Essman Wedding - Cortni and Justin's big day - Beautiful day of celebrating - The Vinewood, Topeka, KS

 It was a cold and rainy day. You know what they say about rainy weddings, it's good luck. I feel that Cortni and Justin don't need it. They will be just fine! They are an amazing couple, full of love and two beautiful children. They are such a great family and so sweet. It was an honor to be a part of their big day. Because of the weather, we mostly shot the entire day at their location, The Vinewood. 

It was recently renovated and it looks awesome! They did such a great job. The vaulted ceilings were painted white and grey and really opened up the space. I loved shooting there. It was a fun day, full of laughs, and hugs and even some tears... of joy. Cortni looked absolutely stunning. She was a beautiful bride!!!

I want to wish Cortni and Justin the very best. I am so soooo happy for them.








Tommy and Holly Peterson
tommy@thpetersonphoto.com
785.793.2492 | 785.213.0812
Scranton, KS

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Interview with Brenner Beninga - Washburn Rural Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
I’ve known Brenner for a little while now, and his senior session was exactly what I expected—full of energy, laughs, and plenty of shirtless moments (classic Brenner). We did his shoot at his family’s farm, which was the perfect spot for him. Between the pond, the barn, the greenhouse, and the chickens running around, it felt like home—and he was totally in his element. He pulled out toe touches, a backflip, and even some wrestling moves mid-session. Only Brenner could make a senior photo shoot feel like an action movie and a comedy show rolled into one. What I love about Brenner is that he’s always 100% himself. He’s hilarious, super athletic, and genuinely a good dude. He cheers, wrestles, trains MMA, and has big dreams of stepping into the cage one day—and I believe he’ll get there. He came into this session so excited, and it made the whole experience even more fun. I’ve always admired his confidence and drive, and I can’t wait to see where life takes him. He’s got a big heart, ...
Read more

Interview with Jack Donovan - Rossville Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
Jack’s senior session took place at the golf course at Lake Wabaunsee, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect day. The sun was shining, the sky was a deep blue with just a few bright clouds, and the course looked beautiful. Jack has been playing golf since he was little, so it was special to photograph him in a place that means a lot to him. He’s a senior at Rossville High School—super friendly, easy going, and has a great smile. Jack made the session fun and relaxed, and it honestly flew by. We’re excited to share some of our favorite shots from his Class of 2026 session! T.H. Peterson: What classes are you looking forward to most your senior year? Jack: The class that I am most looking forward to taking my senior year is Government. T.H. P.: What are your plans for summer?  Jack: I plan to play a lot of golf this summer and hangout with my friends. T.H. P.: Best course you’ve ever played on?  Jack: The best course I have ever played on is Prairie Dunes in Hutch. T.H. P.: ...
Read more

Interview with Adrian Romero - Topeka West Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
Adrian is a senior at Topeka West, graduating with the Class of 2026. She’s been playing soccer since 3rd grade, and her love for the game really showed during her session. She’s confident, driven, and full of energy—and on top of that, incredibly photogenic with a beautiful, bright smile. We spent a lot of time focusing on her passion for soccer, and it was clear how much it means to her. At the end of the session, we headed out to the water at Shawnee Lake, just in time for the most incredible sunset. The sky lit up in a rich orange glow, giving us the perfect backdrop. Adrian looked amazing against the lake and sunset, and we captured some truly stunning images. It was such a fun evening and a session to remember! T.H. Peterson: What classes are you looking forward to your senior year? Adrian: I’m looking forward to earning my CMA during my senior year. T.H. P: Why is TWest a great school? Adrian: Because students have many different opportunities to explore and excel in. ...
Read more

Interview with Shelbi Hilton - Shawnee Heights Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
Shelbi is a senior at Shawnee Heights High School, and photographing her was such a joy! We started at her home, and her backyard was like a hidden park—full of gorgeous spots for pictures. Shelbi has the sweetest personality and a smile that lights up every photo. She was so easygoing and fun to be around, which made the session feel relaxed and natural. After that, we made our way to Shawnee Lake, and the timing couldn’t have been better. The sun was setting right over the water, giving us the most beautiful golden light. Shelbi’s laugh is the kind that makes you smile just hearing it, and it showed through in every shot. It was one of those sessions that felt more like hanging out with a friend than work. T.H. Peterson: What are your plans after high school? Shelbi: Studying to be a Sonogram Tech. T.H. P.: What is keeping you busy this summer? Shelbi: Work, friends & family. T.H. P.: What kind of student are you? Shelbi: A loud one! T.H. P.: What is something about your ...
Read more

