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Introducing Rhys Joseph Bender

On January 18th at 4:49pm we welcomed our third baby boy into the world, Rhys Joseph Bender.  He was 7 pounds 11 ounces, 20 1/2 inches long and absolutely perfect!

Needless to say, we have been verrrrry busy (and also verrrry tired!)

Grant and Mason welcomed their new baby brother with open arms and it is so fun to see them together!  We’ve already had a number of “discussions” about who gets to hold him first and who will hold him the longest!

In case you’re wondering about his name, Rhys (pronounced Reese) is an old Welsh name meaning:  Enthusiastic, Running or Fiery.  If this little fella lives up to his name, he will fit in just perfectly with his brothers! :)

Here’s a photo of our newest little guy.  More to come soon!

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Cassie & Jack {just married}

What a wedding!  Cassie and Jack shared an intimate celebration at the historic, Grant Wood House in Iowa City.  As soon as we walked on the location, we knew this wedding would be like none other.  I spent the whole day drooling over their fabulous choices…from the beautifully restored architecture, to Cassie’s Prada shoes and antique style veil, their wedding details were breathtaking.  Cassie’s dress, hair, shoes and veil were absolutely perfect.  But,  I knew her hair would be fabulous…she’s a talented stylists at one of my favorite salon’s in the area, Lotus.  Check them out!

Their reception featured the best music we’ve had the opportunity to enjoy yet.  They brought over the Vintage Vocalist, Michael Walker, all the way from Omaha to the delight of everyone in attendance.  This man has a voice so smooth…it’s like butta!  We highly recommend him.

I cannot forget the story told by their best man in his toast.  He mentioned a time when he went traveling Europe with Jack.   It was during this trip that the best man realized just how much Cassie ment to Jack.  Jack’s first priority was to find the perfect coffee cup to bring back to Cassie as their gift.  Every shop they went in, Jack spent time searching for this perfect gift.  So very sweet!

Finally, we have to make mention of the food.  Jack is co-owner of both Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack and Atlas Restaurant located downtown Iowa City.  Their reception food was wonderful. Seriously.  At Atlas they serve the best Mac ‘n Cheese possibly ever known to man and that was likely the highlight of the meal…though everything was delicious!!

Cassie and Jack:  We had such a wonderful time working with you!   I’m sure we’ll see you around town…whether it be in one of your restaurants or at Lotus!

Change is Good!

We are excited to announce our new weddings website!  Woo hoo!  I have been wanting a new look for our wedding site for quite some time and a few months ago we went ahead and embraced change.  After finally finishing the edits last night, it’s so fun to see the new site live and working!

Just hop over to www.samanthbender.com and click on Weddings if you’d like to check it out!  The new site features many images from our most recent weddings that we just haven’t gotten a chance to blog yet.  Enjoy!

Hannah {senior pictures}

What a beautiful girl!  There’s just something about her freckles and gorgeous red hair that makes Hannah stand out.  And, to make things more fun, Hannah brought along her adorable pomeranian doggie to the shoot…a fluffy little ball of fur always makes things more enjoyable!

Kara & Skeat {just married}

A couple of years ago, we photographed Leah and Justin’s wedding.  Two guests at their wedding were Kara and Skeat.  Kara and Skeat fell compelely head over heals for each other at Leah and Justin’s wedding.  And, we found ourselves photographing the wedding of Kara and Skeat this past summer….it was fantastic!  (We’d like to think that we’re a teeny tiny piece of the puzzle that brought Kara and Skeat together…maybe it’s mad photography skills or something?!)

These two have a remarkable connection.  They are just so darn happy together and they both radiate love!  And, the way Skeat looks at Kara…my goodness…this fella is pretty fond of her! It was truly such a joy to work with you both, Kara and Skeat!!!