Rustic & Chic | Kate & Mike's Maternity

When your best friend asks you to happy hour at one of your favorite after-work restaurants, especially after a hard day at the office, you say "yes!"  And when she would normally order a fruity cocktail but opts for just water instead, you can't help but wonder the question that all women do when their girlfriends switch it up...  But instead of coming out and asking, you patiently wait for her to break the amazing news to you while you both stuff your faces on half priced appetizers.  The very first thing you do is congratulate her, and the very next is calling dibs on her maternity session.  

Kate is the first friend of our group that is pregnant, but that comes as no surprise.  She was the first friend to move out on her own, land a real job, get married, and buy her own house, and she is gracefully navigating the confusing "early 20s".  With the support of her loving husband Mike, she's even making her pregnancy look easy (even though we all know it is not).  I am so proud of you both, and know that you will take on parenthood with the same love and ambition that you always do - you got this, just breathe!  <3  (and I can't wait to meet Michael)

 

To Love & To Cherish... | Corey & Andrew's Vow Renewal

 

Wedding vows are not just words that are recited to our soon-to-be spouses, but promises.  Promises of commitment and of love to one another, in good times and bad.  This special couple was married one year ago and decided to renew the vows they made to each other.  It was heartwarming to witness their ceremony as they reflected on their year and how they have done so far (with a few laughs of course!)  Its easy to see the love that shines from them as they exchange glances, smiles, giggles & kisses.  

Corey & Andrew, thank you for allowing me to capture those intimate moments & congratulations (again)!

 
 

"Fall" Into the Holiday Season

This time of year can be a whirlwind of events.  From selecting and making Halloween costumes, planning and cooking for Thanksgiving, and shopping and preparing for Christmas, we each have to remember to slow down and spend some quality time together.  Luckily, when you are planning Christmas family photos, you get to spend an afternoon together playing in the park.  I had the pleasure to photograph this special family just as the leaves were changing and before it got too cold.  With the brand new addition of their baby Evan to their family, we got to capture some Holiday Joy.  

Congratulations Dan & Steph, and May Your Holidays Be Bright <3

 


Lilies & Pearls... 30 Years Later, She's Still His Girl

30 years ago, Macintosh revealed their first computer, Bill Murray & friends taught us who to call in Ghostbusters, Transformer toys made their appearance in stores for the first time, and Kevin Bacon danced his way into our hearts in Footloose.

30 years ago, two people madly in love decided to take the next step in their relationship, got married and started a family.  Donna & Frank just celebrated that special 30th Wedding Anniversary together and even 30 years later, we can tell the love you have for each other still shines so bright.  He smirks at her corny jokes, and she occasionally lets him know he's right.  They still laugh and act silly like a couple of teenagers, smitten with each other.  

So here's to you, lovebirds, and the next 30 years.  Congratulations! xo

Sweet Perfection...

7 pounds, 19.5 inches, 10 fingers, 10 toes, 2 eyes & 1 nose.  August 29th at 8:33pm this bundle of joy entered the world with a full head of hair and her hand already tightly gripped around our hearts.

Meet Gianna Elizabeth - the name Gianna is Italian and means God is gracious.  This sweet baby encompasses God's grace perfectly.  If you have seen the post Maria & Joe's Maternity, then you have already seen her loving parents.  

However, it is truly a beautiful sight to see two people who have just become first time parents and the look of wonder, amazement, and love that dances across their faces when they lay eyes on their baby girl.  For me, seeing my strong, determined, outdoorsy older brother turn into mush when his daughter coos or smiles or just simply looks up at him is enough to melt my heart EVERY. time.  And to see my smart, independent, caring sister take on motherhood with full force and make it seem easy (even though I know it is far from it!)  I am so happy and proud of both of you, and could not love the sweet perfection that is my niece, Gianna, any more than I do.  <3

 

 

 
 
 
 

Did I mention that we are all big football fans?  Joe is Greenbay Packers fan, Maria is a New York Giants fan, and Gianna - well, she'll get there...  ;)