Recap 2016

Dear 2016,

You have been hard, the biggest challenge of my LIFE, but you have also been a blessing. This year brought me my son, Nicolas, it brought me answers to my health, and it also brought me so many wonderful photo sessions. I say this every year, but I TRULY mean it when I say this, "I am so lucky to be able to be a stay-at-home-mom AND continue working on my passion - my photography." Yes, this year may have been a lot slower because of my Dystonia and yes I had to turn down many clients, but every chance I had to pick up my camera and photograph another family was filled with such a sense of JOY and pure BLISS. Thank you for every single person in my life. I am incredibly grateful for your endless support and love.

2017, I am ready for YOU! I am ready for a year filled with accomplishments, for more answers, for more joy, and more photo sessions with my wonderful clients! 

Ruby Dent

This family...I have so much love for them. I have had the privilege to photograph George since he was four months old. And here he is now, sweeter than ever, and proud to be a big brother to his sister, Ruby. He quickly introduced me to her as soon as I walked in their home and made sure to give her plenty of kisses throughout the morning. I absolutely LOVE how their home has so many special touches from their families. We got to incorporate a few special things, like a quilt that was Justin's grandmother and Marlee's flower band that she wore on their wedding.   Marlee and Justin, I am BEYOND grateful for your trust in me to photograph these special moments. I cannot wait to be a part of their next milestone.

The Schlueter Family

I LOVE photographing families where their first baby becomes a big sister/brother. The joy in their faces is contagious. They are SO proud in their new role in the family. Etta's energy throughout the session was amazing! She gave ME energy...we got to twirl and jump together as baby June was busy getting fed. When baby sister was ready to be a part of the shoot, Etta showed how much love she has for her. It was truly so sweet to see her take care of June.

Recap of 2015

Every year I am in awe of all that I gain from each photo session. Whether it's a wedding, a newborn session, or a family session, there is ALWAYS something that I learn about life and myself. 2015 has been filled with so much joy and a few surprises. In June, we found out that we were expecting our second baby. We have been blessed with our daughter, Daniela, and now we are waiting to meet our son in just 2 short weeks. (Or sooner, if he decides to come earlier.) My fall season was cut short because of a neck injury and was unable to take on quite a few sessions, but I had to put my baby and pregnancy first and rest as much as possible. My dear clients were so understanding, and for that, I am forever grateful. I'm reminded how lucky I truly am to have such a gratifying job where I can work with such wonderful families. To those families, Thank You! I am so thankful for your support and love.

2016, we are ready for you! I am excited to work with more families and capture more memories. 

Please be sure to click HD (on the bottom right corner of the video window) to view in the best quality possible :)

Finn Royal Hawkins

Finn Royal Hawkins was the center of attention for this sweet newborn shoot. But what made it EXTRA special was having all four grandchildren together at "Mimi's" house. The four of them together fill their grandmother's house with so much life and pure joy! I could hear the two boys running around and having the best time together while I was photographing this precious little boy. 

Jack Nicolas Krohn

It is my greatest joy to photograph these special moments in my family's life. This newborn session was EXTRA special to me because this beautiful mama is my cousin.

Growing up, Ana was like a sister to me. I looked up to her so much. I would be one of her dancers as she choreographed the annual dance for our family every Christmas, we played with our American Girl dolls for hours and hours, and I had my first sleep over with her. She was my role model as a little girl.

On April 29, 2015, she received the most beautiful gift in the world - the gift of being a mother. Jack Nicolas Krohn came to this world and has forever changed Ana and Adam's life. I truly cannot be more happy for them. Ana and Adam, you are both already amazing parents and Jack is so lucky to call you mom and dad. 

Welcome to the world, Julia Karwecka

Every time I do a newborn shoot, my heart fills with so much peace and my passion for newborn photography grows more immensely. There is something so magical about capturing the first moments of a child's life and the love that the parents have for their little precious being. Sylwia and Rafal were so warm and welcoming towards me and opened their home with gracious arms. But the most rewarding part of the day was seeing the pure joy in their eyes and having their beautiful daughter, Julia, in their arms. 

Garrison Brown

Photographing families is one of my greatest passions in life. I find so much joy in capturing the in between moments and waiting for that magical spark to happen - like Garrison's little dimples and smiles! I truly feel so blessed to call this my job. 

