A Senior's Guide to Wildflowers - When to book for each type of flower!
Wildflowers are one of the most requested locations from my seniors. The thing about wildflowers is that they’re constantly changing. Different types of flowers are in bloom during different seasons or parts of the year, so If wildflowers of any kind are on your radar for your senior pictures, then this post is a must read!
Read on to learn when each type of flower is in bloom so you know when to book your senior pictures!
Wildflowers are one of the most requested locations from my seniors. The thing about wildflowers is that they’re constantly changing. Different types of flowers are in bloom during different seasons or parts of the year, so If wildflowers of any kind are on your radar for your senior pictures, then this post is a must read!
Read on to learn when each type of flower is in bloom so you know when to book your senior pictures!
Spring blooms typically start in late April and last through early May. You can expect to see white and purple blooms on the trees, and lots of yellow blooming bushes. The amount of rain and sunshine we get affects the exact peak bloom, but if spring blooms are on your list, this is the timeframe you’ll want to aim for!
I’m also willing to be more flexible with your session date in this time frame to make sure we get the best blooms!
June is when I see the most variety in colorful flowers. I usually see these pop up in early June and last until it starts to get too hot. In June, see a lot of the little white daisies, along with a variety of yellow, purple, and red wildflowers.
It’s usually so hot in July and August that you don’t see a lot of wild flowers. If we get a lot of rain, there are sometimes still a few fields left, but its definitely weather depending.
As the month goes on, the ditches will often have some yellow coneflowers.
Towards the end of July is when the Giant Sunflowers are in full bloom. They only last a couple of weeks, so if these giant golden beauties are on your must have list, you need to book your session the third week of July. Know that it will likely be really hot out, but I promise it will be worth it!
Another way to get colorful flowers in July and August is to hit up the local flower shops like Earl May or Sunken Gardens!
Towards the middle to end of September is when we’ll start to see fields full of goldenrod, buttercups and smaller sunflowers pop up. So if you want a warm cozy fall feel along with wildflowers, late September and early October (weather depending) will be when you want to book your senior pictures! Sunken Gardens also still has some beautiful flowers in September.
Ready for a one of a kind senior experience? One that genuinely reflects YOU? Let’s work together! I can’t wait to meet you <3
4 Reasons to Book your Senior Pictures Early
Senior year is just around the corner, and it will be here faster than you think. The last semester of junior year is so busy and full of things to check off your to-do list. Don’t let scheduling your senior pictures slip through the cracks! Here are 4 reasons to book your senior pictures EARLY!
Senior year is just around the corner, and it will be here faster than you think. The last semester of junior year is so busy and full of things to check off your to-do list. Don’t let scheduling your senior pictures slip through the cracks! Here are 4 reasons to book your senior pictures EARLY!
Most photographers set aside a certain number of sessions for seniors each year, and with making sure there are enough extra days for weather reschedules such as excessive heat, wind, or storms, dates become limited.
Sonnenblume takes 25 seniors each year. I keep these spots limited because I love to make sure each one has the absolute best experience. I take the time to get to know each senior, listen to their vision, go through outfit ideas, drive around and scout and hand pick the perfect locations for each, hand edit every image, and take the time to get together in person to help you pick out your favorites for printing. A lot of love and time goes into each senior!
It’s no secret that the earlier you book, the more options for dates will be available. If you book early, you won’t be just hoping there’s a day left. You’ll get to pick the day that fits your schedule and your vision. For example, if you’re wanting cozy and colorful, you want to wait until September or October. If you want floral and vibrant color, or even water, you’ll want summertime! Book your senior pictures early to get the best choice of dates!
Senior pictures are a big deal, and you want them to be perfect. By booking your date early, you have more time to plan. You’ll have more time to develop your vision, shop for outfits, and plan every detail. That means no last minute scrambling for something to wear, or crossing your fingers that your online order shows up on time.
Booking your date early means that if any reschedule does need to happen due to weather, illness, etc. there will be plenty of dates to choose from for your senior session. No need to panic!
Ready for a one of a kind senior experience? One that genuinely reflects YOU? Let’s work together! I can’t wait to meet you <3
Maya | Lincoln North Star High School | Senior Class of 2024
Here’s what Maya had to say about her senior experience with Sonnenblume!
