Christian & Kelsi's Engagement Photos at Minnetrista

I can't wait to photograph Kelsi & Christian’s wedding next May! These two are the sweetest and have the most well mannered pup too. We had just gotten to the session, I had taken maybe 10 photos and I was backing up away from them and I looked over and saw my step stool, kept backing up and completely fell on my back over my camera bag, feet up in the air, hands on my camera. We all got a good laugh from my clumsy butt and got lots of smiles from these two!

Ariel & Matthew Maternity Photos

I photographed Ariel & Matthew's engagement photos, their wedding, and now their maternity photos. She was absolutely GLOWING and I was so excited to get these photos home, edited, and deliver them! These two are so sweet, he carried her dress, fixed her hair, and cuddled her throughout their entire session. I can't wait to photograph your little boy! Thanks for having me capture your life together. 

Magical Flower Field Shoot with Blair

GUYS! I can't tell you how many times during this shoot I giggled and said, "OH MY WORD BLAIR!" Can you believe this location is a spot I have driven by 10,000+ times in my life. I never thought about it being such a magical location until about a month ago. As a photographer I am always scouting out new locations and exploring new spots for my clients. Blair is one of my senior spokesmodels and did ABSOLUTELY amazing throughout the entire shoot. These are just some highlights, there are soooo many more just as magical as these!

I may be 26 but you never are too old to ask for your mommas help! I had my momma, Jennifer come along and shoot some behind the scenes shots for me to share on social media with everyone. As a photographer I don't get many photos of me behind the camera, so these photos and videos mean the absolute world to me. (Thanks mom!)

If anyone is wondering where all of her cute outfits are from, Blair is a brand ambassador for The Wispy Pine Boutique! Feel free to follow their page and check out all of their adorable outfits and accessories.

Model: Blair Phillips

Boutique: The Wispy Pine Boutique

Location: Muncie, Indiana

Photographer: Kyla Jo Photography

Cooper Matthew Combs - Lifestyle Newborn Session In His Nursery

Madison & Beau Combs, you created the most PERFECT little boy! Seriously, can everyone have a nursery this cute and invite me to capture their newborn babies? Everyone meet Cooper Matthew Combs, the happiest most handsome little boy. Thank you for having me capture your gorgeous family of 3!

Haley & Tyler Stockton's Wedding at The Carriage House of Yorktown

Haley & Tyler may not have gotten married in the Bahamas as their invites showed (thanks Corona), but I am pretty sure The Carriage House of Yorktown made their day just as special. I loved being able to capture these two, their bridal party, and all of their family. (Part one of their Wedding Preview, because I may have went a little over board with editing their preview photos! Be on the lookout for family and bridal party photos later this morning.) I am so glad that I got to meet these two super sweet people and photograph their special day.

2021 Senior Spokesmodel Team

I'M SO EXCITED TO INTRODUCE my 2021 Senior Spokesmodel Team!
I am beyond excited to be working with these amazing senior girls. My Senior Spokesmodel Team each get their own custom 2 hour senior session, Meet & Greet Headshots, A Styled Shoot, and Cap and Gown photos in the spring. We had our Meet & Greet this past Sunday. All of the girls received headshots, we had food, played with the photo booth, jammed out to music, and tie-dyed shoes. I had so much fun getting to know the girls a little better and hang out with them all in the studio.

Here is a little bio that they each wrote about themselves for me to share:

Sophia Ireland: "I go to Wapahani High School and Amber's Beauty School. I am very passionate about hair, makeup, and fashion. I love this field of work because I love making others feel beautiful in their own skin. After graduation I plan on going to ball state and majoring in psychology, and then hopefully attending medical school for psychiatry. I'm very excited about joining the senior spokesmodel team and becoming closer with all of the other wonderful ladies on the team as well!

Mauriah Racer: "I'm a CNA at a nursing home and my job is what keeps me busy. After I graduate I plan to attend Ivy Tech and then transfer to Ball State University to get my masters in speech pathology. I love helping/taking care of people."

Blair Phillips: "Hi, my name is Blair Phillips! I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I'm a varsity cheerleader at Madison-Grant and show animals in 4-H. I look forward to being on the spokesmodel team so that I can be a good representation of Kyla Jo Photography!"

Lexi Morrow: "My favorite hobbies are reading and painting, and I love playing basketball for my school. After high school I want to go to college to be a Nurse Anesthetist. I'm super excited to be a part of the Kyla Jo Photography Spokesmodel Team and be around such a great group of girls and our awesome photographer!"

Mallory Summers: "I am excited to be on the Kyla Jo Photography Spokesmodel Team because I get to work with some of the sweetest people and have fun the whole time while doing it. I enjoy playing volleyball, spending lots of time with my friends, and traveling with my family."

Sierra Wulff: "My favorite things to do in my free time are hanging out with my friends and going camping, I also play soccer. After high school I want to go to college to enter the dental field. I love being a part of the Kyla Jo Photography Senior Spokesmodel Team and hanging out with the girls and Kyla!"

