forever begins today....

and i was astounded to be a part of today! 

this was my first wedding in a couple of years, wait, actually about 4 years.  for a while i took a reluctant break from photography, which is the one THING i love the most.

i love babies and people, but if i had to love a thing, be it cars, house, money or status, photography is the thing i LOVE! i was thrilled to welcome photography back into my life, and a few months later, a request for a wedding photographer that i just couldn't turn down.  

when we met for their engagement session, it's as if we picked up right where we left off, never missing a beat.  and laura, that is why i love you.  you are still the same hilarious, loveable and down to earth girl that i remember from yesterdays...

i've toyed with the idea of focusing my energy on babies and families, seniors, and events...but i do believe that after documenting laura and darrell's day of love i have a renewed passion for weddings.

and unlike myself (or at least how i picture it) laura did not have a list of portraits that she "had to have" her requests were simple and i swear, laura was the most laid back bride who was just thrilled that the much anticipated day had finally arrived and she was ready to celebrate!

but i mentioned LOVE, and to philosophers, well versed authors, and poets, love is described as a feeling.

at times uncontrollable, unexplainable, and better to have had once than never at all.

but on laura and darrell's special day, i saw love...throughout the day, simple gestures and looks.  it wasn't until i began the process of ohhhing and awwwing over the portraits in the days that followed that i realized i was able to capture love....and if one hasn't seen love, but perhaps merely felt it (which is amazing to say the least)...ladies and gentlemen, THIS is LOVE.

after every storm...

there is a rainbow. we weathered the heatwave, stayed grounded during the earthquake and survived hurricane irene. and laura and darrell were clearly my rainbow! i was thrilled when laura, a longtime classmate and friend contacted me about her upcoming wedding! 

it was great to meet the man that has the key to her heart, and these two share a bond that is truly unique! i am so excited for the great things next month has in store! stay posted for updates!

oh and can i just say, laura you ROCKED the boots!

life is...

amazing! i am blessed to have two gorgeous girls that welcome me home every day with hugs, kisses and excitement that's comparable to kiddos on christmas morning. and although i loved him first, the love of my life, their daddy, is pretty amazing too!   and i thought that perhaps i spoiled them a bit, but daddy, hands down takes the cake. the bond that he shares with his girlies is simply amazing to see and i was lucky enough to have camera in hand to capture the bond they share. abby & bella think the world of him...maybe i'm biased, you be the judge!

my inspiration...

so i've come to the realization that although i am a proud momma to TWO furbabies, i have neglected to share their (mommy goggles on) gorgeous mugs...so here they are! Abigail Faith and Isabella Hope, more commonly Abby and Bella! and i've been asked more times than i can count, since i LOVE babies so much, when am I going to have one...and i kindly reply, i have two...and they are all i need!

...time flies

but i was so happy to be able to spend some with jayden! talk about a gem with a heart of gold and healthy appetite! and jayden not only looks like a cherub, he is one! the sweetest, happiest baby ever! he's proud to show off his pearly whites...

toes in the sand...

and camera in hand, of course! not to mention, the one and only carol coffren by my side, there to assist. if any of you have had pictures taken at our local Target, chances are carol did them...and she is simply wonderful!

what better way to start the day than at the beach?!? and credit goes to the mommas for having TEN, yes, ten kids dressed and ready by 9 a.m., and i thought it was hard enough just getting myself ready to go somewhere!

these kiddos were absolutely hilarious and had personalities all their own.  i felt like i was on the set of my own taping of "Little Rascals", these kiddos were a blast!

sweet, sweet baby

...maybe you should stay with me!

Oh my, lil' TaKoda is welcome to stay with me ANYTIME.

(although his momma and daddy let me cuddle him every time i see them)

He has amazing eyes and the cutest little whimper...he was an absolute gem! 

and why do i LOVE photography?!? this is why...thanks to Nikki, X, and Baby TaKoda