Sonnenblume brought my vision to life. Gabby and Emma created such a beautiful atmosphere for me to be myself during my session. In her work there is support, feminine power, and such kind memories created. I enjoyed having my pictures taken by Sonnenblume and I was ecstatic about the results. My pictures are unique, colorful, and otherworldly, all thanks to Sonnenblume.
Meet Maya
Maya is a 2024 senior from Lincoln North Star High School. She sees herself as feminine, intentional and expressive, and man did her personality shine through in her session. From the moment I met Maya, I could feel how unique and genuine her spirit was, and just knew we were going to create some wonderfully unique senior pictures for her. Maya is so artistic and creative. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, painting, drawing, fashion, interior design, and cooking. She says she loves all of them because each one is a little puzzle piece that she gains as she completes her life puzzle. Seriously, the wisdom this girl has just blows me away.
While her dream career is working at the Smithsonian, her life goals are so much deeper. I always ask my seniors what the biggest lesson they learned in highs school was. She said, “The greatest lesson I learned in high school is that I want to be truly authentic to Maya Hunt. I learned that self improvement is my only answer in life and with that I hope that I never stop evolving mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. She also learned that it’s important to do things that her future self will thank her for. After she graduates, she plans on attending college, but more importantly, spreading love. In the future, she simply wants to find authentic happiness and build a nice life for herself. Maya, I hope you always keep these goals at the core of any venture you follow, and abundance will always be yours. But also, don’t forget your awesome bucket list of traveling to three countries, learning 3 languages, and scuba diving! You’re in for a lifetime of adventure!
Now, check out her senior pictures! Maya had a Simple Senior Session at the end of August. We started at the most adorable antique shop in the Havelock area, Piqued Curosities, to capture a very eclectic and vintage look. Then we took advantange of some beautiful glowy golden hour light at Pioneers Park. We used one of the beautiful ponds and some open tall grasses to get a very free-spirited vibe.
The creativity and authenticity Maya brought to her session was absolutely life-giving.
Here’s what Maya had to say about her senior experience with Sonnenblume!
Sonnenblume brought my vision to life. Gabby and Emma created such a beautiful atmosphere for me to be myself during my session. In her work there is support, feminine power, and such kind memories created. I enjoyed having my pictures taken by Sonnenblume and I was ecstatic about the results. My pictures are unique, colorful, and otherworldly, all thanks to Gabby.
Maya commemorated her senior pictures with a keepsake print box some gift prints, and a beautiful framed story board! Now check out her amazing senior gallery!
Nora had a Simple Senior Experience with an extra outfit!
Ready for your very own Boutique Senior Experience, customized just for you? Check out my senior website or inquire now to get the full Senior Magazine!
Nora | Lincoln East High School | Senior Class of 2024
Here’s what Nora had to say about her senior experience with Sonnenblume!
Before the pictures, I was feeling a little self conscious. But as we got more into the shoot, Gabby helped me relax through telling me how to pose and knowing how to navigate the different spaces. Gabby's encouraging words and direction really helped me feel more confident throughout the photoshoots.
Meet Nora
Nora is a 2024 senior from Lincoln East High School. She is such an outgoing, creative, spunky, loving, determined and adventurous soul. She loves cooking and baking because she loves making new things and giving them out to her loved ones. Sh also loves playing softball and lifting because she loves being active while also being able to socialize with her friends.
After high school, she is planning on going to Colorado State University to study Interior or Architectural Design. She is still undecided on a specific career, but she really wants her future to involve creating and designing living spaces for homeless and disadvantage people. She says, “I am passionate about this because a lot of people think that homeless people got themselves into this situation and could work out of it. However, that is far from the truth for many people. These disadvantaged situations are easy to get into and hard to find a way out of. Providing living spaces allows for more dignity and a better chance for a brighter future.
When I asked her what the biggest lesson was that she learned in high school, she said, “Don't take it all so seriously, make sure to have fun.” It’s so easy to get caught up in the academics, the drama, the chaos of high school. I love this lesson because it’s one we can all learn from and take with us for a lifetime. The magic of life happens when you’re having fun, and I think Nora is in for a lifetime of fun. Her bucket list includes Travel more outside the country, skydive, and have a spontaneous trip.
