After an exhausting Saturday of traveling with little Peter, Sunday afternoon was spent photographing this gorgeous and totally in love couple. The shoot started out with smiles, giggles and plenty of "dirty" jokes. I just love how the bride looked up the funniest dirty jokes that I got to hear. I am SO looking forward to their wedding next year. It will be beautiful and full of love, laughter and smiles.
My sister is having a baby!
Peter and I just got back from Vermont after spending a week with my sister and her family on their farm celebrating the upcoming arrival of my newest niece. My sister's mother in law hosted a beautiful baby shower in her home in Woodstock, Vermont. Google Woodstock, you will fall in love and want to be a leaf peeper. Here are a few snaps to share from Peter's first big trip, Jennifer's baby bump and her gorgeous New England baby shower.
"Can you believe it is already October?"
The title of this blog is the phrase I have been saying all year, just replace October with whatever month we happen to be in. Seriously, this year has REALLY flown by. I started the year off feeling sick and pregnant and I will be finishing the year off with a 6 month old little boy. What a difference 12 months makes.
Peter & Nick in Georgetown people watching
It might be a little early for reflections on 2014 but for me it has been a wonderful year, but 2015 looks like it will be a pretty fabulous one too especially for this little venture of mine. So far 2015 will be my busiest wedding season yet and I couldn't be more thrilled or more thankful to everyone who is and has been supporting me. I really couldn't do it without the love and support of my friends and family. *cue Oscar speech music* But really, word of month is the BEST sort of advertisement and I don't get to thank you all enough so THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
As for the rest of 2014, you amazing year, we will be busy. The first weekend of November Peter and I are flying up to Vermont to see my family and we will be celebrating my sister's little girl who will be arriving in December. At the beginning of December we fly to Texas so Peter can meet all of us Texas family that have been following us through Facebook/Instagram. After that, we just wait for little Ruby to arrive so I can rush back up to Vermont and hold my newest niece. 2014, you are going to finish wonderfully, I couldn't be happier.
PS- Sorry reader for my spelling/grammatical errors which I am sure there are many. I am VERY tired.
Browning Family on the Farm
On Monday I met the adorable and charasmatic Browning family. All of us didn't expect the day to turn out so beautifully, but it really did. Earlier it had been raining and not just raining but DOWNPOURING and by the time they made it to the farm for their family photos, the clouds had cleared and the sun was out. We photographed the Brownings on the driveway, in the fields and ended up by the water to watch the sun set colorfully behind the trees. Just lovely!
Jude + Whitman's Where the Wild Things Are First Birthday Party
This past weekend the Moore family attended our first kid's birthday party with the little guy. Unfortunately, the littlest member of our clan was not on board but the party was absolutely adorable! Jude and Whitman's moms put together the most precious themed party I have ever seen complete with little cupcake boats, a treehouse with string lights, and decorated chalkboards. The birthday boys smashed pumpkin pie into their mouths and afterwards enjoyed a birthday bath together upstairs while the rest of the guests enjoyed barbecue and fall beers. Perfection!
Peter at 16 Weeks + Little Foot Boutique
Peter is fast approaching 4 months old and time is really flying by. This week he is learning to squeal with delight (or frustration) all day long and he is getting very close to being able to sit up on in his own. He is always go go go, I can't imagine what life will be like when he can move around on his own (terrified mommy right here). Though I am a little bit nervous about how life will be like when he is mobile, I am still filled with excitement about all his accomplishments. Right now, I am enjoying watching Nick and Peter (aka Mini Nick) talk to each other through blowing bubbles and other mouth noises. The cuteness is on overload.
In order to celebrate Peter being 16 weeks old today. Like I said, celebrate his accomplishments no matter how minor they are (or mommy's accomplishment) I photographed him in these super cute Little Foot Boutique leggings. For Peter, who is almost 4 months old, I ordered a size 6-12 months old since Peter is a good sized baby and he also wears cloth diapers (LOVE his little fluffy BumGenius 4.0 tush). They are super soft and very lightweight, sort of wish he had them during the summer months. I love that they go both ways for a little boy, and a little girl because when he grows out of them they most likely will move on to his little cousin Ruby who is due in December. I can totally see them with a cute girly top and flats.
Little Foot Boutique not only offers leggings for all your boys and girls but they also offer home decor, teepees and adult apparel.
Gray Tribal Leggings from Little Foot Boutique
Long Sleeve Biggie Baby from Passive Juice Motel
Peter and his newest pal, Marvin Moose
Christmas La Leche League Fundraiser
Have you heard about La Leche League? If you are a breastfeeding mother you probably have. La Leche League International is an international nonprofit organization that distributes information on and promotes breastfeeding. Our local La Leche group leadership and membership is a valuable resource to nursing mothers, new mothers and soon to be mothers. This is a group that I am proud to be supporting and I hope that our fundraiser is able to help them out. For more information about St. Mary's County La Leche League visit their Facebook page. And for more information about La Leche League International visit their website.
