Portfolio and blog showcasing photography by Tom Simpson.

Nauvoo Weddings {Shelley and Michael}

Fall in Nauvoo is quite beautiful. Trees bursting with colorful yellow, orange, and red mixed with dark green and rich browns all over the area provide such variety and wonder for the eye.

Fall in Nauvoo is a wonderful time for an outdoor wedding too as Shelley and Michael found out…..and their wedding in the Women’s Garden was as perfect as they had envisioned too.

The light wind and a little chill to the air had no effect of the warmth and love shared between these two lovebirds. It was a pleasure for us to record this special day, beginning their new life’s journey together.

Love the colors. Love the sweetness. Love the images captured.

nauvoo wedding photographer tom simpson

fall nauvoo weddings womens garden

nauvoo womens garden wedding

nauvoo wedding photography womens garden

To Shelley and Michael,

We have such fond memories of the time we shared with you on your wedding day. May you have the richest of blessings as you begin this new chapter in your lives.

Sending hugs!!

Tom and Jeanette

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Nauvoo Winter Family Portrait

Not all winter days in Nauvoo are too snowy and cold for family portraits. Actually, this sunny day was warm enough for sweaters only as Tracy, Chris, and the boys posed for family portraits, just a few days before moving away from Nauvoo.

A little rustic. A lot casual. Very comfortable. That’s the underlying theme of this session. The western style boots, hat, flannel, and jeans were a perfect combination with the sunny day and historic locations.

An awesome family who will be missed in Nauvoo. Here are the shots we got……

To Tracy, Chris, and boys:

Thanks for letting us capture these images of your family. We certainly enjoyed the session and loved working with the boys. Hope you are enjoying your new home…..but be sure to come back to Nauvoo for a visit!!

All the best,

Tom and Jeanette

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Our Friends from Argentina

We meet the most wonderful people here in Nauvoo and the Salas family, well, they left an indelible imprint on our hearts. Visiting from Argentina, this sweet family stayed three days with us at the Inn. Tom enjoyed speaking Spanish (he served his mission in neighboring Chile) with true Latin Americans.

Elida’s English and my Spanish were limited but smiles and hugs knew no language barrier. Neither did their kindness of sharing treasured treats, Rhodesia candy bars (brought as a gifts from home for a daughter and son-in-law), with us as a parting gift…..a gesture that taught me much about giving from the heart.

Hope to see them again someday. Maybe in Argentina next time!

To the Salas Family:

We have such sweet memories of the time you spent with us here in Nauvoo. Your kindnesses and gentle hearts touched our lives and have remained over the months since we met. What a wonderful family you have. May you receive Heavenly Father’s richest blessings.

Much love,

Tom and Jeanette

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Family, Friends Celebrate Jeri’s 97th Birthday

Reaching your 97^th birthday is a major milestone in life but to do so with such gracefulness, kindness, and gentle authority is remarkable. As family and friends gathered to celebrate Jeri’s special day, we were privileged to attend the event as photographers.

Jeri’s life story is an inspiration. As a schoolteacher, students fondly remembered her kindness and humor but no-nonsense classroom. As a hospital volunteer, staff loved having her around…..all 13, 652 hours she logged over 21 years. Friends reminisced about past times together and family, well, the love they have for one another is evident.

Here are a few select photos from the large gathering of friends and family, both young and old, who celebrated with love and laughter. Looking forward to the 98^th…..

To Jeri:

You are such an amazing lady and a great influence on everyone within your reach. A teacher, a volunteer, a friend, a mother, a sister, a wife……the stories we heard about your life left us inspired and in awe.

Thank you for letting us be part of your special day. We quickly learned to love you and your family. May God continue to bless you for all you have given in service to others.

With love,

Tom and Jeanette

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Getting to Know Our Nauvoo Missionaries {Diederich}

They could be home spoiling grandkids. They could be enjoying retirement while fishing, playing golf, or having dinner with friends. But no……..leisure is not on the how-to-spend-our time-after-we-stop-working agenda.

A select group of retirees choose to leave family, friends, and relaxation behind for 6 to 23 months and use their life skills to enhance the lives of others. Who are they?

Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints…..and the Diederichs are part of that group. They served in the Nauvoo Temple for almost 2 years, Elder Diederich as an engineer. We were fortunate to get to know them and enjoy their humor, kindness, and knowledge.

We were even more fortunate to photograph them before they headed home.

To Kathy and Rudi:

We have such fond memories of you here in Nauvoo. Thank you for the beautiful smiles, cheerful hearts, and fabulous example you set for us. Love and miss you!!

All the Best,

Tom and Jeanette

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Nauvoo Weddings {Shelley and Michael}

Nauvoo Winter Family Portrait

Our Friends from Argentina

Family, Friends Celebrate Jeri’s 97th Birthday

Getting to Know Our Nauvoo Missionaries {Diederich}

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