Change of pace . . .

... sometimes we need to make a change.... change in how we view ourselves, how we see the world, what we do, say and react to every and anything that comes our way! Sometimes.... people are not a right fit in our lives.... and sometimes they are a perfect fit. Sometimes we let go too soon or not fast enough of people or things that maybe once held a special place in our heart. And sometimes....... we need to forgive.... not just others but ourselves! We are so hard on ourselves .... so critical..... and while I believe we should be at times.... we should also be able to recognize and learn from every moment!
...... sometimes we should just be more understanding!
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While this weather may be changing day by day..... no really every day I'm not sure if I should wear shorts or bundle up in some cozy sweats! I'm still managing to get outside to shoot some great people....... engagement sessions are in abundance now as we get closer to weddings! Happy in love couples who I am fortunate enough to spend time with...... luv'n the locations and hugs..... the jokes and laughs.....
it's always an adventure!
Engagement sessions are mandatory for my brides & grooms...... why?- simply because I want to get to know my couples..... I want to see what they are like together, their comfort levels..... and I love to see  how they interact, react etc. It's a great indication for their wedding day of what I can expect from them..... and it's a great way for them to get use to having me around.... lol

Most recent is MJ & Mike....... fabulous couple I met with last year...... originally we had planned a winter engagement.... but the lack of snow this year brought us into a spring session! Still was a great time..... I love the combination of their personalities.... and I hope to see them around more now that I know they hit the same bar on occasion as I do ;)
Their wedding is fast approaching......... and I look forward to spending the day with them!
Til then ... a sneak peek....

Birthday Shout Out- J

Wow..... time... it goes so quickly.......

11 years today and I am so proud to say you are an exceptional young man......
I hear so many people reminisce about the years and I'm so sad I don't remember it all......  what I do know is....
you've always been bright, kind  and so very sweet.......... you don't have a mean bone in your body! You enjoy art.... creating it and admiring it...... you love to read... but only series.... 1 book is never enough! You are a great writer.... story teller.... I enjoy reading your short stories, they have so much life in them and they are just that- a great read!  If I had to guess.... I would say you will do something very creative in your life.... you have great grades.... find school work easy and you make great decisions most of the time.
I don't worry about you..... I don't worry if you will be ok... I don't worry about your successes later in life... I don't worry about your ability to enjoy every moment........ I know you will be happy always!!! What I wish for you in this 11th year...... I wish for you to laugh until your tummy hurts..... for you to cry when you need to..... for you to explore and fantasize....... for you to smile.... for you to eat too many cookies..... for you to get wet with your shoes on....... and most of all this year I wish for you to love and trust those in your life.
We love you!

Most who know us, know the sports side..... the athletic side of J..... his knowledge of sports and his great ability to play them well! And while this is a huge part of his life..... I wanted to take today... this year to tell you about the other side of him.
Thank you for reading!

Happy Birthday to my son........... xo

Random . . .

. . . one of those weeks where anything goes..... yes anything... PB&J for dinner... unexpected unplanned night out.... ate chocolate for lunch.... took a nap with my pup (she's 65lbs and likes to spoon me).. and now I am craving a Pina Coloda....... anything goes this week..... tossed the schedules (except work of course) and we just did any and everything!
Went for bike rides with the kids...... really far at one point... I may or may not have replied to those complaining about their legs "you can't play hockey or ride a horse with weak legs- pump it pump it!"
But we've had fun.............  how can you not with this incredible weather!!!!

So now it is the arrival of some babies I have been waiting on..... a few more to go..... but so happy to meet the new little bundles that are here!!!
Miss. E made her appearance last week........ she is too precious for words and here is a sneak peek into their session!

A New . . .

Today is...... the beginning of new things to come..........
A new site is in the works.... new blog.... new features and packages..... and a fresh outlook on photography! Why? for one it's about time..... and I attended WPPI for the first time!
To say I walked away inspired and connected is an understatement....... there is something to be said for hands on workshops and sitting in a large banquet room with hundreds of other photographers hanging off of every word from inspiration such as Jasmine Star , Jerry Ghionis , Martin Grahame-Dunn and Zach & Jody .....
They truly set the bar not only on talent but business as well....... and one quote I will walk away with and it is forever stitched in my mind is- "I don't have to convince the world that I am a great photographer. I don't have to convince this industry that I am a great photographer. I don't even have to convince you (speaking to a room of other photographers) that I am a great photographer. I need to convince 20-25 brides in 2012 that I am the best photographer for them. If I do that I am a smashing success." ~ Jasmine Star
I would love to insert family and children here with weddings because I shoot more than weddings!

That one quote changed my approach.... Every seminar had so much value.....
I took away a new appreciation for this industry and everyone in and behind it....... a new look.... new insight and many more new goals for myself!
Thank you to all the brilliant artists I met... shared time with... and all the ones who were kind and brave enough to share their success!
Looking forward to next year!!!!!


Well Mother Nature has graced us with the most fabulous weather....... I couldn't be happier of course, especially since I am able to start all the outdoor sessions earlier!!
From kids to families... you know I do it all...... and love every bit of it!
Booking now for Spring and Summer........

A sneak peek into little Miss.F session......