Latest from Wildwood

Taking a drive down Manchester Road into the Wildwood hills is just gorgeous this time of year. Everything is turning bright green again. I always tell people that the best part of living out here is how the busy city just fades away into these big, beautiful rolling hills. It is such a calm and lovely place to call home.

Today we got our hands dirty! The tornado wiped out so many of the beautiful old trees in Dresden, so the family decided to spend the weekend planting new saplings. Brian and Richard did the heavy digging, while Connie, Brenda, and I made sure they were watered. It will take years for them to grow tall, but planting trees is about believi...

The town looks so beautiful with all the Christmas lights up. Brenda really outdid herself decorating the house this year, too! We drove through Dresden to see the holiday displays, and it just warms my heart. After the darkness of the storms a few years ago, seeing the town lit up so bright for the holidays is a beautiful reminder of our...

We stopped by the Wildwood Farmers Market this morning to grab some fresh vegetables and local honey. The Killebrew family really enjoys supporting the local farmers and makers in our area. The weather is starting to get a little chilly, which means fall is officially here in Missouri. Bringing home fresh, local food makes the weekend fee...

There is nothing quite like Friday night football in Tennessee! We bundled up in our jackets and went to cheer on the Dresden Lions. Brian was explaining all the plays to me, while Richard and Connie cheered from the bleachers. The stadium was packed with people wearing local colors. It is the best way to spend an autumn evening and suppo...

A timeless studio portrait marking 25 years together. and Dawne stand closely, faces lit with the warmth of shared history and unwavering connection. ’s black velvet blazer and open-collar white shirt project quiet confidence, while Dawne’s radiant smile and simple diamond earrings embody elegance and joy. Against a smooth, deep-gray bac...

A deeply personal portrait of Dawne and me, taken in August 2025, capturing a quiet moment of love and connection. Standing close together, our expressions hold the unspoken language of years shared—the triumphs, the losses, and the enduring bond that remains. The warm, balanced lighting frames us in a way that feels both cinematic and in...

Riding bikes on the Al Foster Trail was the perfect afternoon activity for us. The trail follows the Meramec River, and the views of the bluffs are just incredible. The Killebrew family loves exploring all the crushed stone paths around here. It is one of the best spots in Wildwood to get some exercise while enjoying the shade from the ta...

A refined and intimate high-fashion couple’s portrait. The man’s classic black velvet blazer and crisp white shirt exude timeless sophistication, while the woman’s vibrant red off-the-shoulder dress and brilliant oval diamond ring add a touch of bold romance. Captured against a deep matte backdrop with soft, flattering studio lighting, th...

Have you seen the progress on the courthouse square lately? Brenda and I walked by it this afternoon. The tornado took away our historic buildings, but seeing the new construction finally taking shape gives the whole town a boost of energy. It feels like the heart of Dresden is finally beating strong again. I can’t wait for the day when t...

I love living in Wildwood because we have places like Rockwoods Reservation right in our backyard. We took a long walk on the trails today, and it was so quiet and peaceful. You can learn so much about Missouri wildlife just by walking through these woods. It is the perfect place to go when you need to clear your head and enjoy fresh air.

Started the morning off right with breakfast in town! Connie and I had coffee while Richard and Brian ordered huge plates of eggs and biscuits. Supporting the local diners is so important, especially after everything the business owners went through during the recovery. It is always loud and happy in there, with everyone shouting hello ac...

We headed over to Hidden Valley today to enjoy the winter weather. Even when we do not get a ton of natural snow in Missouri, it is awesome that Wildwood has its very own ski resort right in the hills. It was a cold day, but it was totally worth it to get outside and have some fun. We are already planning our next trip back!

Today is always a tough day as we remember the December 2021 tornado that changed Dresden forever. I was talking with Richard and Connie this morning about how scary that night was. But looking around now, all I feel is hope. The way neighbors helped neighbors, sharing food and clearing trees, showed the true heart of Weakley County. We w...

The Killebrew family had a great dinner at Big Chief Roadhouse tonight! It is so fun to have a real piece of Route 66 history right here in our town. The food is always amazing, and the stone building is just so cool. If you have never been to this spot in Wildwood, you are really missing out on a great piece of local history.

