Taylor: A recent Perry HS graduate... and more importantly, my little sister!!!

Taylor is my go-to girl whenever I need a model to practice some new posing ideas, new lens, location... and in this instance, all three! She is also the first girl I call whenever I need to vent, cry, or laugh. :) She also gives me the painful honest truth if I'm wearing a weird outfit. I am thankful for her because she keeps me young. I am so incredibly proud of my sister, Taylor. She is an amazing girl. She recently graduated from Perry HS in 2012. She is working hard striving to become an RN. She is amazingly beautiful from the core of her heart. She makes the same quirky face when she is hysterically laughing or bawling her eyes out. It's contagious. Congratulations to my adorable sister!

P.S. I LOVE my lens: 50mm f/1.4 is my new lover. This location is FAB! Can't wait to try it out on some new friends.

Bellgraph Family: Summer Fun!

If you recall, I first met and photographed this family last November. I adore this couple and these beautiful kids!! I am happy to say Michelle is now a friend :) I so love it when that happens! Holy cow was it HOT out. Living in AZ, you never really go outside in the middle of summer unless you are forced to leave your house and gosh-forbid walk to your car. The weekend before, we had a HUGE monsoon storm and it left us with some terrible humidity. Us Arizonians are pansies when it comes to humidity. Guilty! Well, we made it through the brutal weather and I am loving both the bright personalities and color in these images.

Breaking Tradition with a First Look

First and foremost, I was a bride before I was a photographer. My wedding was absolutely beautiful; I gushed over my chartreuse orchid centerpieces and am just as in love with my dress today, as I was then. However, looking back, my day was such a blur. I don’t recall even having a moment to stop and think “Wow, I just married this amazing man!” I was more focused on entertaining my guests, and what everything looked like, instead of what it felt like. I’m sure many Brides can relate. At the time, I didn’t know there was such a thing as a First Look. If I had, I would’ve jumped at the chance to see, hug and kiss Tyler before walking down the aisle. Those first moments would be hanging in ornate frames on my walls, but most of all I would never forget the priceless moment of just him and I on our day.

About the First Look: A first look is a an opportunity for the Bride and Groom to see each other before the ceremony in an intimate setting. This is a special moment where the two can live and love in the moment, together; without having to worry about the hustle and bustle of the rest of the evening. As a photographer, this candid moment yields the most beautiful, emotional images. As a Bride, being able to see your Groom before you walk down the aisle will help calm your nerves – maybe his, too. While reciting his vows, my husband actually said “I will expire you” instead of "inspire you." :) The First Look also allows for a smoother wedding day timeline – creating more time after the ceremony for family pictures, sunset pictures of the new couple…and the best part: actually being able to attend your own cocktail hour. Cheers! I hope you think about this opportunity when creating your day...if it works for you: GREAT! If not, that's okay too. Your day is all about the two of you.

Cruz's FIRST Birthday!!!!

My adorable son Cruz celebrated his first birthday last weekend. We threw a big retro-surfer-summer/beachy-fun birthday bash at our house!! (How's that for a theme??) Admittedly, I've been planning this party since the day he was born... and it turned out as cute as I had imagined. Complete with summer food on a stick, because of course everything is more fun on a stick, red and aqua decor and lots and lots of beach-y details. Tyler now knows I am officially crazy when he found me hand stamping each napkin with a red sail boat. I couldn't find red sail boat napkins, so I made them myself. Duh, his invitation outfit matched the theme. Do you know ME??

Sliders, fruit kabobs, fish and chips, mini corndogs on a stick and fruit punch and pink lemonade flavored cupcakes completed the menu. A special shout out to my cousin Amanda, for making these cupcakes super duper cute and yummy!

My other talented cousin Megan made his smash cake. It was perfection!

I made a 12 flag banner with pictures of him from month zero to eleven. :)

Pictures with Momma and Daddy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BOY!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Jepersen

I had the pleasure of photographing Amanda and Erik's summertime wedding in June. The girls were dolled up in bright pink, and the guys sporting their jet black tuxes. I was misty-eyed while capturing their First Look. Amanda held up quite well; and I of course didn’t. As soon as Erik turned around and saw his bride he gasped, Amanda made a “you look so adorable in a tux” face and they immediately ran towards each other. Amanda showing off her dress and dazzling shoes, and Erik couldn’t keep his hands off her. It was such an emotional moment. Amanda and Erik expressed their vows in an elegantly lit church, in front of their closest family and friends. The service was delicate and personal. Their love is absolutely beautiful. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Jepersen!!!

112 degrees

Summer is here, and she is in full swing this year. In fact, I think she's mad at me. Friday June 1st - 112 degrees: I burnt my hand on the car door handle and steering wheel. My thigh melted to my seat. The wind felt like a blow dryer and burned my retinas. How many more months of this??? I photographed a wedding the following day...outside, at 2:00 in the afternoon. I then thought about selling everything and moving to Antarctica. Just me and the penguins. Then I remembered how much I whine and shiver when it's 65 degrees.

Stead Family!!!

How cute is this family???!! We had some fun playing in the woods and of course, a spur-of-the-moment tickle session! Seriously, these kids need to get into modeling! Those eyes!

Baby Lyla and family

I was lucky enough to photograph Nick and Erin's maternity session a few months ago. Only a short week later did baby Lyla arrive! I was even luckier to be able to document this beautiful baby girl at 13 weeks. Her grandma Marti and Aunt Abby came from out of town to visit and we had some fun!! To be honest, I surprised myself with how amazing these images turned out - - I've only photographed one other infant before, my son, and he didn't behave quite this well. Infant photography is tough and I've had very little practice. Well, well, well, I must say this baby girl was perfect during the shoot!! I even got a little choked up editing these priceless portraits. Nick, Erin, Abby, and Marti: Thank you so much AGAIN for trusting me to photograph your lovely little girl. Enjoy!