Hump Day Happy: Focus

Focus and creativity are interesting things. Especially when it is generated by a sweet little 3 1/2 year old boy.

I was fascinated while taking this image as I could not believe the determination shown by my son to create a special craft for my husband and I. To the average person you see a prechooler working hard. To me, I see my little premature baby that I needed to shelter for quite sometime, to take to doctor's appointments and administer frequent dosages of medicines. Yet, you would never know these things about him. It was a long road, but he's doing excellent. No, we are doing excellent.

It's a hard job, it requires focus, but it's my job and I would not trade it. I love you little boy!

New Year, New Life: Missy and Brian's New Year's Eve Wedding

What a wonderful way to end 2010 and welcome 2011 as a newly Married Couple. That was the plan for Missy and Brian's Wedding at the gorgeous Hotel DuPont in Wilmington, DE. I had the help of second shooter, Nicole Peterson, with some of her images feature below.

The location was perfect and there were no winter weather surprises. The surprise to me was the awesome shoes selected by Missy for her Wedding, different and celebratory, perfect for New Year's Eve.

Celebration was in the air.

The beautiful bride getting ready with help from her loving mother.

Loved the color palette of her flowers.

Missy was all ready to go, with one last hug for her Mother. A sweet moment.

Now, let's not forget the groom and groomsmen...

Time to start the Ceremony with Missy's big moment, being walked down the aisle by her mother and brother.

Seeing Missy get teary eyed was very sweet. Getting to know Missy and Brian over the past year was a nice experience, making me feel truly part of their Wedding. This really placed a lump in my throat.

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Wainwright...

So it's a New Year and they are beginning their New Life, together.

Hump Day Happy: Home

So many things are going on in this image, yet it all boils down to one thing--love. The love that began for two people, that resulted in two children, that are now a family, that have welcomed a beautiful dog into their home and that all share a bond of love. This image is sweet and warms my heart.

Further, when we shot this session, it was not known of the father's 6-9 month opportunity in Japan. While difficult, he is doing work for his employer there and will see very little of his family. Thankfully we have been blessed with the magic of technology allowing us to contact loved ones easily, when they are several time zones away. We can view them in real time while having a conversation, but nothing replaces that comfort of a hug.

It is my hope that this image carries him through to the warmer months back on the East Coast, back to his loving bond with his family.

Hump Day Happy: Lookout!

How Funny are these two? Quite the pair and a really fun Engagement Shoot. In fact, they just purchased that bike. That day, as in an hour before the Engagement Shoot. To hear their description of placing it on the back of their car and the fear of it falling of was priceless. If this photo indicates anything, so well matched, so funny and I am so looking forward to their March Wedding!

The Wedding of Steph and Randy = Sneak Peek!

Baby, it was cold outside. But these two have each other to keep warm.

Our Best Buddies

I just love this photo. It reminds me of all the reasons why I love animals, dogs specifically. Second, I seem to notice a dog before I do the owner. You see the joy this dog brings her, you see the happiness of the dog because it is being cared for so well. Believe me, that love is a two way street.

So many times I remember coming home to my dog and him just being able to give me the right love I needed. All he asked for in return was to fill his dog bowl, a walk, a clean bed and a few pats on the head. Well, if you knew Homer, he was pig for petting, so there were lots of pets demanded. But we have Sawyer these days. He is a 10 month old puppy, sweet and a little dopey. He is good at chasing the deer off our property and his kisses are great. As time has gone by, I see the bond he has developed with our son, so sweet. As much as I miss our old dog, I think I may just have a new place in my heart for this new one.

Those special reminders that you are loved

Each Wedding, for me, begins as a blank canvas, but I approach it with a POA (plan of action). I know that each detail has been planned by the bride and groom over a long period of time that will unfold quickly in one day. Yet, is this really true of the other observers?

When I approached the home where the bride was getting ready, I have somewhat of an idea of what to expect. A beautiful bride, that I met, shot her engagement session and chatted with over the phone. She was awesome and cracked me up. Most likely, there would be a flurry of activity in the getting ready process and I needed to have my head "in the game".

But as I walked in, I was completely taken in by something else. The sweet whirling dervish making her way around the home confirming that everyone had what they needed with the happiest look on her face. I needed a double take as she reminded me of my own grandmother on my Wedding Day. The happiness, the pride, the love and the laughter were spot on. I was doing double duty shooting the bride and grandmother and was able to capture the above. I love the gaze she gave the bride as she walked into the living room. It was so touching. This is a woman would held her when she was born and has now seen her grow into a beautiful young woman. How could she be nothing but so happy and proud?

An Image that Speaks Volumes

I show this image to people and ask them what it is that they see. I get many responses. It may be the happy look on the groom's face, the hairstyle of the bridesmaid (of all things) or I even got a comment on the videographer. But to me there is something so sweet, special and obvious that stands out to me the most. It is the Father of the Groom wiping tears away.

Ironically, when I shot this, I had no idea this was going on. Further, after speaking with this man later in the day, he was bursting with happiness and pride, and justifiably so. The Groom, which goes without saying, was absolutely the nicest, politest person. His sister was a bridesmaid, his two brothers were fun and the oldest was the best man who gave a touching toast. However, top of mind was their mother who was hospitalized at the time and could not attend the Wedding. This was a great tight family. Upon arriving home, and seeing this, I could not help but get that tightness in my throat as I looked through the series of shots to see his emotions. But I did understand the possible sadness he felt that his wife was missing the marriage of their son, which was difficult on everyone. I saw a father so proud of his son, having found happiness, and moving onto the next chapter of his life. This father should be proud. Both of his son and of the great job he did in raising him.