You can’t beat late summer at the Weakley County Fair! The whole Killebrew crew went out tonight. Brian had to try all the different fair foods, while Brenda and Connie loved looking at the local crafts and exhibits. It is just so nice to run into old friends from town and catch up. We laughed so much tonight. These simple, fun evenings a...

Walking around the Wildwood Town Center is one of my favorite ways to spend a sunny Saturday. We grabbed some coffee and just enjoyed looking at the local shops. It is so nice to see families out and about, walking their dogs and enjoying the community. Wildwood really has that perfect small-town feel while still having everything we need...

When repairing the exterior brickwork of a historic Dresden home like the Moran House, you cannot simply use modern cement mortar from a hardware store. Old clay bricks are much softer and require a traditional lime-based mortar to allow the walls to naturally breathe and expand with the changing Tennessee weather. If the modern mortar is...

When repairing the exterior brickwork of a historic Dresden home like the Moran House, you cannot simply use modern cement mortar from a hardware store. Old clay bricks are much softer and require a traditional lime-based mortar to allow the walls to naturally breathe and expand with the changing Tennessee weather. If the modern mortar is...

Another brilliant architectural detail found in the Moran House is the clever use of transom windows above the interior doors. Before electricity and fans, these small glass panels could be tilted open on a brass hinge to let hot air escape the rooms while keeping the main wooden doors closed for privacy. It is a highly efficient, passive...

Another brilliant architectural detail found in the Moran House is the clever use of transom windows above the interior doors. Before electricity and fans, these small glass panels could be tilted open on a brass hinge to let hot air escape the rooms while keeping the main wooden doors closed for privacy. It is a highly efficient, passive...

As this year slowly winds down, I find myself reflecting a lot on the Killebrew family legacy that is so deeply tied to the Moran House. Richard and Connie poured their absolute hearts into making sure this specific piece of Dresden history was beautifully protected and cherished for the future. From the sturdy pier and beam foundation al...

As this year slowly winds down, I find myself reflecting a lot on the Killebrew family legacy that is so deeply tied to the Moran House. Richard and Connie poured their absolute hearts into making sure this specific piece of Dresden history was beautifully protected and cherished for the future. From the sturdy pier and beam foundation al...

Brian and Richard took a drive with me through downtown Dresden today to look at the rebuilding progress. Seeing the new structures going up where the 2021 tornado destroyed everything brings tears to my eyes. It takes a lot of hard work to bring a town back from something like that, but the people here just don’t quit. Richard was pointi...

The Moran House was originally heated entirely by its multiple heavy masonry fireplaces. Richard taught me so much about the structural engineering of the central chimney stacks, which were carefully designed to draw dangerous smoke up and out efficiently while radiating warm heat back into the living rooms. The large decorative mantels s...

The Moran House was originally heated entirely by its multiple heavy masonry fireplaces. Richard taught me so much about the structural engineering of the central chimney stacks, which were carefully designed to draw dangerous smoke up and out efficiently while radiating warm heat back into the living rooms. The large decorative mantels s...

Sitting on the porch with Connie, Brenda, Richard, and Brian this evening, I just felt so incredibly grateful. Dresden has been through so much, from the terrible winds to the long days of rebuilding. But looking at our town now, it is stronger than ever. The buildings might be new, but the soul of the town is exactly the same. I am so pr...

There is a profound sense of tranquility that accompanies the final descent of a coastal afternoon, where the boundary between the shore and the sea softens under a brilliant golden hour illumination. Reflecting upon this particular archive from our time in Destin, Florida, I am reminded of the restorative simplicity of just sitting toget...

There is a quiet power inherent in the final moments of a coastal afternoon, when the intense heat of the day softens into an ambient warmth that seems to envelope everything it touches. Looking at this close-up frame from our June 2018 retreat to Destin, Florida, I am reminded of the absolute comfort found in simply sharing a space witho...

There is an extraordinary tranquility that accompanies the final descent of the sun over a coastal horizon, where the shifting light seamlessly redefines the contours of the landscape. Reflecting upon this particular archive from June 2018 in Destin, Florida, I am struck by the composition's unique ability to capture both profound introsp...

