My month off is almost over…here comes January!

I posted a sneak image…and now it is time for the full story!

I met Max five or so years ago, when I photographed his High School Senior pictures.  I was new to digital back then, but I remember he was a lot of fun and easy-going.  So imagine my surprise when I receive an e-mail from him in September, telling me he had a wonderful plan to propose to his girlfriend Hannah.  That includes pictures!  Of course I was all for it — and so excited for him.  So we set a date, and waited as the weeks went by.  Then Hannah had a dance-conflict come up, so we had to switch the date…no big deal, but Max was bursting at the seams for this day to arrive!

It was finally time…and the temperatures took a major plummet.  Like 12 degrees for the HIGH that day!  Not to mention the snow.  I contacted Max, asking if he wanted to wait for the weather to be a bit nicer, but I should have known better… :)  We started the session just as any other…I took them to a couple of spots that I love (really quick because it was freezing) and then we  jumped into my car for the final location.  We had planned the magic words I was to say — “Let’s do my favorite photo right now…” –  and he started a very special speech as she realized what was happening.  It was an amazing moment, that I was honored to be a part of.  We took a few more images, and then they were off to call friends and family to share in the good news!

Enjoy the slideshow you two — and thank you for being so amazing out there in the snow and cold for me.  I kept the images in order so you can see which images are before and which are after the Big Moment!

PS:  Max had the ring a bit too small — but thanks to that cold, Hannah was able to fit it on her finger for the rest of the images!!

I know — it has been a LONG time since my last blog post.  Like over a week!  Can you tell it is the Holidays?  That combined with the fact that I have been sick this week…phew.  Glad I made it through before Christmas!

McKinley was so sweet at her newborn session — and the cuteness factor continues to grow.  Just look at that first image!  Her bright eyes and adorable hat…I want a canvas of that image for me!  You will see an image of just her shoes in the slideshow, and they are special because they used to belong to her Mom…so adorable.  It is always fun seeing this family, and I cannot wait to see how many more smiles she has in store at her 8-month and 1-year session.  Enjoy her slideshow here…and a couple more posts are coming!

I wanted to wait until the packages had made it to my 2009 Brides (all except Vanessa, who will be getting hers next week with her wedding stuff!) — but I wanted to get something for you that celebrated the season, and the fact that it is your first Christmas as husband and wife!  These are custom holiday ornaments, featuring their names and a variation on “christmas 2009″ (depending on the # of characters remaining).  They are hand stamped, and I couldn’t resist!

Have a wonderful holiday together!

Now that I have two Rileys on my Baby’s First Year — I have to change the titles a bit to keep them straight!

This day was COLD…so we had to stay indoors for a quick session of the family.  What I love about these is the challenge to use artificial lighting!  Riley was a little unsure of being setup on her own, but after a few moments of comfort from Mom, she was good to go!  She smiled, and even let us put a couple of hats on her.  The Christmas one was even Nate’s as a baby!  I love that… :)  Enjoy the favorites, and the slideshow set to a song Mom e-mailed me…I really like it!

I love a good comfy/casual family shot

Check out those baby-rolls!