Balance.

Being a Mom is hard. I don't know how else to describe the sleepless nights, the selfless giving... trying to balance love for your husband and your child(ren). All worth it of course, but it's a TOUGH job. Not sure if I can relate with everyone, but I find it much easier on Fridays/Saturdays when I drop Brecken off with my in-laws or leave him with my husband and take that quiet car ride to "work" (taking wedding pictures.) I find such peace in a quiet car these days ;) Can I hear an amen?!?

Now, don't take this wrong... I wouldn't change staying home with Brecken for anything. I'm proud of what I get to see him accomplish and all he's learning, but as my "work" picks up, my stress level rises. The house isn't clean, the laundry fairy hasn't come and supper more often than not consists of frozen pizza, lunchmeat sandwiches or something I've literally tossed in the crockpot with carrots and potatoes! When I lie Brecken down for his naps, I'm running into the office to try to edit pictures ignoring the phone, bathroom breaks... anything to try to get caught up!

I've found the answer! Most said part time daycare was impossible, but I've found such a woman--some call her Sherry; I'm going to call her my relief pitcher. She's going to love on Brecken two afternoons a week so I can get caught up. In turn, I'm hoping to catch up on a little "me" time when he's sleeping at home (instead of running into the office!) Maybe I'll actually get to enjoy a good book or (gasp!) maybe a bubble bath??? I think it'll make me a better Mom in the end. I just have a to let go a little...

Jenny + Derek

Jenny and Derek are in no hurry... so they dated 11 years before they were hitched ;)
Jenny and Derek love architecture... so they married at the Villa Katherine.
Jenny and Derek give a lot to many... so it was only right to have a big wedding party.

And yes, Jenny--you only do it once, so the pictures are important! Here's a peek!















Ohhh... check out that look... this has got to be one of my all time favorite pictures!

Fabulous Foursome.

Meet the Dickermans. These 4 were fantastic! I meet a lot of kids... all kinds--good, bad, indifferent, unruly, polite... I obviously don't spill the beans on the ones that were... well... less than delightful. I do however want you to get a glimpse of these fabulous four. They were so much fun. Not only did they listen, they were perfect! Check 'em out.

Humor Me.

Ever since I was little, I've had a thing for railroad tracks. Luckily, my latest senior--Kayla, did too. It's a strange obsession... I'm a little paranoid of the power behind a train and actually being on the tracks, but I continually come back for more. I find myself wanting to stop while I'm driving when I see hidden tracks overrun with flowers and underbrush... the perfect spot for pictures... however... I don't have anyone with me, so I drive on. It bizarre. I'm a little OCD at times. I know. The first step to getting over anything is admitting it, right? So when Kayla asked to have her picture taken on the railroad tracks, I was all for it!

Ethan.

Ethan is awesome! ... one cool cat. So impressed first of all by his dress--most guys come pretty plain, but this guy had it goin' on! He was up for switching things up, going anywhere (including places that were littered with barking dogs and cat-callers from 4 story windows) and had a personality to boot! Thanks for hanging in there with me Ethan; it was well worth the effort!

Name? Anyone have a name?

Inspired by Angela Swan's "jump" pictures... One of my latest brides opted for a "photo booth" type setting--in the corner guests could step right up and get a couple, a group, or even an individual shot... funny, serious... whatever--creativeness encouraged. It was a blast to say the least. I'm struggling though to come up with a name. Angela writes that she calls them "jump" shots because that's what people often do. I'm obviously inspired by her idea, but want to come up with a cool name myself. I'm working on it. Anyone have ideas??? (please?!?)

Laina's Got Expression.

Little Laina just turned 3 months, but she packs a mighty punch with all those expressions! Look at the first picture--she just studies... so adorable. She actually got upset at our first session and would not have any of it! Mom had to bring her back for a second go-round... which she loved! Lots of smiles and perfectly happy--take a look!









I couldn't resist this one... look at those cheeks!

I'm still here and I'm still editing!

Sooo... I must catch up with all my faithful readers... (Beth are you out there?) I had an INCREDIBLE wedding nearly 4 weeks ago, and have still not finished editing all the pictures. I know, I know... totally breaking the 2-3 week rule. However--you must forgive me. It was a double ceremony wedding--Christian and Indian with two photographers, so 4 times the normal shots! I've finally made it to all the location shots and am totally sucked into editing. I wanted to give a little preview/update for Jessica and Alok and all their family...

Delicious colors... ahh... the Indian attire was beautiful! Jessica looked gorgeous. I was totally obsessed with the jewelry she wore on her head...






You must forgive me as I describe the Indian traditions, as this was my first Indian wedding, but as I understand... typically on the day the couple are to be married, the groom-to-be dances through his village/town picking up guests along the way grooving to the ceremony location.

I can't begin to tell you how fun this was. The crowd was huge and somehow gracefully and rhythmically swaying their entire bodies to the music. No one was awkward or seemingly uncomfortable... everyone took part--young to old, Indian to Caucasian. It was a really astounding site to see. I would have been dancing along with them had I not had my camera in hand!




Alok began the trip on the back of a convertible. Around half way through, he joined... well... more like became the center of the entertainment.


So far I have to say this is one of my favorite shots...


Mother of the groom... we had a hard time getting her to crack a smile during all the formal pics, but here we didn't have to do a thing. Pure joy.






During the Indian ceremony...






Quick change during the intermission before heading onto the Christian ceremony.


















I sat with this couple on the bus. Unfortunately I didn't get their names, but I still hope you made it to Tiramisu!!! You both were so fun-congrats on your wedding!


Okay, so here we are to location pics... this is where I'm at today (well... tonight.) These are a quick peek; I'll post more later!