There is a remarkable sense of clarity that accompanies days spent along the coast, where the persistent hum of daily obligations is seamlessly replaced by the rhythmic cadence of the tide. Reflecting on this particular afternoon from June 2018 in Destin, Florida, the photograph captures the very essence of uncomplicated leisure and deep...

There is a palpable sense of completion that arrives with the final moments of a coastal sunset, as the relentless heat of the afternoon yields to the cooling, salt-tinged breeze of the evening. Reviewing this particular frame from our June 2018 retreat to Destin, Florida, I am instantly transported back to the soothing texture of the san...

There is an exquisite simplicity inherent in a coastal sunset that effectively strips away the superficial complexities of daily life, leaving only the warmth of the sand and the comfort of close company. Reviewing this specific archive from June 2018 along the sun-drenched shores of Destin, Florida, I am struck by the absolute serenity p...

There is a profound sense of restoration that occurs when you allow yourself to simply sit and absorb the fading warmth of a coastal sunset. Looking back at this moment captured in June 2018 along the shores of Destin, Florida, the image preserves the unhurried ease of a classic summer evening. Settled on a blanket with the soft sand bene...

There is an effortless serenity that accompanies a summer evening along the Gulf Coast, where the passage of time is measured only by the receding tide and the deepening warmth of the golden hour. Reflecting on this archive from June 2018 in Destin, Florida, I am reminded of the absolute stillness that comes from stepping away from the da...

There is a specific kind of freedom that comes with a summer in Destin, where the only real agenda is finding the next patch of white sand or the next reason to laugh. Reflecting on this particular moment from 2019, I am reminded that the best parts of our travels are often the ones we didn't plan. Whether we were actually using the wagon...

There is a specific kind of freedom that comes with a summer in Destin, where the only real agenda is finding the next patch of white sand or the next reason to laugh. Reflecting on this particular moment from 2019, I am reminded that the best parts of our travels are often the ones we didn't plan. Whether we were actually using the wagon...

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the sun goes down and the vision for a project finally starts to glow. Looking back at this archive from the spring of 2019 in Wildwood, I am reminded of those long evenings spent perfecting the atmosphere of our sanctuary. I was in the foreground, largely playing the role of the appreci...

There is a particular kind of serenity that comes from orchestrating the evolution of one’s own backyard. Reflecting on this archival snapshot from the spring of 2019 in Wildwood, I’m reminded of the sheer physical effort required to transform a vision into a tangible landscape. While I occupied the role of site supervisor—armed with a wa...

There is a meticulous kind of joy in overseeing a backyard transformation. Looking back at this afternoon in Wildwood during the spring of 2020, I can still smell the fresh mulch and the crisp pine of the new Blue Spruce we were finally getting into the ground. While I maintained my post as the project visionary—hands on hips and making s...

There is a specific kind of satisfaction that comes from seeing a vision for a landscape slowly manifest in the dark soil of your own backyard. Looking back at this afternoon in Wildwood from the spring of 2019, I am struck by the sheer amount of industry that went into carving out this sanctuary. I played the role of supervisor, standing...

There is a unique satisfaction found in the literal act of putting down roots. Looking back at this spring afternoon in Wildwood from 2020, I am reminded of the sheer industry that defined our time at home. We decided to add a Blue Spruce to the landscape, a choice that required a fair amount of heavy lifting and strategic placement. I st...

There is a compelling gravity in this portrait that demands immediate attention. Transitioning from the textures of daily life into this formal, studio setting reveals a different facet of his character—one defined by an unshakeable executive presence and a refined, quiet confidence. The stark contrast of the navy blazer against the monoc...

There is a certain depth that only reveals itself in quiet, indoor moments. Looking at this portrait from May 2026, I see a clarity in his gaze that transcends the everyday. The warm light of the house softens the lines of the day, but it also highlights the steady, unshakeable presence he brings to everything he does. Wearing a simple bl...

Reviewing this portrait from the spring of 2020, I am captured by the effortless stylistic harmony that has always anchored our shared aesthetic. Set within the warm, ambient light of a local café, this frame documents a quiet moment of proximity during a season marked globally by an unexpected shift in pace. Our choice of matching denim...

