Over the holidays when I was back in the frigid cold Gina contacted me to swing by their place to do some family portraits and pics of Maria ... their adorable 2 yr old. 

Now this is more then just a photo shoot.  Gina is an extra special client to me.    Gina was my FIRST ever client when I started my business.  She and Chris were married on Mackinac in 2007.  She is the perfect example of why I do what I do.. why I love what I do... and why I try to connect with my couples.  I WANT to see what happens ... after "happily ever after"... and with Gina and Chris I've been able to.

First I photographed their wedding... then I photographed Maria when she was a baby... and now I am watching Gina and Chris running after this dancing, jumping, running little girl!!  I love that I've been able to watch this evolution through my lens.  By the end of our morning together Maria was not so happy I was leaving...  she wanted me to stay, eat cookies and help her with her puzzle.  I did... how can one say no to homemade cookies at 10 in the morning and a Minnie Mouse/Daisy Duck puzzle!

(plus... check it out... I think we may have a new assistant being formed... just look at the seriousness when Maria holds her own camera)

Thank you so much Gina and Chris for once again inviting me into your life.  I love that I get to see you every other year.  This may sound cheesy (but hell ... its me... I tend to be cheesy)... I love seeing how you two have grown together so beautifully from newlyweds to a growing family (and still as funny ..and fun as ever).




And here's a little flashback from 2007 & 2009...

While I was back on the island over New Years I was excited to see that not one but TWO of my upcoming 2012 couples were adventurous enough to do an island visit in the middle of winter.  While they were there we took advantage and organized engagement shoots... 

Although it was chilly... it was so fun and an unique experience for all of us.  I don't have the opportunity to do photo shoots in the snow very often!!  Plus I love being able to share this magical island in the winter. It is such a beautiful and serene place this time of year that most of my couples never get the chance to see.

So I think I did a similar blog post last year around this time... but its true and it happens every year...

I LOVE coming home from being gone for the holidays to a mailbox FULL of holiday cards... just when the buzz and joy of the holidays are over... I get one last burst of merriment as I sit and open all my holiday cards...  and one thing that makes this even more special is when I see that my clients include me on their holiday list (even though this year I slacked and never got cards out)...  AND even more amazing is when  they used my photography...   there's a special warmth that hits my heart when I see the faces I have photographed through out the year smiling back at me on their cards!!



May your 2012 be off to a wonderful start... and may this year bring you all much joy, laughter, happiness and success in all aspects of your life!

Love
A

Machel and Maxime have one of those stories that make you believe in the power of love and serendipity!!

Machel, an amazing woman from San Digeo, was traveling in Paris with her best when they met Maxime, a lovely Parisian man.  It was love at first site and they've been together ever since. 

These two exude such warmth and tenderness with a huge batch of fun thrown in!  I was so impressed with the importance they placed on their ceremony and keeping it intimate and special.  They were in a circle surrounded by lavender bushes while their guests stood and watched from the perimeter. Even Jim (my incredible asst) and I stayed a distance away to keep the space solely about Machel and Maxime.  

After the ceremony was finished ... the party began!!  And boy was it a dance party full or laughter and some sweet  moves. 

Machel & Maxime,  it was truly an honor to be a part of your special wedding.  It was clear how important every guest was to you and you to them.  Thank you for welcoming me into this circle for the evening.  May you and Maxime continue to laugh together, and spread joy to the world.  Your warmth and exuberance is contagious!!

Love
A

Special thanks to:

Jim Minics... my rockstar assistant
Saralee Franchi of XOXO Bride  ...  incredible event coordinator extraordinaire
Nico  Cervantes...  of NLC Productions...most amazing floral decor... I LOVE artichokes!!...
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa...   for providing the breathtaking atmosphere and yummy food

As holiday card time is in full effect I thought I would blog a bit about portraits...

Often times clients are surprised to hear that I shoot portraits assuming that I jsut do weddings.. true my summer's are mostly full with weddings but I squeeze in a portrait shoot or two... Varity is the spice of life!
Plus I love shooting portraits. Espeically in the comfort of a family's home or favorite park.  My portraits are a bit different then most... I focus more on capturing the moment and less on the perfect group shot with everyone smiling. I love to show each person's character and personality.


So... here are a BUNCH of portraits I've done over the past couple months. 



Juliana and Joe called me this fall when they saw I was going to be in the Chicago area.  I love it when this happens. I photographed Juliana and Joe's wedding a couple years ago and now their family has grown. They happen to be in Chicago the same time I was at the school where Juliana and Joe met (Lake Forest Academy). What a gorgeous school and so fun to hear the story of how they met.  Can't wait to see you guys in CO this winter!!



This sweet little girl Ellie... is the daughter of Kate and Adam.  This photo shoot came about in a unique way.  I photographed Laura (Kate's sister) and her husband Dale's wedding a couple years ago. When Kate became pregnant they thought.. what a great gift ... a portrait shoot!  It was fun to be a gift for someone else.  I love photographing babies in their home, taking photos of the natural environment. as this period in life (when the babe's are actually staying still) is such a quick moment in time...






Oh little Dylan...  well not so little. Dylan is the son of my dear dear friend Jen and Marc. I have been honored to photograph this little boy throughout this first year of his life. Its always fun to see how they grow.  Case in point... he is not as still as Ellie was... this little boy is on the run!  Which is so much fun to capture as he tries to crawl everywhere!!