Mini Sessions are on October 25th and will be held at the Great Mills Christmas Tree Farm on Flat Iron Road in Great Mills, MD. Sessions will be 15 minutes long (but you can purchased two sessions if you would like a longer one). You will receive 5 edited photos back in time to use for holiday cards and for gifts. While you are there, you can tag a tree for $10 (and $10 off the total price). Each session is $50 for non La Leche League members and $40 for members.
Click here to sign up for a mini session
Peter at 3 Months Old
Peter is just growing like a weed, I can hardly believe how much he changes from day to day. One day he isn't grabbing and holding objects, the next he is. It is amazing how much he learns in just a week. Each week really is different than the last. I am just a proud mother, and I really look forward to all his accomplishments, minor and major. I love sharing in his daily joy, and comforting him when he needs a hug and kiss. Motherhood really is the most rewarding part of life.
Clearly his daddy adores him
Sneak Peek: Dakim + Rebecca's St. Mary's College of Maryland Engagement
What a gorgeous day this one for an engagement shoot. It felt like it was summer's last hoo-rah as it was warm, but not ridiculously so- just right. I met up with Rebecca and Dakim at the St. Mary's City State House and we walked through the campus, exploring the place we all went to college and reminiscing. It was so much fun to explore the places we all enjoyed as college students, and see a fresh group of students enjoying them as well. It was clear throughout the shoot how much these two love each other, and I am really looking forward to this beautiful couple's St. Mary's College wedding next year!
Sneak Peak: Vanucci Family on the Farm
This adorable family I have the pleasure of calling family myself. We have had the worst luck trying to schedule their session over the past few weeks. There have been cars breaking down, storms, dreadfuly hot days but we finally got a day that worked (and what a day it was). It was a bright sunny morning on my farm, and you could feel the summer was wrapping itself up. This would be one of the last bright sunny hot days of the year before we begin to head into fall. Bentley, Ashley and Nicolas little boy, was nothing but smiles as we walked around the farm and down the lane to take a few shots, and to the waterside and blanket to have a bit of tummy time with his parents.
In the past, I haven't done a lot of family sessions, or baby sessions, but I am beginning to REALLY enjoy it. I hope to see more babies and their families in the future.
Little Peter at 11 Weeks
Motherhood has been an amazing journey so far, and I love that everyday is a new adventure with my little one. I really do look forward to every morning when he wakes up and smiles up at me from his crib. He is such an active little guy, and is always on the go. Today, at almost 13 weeks he has throughly worn me out. I am grateful that for the past 4 days he has slept through the night, but it would be nice if he could squeeze in more naps during the day. He is just too busy growing, learning and exploring this big exciting beautiful world of ours to nap during the day.
Sneak Peek: Cantu Family Session
Last weekend I photographed the Cantu family, a family just bursting at the seams with love for one another. As I photographed Emerson's two mothers loving on his during the session it was apparent that this little guy was most certainly lives a life filled with affection and admiration. He smiled and giggled for the camera as Amy and Misty danced behind me to get a big smile to come across his face. Though the little guy was in the process of teething, and suffering from a tummy ache, you couldn't tell from these photos, or at that moment. He smiled and played with us the whole time. Matter of fact, we wore the little guy out and he was very ready for his nap in his carrier at the end of the session.
I am really looking forward to Peter and Emerson playdates in the near future. I just love when clients become friends!
Sneak Peek: The St. Mary's College Wedding of Katie & Dave
Last weekend I had the privilege of photographing the wedding of two beautiful people. This couple have strong ties to where they were married, it is where they met, where he proposed and where they work. I am sure it only made sense to get married their too! It was a beautiful day, the weather was sunny and bright and everything green from the rain the night before. The wedding party looked like rockstars as they came to the reception on a large boat that made its way down the St. Mary's River to the boat house at St. Mary's College. A very iconic scene from Titanic was most certainly reenacted as we approached.
I am so happy this event was my first wedding back after having Peter, and I couldn't help but check my phone from time to time for updates on the little guy from his daddy at home. I was happy to know that he was doing so well, and slept so much for daddy (3 hour naps! I don't get those during the week).
Peter Has Arrived + Freshly Picked Giveaway & Review
My husband and I are over the moon excited about the arrival of our little boy, Peter Benjamin. He arrived 2 weeks past his due date on June 17th at 11:26pm (the day after my own birthday). We were shocked to find out that I had been carrying such a big baby at 8 pounds 15 ounces and 22 inches long!
My first time holding Peter
We are joyous to finally have him here in our arms and are enjoying all the little baby noises, nuzzles, even the late night feedings are special. He is such a sweet, smart, alert little boy that is already growing too quickly for me.
