Ichi Bike!

My husband plays hockey with a guy named Dan.  Dan is a pretty awesome guy... very nice, very talented and very creative.  Dan is a tattoo artist and has a tattoo shop called Yankee Doodle Tattoo here is Des Moines.  That is pretty sweet in and of itself... HOWEVER... In addition to the tattoo place, Dan and his wife Amy just opened up a bicycle chop shop called Ichi Bike!  Let me tell you that these bikes are so awesome!!  

For those of you who don't know Japanese (and I am one of them) - ichi means "number one".  These bikes are definitely #1.  They are some of the grooviest, custom designed and built bikes I have ever seen!  All of the bikes in the shop are old school, chopped and redesigned by Dan.  You really have to see them!

The opening for his shop was this past Saturday.  Dave and I had the privilege of being there, had a beer (Fat Tire of course!), bought a T-Shirt, hung out and took some photos.  Good times!  :)

If you are in Des Moines, you need to check this place out.  There are some of the best bikes in town!    

Best of luck to you Dan and Amy!!!  I know that you will do well!!

Dan's first transaction!




Love these theater chairs!












Buy the shirt!  ;)


Hey Dan!  Nice shop!




Nice.  














"Welcome to the Neighborhood" gift!  


...this one just came in... it's not yet been redesigned by Dan.  Cannot wait to see what it will look like!

Muddin' with Becky!

Yesterday I took Skye and went up to visit my friend Becky at her home.  Just to hang, wedge some clay, throw some pots...  

It was so much fun!  Skye was such a good doggie.  

I threw a pot on the wheel - haven't done that in line 15+ years!  It turned out okay... It's usable anyway!  Hopefully it will make it through drying and firing... we shall see!  :)

I helped Becky wedge some grog into a whole mess of clay, which was quite a workout.  I really felt the clay-love this morning when I woke up... whoa!  

Here are some shots from the afternoon visit.  Can't wait to do it again!!!

Seipp Family Session

Date:  April 25, 2010

Location:  Faust Park - Chesterfield, MO

Sara is a friend of mine from high school.  That's right... I said high school.  I have known her a long time.  A while back I announced that I was going to do portrait sessions in St. Louis and she said that she wanted me to do her family's session.  I was pretty excited.  :)  I haven't seen her in 17 years!!  WOW!

It was great to see her and meet her family.  I only wish we could have had time for coffee and chat.  :)  

Thanks Seipp family for rescheduling your session and then braving some sprinkles for your session with me!  

Jessica + Mike = Hitched

Date:  April 24, 2010
Ceremony:  Assumption Catholic Church - O'Fallon, MO
Reception:  Bear Creek - Wentzville, MO


Jessica is my niece and she asked me about a half-a-dozen times to be the photographer at her wedding.  I was reluctant to shoot family weddings, but she was persistent and I said "Yes!"  :) I am glad I did.  


She was BeAuTiFuL!  Don't you think?  Maybe I am biased, but I think she was stunning!  Mike was very handsome in his tuxedo and shiny shoes.  The day started out over cast, but by the time the ceremony was over it was raining.  There were t-storm warnings and tornado warnings all about... it was reported that one even touched down not far from where we were!  I have to say that aside from ducking in and out of venues, we were oblivious to the weather.  


All and all it was a beautiful day... just lovely.  :)  
I know that Jessica and Mike are going to have a wonderful,long marriage to each other.


Welcome to the family, Mike!


Love you both - Aunt Jill.  ;)