Christmas Baby (Leonard)

Mount Laurel, NJ

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Baby Isaiah was born just a few days before Christmas, and I got to meet up with him when he was still just a little peanut and document this new family of three.  Ahem, I mean, four.  Duke (the dog) is definitely a part of this crew.  :)    

These few images were snuck in before we were even set up.  So often the unplanned end up being favorites, don't you agree.  Big dad, little baby.  Love.  

Although they were the ones who had just given birth and were adjusting to a new lifestyle as parents, they talked as though I was the guest of honor when I arrived.  They are as sweet and selfless as ever and think the other is more lovely as a parent.  

They are as wonderful as they look!  Enjoy highlights from sweet Isaiah's first photo session, if you'd like.  

Beautiful, mama.  

Happy 2nd Birthday, Eila girl

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So thrilled to sing "Happy Birthday, dear Eila" today (you've been waiting for weeks) and to celebrate your life, sweet girl.  I love your happy exclamations and your sensitivity, the way you nurture everything (including inanimate objects) and seeing you flying and spinning with your daddy.  I know you loved your birthday cookie because it was the first thing you every added to our bedtime prayer.  ;) 

May you always love people and pray with as much honesty as you do now.  xo

January Wedding

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"No longer do we wonder if we're together / We're way past that / And I've already asked her / So in January we're gettin' married" - Avett Brothers

Congratulations, Ben and Carol.  What a lovely, January day it was!  xo

When I Work on a Wedding...

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... I get so jazzed.  I love so much about these events!  Some of the thoughts swirling through my head as I work on client images are below, if you are curious, and I am reminded over and over again why I love my job.  

I typically let out "oH look at her!!" sighs to my computer (or the dog).    

I pick out about 10 images I have to share RIGHT now, but they restrain myself because I'm not even through the getting ready phase of the day. 

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I love the relationships that are documented: interactions with grandparents, the Mother of the bride looking absolutely beautiful as she zips her younger self into her wedding gown and reminding me of time, legacy, generations, and how beautiful it all is as a whole.  

I think of all the things I want to tell a couple: about how grandparents are a treasure and the fact that they were present for your wedding is a gift.  I miss mine terribly and will never forget my Gram planning her outfit for my wedding months ahead of time: a blue suit.  I think she had her outfit before I did.  On her RSVP to my wedding she checked that she would attend and added, "with bells on".  She didn't take things for granted and was tickled to be alive for the event.  At this point, I'm more than tickled.  Take time with them at your wedding.  I'll photograph it.  :)  

And other things that don't make me cry!  Like: "Do you know you visibly relax when he / she is at your side?"  Do you see this in couples?  I love it every time.    

How sweet are they?  There is an ease and a kind of smile that comes when they are standing next to their beau, and it makes my day.

"...Everybody wants to steal my girl...find another one 'cause she belongs to me."...songs pop into my head as I work.  My man grew up on punk rock and emo so I can't explain the influences I'm under.  ;) Apparently Pete's influence creeps in when my mind is occupied and unsuspecting.  (But actually that's a fun song!  Google the lyrics if you're feeling crazy.)  

There's more, but I'll stop there for now.  

Few things in life are more important than relationships and I find it such a joy to document them.  Thanks for entrusting me with your wedding.  May your images and albums spark stories with your children and grandchildren about your life and legacy.  

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May you be rich in the good things of life: family, friends, and admiration for the one(s) you love.  xo