Susie & Brien | Wedding Details | Hood River, OR

I recently had the opportunity to assist the awesome Wayne Toshikazu at a wedding in Hood River, OR (about an hour outside Portland). Wayne is an amazing photographer, with beautiful, inspiring work, and I'm so glad I got to accompany him to Susie & Brien's wedding!

Susie & Brien had their wedding at one of the coolest, most unique venues I've ever seen -- the World Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum. I think my grandpa would've been in heaven...

One really cool aspect of the wedding ceremony were the entrances of Susie and Brien. Susie came in across the field on this pristine 1912 Packard, and Brien, a member of the National Guard, followed on the army Jeep Wrangler, riding in his spot as the gunner. I'm not usually a gun fan, but I must admit, it was a pretty memorable moment -- especially considering Brien was being deployed to Iraq two days after the wedding...

 

Be sure to check back for more of Susie and Brien's ceremony and reception!

Baby Roman | Newborn Photographer | Philadelphia, PA

I love doing newborn sessions. I just really do. It's so incredible to see these new little people who have just entered the world. They're so tiny, yet so intricately formed. Pretty amazing.

Another plus is that parents always come up with such fantastic names. Like with little baby Roman. I know, right? Roman! You haven't even seen him yet and you know he's awesome. 

His parents, Matt & Shin, are pretty incredible people as well. Matt is a pastor at one of our sister churches in Philadelphia, and Shin is a teacher at the Christian school down the street from our house. While they love having a good time (Shin especially is a prankster), it's so humbling to see the tender love they have for their new little one. 

Congratulations, Matt & Shin, and without further ado, meet 10-day-old baby Roman!

I absolutely love little baby fingers and hands... it's unbelievable how tiny they are!

 

Besides being ridiculously cute, Roman is a champion sleeper. He definitely got an A+ on keeping those eyes closed. Matt and Shin were trying so hard to get him to wake up -- but he wasn't having any of it. Their efforts finally paid off at the end, and the last two are some of my favorites. They remind me of how -- incredibly -- this really is a whole new little person, even when he's just 10 days old. Such a blessing, huh?

Happy 2011 | Philadelphia Area Wedding & Portrait Photographer

My goodness, happy new year everyone! I can't believe it's already a new year! And yet, I'm pretty darn excited about 2011 -- I have a feeling it's going to be a really great year.

Speaking of a new year, we are now nine days into 2011, and in those nine days, I've spent time in three different cities... and only two of those have been in the city I actually live in.

The first four days of January, Josh and I were still in Seattle, visiting my family for the holidays. We flew back to Philadelphia on January 4th, were I spent one night at home. Upon waking very late the next morning (we were still used to Pacific time, after all), I promptly found my way to New York City. I spent the next four days in NYC packing. Yes, packing!  My dear friends, Lydia & Joao, are moving to LA, and reluctant as I am to let them go, I'm excited for them and wanted to help out. Plus, I'm kind of an expert packer. ;)  

Now I'm back in Philadelphia, and ready to get back into the swing of things! I know, I know -- it's already almost "mid" January, and I'm just starting to kick things off. Honestly though, I think I've determined that for me, the part of the new year that I associate with goals and projects and change usually just starts in mid-January. Leading up to the new year I'm also excited and preparing for Christmas... then recovering from Christmas and enjoying time with my family. Then suddenly it's January 1st, and a "new year" has begun. So I start thinking about solidly identifying things I want to change and try and do... and by the time I really get things going, it's January 9th. =)

However, there is something I distinctly enjoy about a new year. While I'm not necessarily the kind of person who sets goals like losing 10 pounds, or spending less money, or things like that, I definitely am a goal-driven person, and I enjoy marking the occasion of a new year as one when I can evaluate where I've been, where I am, and where I'd like to go. I know there are different lines of thought that value each of those: "learn from the past", "live in the present", "look to the future"... but honestly, I think the best is simply a balance of all three.

With that said, in 2011 I hope to...

1. Reflect on the ways in which I've grown and still need to grow, recognizing God's love and provision for me each step of the way...
2. Thoroughly enjoy living each day as it dawns anew,  actively and intentionally finding or creating joy each day, doing my best to love Jesus and in turn let his love shine through me as I love, serve, and build relationships with others...
3. Give myself permission to dream -- and dream big -- reveling in the life I have been given and the potential and possibilities it holds...

Now, I hope you all help hold me to that. =) What are your hopes, dreams, goals, or resolutions for 2011? And once again, happy new year!

Sibling Love | Family Photographer | Jersey City, NJ

Meet the S. family...



Gorgeous, right?! These guys had so much energy, and so many laughs! I'm seriously impressed with Mom & Dad for being able to keep up with so many little kiddos! But they really are just beyond adorable.

I had so much fun hanging out with these guys in Jersey City, NJ (literally just across the river from New York City). Check out some more of Annie, Oliver, Griffin, and Isabella...

And let's mix it up and bring Mom & Dad back in...

I know some people might think 4 kids is a lot... but me? Well, I just happen to think it's the perfect number. Always someone to play with, to bug, to be with... of course, I could be biased, but I do happen to have 3 pretty spectacular siblings. =) My prediction? These kids are totally going to be best friends for pretty much their whole lives... laughing, bothering, and loving as only sisters and brothers can.

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! =)