Kalonie and Ashlyn

The soon to be Ashlyn Renee is featured in this photo shoot. And I really really can't wait for her to make it out and be the star of her own photoshoot.



Although I'm sure her mom is ten times more anxious for her arrival. She's constantly looking toward her stomach or resting her hand there, so ready for the little girl to be out of there!



She's definitely going to be a great mom, and already loves her little "baby bump" so much!



She's adorable with her enormous bump, and Ashlyn is going to be gorgeous as well.



And my personal favorite from the bunch....



Ashlyn is due Aug 15 but we're thinking she might make it out a little early.

Baby Nephew

This is my nephew Avery - so adorable, and quite honestly the happiest baby you'll ever see. Taking pictures of him was a breeze - the easiest photo shoot ever, which is great since it was impromptu.



This is my niece Delaney, holding Avery. She was quite enamored with him, and it seemed mutual.



I haven't actually gotten to spend much time with this little guy (now about 15 months) but I'm certainly going to have to start spending more itme around him. His happiness is contagious.






Soon my other niece is due and I can't wait to take pictures of her little baby girl. I took some maternity pictures the other weekend and will hopefully post those soon.

Quinceanera

This past weekend I had a chance for a new opportunity - to head down to LA for a Quinceanera. I've heard all the famed stories of Quinceaneras but this was my first opportunity to actually attend one. What made it even more exciting was that it was my college roommates little sister.

Let's just say it definitely was up to standard! Even beyond I'd say, though I'm not the expert.

Everyone looked amazing and the decorations were outstanding!

This is my college roommate, she was on photographer duty all night and I was there helping her out.



The shoes were part of a symbolic "change to womenhood" that is part of their families tradition. Noelle started out in converse and changed into the heels during the ceremony. Right after the ceremony however the converse went right back on!



And here's Noelle. She looks gorgeous in red!

Wedding Location

On Mother's day I headed up to where my wedding is going to take place and walked around trying to get an idea of how the actual day would play out.

I couldn't help myself and took some fun pics of areas that might be nice to have some wedding pics done at. Unfortunately my pictures have no people in them right now, but I still thought I'd post some of the fun shots I got of flowers and such.

Will you marry me?

I did some fun photography with these rings. All indoors in not so great lighting, so hopefully some better ones will come later.

Because I love her

And because She loves me enough to spend the day in heels on a hiking trail. (Her poor ruined heels now. RIP heels)

This is my best friend (one of many, but an important one), my love, and my bridesmaid. =D Not to mention my partner in crime with any off mainstream idea I come up with (like trying a new chocolate covered item... such as broccoli. Don't be optimistic.. it was awful.) She inspires me, and comforts me, and encourages me to new ideas, or back to the old ones when I've strayed away from something good. She is beautiful inside and out, and I hope my pictures convey that.

Art in the Ordinary

So in celebration of my new (well, first DSLR) camera I have been goofing off in my spare time to take some fun shots.

It's a really exciting chance to be able to take a walk and see something that I've seen a hundred times and find a new way to see it. To take something people think of as mundane and find a way to show them it's beautiful.

There is definitely beauty in each of us, in our unique characteristics and features, but there is also beauty in just the ordinary things that we see everyday.

One of the most important things I've learned in my life is not to be stagnant. The moment we get comfortable and just carry on a routine we're no longer ourselves. We're smothering that part of us that wants newness and freshness. Not that I'm saying routine is bad! I thrive on consistency, but it is important to not be stagnant and not to take each day, the things you see, the people you have for granted.

Seeing people in a new light everyday and being able to appreciate them over and over again is one of the best gifts I have been given, and this camera is facilitating that wonderfully! =)

Soon I'll have some more with actual people in them, but until I get some people to practice on (and time to practice on them) these will have to do.