Baby Jack | Newborn Photographer | Glenside, PA

Oooooh! There's a new boy in town, friends! I'm so excited and delighted to share these images of sweet baby Jack. He truly stole my heart away!

Jack is the firstborn child of my dear friend, Kristin. In her earlier life, Kristin was known as Ms. Cain and taught down the hall from me during our Teach For America days. She taught 3rd grade, I taught 2nd, and we shared many laughs, tears, frustrations, and joys during those first years of teaching. I'm not sure I would have survived without her! 

Needless to say, she and her husband, Dave, got married a couple years ago, and have now welcomed little Jack into the family. Jack was pretty anxious to get started on life, and made his entrance about three weeks early. While we didn't get newborn newborn photos, he was still pretty tiny three weeks in (as you can see), and so adorable, incredible, and beyond wonderful. Am I gushing yet? =)

Little Jack does a fantastic job of being just plain adorable all by himself. However, I think when you witness the total love and adoration that Kristin and Dave have for him, and the incredible tenderness with which they care for him, what you see crosses the line from adorable into absolutely precious. There's just nothing like being in the hands of Mom & Dad...

And to finish things, I'll leave you with a photo of Jack's "big brother", Roscoe... congratulations again, Kristin & Dave!

Sisters | Family Photographer | Jersey City, NJ

A family shoot wouldn't be a family shoot without... well... family, right? =) And who do you give the hardest time to, share and grow exponentially with, and talk, fight, and laugh with the most? Your siblings. Especially your sisters. (Yup, personal experience. Mine are pretty fantastic, must admit.) 

I just couldn't get over the pure adorableness of Gia and her little sis, Nadia. These two are definitely going to share many adventures, secrets, tears, and laughter over the years...

I love these shot of Nadia with her Daddy... the love is so clear!

And a few more, simply because these little girls are just so beautiful! =)

Joline & Dwayne | Wedding Details | Ephrata, PA

If you're married, or if you've had friends or siblings who are, you know how much time the bride spends on putting together the "details". You know -- flowers, the cake, decor, etc.  My little sister is engaged and planning her March, 2011 wedding, and trust me, those details, while not the most important thing, are still some of the main planning items on the agenda.

Joline & Dwayne had a red/roses theme to the day... which I'm a fan of, seeing as how my middle name is Rose. =) Here are some glimpses of the decor and the awesome red rose cake.

And let's not forget one of the most important parts, the bride's bouquet... I think that last shot might be my favorite. =)

Thanks again to my friend Greg Hardin, of Gregory Lee Photography, for inviting me along as his second-shooter!

Joline & Dwayne | Wedding | Ephrata, PA

A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of second-shooting Joline & Dwayne's wedding in Ephrata, PA (about an hour outside Philadelphia), with my friend, Greg Hardin, of Gregory Lee Photography.

It was a bit of a rainy day (we grabbed about 2.3 minutes of non-rain), and since I was second-shooting I hadn't rented a flash... but Joline, Dwayne, and their kiddos made up for it with their cuteness!

We spent most of the time doing "family" shots -- the couple really wanted to make sure their family and friends were documented, and with the family they were combining (5 kids between the two of them), it's understandable! But, I still managed to sneak in a few more "fun" shots in here and there. 

And, I may or may not have stolen the bridesmaids for 27 seconds at one point to run outside (in the rain) for a couple shots...

As I mentioned, there are a few kids in the families coming together to form a new one -- the couple referred to themselves as the "new Brady bunch". With smiles like these, I think they're off to a good start. 

Congratulations, Dwayne & Joline... and family!!

Joline & Dwayne | Wedding Ceremony | Ephrata, PA

Here's a peek of Joline & Dwayne's special day that I was second-shooting with my friend, Greg, of Gregory Lee Photography. Joline and Dwayne had both the ceremony and reception at the Eichert Arts Center in Ephrata, PA, and although it was rainy and they couldn't do the ceremony on the lawn, there was a nice porch that was still quite pretty, and quite cozy. =)

Since Joline & Dwayne are becoming not only a new family together, but also with their five kids, instead of a unity candle, they did a family sand jar. Each of the kids (and Mom & Dad) poured their own jar of sand into the big family jar... pretty cool, if you ask me. 

Once the ceremony was through, the party began. It's always great when the glass clinking and cake shoving begin... =)

To round off the evening, you've gotta have the first dance. 

These two (cousins, I believe), were also super cute:

And last but not least, check back for the last post with some of the "details" shots!

The Lucy Bump | Maternity Photographer | Bothell, WA

I wish I could tell you what a fantastic mom Patye is, but there simply aren't words. Even if you wrapped up all the tender, caring, attentive, nurturing, patient, and lavishing love that you could, it still wouldn't be enough. I'm sure she'd say she isn't all that wonderful... but trust me, she is. Her relationship with Amelie is simply beautiful to watch and share in, and I know her love will only grow once little Lucy arrives.

That said, I can't wait for Lucy to make her grand entrance! In the meantime, here are a few photos of Patye, Minh, Amelie, and of course, little Lucy's big bump.

There's a lot of love waiting for little Lucy... from Mom, from Dad, and definitely from big sister Amelie (2 1/2), who already makes it a regular habit to say hello and play patty-cake. 

 

Patye, Minh, and Amelie, thanks for letting me share in and document part of this journey with you -- I'm quite honored. I love you all so much and I can't wait to see you again very soon... and meet Lucy when I do!