (where the girls will probably kick your butts) and whatever else the future may surprise us with... we are excited to have you in our lives. May you love marriage as much as we do already!!!

Congratulations, you two! More photos to come!!! :)

The Escovedo Family!!

2009-10-18T20:26:00.004-06:00

Too much cute!! Too much fun!! Thanks Escovedo family---you are a blast!!!! :) See you next year for senior pictures Alexis!!! :)

-Kacey

My friends.... Clara and Judah!

2009-10-18T18:24:00.003-06:00

I was invited over to the homes of one of my sweet college friends, Emily (Callan) Maurer for a delicious brunch and a little playtime. Emily and her husband, Owen were at Chance and I's wedding in May and just 2 weeks later, gave birth to their 2nd adorable baby--Judah. I was SO refreshed, encouraged and "tickled" if you will, over these 2 children. It was a fun morning/afternoon and I look forward to visiting again..

Here is Clara in one of her favorite spots.. the swing dangling from the tree in the front yard.

As soon as I arrived, Clara was at the kitchen table enjoying a few bites of mom's homemade Banana Bread. I am IN LOVE with this photo.. she wasn't sure who I was and definitely didn't know why I had a big black machine over my eyes all the time.

Here is Judah!!! Now just 5 months old!!! His age will always be a marker for Chance and I--remembering he was born just after our wedding. He's like our love baby... ?? maybe. Just a marker.

I am crazy about Clara. She is very well-mannered, sweet and sensitive... a real lover, playful, intuitive and incredibly detailed. I was chatting with Em and here she is cruising through the house in my sandals I left at the door. Little girls are so cute!! Especially this one. Moments later, she spotted an ant on the floor, sat down, took a sandal off and started slapping the sandal on the floor, attempting to kill the tiniest baby any I've ever seen. She's quite tactile.

Happy as can be!!!

Sad to leave the swing :(

I love this! Em cut the apple in small slices for Clara and she took a perfect little girl bite out of the middle.

The Lucky Family!!!

2009-10-17T23:30:00.004-06:00

The Lucky family booked a session right along side the Madrigal family, the previous post. They are best friends and decided to do this all together. We had a blast and I'm crazy about these girly clothes!! Check out Deanna and the The Lucky Princess at www.theluckyprincess.com!!!!

The Madrigal Family!!!

2009-10-17T21:36:00.005-06:00

Holly and Brent: MARRIED in Cedar Falls, Iowa!

2009-10-15T21:18:00.007-06:00

Holly and Brent are a sweet, sweet couple from Cedar Falls, IA. The wedding was one of the most tender, tear-jerking, heartfelt events I've ever been a part of. There was rarely a dry eye of the 300 in attendance that day.

After makeup was done, Holly and Brent wanted to have a "First Look" moment together before the ceremony. She immediately started crying and just before I could choke back my own tears I wanted to scream----"Holllyyyyy---You're MAKEUP!!!" Then, I confessed my vanity.
Brent's reaction was just as your see here: "Ooooooooooooooooooooh"

Nice rock.... geez.

The truest Holly face as I know her :)

The Bridal party was one of a kind--7 girls and the 2nd one from the left leaning on the piano is her grandmother!!!! So precious!!

The flower girl... what a babe!!!

I'm not completely sure what's happening here... which is why I'm posting it.. You just never know what you're going to get. Sure... you get to meet (or in our case... just over the phone) and you get a feel for the bride and groom's personalities and lives... but you never know what you'll get with the bridal party.. And THIS group-----absolutely nuts and hilarious. I think a few of them are throwing out gang signs?? Some laughing... some modeling for ANTM. You JUST never know.

The MEN:

The WOMEN:

They had a CANDY BAR set up for people to grab on their way into the reception. I paid a visit. More than 4 times.

Their details were exquisite!

The remnants of some carrot cake... and the rings, of course. I hope they weren't too sticky when I returned them.

Holly and Brent----

You were both so amazing to work with on your wedding day! I could tell by listening to everyone's toasts and blessings that you have each influenced many, many lives. May God Bless your marriage!

Holly---

I have never been treated so sweetly by a bride. You took care of me from start to finish and really cared about all the details for my travel. I am overwhelmed that you sent me a Thank You gift----who does that??? AND you are the first bride to ever give me a shout out during your toast. YOu are truly one of a kind and I am blessed to know you.

