Winter Wonderland

Denielle and I met this summer when she was a bridesmaid in Mandy's wedding. We hit it off immediately and I was so happy to be contacted a few months later to photograph her own wedding. I love weddings; big, small, extravagant, simple, it doesn't matter - I love them all. This wedding was special and will stand out in my memory forever, not because of the huge snowstorm that I had to drive through to make it to Liberty, and not because I got terribly turned around on the dark snowy streets when heading to the reception, but instead because of the warmth and love that flowed out of Denielle, John, and their families. This was a wedding where I felt like I was with family, where laughter flowed easily, and true emotions filled my view finder every time I lifted my lens.

Denielle & John, I am so blessed to have met you!

Merry Christmas - and a little gift from me to you:

Best Christmas Present EVER!

Stumped as to what to get for Mom and Dad this year for Christmas? Take a tip from Olivia and her siblings and give them the best gift ever - YOU! Seriously, how long has it been since mom had a nice family portrait taken, or a fun personality filled picture of all of her kids together, or even a beautiful head shot of you by yourself? Time is running out to get these done before Christmas, but a gift certificate can be just as nice.

On to the actual session - We had a great time trying not to freeze our fingers off on Sunday afternoon. Choosing a local park allowed a variety of backdrops without the need to travel very far. I can't wait to work with Olivia and her family again next year when she gets married to that handsome tall guy.

Enjoy the tip of the iceberg....

Thanksgiving - Family Style

A few months ago I was contacted by Erin about taking a family picture as a surprise for her mother. After spending some time talking I realized that this family was anything but typical. First, Erin is on of 9, yes I said 9, children. Her mother is gorgeous and deserves a medal of honor, or valor, or both! Erin explained to me that is has been 10 years since the family last had a portrait taken. We decided to include mom in the session rather than lose this rare opportunity to have an image of the entire family. The session took place at the family's picturesque mountain home.

It was such a blessing to be able to spend the afternoon with this very large, very welcoming family; and to be reminded how thankful I am for my own.

Enjoy the teasers...

Family Fun

April, a fellow photographer, contacted me when she realized that getting her 3 year old son to sit and smile for a family picture this year would not happen without help. In I stepped with my bag of silly faces, strange noises, and love for throwing pine cones to capture the attention of this very energetic boy.

We had a great time at Talleyrand Park - and due to the nature children, kept the session short and sweet. I always strive when working with small children to keep the session fun; to play, to let them get to know me, and to remember that they can only last so long.

It was such a pleasure for me to capture the joy and love in this family!

Fall - In November?

Thats right - to all those nay-sayers out there, I put forward the following evidence that fall can last longer than two weeks in central PA. In fact Fall can continue even after a freakishly early snow storm in October, Fall may even hold on to its last remnants of colorful beauty all the way to Turkey Day.

And look, look they don't even have coats on! (we wont mention the few bouts of shivering, but hey anything for the beauty of a picture)

Amanda and Joey are one of those great couples that just keep you laughing, keep you on your toes, and keep reminding you why you chose a job that forces you to leave your nice warm bed early on a Saturday morning to face the freezi...ummm, errrr... cool beauty of Fall.

Enjoy the teasers - I can't wait for your wedding next year!

We Are- En Gaged!

Fall in State College means football, and football means rivalries. You can't be a Penn State fan without knowing the sinister rivalry between the Nittany Lions and the Ohio State Buckeyes. So what happens when you put a photographer who loves to dress in her signature colors (red and black) in the middle of a campus filled with blue and white? Well, luckily for me, just great pictures.

Megan and Phil chose to return to the campus where they met and got engaged for their engagement session. They were wise enough to wear the correct colors for the day and I think provided me some protection for my foolish fashion choices. I had such a great time enjoying the gorgeous morning with this fun loving couple!

Enjoy...