Flagstaff Photographer & Designer Sarah Neal

Caitlin & Mitchell Part 3: The Horse Session

2011-11-11T15:55:00.000-08:00

Day After Sessions. Trash the Dress Sessions. What else can you call the photo session that means re-dressing yourself in your wedding attire and doing something that requires a little more time or risk than you had on your wedding day for the camera? I don't usually do these... but Caitlin had her heart set on photos of horses, and to be honest I kind of did too. I'm usually afraid of horses ( i know... weird) but my camera usually makes me abandon my fears. Ask my husband about the time i ran up a slippery rock face to take photos of a passing pod of whales only to turn around and have no idea how to get back down. I digress...anyway... on their wedding day the sun simply outran us... so we opted to head out for heart prairie road one afternoon in the gorgeous aspen woods and take some photos with her eloped horses. I'd say it was worth the effort.

Caitlin and Mitchell Part 2: The Portraits

2011-10-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

Foxboro ranch never disappoints for a good wedding portrait location. Funnily enough every wedding I've done there manages to look totally different. Between the covered bridges, sunflower fields and horse ranch it always presents photogenic opportunities - summer or winter. Here is Caitlin and Mitchell's portraits from after the wedding. They chose to do them post-reception rather than shoving it in between. It's a great idea that I highly recommend... as long as you can actually tear yourself away from your guests early enough to catch some good light like this. If You missed it here is part 1 of their photos and a special post of the second shooter's amazing shots.

And one more post coming is their amazing "trash the dress" session. I have mixed feelings about doing these...this one turned out to be totally worthwhile. Caitlin had wanted some pictures riding horses in her dress so we pulled her own horses out to Hart Prairie road and took some epic pictures. Will post those later this week God Willing.

I love people that think out of the box

2011-10-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

This photographer is one of them. I love how he thinks. Totally polar-opposite to my style. Give him a family photo as an assignment and he comes home with this:

So in editing Caitlin and Mitchell's wedding I sat looking through the photos that my tandem-photographer Reg Plett (known also as Ben David Plett) took of the boys pre-wedding. I laughed and laughed and then decided these photos needed their own post. He has an awesome sense of humor... one I'm not positive Caitlin will share in this particular instance... but you have to know when you set Reggie loose with a camera and free creative range... that you are NOT going to come home with the traditional wedding line up. At. All. And I couldn't add these to their blog post and risk taking credit. They are all authentically Reg. Love them!

Awesome right???

Caitlin and Mitchell Part 1: The Wedding

2011-10-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Wow. Probably the busiest two weeks of my life and now off for the weekend. I know these guys are dying to see pictures so I'll post these and they'll have to wait next week for the beautiful formal group and couple photos. Two beautiful people that I love like family made for some great images. Without further ado here is their gorgeous country wedding at my favorite northern arizona wedding venue Foxboro ranch.

Meredith and Ashby Part 3: The Reception

2011-09-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Latin food; bluegrass music; crisp air and fire glow; teary speeches; funny stories; first dances to the sound of a sister's song. Nothing like a celebration in the aspen woods under a full moon to send summer out with.

VENDOR LIST:

Dress/burlap table runners-Jenn Jones from Madame to Sew
Flowers-Arrangements/bouquets Mountain High Flowers
Lavendar-Sedona Lavendar Farm
Bridesmaid dresses-etsy, Amanda Rose Bridal
Catering-Criollo (AMAZING FOOD I HAVE TO COMMENT!!!!!)
Band-Dave Logan Band and Aaron Tyler on mandolin
Rings-Wil McNabb

Cake/Cupcakes-Macys

Pies-Sugar Mammas

Decor-etsy (favors,wishing tree, guest tree), family

Groom/groomsmen attire-J Crew

Jewelry-great grandma necklace

Invites-Letterpress Finesse (my aunt drew the pic)

