Joe and Ananda's Growing Family

To say that I was thrilled when Ananda asked me to do some pictures for her and her family would be a huge understatement! She is one of the most beautiful women that I know, and that was even more true when she was pregnant with her fourth baby.

We met up at the same beach where she and Joe had gotten engaged 3 1/2 kids ago. I was so excited to document such a special time for this special family!

Little Nathan :)

He was trying to show me how old he was!

Hannah and Asher...

See? Told you she is stunning!

There's something about this one that I really love.

How cute are they?!

Beautiful family

This is definitely one of my favorites from the day.

Love his "cheese!" face! :)

This was just about the spot where they got engaged. I think they thought I was a little strange for suggesting this shot, but I had to do it!

Just a few weeks after these were taken Joe and Ananda welcomed baby Miriam into the world. Congratulations you two!

Congratulations Sonny and Megan!

Ok - I think this may possibly be the longest wedding post I've ever done - I just had way too many favorites!

Sonny and Megan's wedding was just gorgeous! Megan chose a "Beauty and the Beast" theme for her wedding, which could have been cliche but Megan pulled it off beautifully. And I have to admit, while I am ALWAYS honored when a couple chooses me to photograph their wedding, this feeling was magnified during this one. Several times throughout the day I heard it mentioned how Megan had dreamt of this day since she was about 3 years old! When I heard that, I was struck by the fact that this was an incredibly important day for her - and I had been chosen to record those memories that would last the rest of their lives. Wow - talk about humbling!

Anyways, every detail was perfect, thanks to some amazing vendors:
Venue: Tavern and Chapel in the Garden
Catering, Flowers, and Cake: Encore Catering of Central Florida
DJ: Premier Entertainment

Here's some of my favorites, with the slideshow at the end.

Doesnt' Sonny look handsome? Not like a beast at all :)

Megan's sisters had planned a little surprise for her...

A horse-drawn carriage!

I loved all the photos that they had placed around. Most were of the two of them (I saw a lot of their engagement photos) but some were special family photos. I thought it was such a neat touch!

I managed to get my 6-month pregnant self onto a chair to get some shots of everyone dancing.. all of a sudden I heard the DJ announce for everyone to turn and wave at me! Good thing I had the right lens on for the shot!

And here's the slideshow...

Congratulations you two! Thank you for the honor of being a part of your day!

My Pictures

Last week I challenged myself to remember that my camera is for more than just business - but that it can also be used to capture moments from my own life. I had planned on taking a picture a day of some of the beauty that is all around. It didn't go quite as planned....

The first day I was struck by the beauty of the Word as I did my quiet time in the morning.

Later that day I was outside with Chris and Anna, and I decided to bring my camera with me. Chris LOVES riding his bike, but he loves it even more when Devon, who is in middle school and lives across the street (the boy in the background) is outside. Devon lets Chris follow him all over, and teaches him new tricks on their skateboards, bikes, etc. Chris was in heaven.

Then their favorite time of day: Daddy came home! Anna immediately climbed into his car and into his lap.

Both of my kids LOVE watching TV. I try to limit it to no more than 2-3 shows a day - but they ask for it constantly.

I probably should have stopped them from jumping on the furniture, but they were having such a good time together!

Another show... I couldn't help but laugh at my little couch potatoes.

One day Chris walked into the kitchen and suddenly recited the Pledge of Allegiance - I had no idea he knew it! He was so proud!

Me and my babies :)

Anna just ADORES balloons!

Chris was BEGGING to take a picture with my camera... I very reluctantly agreed, and the whole time kept thinking about the amount of money he was holding in his little hands.. but I have to admit he got a cute shot :)

She just loves Mickey Mouse!

Play time with Daddy!

Ok.. so you see, it didn't go quite as planned. I'd envisioned myself taking pictures of beautiful flowers, or a sunset, etc. But instead, I found even more beauty and enjoyment in those closest to me. So, I guess the lesson here is to remember to not just capture moments for my clients, but to look for them in my own life as well.