I also asked her about the best piece of advice she’s been given. Her answer was: “Take time for yourself!” Another little nugget that is just pure gold. YOU matter. Your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self MATTER. Take time to fill your cup, to do things that bring you joy. Do the deep work to be your best self. The better you take care of yourself, the better you can share your light with the world.
Nora, you’re an inspiration. You’re so unique, creative, compassionate, fun, and beautiful inside and out. You’re going to do amazing things, girl!
Now, check out her senior pictures! Nora had a Simple Senior Session with an extra outfit and we did her sessions in September. We started at the most adorable vinyl store in Lincoln, New Day Vinyl, to capture her love of music. Then we took advantange of some beautiful glowy light and landscaping out front before we headed over to Holmes lake to get some more end-of-summer wildflowers. Due to events downtown, we did the rest of her session another day. We finished at the Graduate hotel in downtown Lincoln for some funky lobby vibes followed by a gorgeous golden hour rooftop city-scape look.
All I could think the whole time was holy crap, you are such a BEAUTIFUL GLOWY GODDESS!
Here’s what Nora had to say about her senior experience with Sonnenblume!
Before the pictures, I was feeling a little self conscious. But as we got more into the shoot, Gabby helped me relax through telling me how to pose and knowing how to navigate the different spaces. Gabby's encouraging words and direction really helped me feel more confident throughout the photoshoots.
And here’s what her mom, Jennene had to say.
I witnessed her ability to truly bring out the individual spirit and another level of excellent service with my youngest daughter, who is creative and wanted pictures at record store and a hotel with funky interior. Gabby arranged with the record store and hotel so we could have her pictures taken at their businesses. I have never seen my daughter that confident and the pictures turned out so fun and fabulous! I am not sure how I will choose the final pictures to order. I am confident that we will narrow it down as Gabby walked us through pictures for my older two, gave us time and space to decide while helping us narrow down to our absolutely favorites.
Nora had a Simple Senior Experience with an extra outfit!
Ready for your very own Boutique Senior Experience, customized just for you? Check out my senior website or inquire now to get the full Senior Magazine!
Lillian | Columbus High School | Senior Class of 2024
Here’s what Lillian had to say about her senior experience with Sonnenblume!
During my session Gabby made me feel very confident and comfortable not only around her but also behind the camera. I love how creative and artistic my photos turned out. I would definitely recommend Sonnenblume Studios to all my friends because of the great experience I had.
Meet Lillian
Lillian is a 2024 senior from Columbus High School. Lillian loves all things music because she says it gives her a release. She plays violin, absolutely ADORES Taylor Swift, and this love for music is also shaping her future. It’s something she wants to instill in others, so she will be going to UNL to major in Music education with dreams of becoming a music teacher! In her class she hopes to help her students become more confident and have a good time.
When I asked her what the biggest lesson was that she learned in high school, she said, “Never give up, even when you want to.” This little nugget is golden, and fits really well with the best advice she’s been given. “You lose when you give up.” Life can be tough. We go through good seasons and bad, highs and lows. Not everything we do will be a walk in the park. But I truly believe that working hard and not giving up even when you want to is what makes that win so much sweeter. I also feel like it goes hand in hand with how she wants to make an impact on this world. Lillian told me, “I strongly believe in helping others who are not able to help themselves.” I think that she has such a huge heart, and can use this advice she’s been given to help others never give up. This girl has such a big heart, is so full of joy and creativity, is always working hard, and I just can’t wait to watch her continue to spread her light!
Now, check out her senior pictures! Lillian had a customize Seasonal Senior Experience. We started with Christmas lights in the downtown Haymarket. Her next session was in the snow! This one was tricky because we had to wait for a snowstorm to hit that both was snowy enough, AND wasn’t so bad we couldn’t go out.
For the rest of her pictures, we visited a lavender farm for a flirty country feel, went to the Hotshops in the OldMarket area of Omaha and went into the art gallery with her red prom dress and violin, and then finished with a more nature inspired vibe at the waterfall at Platte River State Park. She commemorated her senior pictures with a combination of digital images and an heirloom album.
Here’s what Lillian had to say about her senior experience with Sonnenblume!
During my session Gabby made me feel very confident and comfortable not only around her but also behind the camera. I love how creative and artistic my photos turned out. I would definitely recommend Sonnenblume Studios to all my friends because of the great experience I had.
And here’s what her mom, Delanie had to say.
