Our First Family Portraits

Kristille and Rick were one of the sweetest young couples I have ever met. One of the many reasons I love my job is: how else would I meet all these amazing people. It is so rewarding seeing young parent's love for their child. Raeleigh is one very lucky girl with parents like Rick and Kristille. She was so precious and friendly. She definitely has a strong personality and likes to do her own thing, but what I loved most is watching her love for her parents and their love for her.

This was the first time Rick and Kristille have ever had professional pictures taken of their family and they definitely rocked the session out. They all are so photogenic and gorgeous both inside and out. Thank you Kristille and Rick for letting me get to know your family. I had a great time meeting you both and look forward to watching your daughter grow throughout the years.

"Through The Years"

I can't help but hear the Kenny Roger's song faintly playing in the background as I look through this amazing family's session:

"Through the years, through all the good and bad
I KNOW how much we had, I've always been so glad
To be with you ... Through the years
It's better every day, you've kissed my tears away
As long as it's okay, I'll stay with you Through the years

Through the years, when everything went wrong
Together we were strong, I know that I belong
Right here with you ... Through the years
I never had a doubt, we'd always work things out
I've learned what life's about, by loving you Through the years

Through the years, you've never let me down
You've turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... Through the years
It's better every day, you've kissed my tears away
As long as it's okay, I'll stay with you Through the years..."

After almost thirty-eight years of marriage, two beautiful daughters, and two amazing grandkids later; I think it's pretty safe to say Esther and Armando pretty much have it all. They have stuck by each other's sides through all the beautiful ups and downs of life and can now look back and see how blessed they have been.

After being pretty much entertained by Valerie and her sister Tamara, I know that this family had a great deal of fun growing up. It was such a pleasure to watch the close family dynamic during the session. Congratulations Esther and Armando for thirty-eight years of marriage, and here's to another forty!

Downtown Rainbow Inspired Birthday: Alyvia Turns 2

Alyvia has been Casie and Bill's pride and joy over the last two years. She has been everything they have dreamed of, with her ever so sweet personality and adorable face. They cannot get enough of her love. She truly has brought a light into their home that they desperately needed, and they are blessed daily by her. Casie was very excited when she contacted me about doing Lyv's 2nd birthday pictures because she had found the perfect rainbow outfit for her pictures. She had a rainbow inspired session all planned out for Lyv and let me tell you Alyvia rocked it out. She is such a colorful little girl and just brought such a joy to the day.

Alyvia is Casie's Rainbow Baby and she celebrates the joy, peace and happiness that Lyv brings to her life. Casie shared with me prior to the session why she calls Alyvia her rainbow baby. "Rainbow babies are a term used referencing babies born after the loss of a child." Through the pain she has found the happiness that Alyvia is going to bring to her life and amongst her storm there will always be peace, hope, and love that she can find through her sweet Lyv.

"Rainbow Baby is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm.
When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath.
What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds.
Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope."

Happy Birthday Alyvia, I wish you many many more wonderful birthdays. Bill and Casie you are doing an amazing job with her and I feel so honored to be a part of her life by capturing these sweet moments for you.

Ming Lake Wedding: Olivia + Peter

Olivia has been counting down the days to marry Peter for almost the past year so when the day finally arrived she was the most cool calm and collected bride I have ever seen. She had finally found her prince charming and the only thing that mattered was she was finally going to be able to call Peter her husband.

I have watched Olivia and her kids grow over these last four years and each one of them have found a very special place in my heart. I have seen them go through trials and celebrations and I can honestly say this is the happiest I have ever seen any of them. Chris, Olivia's son, has seriously been my little buddy ever since I met him and my heart sang when Chris came up to me at the ceremony and said, "I am so excited for my mom! Peter is someone we love and it feels great to see my mom this happy and with a man all of us kids love." It just goes to show what an amazing man Peter is and I wish them a lifetime of happiness.

Olivia and Peter had a beautiful small intimate gathering of their closest family and friends over looking Ming Lake. It was so simple and beautiful; definitely capturing the essence of their true beings. I felt very honored to be given the opportunity to not only capture this special moment for Olivia and Peter, but to also be able to witness Olivia the happiest I have ever seen her. Congratulations Olivia and Peter. I truly wish you guys the most amazing life together. You guys are definitely a match made in Heaven!