It certainly has been a spell since I've last updated my blog. So much has happened the past few years, I think we can all agree it's been quite a trip! When the pandemic first hit, my husband and I had already been planning on expanding our family. It was something we had to consider postponing, not knowing what the future would hold for us - there were a lot of what ifs. But ultimately, we decided that this was our time and we didn't want to put our life on hold. Cue Little Miss Moira. She came into our lives a lot sooner than we expected her to - in more ways than one. Arriving 2 weeks early, she really threw a wrench into my announcement plans and website updates! The dust has settled and I'm finally getting back into the swing of things, just in time for Autumn portrait season.

Some may have noticed that I've changed direction with my photography. I made an announcement on social media, but nothing official on my website. This decision came upon right as the pandemic hit and I had some time to re-access what would be best for our family. Small children make everything a little "extra".... EXTRA tiring, EXTRA time consuming... just "extra". So, I've decided to scale back and going forward I'll no longer be offering wedding day services. This will allow for me to enjoy EXTRA cuddles, EXTRA kisses and spending more time making EXTRA memories with those who are near and dear to my heart. I do not know if this will be the case permanently, but for now I am focusing on only providing newborn, baby, family and senior portraiture to my Kansas City Metro and Columbia, MO service areas.

As always, I'm so grateful to be in a position where I can provide beautiful portraiture to families within my local and hometown areas. As I approach my 10th year of Callista Bond Photography, it's a reminder of how far I've come and how much more I have left to give. I couldn't have done it without all my wonderful clients. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

XOXO,
CALLISTA BOND and family

I absolutely love it when my brides and grooms are excited about their engagement and wedding photos! I met Alexus and Jesse as I was shooting at a wedding late 2019. Alexus was immediately excited about the process and the creativity that goes into it. So, I was especially delighted when she contacted me afterward to ask if I would photograph her Spring 2020 wedding to her longtime love, Jesse. YES! I’D LOVE TO!
A few weeks later we met at Lowenstein Park, Lee’s Summit for our sunset engagement session. Engagement sessions are important, as I get a chance to get to know my couples a bit better, and see how they interact with one another. The weather was beautiful this day. We had been coming out of a rainy Fall season, and you never know what you are going to get during these sessions at this time of the year. But as luck would have it, the sun was shining for us and we captured some beautiful shots. You can immediately tell how in love Alexus and Jesse are. They really are two peas in a pod. I’m so looking forward to their wedding this year. Congrats Alexus and Jesse!

Every special day deserves a special blog post. I’ve been wanting to share Cierra and Lou’s story here on the blog for some time! This past fall, Missouri saw many storms come and go. On Cierra and Lou’s big day there was no exception. While many couples stress over a rainy wedding day, Cierra and Lou took it with a grain of salt. At Lake Shore Plaza in Lake Lotawana, Missouri, Cierra and Lou chose to move their ceremony indoors in lieu of their rose garden ceremony for their comfort of their guests. A few tears were shed in the beginning, but once the couple read each other’s private letters to one another, those tears of disappointment turned into tears of great joy. For no rainy day could break their spirit and the love these two have for each other.
The ceremony hall was decorated in coral and navy décor and lights. A veil of white draped the ceiling and lights glimmered as the bride and groom said their vows. There were tears of joy, laughter and warm embraces.  As guests sat from their tables, no one had a second thought of the storm that was passing over. It was a magical moment.  As the ceremony ended and the storm passed, the newlyweds and their bridal party crossed the street to the lovely rose garden across the street, which was now glistening from the afternoon rain shower. We strolled down to the lake docks and captured love birds embrace as the sun as it began to peek out from the clouds onto the happily married couple.
The evening resumed with toasts, dancing and cake – as well as a few fun shenanigans. This family really knows how to have a good time! Congratulations Cierra and Lou!