Little feet
My husband and Peter at 8 days old
10 Days Old
10 Days Old
In honor of Peter's birth I wanted to include a giveaway with Freshly Picked Moccasins. They are the most adorable footwear for little ones and I can't wait until Peter fits into his own pair. Until that time I photographed my good friend Christina's son, Whitman, in the Sprout moccs (size 2). He absolutely loved them and totally rocked them on the front porch of my house. Christina was impressed with how soft the shoes are and how Whitman didn't try to kick them off, or fuss at having them put on (unlike other shoes she has tried to put on him). Now she wants a pair of her own for her little ones tootsies.
Freshly Picked's adorable packaging
Soft Leather Bottoms
Meet Whitman at 7 months
I can't speak to how the moccasins will wear as time goes on because my son isn't big enough yet to fit into the pairs that I have for him. I can let you know how incredibly supple and breatheable the leather on our pair of Sprouts are and how soft and comfortable they are for little feet.
Freshly Picked Moccs come in a variety of colors that will match any chic baby outfit you can think of. Priced at $60 they are not the most affordable, but are definitely high in quality and worth the splurge. Not only will your child love them, but you will get addicted to the variety of colors, patterns and materials Freshly Picked has to offer in their footwear.
To enter to win YOUR own pair of Freshly Picked Moccasins simply LIKE my page on Facebook and enter below
Contest Begins 6/28/14 at 9am and runs until 7/26/14 at 12am
Another pair of Freshly Picked Moccs in Red Rock Suede
Red Rock Suede
Freshly Picked Camo Moccasins
Hint: Check out their Instagram for ADORABLE outfit inspirations for children and more.
Brian + Kristin at St. Mary's City
While working on a recent photo shoot for Toyota of Southern Maryland with my brother and his fiancee, Kristin, I had the opportunity to snap a few photos of the lovebirds before we all headed out for dinner. It was a gorgeous spring day, and Brian had his two loves out in the sunshine; Kristin and his Volkswagen Scirocco, both sparkling in the golden hour of a May day.
Southern Maryland Great Cloth Diaper Change
I am very excited to participate in the Southern Maryland Great Cloth Diaper Change on April 26th. It is an attempt to change the most cloth diapers in one event. These events will be held all over the world on 5 continents and 15 countries.
My contribution to this event, since I don't have a baby to change just yet, is a giveaway! Visit my Facebook page for more details on how to enter to win a mini family session.
Sneak Peek: Annie's Senior Prom
This weekend was absolutely beautiful, but certainly not as beautiful as Annie and her friends on the night of their senior prom. I photographed them in Solomons, Maryland while the group was bubbling over with excitement about the upcoming night ahead. Their dresses are gorgeous and glitzy and their dates looked handsome in their tuxes and suits. I certainly do not remember prom being as fabulous as this! Her mother and I agreed- we want to go back to prom!
Peter's Sailboat Nursery
Peter's nursery is really coming along! We are almost finished decorating, and just waiting for the final touches from Grandma to decorate the walls. This has really been a family effort to make his nursery comfortable and attractive. Grandpa built him a bookshelf, and his wardrobe was built for me by his Grandpa when I was little. Grandma is painting sailboats for the room, and offers lots of advice on how to decorate. We are so lucky to have so much support and love.
Sneak Peek: Ben + Tracy's Arlington Wedding
Ben and Tracy's wedding was gorgeous, there are no other words to describe it. The DC skyline as a backdrop, the luscious flowers, the glowing bride, the exuberant groom- it was perfection!
Dear Spring, Goodbye Winter
As I sit inside, all cozy from a nice romp through the fields, and woods of my mother's farm this morning I am reminded at how lucky I am to live surrounded by so much beauty. Though, I am not the biggest fan of the snow/winter, one cannot help but appreciate it's beautiful. How slowly, and gracefully the snow can fall, and how perfect and clean everything looks after it is done.
This morning I was able to enjoy a walk around the farm with one of my closest friends, and her little brother. It is beautiful, sunny and snow covering everything. I played with a new lens I got for Christmas, and Diana and her brother played with their own cameras. It was good to get out of the house because at a little over 6 months pregnant, I need to get up and move around a bit. I have also been feeling like I have been in a creative hibernation of sorts, and have barely touched my camera since becoming pregnant. I have been too sick, or too exhausted to do much of anything. I am grateful to have some of my energy back, along with not feeling sick anymore. I am looking forward to my first wedding of the season in April, and the first time my husband and I will be shooting together. I think it will make the experience so much fun, and I will be able to provide the bride with more photos to enjoy from different perspectives of the day.
My little boy, Peter, in my belly, is active as well now. He tumbles and thuds up against the sides of my belly and I enjoy every moment of it. I love being reassured he is doing well, and is healthy in there. Nick and I are so anxious to meet him this summer, the days couldn't go by fast enough sometimes. I am though, appreciating, the last few months we have just us together. Cuddling by the fire with Lola and Penelope, watching our favorite B horror movies, and enjoying spur of the moment trips to DC or Annapolis. These moments along have been precious, and I have been cherishing them.