Make Up and Bridesmaids Hair-Patricia Vega

Hair (mine) John Cordova from Shear Irony

Ball Jars on tables-ashby's great grandma

Meredith and Ashby Part 2: Ceremony & Portraits

2011-09-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

The week prior to this wedding was full of rain, hail, high winds and cloudy skies. The forecast for Saturday said 70% chance of the pattern repeating itself and when Meredith and Ashby went to set up their wedding on the night prior to the ceremony, Meredith said the weather was so terrible that she actually cried. I would have too. Many prayers went up that day... mine included. God granted us a cool but beautiful afternoon to see this beautiful (and very emotional) couple tie the knot at the base of the San Francisco peaks. I am quite sure that even if it had been storming they would have still had a smile on their faces. What a pleasure to see people so in love and joyful to commit themselves to one another. This is also a good time to mention my assistant photographer Reg Plett who came along and was a huge help in capturing a lot of the detail shots you'll see in this wedding including the one of their invitation in the tree. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your help Reg!!

VENDOR LIST:

Cake/Cupcakes-Macys

Pies-Sugar Mammas

Decor-etsy (favors,wishing tree, guest tree), family

Groom/groomsmen attire-J Crew

Jewelry-great grandma necklace

Invites-Letterpress Finesse (my aunt drew the pic)

Make Up and Bridesmaids Hair-Patricia Vega

Hair (mine) John Cordova from Shear Irony

Ball Jars on tables-ashby's great grandma

Meredith & Ashby Part 1: Prewedding

2011-09-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

Meredith and Ashby traded white for taupe; satin for vintage lace; heels for cowboy boots; loafers for flip flops; roses for mint leaves; diamonds for emeralds; cake for homemade pie; pop for bluegrass; and a week of terrible terrible weather for a moment of perfect blue sky to oversee their marriage at the foot of a majestic mountain. Yep... they are unique and original and I loved them AND their vintage themed wedding. So much so that I can't wrap it into one post. So here is one of three.

Meredith's dress was hand made by a local (they did almost everything local!) seamstress. It was amazing. I know people are going to be asking about vendors on this one... so here goes. A list from Meredith:

Cake/Cupcakes-Macys

Pies-Sugar Mammas

Decor-etsy (favors,wishing tree, guest tree), family

Groom/groomsmen attire-J Crew

Jewelry-great grandma necklace

Invites-Letterpress Finesse (my aunt drew the pic)

Make Up and Bridesmaids Hair-Patricia Vega

Hair (mine) John Cordova from Shear Irony

Ball Jars on tables-ashby's great grandma

Sophie

2011-08-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

WHen Donald and Susanne told me that their daughter would be named Sophie I told them I pictured all Sophies being raven haired exotic beauties (maybe because my cousin Sophie is just that - dark-locked-and-stunningly-beautiful). Susanne joked that she would be Sophie blond,dark or indifferent. Well... Sophie came out looking just how I pictured her... just like her mama.

A Million Things to be Grateful For

2011-08-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

The night before last Wes told me before he went to bed that he'd be climbing the peaks in the morning and not to worry if I woke up and he was gone at 6am. I was actually disappointed for him when I woke up and work had gotten in the way of his plans. At breakfast though, we decided that a little family adventure could be the next best thing and that we'd head up the mountain for a picnic dinner at the end of the day. As the hours passed and the weather progressed into rain showers and a heavy blanket of cloud covering the peaks - a picnic started to look like a bit of a bad idea. Wes suggested however that we pack our salad and go for a drive - worst thing that could happen is we'd have gotten out the house for a break and we could eat when we got home.

Last night I watched the most beautiful sunset of my life. Turns out that the monsoon rain and heavy clouds combined with the smoke from seasonal controlled forest fires made for a spectacular show that only God himself could produce. We got to witness it all on our own from the flower clad meadows of Humphrey's mountain.... and to think we could have let a little weather get in our way.

It's times like last night that overwhelming gratefulness could have reduced me to tears. If I didn't live another day I've seen more beauty, experienced more love and been more blessed than most people will be in their entire existence. And forever my greatest blessings will be God's salvation and my little family:

Daulton Family (+one on board)

2011-08-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

Jimmy and Brynne were my debut blog post with their first maternity session. It's amazing to see what a long way I've come since then. Practice may not have helped me reach perfection yet but I think I've matured a little in my imagery since then. Brynne breaks every rule of regency being an awkward, bloated, less than attractive time in one's life (like a lot of us feel right there at the end). With just weeks to go I think she was at her most beautiful ever. So a little trip to the creek was in the works. Much to my surprise - even Ember wanted to smile at me this time. :) Ironically.. my favorite photo of the session is one of her not smiling. Go figure!

