Happy Holidays!

My favorite Christmas movie is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and I can barely contain my laughter (in anticipation of what's to come) as he pulls up his hood and says "later dudes" at the beginning of the sledding scene (you can see a clip HERE). By the time he hits the Wal-Mart parking lot I practically have tears rolling down my face because I'm laughing so hysterically. It's such a great movie, with the crazy Christmas light covered house, the squirrel in the Christmas tree, and of course Cousin Eddie. How can anyone forget Cousin Eddie in his trapper hat?

When I saw this little hat in the pet section at Target, I knew I had to get it for our Christmas card photo this year (it's very Cousin Eddie, don't you think?). Einstein was a good sport, although he's not a huge fan of it - he kept it on long enough for me to get this adorable photo.

Happy Holidays!!

Favorite 10 of 2010

Wow, what a year! 2010 was a year of many firsts - starting out with my first newborn session and photographing my first wedding near the end. Throughout 2010, I had the pleasure of taking photos for so many amazing people - I had an extremely difficult time narrowing down my favorite 10 photos (I wish I could choose 20!!). These photos were chosen because they represent one (or all) of the things I love in a photo - emotion, something creative or unique that I haven't seen before, and feeling a connection to the people pictured. Here they are - in the order which they were taken:

The session I had in March 2010 with Alyssa and Sydney was incredible. I remember for this photo I was challenging Sydney to make each one even cuter than the last - and she didn't fail to deliver.


It took a little while for Emily to warm up to me on the day of her session, but once we got to the park she started feeling more comfortable. Have you ever seen a more adorable little girl? I just love her curls.


Hanna and Joey's session was one that challenged me creatively, and I got the opportunity to try some new things. I love how you can almost feel their love and happiness radiating through the photo.


I have never seen a baby held this way before, and Oliver seemed to love it. I have a ton of favorites from this session, but something about this photo is so interesting to me.


This session with Jessica and Eric was just a practice session for Josh and me, but I absolutely adore the way this photo turned out. I love everything about it - Jessica's expression, the lighting, and the way Eric is looking at her.


Kathleen and Brett were another practice session, and they were wonderful to work with. I really like the symmetry of this photo.


I know this photo is of a pair of shoes instead of people, but this photo will always represent the day that my dream of being a wedding photographer became reality. I will always be grateful to Chelsea and Richard for allowing me such a wonderful opportunity.


The rainbow in this photo was completely unintentional as a bridesmaid's flash went off across the dance floor right as I was taking this photo of the first dance. As it turned out, what some might consider a "mistake" ended up being a very unique and interesting photo. How many people can say they had a rainbow show up during their indoor, evening reception?


Lindsey and Brandon were so fun to work with and I had a very difficult time choosing a favorite, but I love the way Brandon is snuggling up to Lindsey. They both look so happy and in love!


Leslie and Adam's wedding was so much fun to photograph, and there were a ton of great photos but this one kept jumping out at me. Leslie looks SO incredibly happy - it just radiates out of the photo. Just looking at this picture makes me smile too!

For the Bride: A Personalized Touch

I'd consider myself a detail oriented person and now that I'm a photographer, taking detail photos, (especially of the dress) is one of my (many) favorite things to photograph at the wedding. A bride's dress is (hopefully) the dress of her dreams, the dress that makes her feel more beautiful than she ever has before. When I saw Lila Frances' shop on Etsy, I knew that my sister Abby (also a detail oriented person) would love one of the personalized hangers to put her wedding dress on when she gets married in January. So, I ordered her one as a gift - and here it is...


If you or a bride you know would love one of these hangers, you can check them out HERE. You can personalize them in tons of ways and they definitely add something special to the photos of your gown. Please note, she does mention there is an 8-10 week waiting list at this point.

I hope you guys are having a wonderful week - I'll be posting my favorite 10 photos from 2010 very soon, so stay tuned!!