Newborn: Jacquelyn Ryleigh Rogers

Jacquelyn Ryleigh Rogers was welcomed to the world on March 4, 2015 and is so unbelievably loved by this beautiful family. Tripp is one happy little man and who is eager to play his new role as the big brother of the house. Aunt Alex's nurturing spirit filled the room with such grace and joy. 

Eve and Larry, thank you so much for allowing me to document these very special times. I am forever grateful.

Javier Sebastian Diego

Seeing how a newborn baby can create so much harmony and love between a family and being able to capture these moments, truly fills my heart with so much gratitude and joy. Javier Sebastian Diego came to the world on February 10, 2015. Big brother, August, is pretty excited to have this new role in the family. 

The Joyner Family

Oh newborn sessions...they are one of my favorite sessions to document.I feel so lucky and privileged to be capturing these precious moments.These photo sessions always remind me to cherish every single second with my daughter because they grow and change way too fast. 

Alana (owner of ABJ Photography) and David brought their son, Will, to the world  in December. They wanted to savor these last few days in their first home before they move  into their new house to start new memories with their sweet family. 

2014 - An Unforgettable Year

2014 has been a year filled with so much adventure, excitement, and amazing clients who I am lucky enough to call them close, dear friends. I am so incredibly grateful each and every one of you. You have all impacted my life in so many ways - and for that I am forever thankful. 

Please enjoy this slideshow with just some of my favorite moments :)

"New Year's Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change"
 

The Cochran Family

My husband and I cannot say enough amazing things about this beautiful family. We are incredibly blessed to have Lamar and Jessica as our neighbors and as close friends. They inspire us and have become role models in our lives. We are so excited to see both of our daughters grow up together.

Daniela Cristina Thomas

These past 2 months have been the most life changing months of my life. I am now a mother to a beautiful sweet girl and I could never imagine my life without her. Daniela Cristina has changed me forever, and I am eternally grateful for her. She has taught me so much about life already. She has taught me to slow down, observe more, savor each and every moment, and be more thankful for the little things life has to offer.

I cannot believe how fast our little girl is growing.

She now:

-Smiles when she sees us

-Loves to make noises, “coos”, and squeals 

-Has the longest eye lashes I’ve ever seen.

-Lifts her neck like a CHAMP! 1 minute at a time and looks around

-Has rolled onto her back about 5 times

-Sleeps between 7-9 hours straight at night.

-Loves looking at herself in the mirror; it makes her giggle

-We love our playgroup that we have joined. Plenty of mommy & baby friends.

-Sucks on her hand

-Takes an average of 3 hour naps in the mornings

-Loves to sit on my lap and observe

-And loves story time before going to bed

Here are her weekly photos.

"Being a mother changes the landscape of your heart forever"

The Dent Family

There is just something about babies that makes the world stop. They say that babies are a piece of heaven...and this little boy is no different. Little George is such a joy and full of life! I spent the whole shoot admiring his sweet smile and watching him discover his different body parts. Thank you Marlee and Justin for allowing me to document these precious moments. I enjoyed every second!

Newborn Session: Baby Toño

As I near my due date, I find myself surrounded by newborns, new parents, and parents to be.  I love that I get to capture the moments of these beautiful families, as in a couple of months someone will be capturing these precious moments for our family! There is nothing like seeing parents look at their new babies and being able to capture the priceless baby moments that pass by so quickly. Marco Antonio Rosa V, "Toño", filled my morning with sweet smiles and pure joy. I'm sure this little boy knows already how much he is loved, as he is so lucky to have amazing parents who absolutely adore him. 

Toño, I cannot wait to watch you grow up and document your childhood. 

David Augustine Diego

There is something so special about seeing the cousin you grew up with have his first baby boy with his beautiful wife. John Paul and Abbi welcomed their sweet little one on June 28, 2013. I and everyone in their lives were counting down the days to meet him. David Augustine Diego decided to surprise us all and arrive a few weeks early. My heart melts seeing my cousin and Abbi so happy with their little bundle of joy. Their smiles light up the whole room and you can feel the love for their son. Augustine, you won't be seeing my face often because my camera will be blocking it most of the time…you are just too cute!