Can't wait to meet little Sawyer (who seems to need a little more time to cook - I look at Facebook every day to see if he's arrived yet...but alas... no luck yet!). UPDATE: He arrived right while I was posting this blog:)

Welcome Silas Wesley

2011-07-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

I feel overwhelming gratefulness. I've delayed a few days writing this post because I can't adequately put into words how I feel. On July 1st we welcomed our son Silas Wesley into the world. A tiny 6 pounds 11 ounces - the identical weight of his sister. (what are the chances??) Some of you know, others don't, that prior to this last pregnancy I lost two others. Early. 8 weeks and 6 weeks along. When they happened I was upset but consoled by the thought that somehow it would work out for my good. Over the two years it took to actually get to a successful pregnancy - I became discouraged at times and by the third time around I admit I was petrified of miscarrying again.

Now I'll share a backstory that's woven into Silas's birth. It's long... but if just one person is helped by it - it's worth exposing my emotions and faith. Years ago, God had given me a scripture. I would always see the number 11. On the clock, when I checked out of a store on receipts, every time someone gave me a number in a line, when I would randomly wake up at night and look at the clock. I mean ALL the time. One new year's eve day I saw it every hour of the day and I felt certain there must be something to it. I asked God if there were some meaning behind the scripture to show me it's purpose and make the sermon at that night's watch night service maybe reveals it's purpose. That night Steve Robson preached the sermon "Faith"... text taken from Hebrews 11. (Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.) I was immediately certain that that was God's will and that overtime I saw 11 he wanted me to have faith. It was also testimony night at church which is when the mic is handed around to anyone who wants to give a report of something God has done. I told the whole church about the 11 thing (some may have thought I was crazy) and that I felt God had shown me that night what he wanted me to see. Afterward Steve came up to me and said "did you see Hebrews 11:11?". I opened the bible... " Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised."

Keep in mind that this all transpired years before I had children. I hadn't yet battled to conceive Lydia or dealt with any miscarriages. So fast forward about 5 years from that night to 2010 and six weeks along with Silas - I started bleeding just like I had with the two prior miscarriages. I couldn't believe it because MANY things (too many to mention) had transpired with this particular pregnancy to make me believe that this one would stick - and I had testified to people about it. I cried that night. I knelt to pray that night and said "Lord... have your will.. if this child is better with you take it - but if you have a life for it with me... let me keep it". That particular night I had knelt at the end of my bed instead of the side as I usually would so I had a full view of the clock when I picked up my head from praying. When I looked up it was 11:11. I knew God was bringing to pass the full circle of why He gave me that scripture. That night I dreamt a dream that took ten seconds total. In it I was looking at a computer screen writing "P.S. We had a little boy last week!". I woke up and told Wes. I still bled the next day and only was able to get into the doctor a few days later. They did an ultrasound and confirmed a healthy heart beat.

Fast forward to his birth. I had worried a lot because in my third trimester Silas hiccuped a lot. Like 5 or 6 times a day. I read about a connection with cord compression and frequent hiccups and I let fear get the better of me. Every time he hiccuped I prayed for him. In Flagstaff, you can't have a natural birth after c-section (hospital policy) so he was a scheduled c-section 1 week before his due date. When my doctor opened me up Silas was so tangled in his cords that they were struggling a little to pull him out. He had it wrapped around each foot and his body. I wept... and wept... and wept in gratefulness that he was okay and I instantly knew why I had had to have a c-section with Lydia - so that with Silas I would be forced not to deliver naturally. The tender had of Jehovah. Don't EVER complain if you have to have a c-section. Sometimes things happen for a reason that's beyond your understanding. Silas actually has hiccups frequently SINCE being born so I don't think they were related to his cord. BUT... my doctor did say that had I given natural birth - the cord could have been a problem. He's here though... healthy and well and 100% a miracle. Like every healthy baby that breaths life. But a very special miracle to me.