Danielle & Mason's Winter Wedding

Danielle & Mason were married on Saturday January 4th at the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene and had their beautiful reception at the Van Buren Event Center (My first wedding of 2020!). The two of them wrote the sweetest love letters to one another and read them aloud to each other at their first look at a little park under some tall pine trees. I had an amazing time capturing their love for one another throughout the entire day. Congratulations on your marriage and I can not wait to see the amazing future you two have together!

Marissa & Josh's Wedding At The Ballroom At Cardinal Hills

Marissa & Josh Jones were married at The Ballroom at Cardinal Hill’s on October 12, 2019 and their entire day was absolutely magical. Marissa was an absolute QUEEN! The two of them prayed with their bridal party, worshipped during their ceremony, cut pie in place of their cake, and had the most beautiful vows written to each other. Their love for one another showed throughout every moment of their wedding day and I can not wait to see what the future holds for the two of them, I know it will be AMAZING! Thank you for having me capture your love story!

Ariel & Matthew's Wedding Day at Meg's Country Celebrations with Kyla Jo Photography

Ariel & Matthew Brown's wedding was held at Meg's Country Celebrations last Sunday and the rain did not stop us from capturing gorgeous photos of their special day. They decided to move their ceremony inside the barn, but as soon as it was over the rain cleared up for beautiful photos. The two wore their Vans on their feet and a smile on their face the entire day. They kissed a million times and it made me smile each time, seeing their love for one another so apparent! So many special dances were held in that barn during their reception and Baby Shark was even played for all of the little ones! Congratulations to Ariel and Matthew on your wedding, and thank you for having me capture it!

Kalley Family Photos in Downtown Muncie with Kyla Jo Photography

I LOVE capturing this adorable family!

They are so full of creativity and spunk and I love watching them grow.

I photographed Avery for the first time a year ago for her 2 year photos, Abrahm, Amiya, Alexa, & Avery this past Easter in the studio, Abrahm's 6 month photos, and Avery's 3 year photos just a couple of weeks ago.

I finally got the opportunity to capture the entire family all at once in downtown Muncie. Thank you guys for allowing me to document your family along the way!

I mean how cute are they?!?

See their full preview below:

Avery Turns 3 // Taco Bell Smash

Avery’s momma is a fellow creator and made this adorable shirt and tutu for her daughter’s 3rd Birthday Photo Shoot. She wanted to do something different for her session, and since Avery lovesssss Tacos and Mild sauce she came up with this adorable idea!

Decker Turns 1!

Decker turns 1!
His parents are in for a lot of adventures, bruised knees, ripped pants, and bandaids raising this little boy.
He loved climbing on all of the props, standing on the rocking chair, and getting cake all over himself. He is such an adorable and sweet little boy and I loved working with him and his family to capture his 1 year photos in the studio.

Emma & Brandon - Engagement

Emma & Brandon drove from Ohio to scout out some wedding venues and had me capture their engagement photos while they were visiting! As soon as they walked up, a dog was running loose, so I threw my camera down and went chasing it (naturally). After the dog was safe and back with its’ owners, I introduced myself. Within just a few seconds, Emma looks down at my insulin pump (if you didn’t know already, I am a Type 1 Diabetic and have been for over 17 years) and says, “are you a Diabetic?”, and raises her shirt to show me her dexcom sensor! Automatically we connect, because if you are a Type 1 Diabetic and see each other in public, you are automatically best friends (if you didn’t know that, now you know!)

After we talked a while about our dead pancreases, we actually began shooting at Morrow’s Meadows! These two were so naturally in love, I asked them about how they met and they told me they met on Bumble (a dating app). She told me that on Bumble, the girl has to reach out to the guy, so she made the first move. I told her about how my boyfriend and I met, and how I walked up to him and shook his hand and said, “Hi, I’m Kyla, what’s your name?” I had such blast talking with these two and getting to know them and capturing their love for one another. They were so cuddly and cute while bumping hips and almost knocking each other over, cuddling on a log and telling their own inside jokes to make each other laugh.

Dan & April - Engagement

Maplewood is home to Dan & April (when it comes to golf courses), they spend their free time playing in golf leagues, vacationing at golf resorts, and even got engaged at a golf course!

I am so happy that I got to capture their engagement photos at such a special location. Congratulations to the two of you on your engagement, I can not wait to capture your wedding this summer at the same special place!

Waj & Jason - Engagement at Minnetrista

Waj & Jason flew all the way from Texas to see their cousin graduate, and while visiting for the weekend had me capture their engagement photos. I have known Jason’s mom now for several years and she helped set up the engagement session. They were so sweet and even had matching shirts for their shoot (aw)! They met while Waj was visiting a friend in Texas, and just clicked! I am so glad that I got the opportunity to capture their sweet love story!

Swilley Family - Minnetrista

The Swilley family was amazing to work with! Their two kiddos were so mannered and well behaved, but loved being playful, giggling, and running around their parents at Minnetrista. I am so thankful that I can be a preferred photographer at Minnetrista and use their beautiful property to photograph my clients at.