-Kacey

The Rees Family, Sioux City, IA

2009-10-12T19:47:00.004-06:00

Alex Condon: Heelan High School Senior, Sioux City, IA

2009-10-11T19:01:00.002-06:00

Jamaica Adams: Heelan High School senior, Sioux City, IA

2009-10-09T18:35:00.005-06:00

Averee Star and Ryder Kuhl Henshaw... My little cousins :)

2009-10-08T15:02:00.003-06:00

Ashley and Nathan... Engaged!!!

2009-10-01T14:10:00.006-06:00

Ashley and Nathan are engaged!! They are planning to be married on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at Val Vista Lakes! Ashley is not just another bride to me--she has been my hair stylist and friend for almost 4 years! She is an amazing woman and found herself quite an awesome man to marry! I am ALWAYS quick to refer her--she is the BEST at anything having to do with hair. Call her if you want your life to change with an amazing mane----480-200-4050!

The Rose Family:

2009-10-01T13:50:00.005-06:00

The Rose family are my old neighbors in South Dakota!! I'll never forget when the 3 girls popped over to my house one day after moving in... I thought.. Who are these girls and why did their mother let them come over unattended?? Doesn't she know that I might steal them??? Clearly, Yourna didn't know that I was capable of squeezing them into my suitcase and taking them home with me. These girls... this FAMILY... is just amazing! I photographed them 2.. or 3?? years ago in the fall and it was time to update!

I love this shot of Yourna and Dave---so natural.. a perfect moment.

The youngest of the 3 girls: Paige!

The three hotties: Fayola, Yasmeen and Paige

Yas... "Yazzzzz"

I love the fall in Dakota Dunes!

Fay.. pronounced Fi (with a long i) Recomgnize her from her senior pictures posted a few weeks ago?? She's a total beauty!

The Havran Family:

2009-09-29T20:44:00.004-06:00

Alex Davidson: high school senior, Gilbert, AZ

2009-09-29T12:28:00.003-06:00

Mya...

2009-09-17T22:47:00.004-06:00

A baby's butt--directly from God.

I LOVE putting newborns in the FEED bag! Both for size reference and parody.

Briana is such a pretty mom :)

Lilly...

2009-09-09T21:18:00.002-06:00

Tracy and Aaron: Engaged for 1 more month!!

2009-09-07T15:58:00.004-06:00

I'm thrilled to be chosen as your wedding photographer next month!! I can't wait to experience this with you and continue our friendship! Thanks for the fun double date last week! :)

Baby Ella...

2009-09-05T19:53:00.003-06:00

This beauty belongs to my dear friends, Jamie and Jeremy. Have you ever seen anything like her? She's an absolute heart melter. And her personality? Just as cute and lovable. Oh! I wish she were mine.

Lauren's Baby Shower!

2009-09-03T13:45:00.004-06:00

Lauren and I have been friends since the day her and her husband came to visit AZ from Florida. They were contemplating a move to take a pastoral position at my church, East Valley Bible, in Gilbert. We instantly hit it off over coffee one Sunday morning and ever since they moved here, she has been a faithful, consistent and genuine friend. I was thrilled the day I heard they were pregnant--and will be even more excited the day Baby Evy arrives!!! It was a Friday morning at The Good Egg when we first discussed the details of the baby shower she would like to have. When selecting a theme, I wanted something that was relevant, fresh and obvious. Naturally, I like to do things a little over the top. So, the theme I chose was "nesting." ENJOY!!

Baby TJ... 6 months!

2009-09-03T11:52:00.004-06:00

Julie and Joel: MARRIED!

2009-09-03T10:20:00.008-06:00

This post is long overdue, but I was just going through my files and realized that this blog post never made it! The reason is because it was just about to go up and I left for my Sioux City marathon of photography and things have never been the same :)

This is Julie and Joel Wagner... married July 11th at Inspirador in Chandler!

PEARLS UPDATE!

2009-09-02T12:51:00.003-06:00

www.iamapearl.com

If you have a daughter, are a daughter, know a daughter, want a daughter... and you have a mom, are a mom, know a mom or know someone who is a mom... CHECK THIS EVENT OUT! :)

On September 19th, 2009, there will be a Mother/Daughter or Aunt/Niece or Grandma/Granddaughter... (I don't care how you slice it, just get there!)

