Autumn Evenings at Allaire Village | NJ Family Portraits

Meet the Earley family!  They are an active family of 4 men and their loving Mom & wife.  Between school, sports and busy schedules, life sometimes gets hectic.  And when your sons are growing faster than you can keep them fed, you free an evening & get outside for some fun portraits in the park!  No rapidly approaching sunset (with DayLight Saving time) or park patrol could keep us down - we were on a mission to grab the best moments!

The warm hues of the Autumn season are beautiful, but it is the family that truly shines together.  

And for brothers, they actually seemed to enjoy each other's company!  ;) 

Fall Family Fun...and Zombies! | NJ Halloween

Every year, around late August/early September, there is something in the air that makes saying "goodbye" to summer a little easier.  For many, it is Pumpkin Spice!  For others, it is the decrease in shore traffic that allows the locals to truly enjoy the beaches, or the chill that accompanies the night as it gets deeper into October that we call "sweater weather", or the abundance of activities - both family friendly & super spooky - that kick off the "Holidays" starting with Halloween.  But the truly stunning occurrence that we experience is the transformation from healthy, green leaves to the radiant hues that keep us in awe throughout Autumn & gazing upon every vibrant tree we pass!

Enter: Matt, Kristen & Juney.  They knew they wanted to do a family session for a while but could not figure out the exact details or time of year.  When I had talked to Kristen on the phone and she told me the idea that she came up with, I was "Thrilled"!  Being a huge fan of The Walking Dead and all things zombie, I couldn't wait to bring this shoot to life - or back to life, should I say?! ;)  

Set a Goal & Crush It | Stefanie's Fitness Achievement

Stefanie, mom of 2 young daughters, wanted to show her girls what being a strong woman was all about.  She wanted to show them that they can achieve any goal or dream that they put their heart & hard work to.  On September 17th, after 6 months of training in the gym and eating healthy foods, Stef competed in her first Bikini Competition as part of the ANBF Masters Nationals.  She placed 1st in Novice, 2nd in Debut, and 4th overall, all while her girls cheered her on from the audience!  She proved that women can be strong, fit & beautiful! 

This was so much more than a fitness competition. This whole journey was about accomplishing something after going through a lot. It was to show my daughters how to be a strong woman. That no matter who or what tries to knock you down you never fall. You get right back up and do the best you can with a new day. They give me strength I never thought I could have.

After that, she was hooked. Stefanie will be competing again mid-October and we know she is going to rock that stage! Good Luck, but with heart like that, you don't need luck!

Camilla Rose | NJ Lifestyle Newborn

When it comes to newborn photography, the baby really does call the shots.  Even the best laid photoshoot ideas sometimes don't always go as planned, but the magical and special part about photography, is that it can produce something even better.  When this adorable little baby gets hungry, you take the opportunity to grab some intimate snaps of the interaction.  You get to see the giggles from the other family members (big sister included) when you can get the whole family involved.  And when she has worked hard as a model all morning, newborn babygirl finally just passes out and naps wherever she is, which creates beautifully sleepy pictures.  

This is lifestyle photography; photographing life, as it unfolds in the most amazing ways.  

Camilla Rose, or "Cashew" as she has been nicknamed, was welcomed to the world on February 9th.  She is already adjusting to life in her new home, which is filled with sounds of her big sister playing and her dog barking.  She doesn't mind visits from her extended family and is becoming one of the bunch!  

Congratulations to Maria, Joe & Gianna.  <3

The Real Gifts In Our Lives | NJ Lifestyle Photography

As a child, you want the coolest toy, the newest gadget, and the biggest, shiniest box sitting under the tree.  As you grow older, you come to realize that the best gifts aren't toys, gadgets, or material objects that could fit in a box.  They don't come with a price tag, and can't be bought in stores.  The real gifts in our lives are our loved ones, the moments we share, and the every day miracles that happen.  They are the conversations where we learn about ourselves and those closest to us.  The times we laugh so hard, our faces and stomachs hurt.  The quiet, warm embraces that calm us & express love without words.    

This holiday season, Maria & Joe took some time to create more memories with their growing family (and baby #2 on board!)  There was lots of laughing, kissing -their dog Gizmo included-, a little crying, and even a shoe that went floating down the creek (which made for a bit of adventure and something to look back on & laugh at).  Here is their Christmas Maternity session, celebrating the gift of marriage, family, and their daughter(s).  

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Buon Natale!  And this year when thinking of New Year's resolutions, I encourage you to spend time every day reflecting on the daily gifts you have & receive and being grateful for them.  It is easier to be thankful during the holidays, but when you fill your life with appreciation, it will change in the best way.  :)  xoxo