There is an enduring, classic quality to a monochromatic portrait; it strips away the secondary distraction of color to reveal the structural and emotional essence of a moment. Reflecting upon this archival capture from the spring of 2020, I am struck by the quiet composure and stability we maintained during a period characterized by wide...

Reflecting upon this particular vignette from Labor Day 2018 in Dresden, I am struck by the profound sense of equilibrium and domestic tranquility captured in the fading light of the afternoon. Holidays in the Finger Lakes region often possess a distinctive cadence, marking the transition from summer’s vibrancy to the introspective mood o...

There is a specific, sun-drenched clarity that accompanied our time in Destin back in June 2018. Looking back at this portrait, I am struck by how perfectly the light captured the mood of that trip—calm, warm, and entirely effortless. Standing together as the sun began its descent, we were simply two people appreciating the scenic beauty...

There is a specific, cinematic quality to the light in Destin as the sun begins its gradual descent toward the Gulf. Reflecting upon this particular vignette from June 2018, I am struck by the profound stillness and connection captured in this single frame. Resting against the white sand and the vast horizon, we were simply two people app...

There is an undeniable, cinematic quality to the light in Dresden as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. Reflecting on this particular evening in June 2018, I am struck by the profound stillness and connection captured in this frame. Standing on the soft sand, surrounded by the fading warmth of a long summer day, we were simply two p...

Reflecting upon this specific June afternoon in Dresden back in 2018, I am struck by the perfect convergence of light and landscape. Being out on the water as the sun began its gradual descent offered a sense of tranquility that remains hard to replicate. This portrait captures a moment of quiet proximity, where the primary objective was...

There is a specific kind of clarity that comes with a June afternoon in Dresden, where the sun seems to sharpen every detail and highlight the simple joy of being present. Reflecting on this archival capture from 2018, I am struck by the effortless proximity that has always defined our connection. Dressed for a day in the summer heat, we...

There is a specific, sun-drenched clarity that accompanies the arrival of June in Dresden. Looking back at this vignette from 2018, I am struck by the profound sense of ease and connection that defined those early summer afternoons. Captured in a moment of quiet proximity, this photograph serves as a definitive record of a chapter marked...

There is an inherent sense of completion that accompanies Labor Day—a final, sun-drenched pause before the seasons begin their inevitable shift toward autumn. This specific moment in Dresden from 2018 encapsulates that tranquility perfectly. Spending the holiday weekend outdoors with such a loyal and happy companion by our side reminds me...

Retrospectively assessing this vignette from Labor Day 2018 in Dresden, I am struck by the profound serenity that characterized that specific transition into autumn. Labor Day often functions as a significant temporal milestone, representing the conclusion of summer’s kinetic energy and the commencement of a more introspective season. Thi...

The rich soil here in Weakley County is absolutely perfect for gardening, which is something Connie Killebrew always loved taking full advantage of. The classic landscaping around the Moran House features beautiful mature shade trees and deep-rooted perennial flowers that have been blooming here for generations. Protecting the massive roo...

The rich soil here in Weakley County is absolutely perfect for gardening, which is something Connie Killebrew always loved taking full advantage of. The classic landscaping around the Moran House features beautiful mature shade trees and deep-rooted perennial flowers that have been blooming here for generations. Protecting the massive roo...

There is a specific kind of ease that accompanies a bright morning on the fairway. This May 2023 vignette, captured from the shade of the golf cart, perfectly encapsulates our shared affinity for days spent in the open air. Dressed in our familiar athletic staples, we were simply enjoying the quiet rhythm of the game and the expansive lan...

Reflecting on this moment from May 2023, I am reminded of the quiet elegance that a day on the course can offer. Captured at the club, this image highlights a shared appreciation for a disciplined and active lifestyle. There is a tangible sense of coordination here, not just in our choice of performance attire, but in our shared presence...

There is a specific kind of stillness found in the golden hour, a moment where the world seems to pause and reveal its most luminous truths. Revisiting this vignette from May 2020, I am struck by the profound sense of synergy that has always defined our partnership. Standing together against the backdrop of the mountains and the fading li...