So welcome to the world my little son. I pray God helps me and your Daddy to raise you as a kind and loving human being to ALL people - who portrays Jesus to the world. That's not something you can do on your own... I'm going to need God's help just like I did since the day he was conceived.

P.S. Did I mention... we had a little boy last week!

Wes took the photos of me holding Silas which I'm SO grateful for. As the photographer you tend to have an "under-abundance" of photos that include you but I didn't want to miss this!

This is a photo of a check I wrote out early in the pregnancy. Someone gave us these books at church and they're a great way to put your faith in writing! I posted it on my fridge and overtime I felt doubtful I just looked at the check and remembered to thank God for the work he had ALREADY done! The ultrasound was from the 6/7 week post-bleeding ultrasound confirming healthy heartbeat.

Bekah and Brandon's Maternity Pics

2011-06-19T22:51:00.000-07:00

Bekah and I are three weeks apart on our due dates... which means she is now past due. I chose off-the-beaten path spots to photograph her because I thought it would probably be hilarious for strangers to witness one waddling pregnant lady attempting to photograph another one. We've swapped notes all the way through our pregnancies - and we celebrated finding out we were both having boys very close to the same time. Since we spend a lot of time in the same circles it means that I could have been photographing one of my son's future best buddies before I've met him. That's pretty incredible to think about. Blessings to this wonderful couple who totally light each other up (and are just adorable to watch together - they compliment each other in so many ways and Brandon really brings her out of her shell) and a safe and wonderful delivery for baby Brayden. P.S. does she have the most beautiful hair you've ever laid eyes on...?

Engaged! Caitlin & Mitchell ~ Part 2

2011-06-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

I've driven that road 100 times. The one to Lees Ferry for river trips and Colorado cabin trips. Something about the lines of the buttes and the ancient sand dunes and distant purple mountains of the painted desert made me always want to use the stark desert as a frame for some couple or family. Funnily enough though, it's not that easy to convince people to drive into the middle of nowhere for pictures. Especially when props are rocks and dirt and it's inconvenient to walk half a mile out into the desert and cross old barbed wire into noman's land. When Mitchell told me he loved that area and always wanted photos out there I was not about to give up the opportunity... even if it crossed my mind that 5 weeks from my due date it was probably irresponsible to be lugging people into the middle of nowhere. We were hoping for wild horses - didn't get those. Luckily no early labor though either. We did get incredible light and ultimately I can say probably my favorite engagement session yet. Thanks guys for taking the chance - I love these pictures. You two are GORGEOUS! Viva Navaho Land!

P.S. Cannot wait for their wedding at Foxboro ranch where they will be *fingers crossed* mounting horses (both avid horse riders) in fields of flowers!! Giddyup!

Engaged! Caitlin & Mitchell ~ Part 1

2011-05-31T22:25:00.000-07:00

I think I'm getting old. Or people are just doing big important things younger. Either way - it feels like these two were little kids peering over the pews at church at me yesterday... and now they're engaged. :..) I was very happy to spend an afternoon with them and their very open minds... open minds always make for much better images. You will never guess (unless you've been there) where these were taken. All Mitchell's brilliant idea. Try guessing...

And if you think these lovebirds made for a beautiful shoot in THESE pictures... just wait until you see part 2. Stay tuned!! (post now up - you have to check it out!)

Morris Family Photo Session

2011-05-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought they couldn't get more beautiful... they did. Hard to believe that already a year ago this little family was in my house getting newborn photos done of baby Ella. Where has the time gone? To me Olivia picked a perfect ensemble of clothing for family pics - coordinated but not too "matchy" - and fabrics with lots of interesting layers and textures. The blues and teals are also opposite on the color wheel of the reds and oranges of Sedona so it makes them stand out in their surroundings. Just a little pointer for future family sessions. Was lovely seeing you guys again... and well worth all the hard work to make Ella smile. :)

P.S. trying something a little different with the blog layout... loading it all as one image instead of many. What do you guys think? How long did it take to load? Better old way or new way? Going to redesign the blog soon too I think so feedback appreciated.

