joelle, laura, & co.

Yesterday 4 incredibly fun parents, 2 beyond adorable tots and 1 little-boy-on-the-way joined me at a local park for a fun (but very humid) photo shoot. When I sent out my Intro to the Photography World email this past April, Joelle forwarded it on to friends. Who booked me. And then they forwarded my name on to friends. Who booked me. And so on and so on. So, I have always given credit to Joelle for helping me start my biz. When she first booked this Labor Day weekend session a few months back, it was primarily for a maternity session. But a few weeks ago, Joelle called to say that her dear friends from Houston were coming into town, and that they wanted to have a photo shoot, too. Hence, Laura & Co. and our fun morning at the park. With bubbles, tutus, lollipops and some very fascinating discussions on the dangers of deodorant and cell phone usage, we managed to capture some very sweet moments. Joelle, great location choice. Laura, I had so much fun with you and your adorable family. And mucho thanks to the Super Dads for lugging all my stuff around; such a treat!

mahaleigh & co.

Mahaleigh arrived for yesterday's senior portrait session at 5:43 p.m., with an entourage of 5 (in 3 cars), 4 bags of clothing choices and 1 pair of shoes. And oh the fun we had: 10 wardrobe changes (mostly en route to our locations), an amazing sunset peeking through the trees, some great locations, a super cute boyfriend (facial hair and all), the sweetest childhood BFF (whom I kept calling Chelsea, even though her name was Jessica!), a cooler-than-most mom who can't quite comprehend that her baby girl is starting her senior year (and her baby boy is starting kindergarten) today, and a wonderful aunt (& uncle) who seemed to have every miscellaneous prop you could imagine. Seriously, she pulled out an 8x10 of Mahaleigh as a toddler faster than you can say "senioiritis". I had so much fun with this group, and we really got some great shots. Here are a few of my faves. Best of luck to you Miss M., and enjoy this last year as a high schooler!

angie & co.

This morning could not have started any sweeter (literally) than with Little Miss Independent and her ever doting parents. Sofie turned one at the beginning of August, and this lovely family of 3 wanted to capture their little girl at this very big milestone. Here's what I learned about Miss Sofia during our time together: she loves dogs, hates ducks, enjoys chasing bubbles (but enjoys chasing her shadow even more), loves Old MacDonald and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, loves cake (or was it the frosting?), has the brightest smile (with a mouth full of teeth!), and is absolutely adored by her mommy and daddy! Props to Dad who ran home to retrieve the perfect pink ribbon that Mom had ironed for Sophie's dress that morning. And props to Mom for already planning Sofie's 18 month pics; the Virgo in me applauds you, Angie! I had so much fun with the three of you this morning, and I really do look forward to watching your beautiful girl grow.

ronen & co.

I first met baby Daniel on his 8th day of life; it's hard to belive that was only 8 weeks ago! He has grown so much in the last two months, but one thing has remained the same: such a sweet, handsome boy! Proud Daddy and Mama were so patient as I moved their precious baby this way and that. Ronen even brought along his parents, who will be heading home to Israel on Tuesday (where most of Daniel's extended family lives!). It was a busy morning full of feedings, posings, smiles and snuggles. Such a lovely family, and I'm truly honored that they have trusted me, twice, to capture these tender times.

lauren & co.

A is for Erica. Oh, wait, I mean adorable. Which is what Erica is! To the extreme, mind you. I had the pleasure of spending an hour with this precious tot, who recently celebrated her very first birthday. Mom and Dad (who didn't want to be in the pictures, even though they were rocking a very beachy-casual-chic-Gap-ad vibe and looked A-mazing for just getting out of bed) were very easy-going and such great help! Lauren was the hair and make-up girl, while Andrew took care of lugging all my props around; such sports! And, obviously, Miss Erica did a wonderful job of looking precious in every shot. Such a cutie, and on the verge of walking! A very special girl, a very special milestone, and a very special thank you to Lauren for setting the whole thing up. Happy birthday, Erica (and I hope the sugar didn't keep her from napping, guys!).

lauren & co.

Now, I know what you are all thinking: how in the world did Jennifer get to do a maternity shoot with Evangeline Lily? And when did Evangeline get pregnant; I thought she and that Hobbit guy broke up two years ago. And will Jack and Kate ever work out their crazy differences? And will the Oceanic 7 ever get back to the island? . . . But, no. These sneak peeks are not of Ms. Lily, but her obviously separated-at-birth twin sis, Lauren (and Lauren's sweet hubby, Wayne). I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with this beyond wonderful couple. They were so warm and inviting, and both were so unbelievably agreeable and open to all my different ideas. Very easy to work with and so very patient, which is a pretty good indicator that they'll make fantastic first-time parents. Thanks, guys, for a fun afternoon; Lauren, you looked lovely. And a special thanks to Wayne for lugging around the step stool all day! Congrats to both of you, and best of luck!

jacob & co.

Here are some shots of a very handsome young man who recently celebrated his fifth birthday. Some of you may recognize him, as his face has graced about every other picture I've taken over the last five years. Little sister and their beloved Missy joined us last night, as I tried to capture my baby boy at this not so baby age. It's funny, we were holding hands the other day as we crossed the street, and I realized that the little hand I held in mine wasn't quite as little as it used to be. Gone was the chubbiness on each little finger. And stronger was the grip with which he held my own. Happy birthday, baby boy. I love you, and I'm so proud of the little man you are becoming!

kelly & co.

This past Saturday I played ghost photographer at a dear friend's wedding. Kelly and Steve were my first "couple's shoot" when I did their engagement photos back in March. It was really neat to watch the progression from newly betrothed to bride and groom. Even more special, not only was I the only member of the house party in their wedding, but my little boy served as ringbearer and my sister was a bridesmaid; truly a family affair! The wedding was beautiful, and we had so much fun. Thanks, Kelly and Steve, for including us in such a special way on your big day, and may you both live happily ever after!