Caroline - 5th Birthday Shoot

Caroline had the fanciest "Breakfast at Tiffany's" themed 5th birthday shoot in downtown Muncie and she had me smiling the entire time! OH MY, I mean look at her! She was such a little model! I need more downtown Muncie 5 year old sessions.

First Birthday Session in the Studio with Quinn

Quinn came to see me in the photo studio for a second time, she is growing up so quick! Her mommy and daddy wanted to get some photos with the birthday girl as well, we used several of my new backdrops that I have available in the photo studio as well as a few different outfits for her! She was such a great little model, I loved capturing her personality and the simplicity of the family photos, with their white and navy outfits.

When booking family photos, it is best to wear neutrals in the studio so that you are the main focus and not your outfits. With my light grey walls and white bed, their shirts with the navy theme were the perfect choice!

If you are planning on a first birthday photo session, usually an hour to and hour and a half is the perfect length. You are welcome to bring a handful of outfits and a cake if you are interested. Cake smashes get a little messy, so be prepared to be handling a cake covered 1 year old! I have a collection of cake stands to choose between, as well as a number 1, 2, and 3, and so many props and blankets! Before your session I will ask you about your child, what their birthday theme is, what colors do you like and what colors do you want to avoid in their photo session. I will also show you the themed photo backdrops that I have available in the studio.

I love working with 1 year olds and capturing their unique personality at this age, if you are interested in booking a First Birthday Photo Session, feel free to contact me below!

1 Year Photos With Hadley SNEAK PEEK

Hadley and Charlotte were the sweetest little blue eyed blonde sisters to work with! We captured Hadley’s 1 year photos in the studio along with some photos of her and her big sister Charlotte. While Hadley was getting changed, Charlotte helped take photos of her dollies on my props and it was adorable. Happy 1 year to little Hadley, thanks for visiting me in the studio!

Her mom had mentioned that she looked so much like her in her little pink dress, so I asked if she would send me a photo so that I could share it next to her daughter. How cute is this?

Locations For Sessions

This blog post is for those of you who have scheduled a session with Kyla Jo Photography and now you are wondering, “Where should we have our session?”

These are some of the locations in Indiana and around Muncie that are my favorites or that I have shot at before. I will include reasons why I love these spots and which spots are best for families, seniors, pets, newborns, maternity, couples, and children sessions.

Whitetail Tree Farms

Whitetail Tree Farms is perfect for any winter session, when all of the trees are dead and there is not much color, the pine trees always make a gorgeous backdrop. During the fall, there are even more places to shoot with bright yellow trees, fence lines, and a cute pathway surrounded by trees.

Minnetrista Gardens

Minnetrista requires photographers to have a yearly pass to be able to shoot on their grounds, and I have one! YAY! Minnetrista is gorgeous in the spring with bright flowers and greenery everywhere. Minnetrista is great for families, with a simplistic nature feel, there are surrounding buildings that can be used as backdrops as well.

Reservoir

The reservoir has tons of locations, but I have found one that is gorgeous in the evening just before sunset! The trees are surrounding you, the water in the background, and the road is close by for some fun dipping and dancing shots! I would suggest this location in the evening just before sunset for the best lighting. If you are a little adventurous we can jump in the reservoir and capture some playful shots.

White River Water Fall & Park

If you are wanting to stick close to downtown Muncie, but want a little nature included in your session, this is the perfect classic spot. With a path lined with green shrubbery and an old building with steps for the family. Just across the road is Whiteriver, where shooting in the evening or on an overcast day is perfect. I have shot in the sun, pouring rain, cold and hot weather here at the park and I just love all of the outcomes!

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

This botanical garden is everything you could ever want for a senior session. Even though it is a little bit of a drive from Muncie Indiana, it is totally worth it! It is located in Fort Wayne, and has the most beautiful lighting and backdrops. I could spend hourssss here capturing your photos! If you are interested in a session here, there is a small travel fee, but like I said it is SO WORTH IT! Check out the website and all of the different gardens they offer.

http://www.botanicalconservatory.org/

Maplewood Golf Course (Location of Studio)

Maplewood is near and dear to my heart, as my studio is located just upstairs above the pro shop! Maplewood is perfect in the fall, with colors everywhere. Currently there is a huge tree that fell last year, we were all so sad, butttttt it makes for a really fun photo prop. There is also a tall grassy area for spring and summer shoots in the back of the course, your kids will love riding in the golf carts to get there! Of you are interested in getting a mixture of studio photos and outdoor photos, this is the perfect location for you.

Ball State University Quad

Ball State is pretty year round, with the old buildings and huge doorways. I usually meet at the art museum and go from there. The stair case is huge and is perfect for that large family photo, you have been wanting for years. Just around the building is a line of pine trees, that make for a great background in your family groupings or senior photos. I am very comfortable with campus (as a BSU Alumni) and know of other spots, such as the green house, fountain, village and a few others!