Gabby is amazing to work with. She listened to my daughters and captured their personalities. Gabby took our oldest daughter’s pictures 5 years ago and then our younger daughter’s pictures this year. She was willing to figure out how to give each of them unique settings and looks. Gabby went above and beyond planning the sessions. She gave advice on outfits and was so much fun during the appointments. The results are treasured memories of a moment in their lives.
Lillian had a customized Seasonal Senior experience!
Ready for your very own Boutique Senior Experience, customized just for you? Check out my senior website or inquire now to get the full Senior Magazine!
Addison | Lincoln East High School | Senior Class of 2023
Here’s what Addie had to say about her experience with Sonnenblume.
“If I hadn’t had any prior modeling experience on the junior modeling team, I would’ve been terrified. Being on the junior modeling team helped me get an idea of who Gabby was as a person and her ideas. She always made little comments of encouragement, and I loved striking a pose on my own or one of her ideas and her reaction when she captured them. From there, my senior photoshoot was one of the smoothest things ever and with my experience we were able to have extra fun and try new things. I loved the outcome of my photos and got an insane amount of compliments, I couldn’t have done it with anyone else! I highly recommend Gabby, she’s the sweetest!!”
Meet Addison!
Addie is a 2023 senior from Lincoln East High School. Addie loves all things music! She plays violin, she loves singing, and she is a part of show choir. I love that she’ll be taking that passion with her into her future! She is going to attend Nebraska Wesleyan and majoring in Music Education with a minor in Violin. She also has loved modeling on the Sonnenblume senior model team, and oh my gosh, she’s so good at it! Just wait until you scroll down and see her pictures!
When I asked her what the biggest lesson was that she learned in high school, she said, “Not everything is permanent. Quit worrying about the end and live in the moment!” I love this this little nugget, as the only constant is change. I also feel like it goes hand in hand with how she wants to make an impact on this world. Addie told me, “I believe that everybody gets a chance. It doesn’t matter your background, what you believe in, and what you don’t. It’s a matter of who you are as a person: your interests, goals, dreams, likes and dislikes. I don’t want to sit around in a world too afraid to stand up for what is right or too nervous to be different.” Not only does this speak volumes about the amazing person that Addie is, it also just shows you she’s not afraid to be who she is, she’s not afraid to stand up for herself or others, and she’s going to live in the moment! I can’t wait to watch you continue shining bright, Addie!
Addie sees herself as optimistic, creative, committed and she says her spirit animal is the Koala 100%. They’re very lovable, clingy, and the get to hang out in trees all day. This made me smile because it’s totally accurate! You are beyond lovable!
Now, check out her senior pictures! She was a part of my senior model team, so she got an introduction Mini session as well as a Luxe senior session. For her intro mini, we took advantage of the blooming trees down by the Sheldon Art Museum. For her Luxe session, we started started at her house with her beloved kitty. Then we went to Lincoln East and showcased the show choir trophies, followed by a stop at a local home decor store with the cutest storefront and courtyard. Next we hit up Cultiva and their bright yellow building, and we ended out at the covered bridges with some wildflowers and her violin!
Here’s what Addie had to say about her senior experience with Sonnenblume!
“If I hadn’t had any prior modeling experience on the junior modeling team, I would’ve been terrified. Being on the junior modeling team helped me get an idea of who Gabby was as a person and her ideas. She always made little comments of encouragement, and I loved striking a pose on my own or one of her ideas and her reaction when she captured them. From there, my senior photoshoot was one of the smoothest things ever and with my experience we were able to have extra fun and try new things. I loved the outcome of my photos and got an insane amount of compliments, I couldn’t have done it with anyone else! I highly recommend Gabby, she’s the sweetest!!”
Addie was part of the Senior Model Team, which means she had an introduction mini session which included one outfit, one location & professional hair and makeup AND a Luxe Senior session, which included 5 outfits and 5 locations and professional hair and makeup! The Ultimate Variety!
Ready for your very own Boutique Senior Experience, customized just for you? Check out my senior website or inquire now to get the full Senior Magazine!
Alexa | Lincoln East High School | Senior Class of 2022
Here’s what Alexa had to say about her experience with Sonnenblume.
“I LOVED IT! I was really intimidated at first because I'm not used to having professional pictures taken of me but Gabby was reassuring and calmed me down so I felt confident for the rest of the session. When I got my pictures back, I was so excited to see them for the first time and I'm extremely satisfied with the way they came out. I would 1000% recommend Sonnenblume because I want other people to experience her amazing work!”
