in honor of free cone day

If you haven't heard yet, today is Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's. We got our fill earlier this day, and it reminded me of the many Free Cone Days we enjoyed back in Boston.

So a few shots for the love of ice cream...


This was from a recent session at the Detroit Zoo. (Hope to post more photos from this session soon) Someone is having her first ice cream!! I think she likes it.


And some ice cream cone cupcakes we made for Hannah's birthday. Yum.

So if you haven't made a run to Ben and Jerry's, go now!! And if you're reading this a little late and are sad that you missed Free Cone Day, you might still be in time for 31 cent scoops at Baskin Robbins on April 30. =)

I'll be having my 31 cent ice cream in St Louis with a dear friend of mine whose getting married this weekend! It's very appropriate, as our friendship bloomed off of a summer sustained by eating *quarts* of Baskin Robbins ice cream.

Happy Birthday Hannah!

I can't believe my Hannah turns 2 years old today! Sometimes I still think of her as being just over 1 year (maybe because she can still wear 9 month onesies...)

We have been so blessed with her in our lives.

Here's the invite I designed for her little birthday celebration...



happy birthday hannah!!

let the festivities begin...

double delight

A couple weekends ago, we took a trip to Charlottesville, VA for a cousin's wedding. For all the traveling we've done, I realized I know very little about the state of Virginia. But when we arrived, I immediately loved it. The area is so very picturesque. And as a photographer, I was practically drooling at all the amazing potential photo spots.
Then, not only was there plenty of beautiful scenery to capture, there were also plenty of babies to photograph!! This side of the family has had a bit of a baby boom in the past couple years (all girls!!), and we were so happy to meet all the little cousins. So needless to say, I was taking a lot of photos that weekend.

Here's one happy girl...



And her twin sister, just taking a rest on daddy's lap...



I will try to post more babies from the weekend another time, along with some scenery shots.

I also realized reason #37 as to why I am a photographer. When I am awed by the things around me, I just want to hang on to what I see and feel. Photography is my little attempt to grab all that beauty and put it in a little bottle for me to keep... of course, still nothing beats actually being in that present moment.

new arrival

Life has been very full lately, and I've had to take a blog break (although I probably think about things I want to post several times a day).
But I wanted to squeeze in a post for this recent newborn session, since Mom is probably eagerly waiting. =)
I was so happy to meet Danny, who surprised everyone being a couple weeks early. He is such a beautiful newborn! And completely cooperative during our session. He slept so peacefully, it made my job easy. =)
Thanks Mom and Dad for humoring me and letting me rearrange your entire house. Haha.
I am tempted to post so many good images that we got... but I want to save some for the birth announcements, so here are just a few for now:



the affectionate big brother


ok, enough pictures already...


Lots of other things I want to post... hopefully I'll get a chance to later this week!

gift ideas

I don't know about you, but this year has been flying by for me. When did it get to be April? I noticed on my calendar the other day that Mother's Day is just a month away. And then Father's Day comes soon after that!
So thought it'd be a good time to remind you that I have gift certificates available. They can be purchased in any denomination and used towards a session fee or specialty product. This is a thoughtful and timeless gift to get for any parent (or to ask for it for yourself!) I had a client hire me to take photos of her and her kids as a surprise birthday present for her husband. When dad finally got to see the photos, it brought *tears* to his eyes. That was so touching for me to hear.
And don't forget that many specialty photo products are also available and make great gifts. I have limited openings available, so contact me soon if you want something in time for Father's Day!



And photo sessions and gifts don't have to be limited to parents. Don't forget those precious grandparents! There's such natural tenderness and joy in those relationships, and I love capturing it.

sweet

and this is the little cutie who went with those cute shoes...

cute shoes

It's nice to finally have some warmer weather around here, and to be outside!! Don't these shoes just feel happy and spring-y?

yes, she is

We went took an outing to the DIA the other day, and had a great time walking around, listening to a live concert, and making a couple craft projects.
It was also an inspiring place for photos, and caught this one that says so much...