Avery Has a New Baby Brother

2011-05-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago I photographed this beautiful family with their first baby Avery. I pretty much took the first half of this year off from photographing - but I couldn't resist returning to see what Avery's new brother Luke looked like and of course I was excited to see how Avery had grown. :) It was a pleasure once again. Here are some of my favorites.

Avery was much more interested in the ladder that I was using to take the above shot than joining the family...

Avery & Vienna

2011-05-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

Meet Avery. She likes Dr. Seuss and her wiener dog Vienna. Sometimes she uses Vienna's ear as a blankie when she can't find her own. Her mom made up a rhyme about it. More to come of Avery and her brand spankin' new brother (whose ear she does not pull) later this week.

Too Cute Not to Blog

2011-02-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

Well... I'm pretty much a terrible blogger these days. Very few of my shoots make it out into the blogosphere and it's time I really gave it a little TLC. Between Lydia, a baby-on-board, a part time job etc. there just isn't time to indulge in sharing. This little girl however is just begging to be seen. She's SO beautiful that I just had to post a few of the pics.

Happy Third Birthday Liddy Biddy

2011-02-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

3 years ago today (only minutes from tomorrow) a beautiful little girl entered our lives and turned it upside down (for the better) forever. Not a day goes by that I don't look at her and think about the miracle she is and that I'm so lucky to have a little person that calls me Mom. I see a little of me, a little of her dad - but I mostly see God. She's her own little neatly spun ball of unique traits. Having a child teaches you a lot. About humility. Faith. Acceptance. We are all beautifully and fearfully made. Thank you God for my Lydia!

Ryan and Bri. Cold Hands Warm Hearts.

2011-01-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

A few months back Cori's sister Bri contacted me to do her wedding. It sounded nothing short of ideal. A tiny town nestled in the Colorado Rockies on New Year's eve. I envisioned the snow covered mountains, the unusual clothing she'd picked for the occasion and I already had an attachment to the family since doing her sister's wedding. Done deal. I would make the 7 hour drive. It's not that I totally didn't consider the possibility of a huge storm hitting the area, it's just that I hoped my incredible streak of photogenic wedding weather luck wouldn't run out for her wedding. Alas though... not only Colorado but the whole South West saw a massive storm that would last the full 36 hours preceding her wedding. It would close the two passes we would usually use to drive to Ouray and force us to drive via Grand Junction - a 13 hour harrowing journey on slick roads and blinding snow with a two year old in tow. (and a hubby who graciously drove the entire way).

Somewhere between Monticello and Moab when the weather intensified to a level that had me wondering whether it was wise to proceed any further the phone rang. It was Bri. She sounded pretty relaxed... a little bummed at the weather and a 3rd of her guests having to cancel... but calm none the less. "You know... I just want you guys to be safe. Stop wherever you are... if you don't make it that is COMPLETELY okay. I just want you all to be okay and I don't want you risking your life to get here". I think it was likely pregnancy hormones but I think I actually shed a tear when I hung up. In the world of weddings you come across a lot of people who completely loose perspective. It's a production. A show rather than a right of passage into another humans life. I had come across someone who cared more about me than the photos I would take and when we finally made it to Ouray I told Ryan how very lucky he was to have found a girl like Bri. When I watched him marry her I knew for sure that he did.

It was such a pleasure to be back with this family. Cori's wedding was all warm colors. Bri's all cool. Both just have an amazing imagination and an incredible ability to weave people into all the details that surrounded them at their wedding. Enjoy a few of my favorites of their day!

Their rings were made by a friend. One water. One mountains.

Bri's grandma once again made an amazing keepsake as she does for all her granddaughters. A garter made of Bri's mother's wedding dress and buttons taken from all the other loved ones dresses.
DIY very unusual bouquet made out of area trees.

And the DRESS! Seriously... gotta love a bride willing to break out of the box. You should check out this designer's site for some really unusual dresses

Ouray is famous for it's ice climbing. With the scenery surrounding the town we HAD to get some outdoor shots but with temperatures at around twenty below that day it was difficult to do so. Bri and Ryan were TROOPERS... and I'm grateful. I think it was worth a few minutes of misery.