Meet Alexa!
Alexa is a 2022 senior from Lincoln East High School. Something she loves to do and is going to miss after she graduates is show choir. She first joined show choir when she was in 8th grade and she always looked up to the older kids in show choir, particularly the ones in Express. Now that she is in Express, she says she always kind of thinks back to that time and how proud her 8th grade self would be that she stuck with it for five years. Show choir also introduced her to some of her best friends and taught her many life lessons.
After she graduates, she plans on attending UNL and majoring in Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design. She’s not sure yet where she wants to end up, but she shared with me how she would like to make a difference in this field. She says, “Something that I strongly believe in would be inclusivity in fashion. Far too often we don't enough variety of people in this industry and models are often turned down because of their physical appearance, sexuality or disabilities etc. One of the main things people think of when buying clothes online in particular is "What would this look like on my body type?" And often times that question goes unanswered because a lot of companies use models with similar body types to each other. I could go on about this forever but this is one of the main reasons I want to go into the fashion industry.”
High school is a time of a lot of learning and growth. She says, “The best advice I was ever given was to make time for myself. Especially recently I've been falling into the habit of always running around from place to place and it was super stressful and taking a toll on my mental health. Taking time to slow down and do things that I enjoy that were completely for myself honestly made me so much happier.” This is something we can all learn from! Making time for yourself is SO important!
Alexa sees herself as creative, determined, and genuine, and she says her spirit animal is the Panda, which is calm and gentle, but also strong and determined. I’d say that is spot on! I know her big heart and unique ideas are going to take her so far in life!
Now, check out her senior pictures! She was a part of my senior model team, so she got an introduction Mini session as well as a Luxe senior session. For her intro mini, we went for a more high fashion look on a rooftop. For her Luxe session, we started started at a local coffee shop for a chill vibe, then wend down to the Bourbon Theater for a bold urban look, then we found a couple more urban type looks downtown and around University Place, and finally ended with a more flirty look at sunset with some wildflowers!
Here’s what Alexa had to say about her senior experience with Sonnenblume!
“I LOVED IT! I was really intimidated at first because I'm not used to having professional pictures taken of me but Gabby was reassuring and calmed me down so I felt confident for the rest of the session. When I got my pictures back, I was so excited to see them for the first time and I'm extremely satisfied with the way they came out. I would 1000% recommend Sonnenblume because I want other people to experience her amazing work!”
Alexa was part of the Senior Model Team, which means she had an introduction mini session which included one outfit, one location & professional hair and makeup AND a Luxe Senior session, which included 5 outfits and 5 locations and professional hair and makeup! The Ultimate Variety!
Ready for your very own Boutique Senior Experience, customized just for you? Check out my senior website or inquire now to get the full Senior Magazine!
Project Senior | Rachel L. | Lincoln Southwest
“Looking at my pictures together afterwards made me realize that that really was me! I really did that. Finding confidence was hard at first, but by the end of it and looking back on the photos, I don’t know if i’ve ever felt more confident.”
Meet Rachel.
Rachel’s story is so unique, and it all began in Ukraine with the name Yelena Ivanova Verbitskya! At 9 months old, she was adopted, and from there she grew up in Albuquerkue, New Mexico as Rachel Marie Lemen. She spent 16 years there before her and her mom moved to Lincoln! While in New Mexico, Rachel went to a high school called Eldorado where she was a cheerleader for two years. Her past two years in Lincoln she has attended Lincoln Southwest, where she is now a senior! As you can imagine, the move was a little scary, but she says it really helped her step out of her comfort zone! Upon moving to Nebraska, Rachel got into Rodeo and it also brought her one of her most cherished friends, Cash, a 17 hands high quarter horse. You’ll see this beautiful horse in many of Rachel’s senior pictures! The bond between them is so so sweet.
When Rachel’s not spending time with her horse, she’s busy with spreading love and connecting with people through her YouTube Channel, The Pack. Be sure to check it out! She also loves traveling to the Disney Parks (her very favorite place to go!) as well as London and Paris.
After high school, Rachel plans on attending Southeast Community College here in Lincoln. She’s not 100% sure what she wants to go into because there are so many possibilities, but she really loves business and horses, so if she could do something that combined those two worlds, she would have a career she truly loves!
