Brothers, College and Senior Pics

My little brother turned 18 a few weeks ago.  Guess he isn't so little anymore.  Now he is making decisions about college and his future and I can only hope all those dreams he has will come true.  Of course as a senior in high school, I had the wonderful opportunity to shoot his senior photos (like he would have it any other way) and of course as his favorite sister in the whole wide world I got him to do some photos for me.  I had this idea in my head and although it was rainy and cold, he grudgingly agreed to let me do some night shots.  I love being a bossy big sister!  In the end, he got some cool shots, and I got spend some time having a few laughs with my little brother. 

Kelly & Laura

I first met Laura when she was a bridesmaid in a wedding I photographed about three years ago.  I met her again last year to talk about photographing her own wedding but it was a bit uncertain since she hadn't actually set a date yet.  Kelly's schedule had to be worked around since he is a South Bend police officer but finally an October date was set.   A gorgeous day dawned with warm weather and clear blue skies, it was hard to believe it was almost winter.

They chose the beautiful Morris Chapel in Niles, Michigan for the wedding. I couldn't help but fall in love with this picturesque little church. I almost felt like I was out in New England seeing this area.

We stopped at Battell Park for some more beautiful photos. There is just something about willow trees that I find so romantic.

And finally we arrived to finish the party at the Knights of Columbus in Mishawaka, Indiana decorated with gorgeous fall colors.

Congratulations Kelly and Laura, it was an honor to photograph your wedding. Thank you for being so patient with me and hope you enjoyed Hawaii.

Music and Photography...it is all about the Art!

I have never done a photo shoot for a musician before but I have to say it was a lot of fun.  It is always interesting to collaborate with someone in order to take their vision and turn it into your own.  If you do that well, that image becomes not just a representation of two people but of two arts as well.  For now here is a little glimpse of Money P aka Fetti Vegas.  Check out his music on iTunes Oct. 8th and drop him a Tweet @FettiVegas.

My strength - my daughter

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and while I have heard many times of friends of friends that have cancer, it is really not until someone close to you is affected when you realize how precious life really is.  In January of 2010 our four year old daughter was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphomic Leukemia) after complaining that her legs hurt one Friday afternoon. 

While many of us have heard and know about other cancers, this one was especially heart wrenching, not just because of my daughter, but because it seems so wrong that children should have to fight this disease.  They should be looking forward to growing up and experiencing everything life has to offer, not inside of a hospital or worried about side effects.  But life is what it is and we get through it with love and support from everyone around us.

Our daughter is now five years old and while she will continue treatment for a couple more years, she is a happy, bright kindergarter.  I watch her courage and her strength and draw from it every day.  She is hope and beauty wrapped up in a tiny package.  I can only move forward one day at a time and keep all those children also fighting this battle in my thoughts and prayers.  They are my inspiration.

Fort Wayne Childrens' Zoo

I love going to the zoo!  I still get a thrill of seeing wild animals up close and personal no matter how old I am.  One of favorite things of Fort Wayne is its incredible childrens' zoo.  I have especially fallen in love with the new African Veldt.  Its glass exhibits allow you to get up close and personal with lions and hyenas.  There is something really special about seeing the lions pace right in front of you knowing that glass is the only thing between you.  I also like feeding the giraffes, or at least watching the kids feed the giraffes.  But nothing outshines the kids pleasure in seeing these things and playing in the fountains.  I hope I always they will never lose that ability to feel such joy at the simple things.  I want them to always see the world with such wonder and awe because it is those things that let you see so many wonderful things around you when you need to most.  And it lets me see those things all over again so that I remember as well.

I think the giraffe was expecting more food...

I know there is glass there but I couldn't help taking a step back as she came towards me.

Gary & Gretchen's Wedding

Ceremony: Granger Missionary Church - Granger, Indiana
Reception: Greencroft - Goshen, Indiana

I don't know what other people thinks makes a good party but I know I especially enjoy a wedding reception where the people there love to dance.  Add in some great music, great food and beautiful decorations, well it doesn't get much better.  A little different than other wedding I have shot, Gary and Gretchen had food stations with fruit, bread and fondue.  They even had a chocolate fountain!  Throw in some hot latin tunes and I danced around the reception as I took photographs.

Added to such a great party was one of the best ceremonies I have ever been to.  The bride's father precided over the ceremony so not only was it beautiful and touching, it showed a father truly giving his daughter away to her husband.  His humor and warmth carried the day. 

Fun, touching, and romantic, this wedding had it all in spades!

Mmmm...nothing like a red corvette!

This look so good, I think I need some chocolate just looking at them.

Eric & Autumn's Wedding

I do a lot of weddings each year, but some are a little extra special.  Eric and Autumn's wedding was one of these partly because of the great first dance they shared (a whole compilation set to a routine) but also because I have got to see Autumn's sister whose wedding I did last year and Autumn's cousin whose wedding I did a few years ago.  There is just something really special about getting to see those couples who shared such a beautiful day with you and catch up on their lives now.  It was  a lot of fun and I have to say the groom is one heck of a dancer!