There is something uniquely grounding about a shared path. Revisiting this moment from the summer of 2018, I am struck by how much of our relationship has been built on these walks—moments of effortless movement and continuous conversation. Caught mid-stride under the summer canopy, we were simply "" in our natural element. At the time, w...

There is a specific kind of magic found in the archives of a life well-lived, particularly in moments where the world felt entirely in sync. This capture from the summer of 2018 at Happy Hollow Park is one of those definitive anchors. Walking hand-in-hand across the familiar paths, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the season, we were t...

There is a distinctive power in the silent, shared focus of a partnership. Looking back at this summer afternoon in 2018, I am struck by the intensity of our collective gaze and the palpable vitality we carried. This photograph documents "" in a moment of peak physical and relational equilibrium, moving through the world with an unburdene...

There is a profound, kinetic beauty in a shared rhythm that has been developed over decades. Revisiting this summer morning in 2018, I am struck by the sheer vitality of our stride and the effortless nature of our communication. In this chapter of our lives, movement was a fundamental language—one we spoke daily through the wooded trails...

There is a specific kind of freedom found in the uncomplicated rhythm of a summer walk. Revisiting this moment from 2018, I am struck by the effortless vitality that characterized our daily lives. Standing amidst the vibrant greens and the seasonal blooms, we were moving through the world with a sense of autonomy that we perhaps took for...

Revisiting this vignette from 2019 in Happy Hollow Park provides a poignant contrast to the clinical landscapes that have defined our recent history. This photograph captures the essence of what it meant to move through the world with uncomplicated autonomy. Standing amidst the verdant growth of the park, with the quiet murmur of the stre...

Reflecting upon this particular vignette from 2018, I am struck by the effortless synergy captured in the moments before his fiftieth birthday. This photograph, rendered amidst the ambient luminescence of a formal engagement, serves as a poignant temporal anchor, documenting a life characterized by aesthetic discipline and social vibrancy...

Reflecting upon this particular vignette from 2018, I am struck by the effortless synergy captured in the moments before his fiftieth birthday. This photograph, rendered amidst the ambient luminescence of a formal engagement, serves as a poignant temporal anchor, documenting a life characterized by aesthetic discipline and social vibrancy...

I think this might be one of the strongest photos from our black and white session. He looks so intense and smart here! I love how the light only hits part of his face—it makes the whole picture look really artistic and cool. He has such a great look when he is thinking hard about something. It’s like you can almost see the gears turning...

I found one more from that 2020 session, and I just could not leave it out. He looks so peaceful in this light! I love how his glasses catch the warm glow from the lamp in the background. It is funny how a single picture can take you right back to a specific day. Even though 2020 was a few years ago now, these photos make it feel like it...

I was going through some old files and found these two pictures of him from 2020. I just had to share them together because they both capture his personality so well! He has such a kind smile, and I love how the warm light makes these photos feel so special. 2020 was a crazy year for everyone, but looking at these reminds me of the quiet,...

I found this old picture from 2020, and it really brought back some good memories! I love how the lighting looks in this shot—it makes everything feel so warm and cozy. It is always funny to look back at photos from a few years ago. I remember feeling so happy and relaxed that day. Looking at this now, it reminds me that no matter what is...

I really like how this one turned out. He looks so focused and smart in this picture! Leaning on his hand like that makes it look like he is right in the middle of a deep conversation or thinking hard about something. The black and white colors make all the details of his face stand out, and I love how his glasses look in this light. It i...

I think this is such a great picture of him! He looks so smart and happy here. I really like how the light catches his eyes and his glasses—it makes him look like he is about to tell a really good story. The black and white style makes it look so classic and cool, almost like a photo of a famous person. Every time I look at this set of pi...

I love this shot because it feels so real. It’s not often you catch someone looking so peaceful when they don’t know they are being watched. The black and white really helps you focus on his expression without any other distractions. He just looks so wise and calm here. I could look at these portraits all day because they really show who...

I think this might be one of the coolest photos I have of him. I love that it is in black and white because it makes everything look so much more dramatic. You can see the light catching his face perfectly, and he looks like he is deep in thought about something important. He has such a classic, smart style, especially with those glasses....