What I love the most about Rachel is how much she joy she finds in making other people smile and feel loved. She is inspired by all of the empowering women in her life. She has so much wisdom and truly has a beautiful view of life. She understands that life is short and it’s important to spread love instead of hate. If we can learn one thing from this inspiring girl, it’s that we can all be better about letting others know they are loved and appreciated.
Rachel, I am so thankful I got to meet your pasta, watermelon, and wolf loving self! You are so inspiring, and I am so excited to see where life takes you. Between your kindness and the love you spread and your ambition to make a difference, I know you will do great things!
Rachel’s Experience with Sonnenblume
“My experience with Sonnenblume Studios was so much fun! Before the session i was feeling a bit nervous because I didn’t know how the shoot was going to go. However, as soon as the photoshoot started, Gabby me feel really comfortable and confident! She started to make me laugh, she asked about my family, and make it feel more like i was a friend and she was taking photos for me! I had never had an experience like that before, so when Gabby would encourage me and make me laugh, it made me more confident! One of the main things I really enjoyed about was that she got to know me on a personal level. It wasn’t just someone saying “smile” then taking a picture. Gabby got to know me and it make the experience so meaningful and so much more fun!
After the Photoshoot was done, seeing the photos was incredible! My jaw dropped! When looking at photos, I really liked how her organization worked. There was a Yes, No, and Maybe category to help narrow down to our favorites. That truly helped a lot! Looking at my pictures together afterwards made me realize that that really was me! I really did that. Finding confidence was hard at first, but by the end of it and looking back on the photos, I don’t know if i’ve ever felt more confident. I really enjoyed my experience with Sonnenblume and hope to do more things with her soon! I totally recommend to everyone!
Senior year is an exciting time in life. You are in the stages of of defining who you are, deciding what you want to be, and where you want to go in life. You've got personality, and dreams, and so much potential. Your world will change so much in the next year, so as you get ready to move on to the next big thing in life, it is important to commemorate who you are right now.
This year, I’m looking to put together a model team! I’m searching for current juniors who will be graduation in the Class of 2020 who have souls that are full of adventure, and hearts full of happiness! Being a Sonnenblume Senior Model is all about sharing who you are, spreading your story and your message for the world, earning some cash and having fun while you do it!
What being a Senior Model entails:
Be Famous! You will become the face of Sonnenblume Senior Marketing!
Two Free Sessions! - One in March, and one in June or July
Share your favorite pictures with your friends and get their opinions - Collect Names!
Meet with me weekly to share your results
Hand out session offers to your friends!
Earn $5 Print Credit for every name you collect
Earn $15 Cash for every referral who books a senior session with Sonnenblume!
Fun Styled Shoots throughout the year
Fun get togethers with the model team throughout the summer!
Senior Model with the most referrals will win a Grand Prize: FREE Limousine Service and professional pictures for your Senior Prom!
Runner up will win $50 towards professional hair or a tux rental for your Senior Prom!
Ready to Join the Team?
Follow Along
Project Senior | MaryClaire H. | Lincoln Southwest
“I had so much fun. By the end of the day it felt like I was a princess.”
Meet MaryClaire.
MaryClaire is a senior at Lincoln Southwest High School and she is a truly special soul. Her favorite color is pink, loves anything spicy, and she enjoys playing with her dogs and taking vacations with her family. She’s constantly cracking jokes and telling it like it is. When you’re the youngest of 6 kids, you’d have to have some wit to and spunk to hold your own!
Something I love about MaryClaire is how important her family is to her. When I asked her to tell me about her, she proceeded to tell me all about the wonderful people gets to call family. Her dad is a vet, and her mom is blessed with being a stay at home mom and she volunteers at catholic social services. Both are such caring and loving parents who inspire MaryClaire to share her kindness with those around her. Then she told me about her siblings, who each inspire her in a different way. Her oldest sister is in the Army Reserves and recently was diploid in Kuwait, teaching her about sacrifice. Her next sister is married and expecting her first baby, and MaryClaire is so excited to be an aunt! The third sister is in college and then wants to go to law school, teaching MaryClaire about hard work! Then there’s her brothers. One is in mortuary school, a career that takes a lot of compassion, and the other is teaching her that it’s okay to be patient and figure things out as you go. They each have their own path, and that’s the beauty of siblings!
