Wendy & Josh - *Engaged*

Wendy called me about her upcoming wedding after being referred to me by a woman from our church.  We met at her parents house a couple weeks ago on a Thursday evening for their engagement pictures.  (Engagement photos are included in the standard wedding package price, by the way.)  Wendy and Josh are both great.  They have an awesome sense of humor, and we laughed for most of the hour I was there.  I felt like I had known them for a long time as soon as I met them.  Maybe it was the many emails we sent back and forth before finally meeting for pictures.

Here are my favorites:

I had a great time getting to know you both, and I can't wait for July 28th!

Playground Fun!

We have been the recipients of beautiful weather here in NY state for the last few weeks.  Temperatures soaring into the upper 70s and sometimes even low 80s.  We've taken advantage of the weather and spent LOTS of time at the playground.  A few weeks ago we met my friend Shelly and her kiddos for a playdate.  I took tons of pictures and didn't even up with my that was salvageable.  My kids are definitely "photographers children".  They rarely look at the camera/stand still/smile.  It's all good, though.  They are still pretty cute.

My kids have the funniest eyebrows.  They always look like they are deep in thought

 My friend Shelly's son, Amicio (or, Ami for short)

He wouldn't look at the camera, so I had to work with what I had, and I ended up LOVING this photo

Again with the eyebrows

 Apparently her son does it, too!

Shelly's daughter, Kalysta

The sky as we headed home that night

Hee...I have this one framed and hanging on my wall

This was pretty much the ONLY decent one I got of my son that night.  He's got the thinking eyebrows, too.  This photo is hanging on my wall as well.

This is what most of the pictures of my son look like

These ones were from another trip to the playground.  My son loves the swings.

I think she looks like an angel in this picture

 <3

This one is now sitting in a frame on my desk.  Printed on metallic paper it literally GLOWS.  I love it.

Celebration - *Natalia Turns 4*

You might remember the photos I posted of the C family from our session in October.

Well, their beautiful Natalia turned four in February and they asked me to come photograph the party for them.  If you've never had a photographer for birthday parties, it's a great idea.  (And I don't just say that because I'm a photographer!)  It's such a relief for the parents to not have to worry about taking snapshots during the party.  They can relax, visit with guests, and really focus on watching their kids enjoy the fun.  At the end you have some wonderful photographs to remember the party, and you didn't have to worry about it at all.

Anyway...Natalia had a Strawberry Shortcake themed party at her moms Zumba studio.  The decorations were great, and a bunch of the little girls were wearing tutus that Serena made herself.  The party was so much fun, I had a blast.  Natalia is such a sweetheart, and she is so expressive, and just so full of life.  She makes me smile every time I see her.  :)

Mom and dad with the birthday girl

Love the tutus :)

I adore his eyes

Leading the girls in a bit of Zumba

I got so lucky with this shot, and I love it

Waiting oh so patiently to open her presents

Look at those eyes and lips!  *melts*

Thank you Serena and Jim for letting me capture this day for you!  I had so much fun, and you have a beautiful family!

Just Because - *Sarah and Dan*

Sarah goes to my church and we officially met last Spring.  In just a few short months her and I became super close.  Then she went away to college.  When she is home on break we get together, and she babysits my kids, because they love her so much.  She's amazing, and I was so excited when she told me her boyfriend would be coming to visit for New Years. First because I would FINALLY get to meet him, and second because she wanted some pictures of the two of them together.  We met at Waverly Glen on a cloudy day.  We (well, Sarah and I) had so much fun.  I'm not sure about Dan...guys don't generally think getting their picture taken is fun.

They are so cute, and I love seeing how happy Sarah is when she's with Dan.  :)