The men are outfitted by Carhartt. Pretty awesome!

They gave their guests sparklers to walk from the church to the reception down the street. A lovely idea!

Their weddings details were all DIY and all beautiful!
They used maps to create hanging ornaments and to wrap mason jars with.

The placeholders were mason jars with the guests' name written on one side and a personal message on the other.

Bri made her cakes herself from her grandmother's recipe and used lemons, logs and driftwood to decorate the table that seated them.
Alaskan King Salmon (in honor of their hometowns in Alaska) was served. VERY delicious and once again prepared DIY style.

They did a traditional German activity of cutting a log together which represents the couple's first challenge that they have to work together on. My favorite part is that they used the saw as a guestbook which they will hang above their door at home.

Thank you for having me not only as a photographer but as a guest. It was SUCH a pleasure being with your family and friends again. :) I hope you continue to bless those around you like you did me.

P.S. Blog readers - be sure to check out Cori's photography blog for her takes on the day.

Jennifer and Barry

2010-12-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

Jen's brother Will gave the most moving speech at her wedding. Will spoke of his trip to Burkina Faso (a West African country where Barry comes from)for their African ceremony in September. He landed completely void of local currency, unable to speak the language and culturally unaware of how to negotiate his way out of the situation. At that moment the world seemed huge and overwhelming and suddenly he realized how out of control he was of his situation. Alone. Then he spotted Jen and Barry who had come to get him and a wave of relief past over him. He said at that instant he had an epiphany: this is what love is. It's a person who is there when you've had the worst day ever, when the world and it's odds seem to overwhelmingly stack against you. A person who makes the world feel smaller and more tolerable. As Will gave the speech I realized that not only had he perfectly described the love that bonds you to a mother or sister or father - but to a spouse. Barry couldn't speak english but through the day I witnessed a touching thing take place - the silent communication that Jennifer and Barry shared - reassuring smiles and little squeezes of the hand. They both speak french but for the rest of us it was the moments that didn't hold words that were the most significant. Oh... that and when Barry stood up and started his translated speech with an english "Good Evening" - that was pretty awesome. Congrats you two. Here are a few favorites of your day. I know you will move mountains with your special work in Africa for as long as you choose to stay. You are clearly two very special people and I'm so happy I got to share your day!

We tried to find some Red Rock scenery in Sedona but it was the darkest, foggiest day EVER down there. At 3 oclock it was already getting dark. It was a challenge getting clear photos with my lens fogging up between POURING rain and mist. Interestingly enough though... it makes this unique. They were troopers... up for anything. Thank GOODNESS for cooperative clients. :)

Kaitlyn & Ben's Wedding Portraits

2010-11-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

Kaitlyn and Ben are young. The kind of young where you think back on what you were doing at that age and ponder the disastrous possibilities that may have ensued had you made the decision they have. However, on second thought, you think of the things you could have avoided if you happened to have found the right person younger, and you realize after spending 2 hours with Kaitlyn that she's more mature than your-29-self. She just happened to find and recognize her soul mate young. You hear that Ben overcame enormous obstacles to get to Arizona from Alaska for his wedding (for instance hitting 3 buffalo and totaling his truck only days before he had to be here) and you watch how he respects her and wants all that's best for her. You ask them to look at one another for a photo and you feel as though you should actually look away - they have what some don't ever find in a lifetime. (I'm very lucky that I did!)

You look in the rear view mirror and ask where they will end up living - both are following God's lead on that one. SO... you ignore the social norms that modern society throws in front of you daily that says love can only be sealed somewhere deep into your twenties. You find that love comes in different shapes and sizes and you reflect that marriage is a daily sacrifice at any age . You realize that we all in the end are at the mercy of God. Kaitlyn and Ben may you always love eachother as much or MORE as you did on your wedding day. Serve God and each other all the days of your life!

Since we were VERY limited on shooting time (like 15 minutes), I had to choose spots close to the church to shoot (challenging considering it's location). The people at the RE/MAX on Riordan were kind enough to let me use their property (it's a gorgeous old restored house!) and we also made a trip over to the Arizona Sun Building. haha... desperate times call for desperate measures :)

The Dickersons

2010-10-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

"It's easy to let go of your heart when you trust the hands that hold it. It's even easier when they allow you to hold theirs in return." ~ Anonymous.