What I love about MaryClaire is how much she looks up to all her siblings, yet still has her own favorite hobbies and her own dreams. MaryClaire has a rare genetic disorder called Prader-Willi syndrome, but she doesn’t let that hold her back. She participates in Special Olympic Swimming and has won several medals! She also cheers at Cheer Express and even travels for competitions! She loves being involved in both of these things because the she gets to spend time with even more people that make her feel loved. These kind people, along with her family, are the ones who inspire her to follow her dreams. And what is her dream? It’s to be a pre-school teacher!
MaryClaire, thank you for sharing your kindness with me this year. I am so excited to see where life takes you! I know you’ll do great things!
MaryClaire’s Experience with Sonnenblume
My experience with Sonnenblume studios was spectacularly awesome. … I emailed Sonnenblume studios and Gabby emailed me back and I talked to her and told her that I had a disability and I said that some of the time I can be insecure about my self because of my illness and people making fun of me and I said I wanted to have the best experience of my lifetime so I told my mom that we had to go to a coffee shop before we could continue with our grad photo investment. After we met with Gabby my mother said to me, “is this what you want to do?” and I told her “yes.” When It was time for pictures we got a couple of clothes and we were off on a hot summers day. First I had to get ready so we had an appointment with Kate and Nicolby at Tangerine Salon for a day of getting pampered with hair and makeup. We thought we wouldn't make it because we got lost but we made safe and sound. I got pampered and then Gabby came in to check on me and how I was doing. Our first location was down in the Haymarket. Everywhere we went, Gabby said that I looked so cute and I had awesome pictures. She was incredibly ecstatic with the idea to go down by where I go to practice for my special needs cheerleading competition team and take pictures by my gym. Our last location was in a park there we took pictures of one of my greatest accomplishments: my three gold medals that I won at the special olympics! We took a lot of sassy pics with those, but also other photos there without my medals.
MaryClaire, this next part makes me giggle, because it’s the perfect example of you just telling it like it is - “Even though me and my mom were getting sick of Gabby because it was like a trillion degrees out that day and we went to like a trillion locations and it felt like we kept going and going and it wouldn't stop, I had so much fun. By the end of the day it felt like I was a princess.” You and your mom were such troopers in the heat!
I knew I had made the right decision when it got to the day of the sneak peek. The nice kind words that Gabby said on the post made me feel that it was even more of a special experience. So overall, my experience was superb. And I could also see how much dedication and hard work you put into your products and what we received was of incredible quality and was a lot more than what I had imagined. So thank you for giving me the time of my life and giving me a time to remember and thank you for just being awesome!
Senior year is an exciting time in life. You are in the stages of of defining who you are, deciding what you want to be, and where you want to go in life. You've got personality, and dreams, and so much potential. Your world will change so much in the next year, so as you get ready to move on to the next big thing in life, it is important to commemorate who you are right now.
This year, I’m looking to put together a model team! I’m searching for current juniors who will be graduation in the Class of 2020 who have souls that are full of adventure, and hearts full of happiness! Being a Sonnenblume Senior Model is all about sharing who you are, spreading your story and your message for the world, earning some cash and having fun while you do it!
What being a Senior Model entails:
Be Famous! You will become the face of Sonnenblume Senior Marketing!
Two Free Sessions! - One in March, and one in June or July
Share your favorite pictures with your friends and get their opinions - Collect Names!
Meet with me weekly to share your results
Hand out session offers to your friends!
Earn $5 Print Credit for every name you collect
Earn $15 Cash for every referral who books a senior session with Sonnenblume!
Fun Styled Shoots throughout the year
Fun get togethers with the model team throughout the summer!
Senior Model with the most referrals will win a Grand Prize: FREE Limousine Service and professional pictures for your Senior Prom!
Runner up will win $50 towards professional hair or a tux rental for your Senior Prom!
Ready to Join the Team?
Follow Along
Project Senior | Katelyn S. | Pius X
“Even though it was like a million degrees out that day I had so much fun. By the end of the day it felt like we were all pals and I loved it.”
Meet Katelyn.
