Last night I had the pleasure to meet the loveliest newborn, Madelyn. Kim and John plan to have one month, six month, nine month and one year photos, as a collection celebrating Madelyn's first year. This is a wonderful way to capture all the details that change so quickly in the first year. I like to have the parents involved in the first session, to showcase the new family. Providing the babies are comfortable and cooperative, we are sometimes able to have an outfit change too. As you can see Madelyn is a natural for the camera!

This weekend I also got the chance to debut my first official kids birthday party with the dress up theme. Here's how it works: We start with the birthday girl(Brynleigh), having a photo taken all dressed up. Next, I make a custom invitation with her picture. On party day, I have all the dress ups, and each girl gets to make her own choices. Once they're ready, we do a mini photo shoot. I print up a photo of each girl to take home (in a frame) as a favor. The girls loved it, and were so excited to see how adorable they looked. Of course Ann and her mom are avid gardeners, so you couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting. It looked as if it were a professional outdoor studio setup. Now, we will design a custom thank you to print and send.
I have to admit I was excited and nervous as to how everything would go. The rain stayed away, and all went smooth and easy. Thanks Ann, you did a fabulous job at arranging everything. I had so much fun, I can't wait to do it again..........

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Mak and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary this Saturday, the 24th. We also will now share it with an amazing couple, Lauren and Aaron. We were so lucky to be part of such wonderful day. You can tell that Lauren and Aaron are a perfect match. They are truly genuine, lovely people.
The ceremony was beautiful, performed by Aaron's Dad, at the Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church. I just loved to hear him tell the story of each of the families, and how long they have known each other. It is so awesome to see two wonderful families coming together, becoming a new family, a new couple. I was touched by all the words that were spoken, from the ceremony to the speeches, we were moved by all the emotion. Fox Valley was a perfect venue. The view is great, and their are lots of little unknown places to take great photos. The sunset was quick, but we had time to catch a few beautiful shots. From now on when we celebrate our anniversary, I will always remember this special day, and this special couple. Congratulations !!!!

This week I also had a chance to catch up with Mollie and Isabella. Isabella has been coming to see me regularly since she was a newborn(actually sooner, as we had a maternity session too). I love when I am able to start photographing a baby, watch them grow as a toddler, and continue to see them grow as young children. It's great to compare pictures from different sessions, and see how they've changed, as well as how much they look the same. At the end of one year it's nice to put a book together of all the sessions, as a keepsake album. Isabella danced up a storm, rode her rocking horse, and finally had a cuddle with mom (who is expecting again close to Isabella's Birthday)
I can't wait to meet the new baby, and see Isabella being a big sister!

Wow, what an eventful week ! Lot's of fun shooting! I finally had the opportunity to meet Olivia, my former Bride and Groom's new daughter. She is absolutely beautiful, and has a bit of both families, but definitely her mom's smile. She was so expressive, and curious. We had a variety of styles, but my favorites are the mirrors. Babies love to see themselves in the mirror. This is one of the best perks of my job! I love to see the babies.

I hadn't been to Beaver Island since last summer. I forget how much fun it is and how close it is. The kids played in the sand until sunset, and were so happy.
While there, I photographed Phil and Janine and their beautiful daughter. The light is so amazing on the beach. The temperature was perfect--and yeah--no rain !!
I wish the summer would last forever!

Friday evening I had the opportunity to photograph a former bride and her family at the family home in Niagara Falls. Katie's parents are celebrating their 45th Wedding Anniversary so all her Siblings, their families, and her Grandmother, gathered for an extended family photo. Katie coordinated, having all wear khaki and white, with a splash of pink. The result was beautiful. Luckily the weather was perfect. It was so nice to have two family portraits in the same week! (Both were organized by brides who were married five years ago) What a great time to get the family together in the beautiful summer weather, to create a memory that will last a lifetime. Great job Katie!

Tonight was the first day of old home days in Williamsville. The kids and Mak marched in the parade, while I photographed a much anticipated family gathering at Glen Falls. Wendy and Wally (former bride and groom) have just celebrated their five year Anniversay. They are so much fun, and I always look forward to their company. Wendy planned this photo shoot months ago, with her entire family in mind (before we knew it was such a busy evening at Glen Falls). She did a fantastic job of coordinating the attire of the group, as well as keeping everyone on track. I love when families take the time out of their busy schedules to organize a picture like this. It may seem like a lot of work at the time, and often people put it off. When it's all said and done, they look back and are so thankful for having done it.
In the past week, I have been checking the forcast, (as was Wendy), and I promised it wouldn't rain. We were in luck. It was perfect. Great Job Wendy!

It's Senior pictures time again ! It's a great idea to book early to beat the August/September rush. I also have a special offer of free signature wallets which I've extended to July 31st. Last night between between bursts of rain clouds, I was able to photograph Olivia. It was a fun laid back session so easy to shoot with such a natural beauty. I
t has been hard to plan shoots with all the rain, but somehow it all worked out great.

July 4th I spent the day with the most amazing family, documenting the wedding of Farrah and Fadi. What a glorius day it was. Weather was perfect (among all the rain we've had). From beginning to end the day was high energy. There is really no way to describe a traditional Lebanese wedding. Sure, I could tell you all about the traditions of the ceremony, but there is something that goes beyond description. It is a feeling in the air, an energy so powerful, you feel as if you are riding a wave. It's magical. Maybe because there is such an emphasis on tradition, or because there are so many family members together, sharing the joy of the day. There is such a strong bond of family, and so much love and emotion. You can't help but feel you are part of something big. The Brides mom, and sister Monique did a fabulous job with all the preparation.
All the family gathers at the Brides house to wish her well, have a photo with her, and see her on her way. The air is filled with happiness. On the way to the church no one can miss the convoy of family beeping happily, as they escort the Bride. At the church the groom awaited, with a smile a mile wide. His brother (a priest in Lebanon) came to perform the ceremony. It was beautiful !
Off to Glen Falls, with the bride and Groom in a vintage white Rolls Royce. They are so sweet together--a beautiful couple. After photos, it was off To Samuel's Grand Manor for the reception. The room was exquisite and elegant !
The entrance was a traditional dance, where the bride and groom are actually lifted in the air as they dance, to music so wonderful that you feel the energy as you listen. The band was fantastic, and I have actually gone online to buy some of there music. (google them Amin Sultan, with world renowned Flutist Omar Faruk they are a amazing !)
The speeches were so touching -- so heartfelt. From there the party never stopped---the dance floor was packed. What an amazing away to spend the day. (more magical than any fireworks) Congratulations to the Mahfouz, and Chahine families!