Interview with Taylor Swygert - Silver Lake Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
I had such a great time photographing Taylor, a senior from Silver Lake High School. She plays softball and had an incredible season, even making it to state where her team took 2nd place! Taylor is full of personality—funny, outgoing, and just a joy to be around. Her family came along for the session, and you could feel how close and supportive they are. It made the whole experience even better. We started the session at Echo Cliff, which was absolutely beautiful. Then we made our way to downtown Dover for some fun shots, and we ended the evening at the Silver Lake ball fields to capture her love for the game. The sunset light was perfect, and the whole session felt relaxed and special. Taylor is an amazing young lady, and I loved getting to celebrate this big milestone with her. T.H. Peterson: What are your plans after high school? Taylor: I plan to go to college, play softball, and major in Graphics.  T.H. P.: Classes you are looking forward to your senior year? Taylor: I’m mos...
Read more

Interview with Briar Dobbie - Jeff West - Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
Briar’s senior session at the Kansas History Museum was such a joy to photograph! Even though we shot in the middle of the day, the light was absolutely amazing, and it lit up her great smile in every photo. Briar was so much fun to be around—her personality made the session fly by, and she brought such a relaxed, happy energy to the shoot. From the first photo to the last, Briar was all smiles and full of life. Her laughter was contagious, and she made every spot at the museum look like it was made just for her. I loved getting to capture this special season of her life! T.H. Peterson: What are your plans after high school? Briar: I’m going to Washburn for nursing school! T.H. P.: Classes you're looking forward to next year? Briar: Weights and Peer Tutor T.H. P.: What kind of student are you? Briar: The kind that’s ready to be out of school. T.H. P.: First thing you do when you get home from school? Briar: See my puppies then lay in bed T.H. P.: Something you liked abou...
Read more

Interview with Ciara Frye - Seaman High Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
I’ve known Ciara since she was just three years old and have had the joy of photographing her over the years. Watching her grow into the beautiful, confident, and smiley young lady she is today has been amazing. She’s now a proud member of the Class of 2026 at Seaman High School, where she cheers with so much spirit and energy. Her personality is truly perfect for photos—so full of life and joy. For her session, we spent time downtown and then headed to Seaman High for some shots that showed off her school pride. As we wrapped things up, the skies turned dark and dramatic, and we could tell a storm was on the way. Later that night it poured, but the risk was worth it. The moody sky added such a cool, bold vibe to her final images. I’m so thankful I got to capture this big milestone for Ciara! T.H. Peterson: What’s your go-to hype song before a big performance or game? Ciara: Highway to Hell- ACDC. T.H. P.: What would your dream job be? Ciara: Air Refueling W ing with the Air National ...
Read more

Interview with Paxton Willmet - Silver Lake Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
I had a great time photographing Paxton, a senior at Silver Lake High School. We took most of his photos on the football field and in the weight room—two places that really show who he is. Paxton is not only a football player but also a dedicated powerlifter. He throws up some seriously impressive numbers, and it was awesome to capture that strength and focus on camera. Paxton brought his mom and girlfriend along for the session, and we got some great images with both of them. You can tell he’s got a strong support system, and that always makes a difference. He’s got a great smile, an easygoing personality, and he’s clearly smart and driven. I have no doubt he’ll do big things in the future! T.H. Peterson: Dream job? Paxton:   A financial advisor T.H. P.:   Song you listen to every time you workout? Paxton:   Animal I Have Become T.H. P.:   What fitness goals do you have? Paxton:   To squat 500 pounds T.H. P.:   Something you liked about your session with ...
Read more

How to Prepare for a Photo Session - Topeka's Best Family Portrait Photographers

Image
Select outfits that will make for a timeless portrait. Choose practical clothing items, and keep the location and time of year in mind.  Select clothing items and accessories that are not too distracting or that you will have to adjust often during the session (think long necklaces or ruffled tops on a windy day).  Keep in mind the weather, wind speed, and humidity/chance of rain.  If you have littles, bring them some snacks to help give them incentives during the session.  This can help us to get kids to cooperate and make or break a session.  If it is windy, wear your hair up.  Trimming your bangs/hair slightly to keep them out of your eyes is a great idea, too! Use product like mousse, gel, pomade, and hairspray to tame your mane!    Pick shoes that will be easy to walk in at the location of the session.  For example, high heels are not recommended for sunflower shoots, but would look great in an urban/downtown ...
Read more

April and John's engagement session at Liquid Art Winery and Estate - Topeka, Manhatta, KS Wedding and Engagement Photographers

Image
April and John’s engagement session at Liquid Art Winery in Manhattan, KS was an absolute dream. The rolling hills made the perfect backdrop, especially as the sun began to set and cast a warm golden glow across the landscape. The weather couldn’t have been better—clear skies, soft light, and just the right breeze. Even more special, we took their photos at the exact spot where they’ll be saying “I do,” which made the whole session feel even more meaningful. These two were so easy to photograph. They were completely relaxed, had amazing chemistry, and were full of ideas that made the session uniquely theirs. We shared a lot of laughs and had such a great time exploring the winery together. I’m already counting down the days to their wedding—if it’s anything like this session, it’s going to be incredible! To book your own session, please call Tommy or Holly at 785.793.2492 or 785.213.0812 or email tommy@thpetersonphoto.com  
Read more