Katelyn is a music loving, book reading, beautiful and inspiring senior at Piux X High School in Lincoln, where she lives with her Mom, Dad, and two younger siblings. At school, she is involved in band and choir. She has played French Horn for about eight years, the Mellophone and piano for about four years, and most recently, has picked up the violin. Music is something that Katelyn just can’t get enough of, so when she goes to the University of Nebraska Lincoln this fall, she is going to audition for the marching band!
I whole-heartedly believe that Katelyn’s love for music will be a part of her for the rest of her life. I can totally see her rocking her dream job of being in a composers orchestra!
When I asked Katelyn what inspires her, she had a lot of answers. The general consensus though was that it’s people who inspire her. People like famous composers because they can do the things with music that she dreams of doing. People like her parents and her teachers because they are kind, and selfless, and encouraging, and hard working; all the things that make great role models. People like her boyfriend and friends because they each teach her a little something about life. Things like speaking your mind even when its hard, working hard but still finding the time to enjoy life, always trying your best, and standing up for what you believe.
If we can all take one lesson from Katelyn, I think it’s the importance of surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, teach you something by the way they live, and build you up. How lucky is this girl to have so many inspiring people in her life! I think we can also learn a little something about how Katelyn wants to help change the world. It’s not some grand plan to cure a disease. It’s better than that. It’s all about spreading love. “I know I may not be the type of person to make a difference that will be apparent world or nation wide. However, I do want to make a difference in my everyday life by making those around me smile and helping them when they need someone by their side most. Whoever, whenever someone needs me I plan to be there. I want to make a difference in any little way I can and hopefully those little things will add up.” Day by day, one smile at a time, you will absolutely change the world, Katelyn!
I am so excited to see where Katelyn’s life journey will take her. Ten years from now, she hopes to be married and maybe even have a couple of little ones. She hopes to have found a career where she is able to do something she loves and do it every day. Despite the inevitable struggles, she knows she will be able to take them and not give up no matter what. While her dreams may change over the course of her life, she is so ready achieve each one as she goes! Most importantly, Katelyn just wants to be joyful in her everyday life. Now, if that’s not something to strive for, I don’t know what is. You’re one inspiring girl, Katelyn!
Kately’n Experience with Sonnenblume
My experience with Sonnenblume Studios was awesome. I am quite indecisive so I thought it was incredibly helpful when I told you some of my ideas and you were able to come up with locations, but how you also let me share what I thought would be good idea as well. Even though it was like a million degrees out that day I had so much fun. By the end of the day it felt like we were all pals and I loved it. I also thought it was super cool when you had an idea you wanted to try so you asked me if I would be open to trying it out with you. That is where we got the parachute pictures and they were awesome. So overall my experience was amazing. And I could also see how much hard work you put into your products and what we received was of incredible quality and was a lot more than what I was expecting. So thank you for being awesome!
Senior year is an exciting time in life. You are in the stages of of defining who you are, deciding what you want to be, and where you want to go in life. You've got personality, and dreams, and so much potential. Your world will change so much in the next year, so as you get ready to move on to the next big thing in life, it is important to commemorate who you are right now.
This year, I’m looking to put together a model team! I’m searching for current juniors who will be graduation in the Class of 2020 who have souls that are full of adventure, and hearts full of happiness! Being a Sonnenblume Senior Model is all about sharing who you are, spreading your story and your message for the world, earning some cash and having fun while you do it!
What being a Senior Model entails:
Be Famous! You will become the face of Sonnenblume Senior Marketing!
Two Free Sessions! - One in March, and one in June or July
Share your favorite pictures with your friends and get their opinions - Collect Names!
Meet with me weekly to share your results
Hand out session offers to your friends!
Earn $5 Print Credit for every name you collect
Earn $15 Cash for every referral who books a senior session with Sonnenblume!
Fun Styled Shoots throughout the year
Fun get togethers with the model team throughout the summer!
Senior Model with the most referrals will win a Grand Prize: FREE Limousine Service and professional pictures for your Senior Prom!
Runner up will win $50 towards professional hair or a tux rental for your Senior Prom!
Ready to Join the Team?
Follow Along
Wildflowers are one of the most requested locations from my seniors. The thing about wildflowers is that they’re constantly changing. Different types of flowers are in bloom during different seasons or parts of the year, so If wildflowers of any kind are on your radar for your senior pictures, then this post is a must read!
Read on to learn when each type of flower is in bloom so you know when to book your senior pictures!