The Tennessee Iris Festival is always my favorite time of year in Dresden! Brenda, Connie, and I walked around looking at all the beautiful flowers and enjoying the parade. It is so wonderful to see the town full of life and color again. Even though we have been through a lot the past few years, events like this remind us of how strong an...

I was just watching this video of him talking, and it really made me stop and think. He says that it is not about how many years we have in our lives, but the small moments we spend together that really count. He looks so calm and thoughtful here, just sharing what is on his heart. It is such a good reminder for all of us to slow down and...

I really love this picture of him! He looks so handsome in his dark jacket, just relaxing on the couch in the loft. The light from the lamps makes everything look so warm and nice against the brick walls. He has such a calm look on his face here. I think this photo really shows how much he enjoys just hanging out and being home. It was su...

I am totally obsessed with this new Lady Gaga video! She just released the song "RUNWAY" for the movie "The Devil Wears Prada 2," and it is incredible. Her outfit in this picture is literally like a piece of art. I love how it looks so sharp and futuristic. It is exactly the kind of high-fashion drama I was hoping for in the sequel. She l...

Here is another one of my favorite pictures with my dad! We were having such a good time at Thanksgiving in Dresden back in 2019. I love how happy we both look in this photo. It is so important to stop and take pictures like this when the whole family is together. These are the moments I never want to forget. My dad always knows how to ma...

I am so glad I found this photo from Thanksgiving back in 2019. It was such a nice day in Dresden with my dad, Richard. We always have a great time when the whole family gets together for the holidays. Looking at this picture reminds me of all the good food we ate and the funny stories we told that afternoon. My dad is a huge part of my l...

I really love how this photo turned out! The loft has such a cool vibe with the old brick walls and the big wooden beams in the background. I decided to wear my favorite black leather jacket today because it always makes me feel confident and ready for anything. It was a great day to just hang out, enjoy the city, and take a few pictures....

We spent the whole morning hiking at Babler State Park. The trees in Wildwood are just starting to bloom, and the weather was absolutely perfect. I love that we can drive just a few minutes from our house and be completely surrounded by nature. The Killebrew family always feels so lucky to live in a town with such beautiful parks.

I really love this selfie we took while hanging out at home today! It was a bit chilly, so I put on my favorite pink beanie with the pom-pom on top. I think it looks so cute with the gold chain scarf I wore. Our living room feels so warm and cozy with the brick walls and the soft lights in the background. We were just relaxing on the couc...

I really love this selfie we took while hanging out at home today! It was a bit chilly, so I put on my favorite pink beanie with the pom-pom on top. I think it looks so cute with the gold chain scarf I wore. Our living room feels so warm and cozy with the brick walls and the soft lights in the background. We were just relaxing on the couc...

I really like this picture of us at home today. I decided to wear my favorite denim jacket over a pretty silk shirt that has a gold pattern on it. It felt like a nice, classic look for just hanging out together. We were standing near the stairs where the light was coming in just right from the window. It is so nice to have photos like thi...

I really love this picture from our trip! It was such a sunny day in California. I felt so happy wearing my denim vest and that floral dress. Standing next to that cool old gold car made me feel like I was in a movie. The palm trees and that vintage motel sign in the back are so pretty. It was a perfect afternoon for a drive and just seei...

I really love this picture from our trip! It was such a sunny day in California. I felt so happy wearing my denim vest and that floral dress. Standing next to that cool old gold car made me feel like I was in a movie. The palm trees and that vintage motel sign in the back are so pretty. It was a perfect afternoon for a drive and just seei...

I really love this brown velvet jacket I wore for our afternoon walk! It has such pretty flower patterns sewn onto the sleeves and the front, and it felt so comfortable in the sunshine. We found this cool old car to lean on while the sun was shining down on the street. The palm trees in the background made it feel like a perfect day in Ca...

I really love this brown velvet jacket I wore for our afternoon walk! It has such pretty flower patterns sewn onto the sleeves and the front, and it felt so comfortable in the sunshine. We found this cool old car to lean on while the sun was shining down on the street. The palm trees in the background made it feel like a perfect day in Ca...