Brunch will be served and I will be teaching the ladies the Biblical truths of 3 major issues facing adolescents today: Identity, Friendships and Purity.

There is time to sign up! Call me for more info, or call the hosting church directly! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR FIND OUT MORE INFO!

PEARLS EVENT AT SUN VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Madelyn: a high school senior at Dakota Valley in S. Dakota

2009-08-25T13:05:00.005-06:00

Alison: a high school senior at Valley Christian in Chandler, AZ

2009-08-21T18:04:00.002-06:00

Amy and Tony: ENGAGED!!

2009-08-17T14:56:00.005-06:00

Amy and Tony met at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, IA and are planning to be married in November of this year! The timing worked out perfectly for us to do an engagement session in Iowa while I was visiting!

Tony was on the baseball team, so I LOVED Amy's idea to shoot at the baseball field. Unfortunately, we couldn't get IN in, but we shot a few on the bleachers!

Their wedding date!! Shot at the original bar they where they hung out during their college dating days :)

LOVE this authentic lens flare :)

Madisen Sherman: a high school senior at Dakota Valley in South Dakota:)

2009-08-17T14:51:00.004-06:00

I'm the F-to-the-E-R-G-to-I-to-E.... fergalicious..

2009-08-14T15:41:00.006-06:00

Taylor Ferguson, aka Fergie Ferg... yes, this is a real life 12 year old. I know, too good to be true? Too pretty for 12?? I KNOW!!! But, I'm telling you, she's real!!! This is my 3rd annual session with Taylor and every year she is even more comfortable in front of the camera and every year I tell her she was made for modeling :) THIS year, since she turned 12, her mom also added makeup to her package, so she's a bit more dolled up than usual... but still to mom-approved 12 year old standards. Love you, Fergie!

Fayola "Fay' (pronouced Fi with a long i) :)

2009-08-14T15:33:00.003-06:00

Fay is a high school senior at Heelan in Sioux City, IA. She's also my old neighbor in South Dakota!! I was anxious to get my camera on her... for obvious reasons.. she's gorgeous, totally photogenic and has great style. Check out her prom dress!! And yes, it is as loud as it looks!! :)

LOVE her funky style!!!

The Moravek Family of 4!

2009-08-14T15:20:00.004-06:00

This is the sweet Moravek Family...growing every year!! This is their 3rd session with me and for some reason, I was most nervous about this shoot! I should expect (and so should my clients) that I improve every year, so I really wanted this to be a success. Ashley requested a creative vibe, so we brought in balloons and went totally vintage fun on the editing. I hope you like the first peek! :)

Annie Hartnett: a high school senior at Heelan in Sioux City, IA

2009-08-14T15:15:00.004-06:00

Jenna Henderson: a High School Senior in Wakefield, NE

2009-08-14T15:10:00.003-06:00

How gorgeous is this blondie from Wakefield, Nebraska? She's a lifeguard, so explains her flawless tan and sun bleached hair!

Julia Anderson: a high school senior in Waterloo, IA, photographed in Lake Okoboji, IA

2009-08-13T13:57:00.003-06:00

Haley Galvin: a high school senior at Heelan in Sioux City, IA

2009-08-13T13:05:00.003-06:00

Our Trip to Iowa!

2009-08-12T16:53:00.004-06:00

Check out more photos from our trip to Iowa last week on our family blog:

www.thepearsonteam.blogspot.com

Jessica Benson: High School Senior at Heelan in Sioux City, IA

2009-08-12T15:10:00.003-06:00

Jessica was SO FUN to photograph! We found this handmade wooden bird house in someone's backyard and took advantage! We weren't sure if this session was going to happen because we had serious storm clouds rolling into Sioux City! The weather held up perfectly for me for 2 full days. Miraculously, it only rained for the last five minutes of my 10th session and while I was working on hair and makeup for my 11th session, Jessica. Then, it cleared up and we rocked it out! It was amazing!

Very ANTM:

One of my favorties :)

Hannah Reed: A high school senior in S. Sioux City, NE

2009-08-12T14:57:00.005-06:00

This is the first of 12 sessions to be posted from the Sioux City/Okoboji marathon of sessions from last Wednesday and Thursday!

