Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice | NJ Lifestyle Family Portraits

I wanted to start this off by calling this post "Double Trouble" but these two little girls are bundles of joy; full of smiles, giggles and love!  It is no wonder where they get it from when you look at the love that their parents display & freely give to them.  

The wonderment & awe that children bring into everyday situations and occurrences is priceless.  They remind you about what is truly important and to enjoy the moment that you are in.  Let's all tap into that childhood innocence and spend this holiday season appreciating the small things.

(And can we talk about how cute those little jackets are?!)

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & a beautiful New Year!  xoxo

Rome Wasn't Built in a Day | The 5 Year Fitness Road to Warrior

This winter marks 5 years since Jimi joined the gym and began going consistently every day. The progress is slow when you're building, but becomes addicting & motivating when you start seeing results.  He envisioned small tweaks to his physique and with hard work, they manifested!  

He got there naturally by lifting every day, following an active & healthy lifestyle, and eating in moderation.  Both friends and fellow gym go-ers have turned to him for advice, strategies, questions on form, and inspiration (myself included!)

Once he decided to document his amazing progress, he really got to grinding & dedicating with a strict meal plan and workout regimen (provided by trainer Christa).  Here are the results of his 5 years - full Spartan!

(Girlfriend edit : Oh my, stud muffin! ;)  As his workout partner for the last year and half, it's easy to see how he keeps me motivated too!)

Umm...Magic Mike?   Sorry ladies, he's taken! ;)

Stick Shift & Stilettos | Alyssa's Turbo

When Alyssa told me she wanted to do a photoshoot with her new Turbocharged car, I was excited for the opportunity for two reasons.

1. One of the coolest parts about being a photographer is bringing people's visions to life and translating their ideas into lasting photographs.  I LOVE when clients have fun & creative projects that they bring to me, and we get to work together on it!  (And I knew it would be FUN!)  

2. There seems to be a theme among some of my female clients... they are BAD-A** and breaking out of typical "gender roles" to pursue their true selves!  From lifting weights to getting dirty under the hood of a car, these girls are a perfect balance of strong, fierce, authentic & feminine!  Keep it up ladies, you're setting great examples!

Here are my favorites from Alyssa's smokin' shoot when we took to the streets of Asbury Park with her Turbo Ford Fiesta.  (She maintains & cleans her car - even mid shoot ;) )

 

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!