Ben + Marissa

A few months ago I received a call from a lovely young woman inquiring about the Mommy + Me Collection I offer. Marissa and I spoke on the phone and exchanged informative emails for a few days and when she felt comfortable with her decision, she chose me to photograph the newest chapter in her life.  

A hesitant Marissa exclaimed how she was quite uncomfortable in front of the camera... ha! Marissa you are BEAUTIFUL!!!! You and Ben are full of that "soon-to-be parents" glow. Take after take, you guys rocked your session. My job is a breeze when I get to photograph people like you.. full of life, love and laughter. 

 You are beautiful Marissa!!!

Marissa and Ben, I am delighted to have met you and more so to have had the opportunity to document such an amazing time in your lives. The two of you are amazing individuals and so very much in love with one another. The excitement about the pending arrival of your new baby is clearly visible in the way you look at each other and interact with your surroundings. Marissa, your glow as you approach motherhood is inherently apparent. Congratulations on your soon to be here baby!!! I can't wait to meet the newest addition to your family!!

Happy Friday friends :)

Baby Zoey

A while back I photographed an old best friend. Ariana gave birth to her very first child this past weekend, a beautiful baby girl! Congratulations Ariana!!! (To view Ariana's maternity session, please CLICK HERE.) Baby Zoey is absolutely adorable, sweet and beautiful in every possible way imaginable. I have not photographed very many babies in the span of the past two-three years. I often think it is because I don't have that motherly instinct at the present moment so babies still make me a little bit nervous. However, every now and then comes a baby that wins over my heart. 

This time, it was Baby Zoey. 

I had been contemplating whether I would continue to offer newborn portraits for any future clients. I was most certain that Baby Zoey would be the last baby I'd photograph, at least for a few years. I figured I'd refer new parents to great baby photographers, I know a few ;)

I still have not made a concrete decision on the "Baby Issue" but I do know that Baby Zoey was both a great baby to end my "baby career" or a nice reminder of why I should meet more newborns. :)

Zoey was asleep the entire time. Not once did she let out a scream. What a cutie-patootie! The best part, she practically posed herself. Everytime her grandma Marty and I would move her and pose her a certain way she would move and pose a different way. Ariana, you may have a supermodel in waiting. Her mommy bought her the cutest little pink hats! They were cute but Zoey made them look so much cuter.

Welcome to the world Zoey!!!

Ariana congratulations on Baby Zoey's arrival!!! You are so blessed my friend. You will make an amazing mother and wish you and your little family all the blessings God has planned for you!!! Xoxoxox

Portraits... Ariana

It was 7th period reading class during the first day of sixth grade when I was given a sheet of paper with a crossword puzzle on it to complete by my teacher. After introducing herself, going over what the class would cover for the year and reminding us that she was the team leader she passed out crossword puzzles to the class so that we could work on them for the remainder of the class time. I sat towards the back of the classroom and when the puzzle dropped on my desk I quickly grabbed my pencil and smirked at the thought of finishing the puzzle first.

Yes, I am an overachiever. 

I lean forward, pencil in my hand, and turn my paper backwards.

Uh huh, you read correctly... backwards.

I am great at crossword puzzles and can finish them in record time. I love figuring them out!!! One of my strategies is turning my paper backwards because I can find the hardest words that way and finish faster. It's a quirk, I know - but it works for me. 

Sitting next to me was a young lady, way taller than me, but just as quirky. She didn't say hello or what her name was. She simply said, "So you turn the paper upside down, huh? That seems to work well..."

Immediately, we became best friends. I remember thinking SHE GETS ME!!!

In a very non-chalant way, Ariana knew I was different and understood me. She didn't ask why I worked the puzzle out that way. She acknowledge that I did but didn't question it. 

That's a true friend in the making. 

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of seeing Ariana again and photographing her growing belly... Ariana will be having a baby within the next few weeks! She'll make a beautiful mother. 

I have the utmost respect for motherhood. I think it is becoming of a woman and very much hope to look as beautiful as Ariana does someday if I have children. Gorgeous!!!

Ariana, you are beautiful my friend! Congratulations to you and your beloved on the newest addition to your little family. I am delighted that you allowed me to photograph you in all of your beauty and motherhood glow. You make a beautiful pregnant woman and will make an amazing mother. It is amazing how life continues to keep us connected... stay close friend!

Be blessed friends!

Cristina and Rollie are having a baby!!! Weslaco, Texas

Cristina and Rollie have been married for a few years now and are ready to start a family. When I first met them it immediately felt as if I had already known them. Over the phone, during our initial conversations, it just felt right. Speaking with Cristina and discussing the needs of her session was so effortless. I really did feel like they were one of my past couples coming back for me to photograph the next chapter in their lives together. 

Rollie warned me that he was not very comfortable in front of the camera many times before and during the session. And while Cristina was a complete natural, Rollie was no where as shy as he made himself out to be. The two of them together are so in love and very much excited for the birth of their baby daughter. Spending a lovely Sunday morning with them as we took a stroll was wonderful. We learned more about each other and I was able to see them interact, not only as a married couple, but as future parents. 

Cristina and Rollie, thank you for selecting me as your photographer! I am so delighted to have met you and wish you nothing but a healthy delivery and healthy baby! I can't wait to meet her!!! Be blessed :)

 Rollie and Cristina, may your baby girl be every bit as blessed as your love!

I am looking forward to the weekend, are you?! Be blessed my friends!