This is the gorgeous Hannah, that squeezed in one of the last spots available on my schedule---which means she was a total trooper to come at 7:30AM on Thursday morning! :)

Allie and James: Engagement Session

2009-08-12T14:51:00.003-06:00

This is a very backwards post, but I just realized that because of timing issues with James' relocation to North America from England, we shot their engagement and wedding within the same week! SO---here's the engagement photos of Allie and James that I failed to post before their wedding images :) Enjoy!

Jojo Diggs

2009-08-12T14:44:00.003-06:00

The Paz Family :)

2009-08-12T14:24:00.004-06:00

Talia and I met on the first day of grad school at Arizona State University--it was orientation to be exact and I was looking for an open seat. I turned to the right and saw this exact open mouth happy face and gladly took a seat next to her. We have been great friends even since :) This is her husband, Ernesto and newly 2 year old, Ernesto Jr. :)

Love you guys!! :)

Aiyana :) A high school senior and uber talented musician!

2009-08-01T15:52:00.004-06:00

Banana Cream Cups Recipe:

2009-07-26T11:02:00.002-06:00

To make 2 delicious Banana Cream cups, you will need:

1 box of Jell-o Instant Banana Pudding
2 cups of Milk
1 Banana
Nilla Wafers (the generic ones are less than half the price and just as good) :)
Spray Can Whipped Cream

To build:

My husband prefers them in the clear cups so you can see the fun layers:) You can either serve them in clear glasses OR pick some clear plastic cups at the grocery store if you're transporting these desserts to a picnic or if you are serving kids. We've done both and nobody cares what they're served in, they just love them!!

First, crumble the Nilla wafers in a large ziploc bag and scoop out from there. Put 1/4 cup at the bottom of the cups. The next step is to take your thinly sliced bananas and arrange them vertically around the inside of the cup. Because they are so moist, they stick pretty well. Then, also place a layer of bananas on top of the Nilla Wafers so they stay nice and crunchy by protecting them from the next layer--the Banana pudding! Add the banana pudding, leaving about a half inch from the top of the glass. Then, more Nilla wafer crumbles and a tower of whipped cream on top. For presentation purposes, you can keep a few whole Nilla Wafers to stick into the whipped cream as a little garnish. Serve chilled!

We also made 4th of July parfaits for Chance's company picnic and they were gone as soon as we checked back to the snack table! The bottom layer was blueberry compote, then plain vanilla yogurt, then granola on top, with strawberries sliced on top of the granola. Keep in mind, if you keep the green on the strawberries and slice carefully from the top to the pointy tip without cutting all the way through, you can seperate the berry a bit to make it appear like a heart. It's a cute garnish on top.

The Hamburger Throwdown...

2009-07-22T13:14:00.000-06:00

Any Pearson Throwdown is characterized by 5 main components: Taste, Presentation, Creativity, Competition and Good Company.

Competition and Good Company is mandatory---Taste, Presentation and Creativity is what we are judged on.

And even though you can't taste these, use the descriptions and your imaginations to decide and VOTE for your favorite on the right hand tool bar!!

Meet the competitors...

First, Mick McGinty, an All-American artist by trade, creating in such varieties of mediums as oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil and finger paints. He got his start as an artist at Knott's Berry Farm, painting oil portraits of children who would not sit still. He is that good. He raised a family in Southern California, married the love of his life, and is now a proud grandfather of 4 grandchildren. They call him Papa. Claiming to be an amateur in the kitchen, let's see what his artistry skills bring to the table... literally.

Kerry McGinty, the wife of the All-American artist and 1,000 women wrapped in one. She has held such jobs as a gift shop clerk, an X-Ray technician, a video artist, women's ministry leader, rotary notary, some type of paper/forms processor at Arizona State, H&RBlock (don't ask... she hated that one) and now a realtor and assistant to KaceyLuvi, Creative Productions. She is competitive, mean and ready to win. Let's see if she rises to the challenge.

