It can't be the summer already... can it really... I swear just yesterday was my last weekend on the island for the season and I was getting a call from Gordon and an email from Michael...  both with the same date.. both from NY...  both ... marrying Anissa... now this is just strange...  okay, ... two names,... I guess I can relate.

Must admit the weather was about the same as it was in October so it really could have been yesterday...  but even though rain was all day for the forecast... and a chilly 56 degrees (when they needed 57.5 for the string quartet)... we met the day before and I whole-heartedly convinced them not to worry about the weather (which seems to be a common theme so far this year... and yet... just look what happened... beautiful sun came out just in time for everything!!

It was so much fun to have Anissa and Michael for my first island wedding of the season...  we had a blast, playing croquet ...  one of the best parts was the surprise for Anissa & Michael.  The moms had a special surprise guest... "Straight No Chaser" and incredible men's a capella group from Indiana University.

Anissa & Michael.. congratulations on your wonderful wedding. It was so much fun to be a part of your day.  You are two incredible people who are truly beautiful inside and out and obviously inspire those around you to be better people as well.  May you continue to love and surprise each other more and more every year!

Love,
A

I've been back from Florida for less then a day and was so excited about this wedding I wanted to get some pics up as soon as I could.

The past few days have been unbelievable.  I couldn't think of a better way to kick off 2011 wedding season.  There are so many things I want to say about Loni and TJ and their wedding.  I don't even know where to begin.  

 As I sat and listened to the many heartfelt speeches during the dinner, it was clear to see that Loni & TJ have individually touched the hearts of so many.  Here were two people whose paths in life had been parallel for years...  separately inspiring those who crossed their paths.. but now finally their paths have joined to become one.  I have no doubt that together these two will continue in an even stronger way... to inspire and encourage each other and those around them.

And did I mention, for every heart touching moment... there was comic relief.. I'm surprised that the laughter echoing from the house didn't break any noise violations. But this too is an example of how Loni and TJ live life ...  to the fullest!!     





Loni & TJ, You two are truly incredible.  Your zest for life is contagious and an inspiration. I feel so lucky to have been a part of everything.  May your lives grow better and better with everyday.  I so look forward to keeping in touch!

Love,
A

Oh.. and to every body else... did I mention that one of the biggest laughs came as TJ was getting his hair done... oh yes... TJ officially is the first groom I've had with his own hair dresser...  and boy did his buddies tease him ... (you knew I had to call you out buddy).  I should mention that TJ and I are old college friends... so I'm allowed to make fun of him :-)

Not too shabby.. I can't complain... its beautiful here... Loni & TJ are AMAZING.. and there's a beach, palm trees, and gorgeous sunsets... I can't complain...

ok... so this is just a quick teaser... its almost 2am... I'm shooting the wedding tomorrow.. but I had to throw up a few pics from today's "day before" shoot. Loni, TJ and I had so much fun driving around taking pics today....  so take a quick look...

more to follow.. I promise I won't slack this time :-)

Love
A

Last weekend I was in the bay area with my dear friend Kuz (short for Kuzmic... her last name...  well, her old last name... now its Siddens)... pheww that was a lot of explaining... we'll just call her Jen... but really I'm here to talk about Dylan.. .her and Marc's  (can't forget him) adorable 6 month old little boy.

I was lucky enough to photograph Dylan when he was just a few weeks old... but now he has grown so much and is totally growing into an expressive and excited little one...  best him way to describe this little cherub is a boy who is constantly in awe of the world... just look at this face!

I must admit I'm a little bummed to be writing this blog...  flashback: about two years ago I watch (through my lens) as Traci & Ken marry on Mackinac. ...  then about a year later I hear they are having a little baby boy...  followed by little Liam's first photo shoot...   now a year later his first year is over and our Baby's "First Year Photo Sessions" have come to an end.  I can't believe how he has grown physically and his personality. He is such a cutie with incredibly expressive faces!!

Our first photo shoot was in the comfort of his own home, Liam was barely sitting.. in fact barely moving...



the second was in a nearby park in October, where he was sitting up and discovering leaves (and how they taste)... 



the third...  was me attempting to capture him as he crawled all over his domain barely sitting still ... 


and this final photo shoot truly captured all of his growth and personality... we went to a really cool gymnastics studio and just watched as he played and laughed  and explored.. then we had to capture a few photos with the grandpa's tractor.



The past year has been so fun to hang out with Traci and Ken and watch as Liam begins to grow into is own!!!




Traci & Ken, thank you so much for welcoming me into your home and into your life over this past year.  It has been such an honor and I can't wait to see how Liam grows!

Love,
A