Chance Pearson, the blessed husband of KaceyLuvi, Creative Productions. Born and corn fed an Iowan, Spencer..to be exact. 14,000 people in the city he grew up in makes it hard to believe such greatness could arise out of such a town. He was the star running back of his time. Spencer Tigers, #33, the 517th member to pledge into Phi Psi at Arizona State University and now 30 year old District Manager of Core Concepts Personal Training. He has big muscles, but an even bigger heart. He's a lover, not a fighter. But today, he came to win. Let's see if his creation is as big time as he is with his luxury Harkins Theatre cup.
Kacey... the even more blessed wife of Chance Pearson, the Spencer Tiger transport. She is pleased to have married someone like her dad... steady, consistent and faithful. Kacey has come to party. She is ready to win, don't get me wrong, but the social aspect of this Throwdown is the most important part to her. However, she brought her A game. She graduated with self-proclaimed Social Honors from Azusa Pacific University and self-proclaimed Slacker Honors from Arizona State University. She is no dummy and plays to win.

First off, we have Chance Pearson's burger. A mix if hamburger, turkey sausage and Lipton Onion soup mix atop a bun smothered with a homemade aioli. The aioli contained mayo, garlic, basil, extra virgin olive oil and salt to taste. The final garnish was the cucumbers, sliced to perfection. He named it:

"CoolAsA"

Next, the pizza burger, created by Kerry McGinty. I can't even start to list the ingredients, but the bottom line was, it tasted just like a pizza on a burger. However, she put so many ingredients within the meat (including a homemade pizza sauce) that the burger hardly kept itself together on the grill. Better luck next time on presentation, Kerry. She named it:

"Pizza... Question Mark"

Kacey clearly took a risk on her double decker burger. Each patty was covered in spreadable Brie cheese (a Kacey Pearson favorite) and a grilled Peach ring. Few ingredients. Big flavor. So she thought. She named it:

"The Fruit Loop"

And finally, Mick McGinty's burger. The one we were mysteriously anticipating for it's creativity and artistic expression. Mick, being the all-american that he is, put together this perfect swiss, bacon and mushroom burger. It looked like it was ready to be on the expo line. He named it:

"Ring Around the Mushroom"

And in the end... dessert. 4 perfect banana cream pies in a cup. Possibly the most delicious thing ever created.

Kenna Pagel... my gorgeous cousin.. and a high school senior!

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This girl is as sweet as they come. You may recognize her from being one of my bridesmaids at Chance and my wedding! Her features are a photographer's dream and her genuine love is a pure breath of fresh air. I will never forget the moment I told her I was getting married. She said, "What?? Wait...Kace!! Are you serious?? Wait... this is crazy, like.. we've been dreaming about this since I was born!!! Ok.. so what color dress am I going to wear?"

Kenna--you are so special to me. I am so proud of you for the ways you have set yourself apart. I look forward to watching you grow more and more and see you blossom into quite the little woman God has created to you be. I love you!

Our Costa Rica Honeymoon Photos can be found....

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on our personal blog http://www.thepearsonteam.blogspot.com/

Fair warning... I know I'm a professional, but I only brought my little pocket Canon point-and-shoot.. taking my camera gear would have been a severe obstruction to quality time spent together and tested my brand new husband's patience to the max. It wasn't quite worth the struggle. Baby Canon did just fine documenting the things we wanted to document :) ENJOY!

Just a quick sneak peek of Allie and James' Wedding :)

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What's awesome is shooting a wedding where the bride and groom look like they are straight off the set of a bridal magazine modeling shoot.

Christina:

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Christina and I go waaaay back.. well, as far as about 3 and a half years ago. I was still living in San Diego when I came out to Arizona for my grad school visit. I decided to stop in to the nearest MAC Cosmetics in the Chandler Mall and talk to a manager about free lancing once I relocated. I was currently a key holding manager at the MAC Cosmetics in Carslbad, CA and wanted to stay within the MAC family throughout my grad school studies. It had become 2nd nature and I thought it would be a good side job to continue in the industry, much less a great networking tool. So, I meet Christina.. the nicest, east coaster I've ever met. Once I moved to Chandler, I got hooked back up into the MAC system and even had the chance to work with Christina every once in awhile. About 6 months ago, I went into MAC and we agreed on a sweet little trade. She did all of my bridesmaids and mom's makeup on the wedding day and in exchange--she got these sweet headshots :) Now, I cannot take credit for this amazing beauty. God granted us this golden light, the staff at Olive & Ivy allowed us to use their back patio, and Christina had an entourage of hair and makeup experts by her side, Anton and Courtney. We had a blast and I am so thankful to work with such professionals. The 3 of them did an incredible job dictating the look of Christina's shoot. I hope you are all satisfied with the results.. as I am :)

The Waller Band... (well, just Family actually)

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