Becca and Jeremy... you two are one of my favorite love stories!Thanks for all the cell phones (haha) and it was a pleasure returning the favor!

The photo below is one of my favorite ever shot: when the back lighting from the sun fell perfectly to bounced off Hayley's face onto Becca's to literally light her up. The look on her face also so perfectly tells how one feels about one's child. It's not too often that you capture a genuine fleeting moment and your lighting and composition is right too. Was very happy with it!

Oh Dani Girl

2010-10-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

"Stuff like this always happens to me" she says. Stuff like this? As in gale force winds, blowing debris, blinding rain and 6 o'clock darkness lit only by uncomfortably close lightning bolts? I'm pretty sure at one point Dani or I noted that we felt like we were in the eye of a tornado. Two days later had we been back in that same field a real tornado actually would have blown directly over us. When Dani told me she completely trusted my artistic vision I'm sure she didn't expect to end up dodging skunks and lightning bolts... but hey... no pain no gain! The photos definitely look slightly out of the ordinary. A camera in your hand makes you a little braver than you should be... I've learned that. Dani is a good girl though!!! It was nice getting to know her a little better. Her sister Christin is a talented photographer in town too... so between ALL the beautiful photos of Dani that both she and I took she should definitely have ONE she can put in the yearbook. Good luck with that. It should be QUITE the task.

So many beautiful people... so little time!

2010-09-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

I guess every part time webdesigner/part time photographer/full time mommy and wife comes to this conclusion eventually: all photographs are not destined to be blogged. I've finally gotten to that point where it's just not feasible to be able to put everything I do up here - as much as sharing these pictures is the greatest level of satisfaction I get from doing them. So from now on.. I'm a selective blogger. I'll do it when I have time and skip it when I don't. So Lydia is tucked in, Wes is dreaming of spinning wheels in the canyon and I could REALLY use the sleep... but here are a few from some recent shoots.

This is Jessica. That's her Grandma's red couch (her idea... I loved it!!). I've known her and her family for the past 8 years. Seems like she was just a little girl... the other day wasn't it? She's quiet and meek and has a lot of attributes I wish I had more of. She was diagnosed with a malignant tumor a few years ago which miraculously (praise the Lord) showed up being benign when further tests were done. I wondered as I focused on those big beautiful eyes what great purpose God saved her for. I almost died at 5 years old from a burst appendix and when I feel low in life I always think - "God saved me for something." Jess... I'm sure you have many great reasons to live for yourself and for others. Can't wait to watch you grow into womanhood! :) P.S. You're unbelievably photogenic... I wish I could share 50 photos on here!

A couple of my favs from this adorable family's shoot (1 year old Aidan definitely stole the show!)

And Nicki's senior pics who happens to look really good in black and white...

Night night!

Brandt & Nicole: The Wedding

2010-09-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

As stated in my previous post, this wedding experience was a real joy. It was one of those weddings where emotion and love took center stage and made for beautiful photos. I've told people before that if given the choice between a camera-shy person or a trained professional model to photograph I would pick the camera shy. They act vulnerable and real. Nicole and Brandt are the epitome of people who hate looking at the camera - but are great at just being themselves and allowing me to follow along beside them and capture them as they really are. I teamed up with Nicole's uncle Ronald on this wedding. He took a HUGE load off my shoulders by doing all the posed group shots which freed me up to really just be creative and take more candid images. You'll notice on this post that I'm playing around with my branding a bit ... and definitely am experimenting a bit more with post processing. Some part of me really wants to be a purist because effects and actions on photos run the risk of being very cheesy and dated in a few years... but then the artist in me takes over and yearns to explore the possibilities of an image. So I have to be true to myself. :) Enjoy a few of my favorites from that beautiful day in the windy city.

lol... this photo just makes me laugh. They all danced back down the isle and somehow these two managed an unrehearsed fist bump.

These were some of the most memorable moments (or characters) at this wedding:

All that rice throwing meant photo shopping many suspicious looking white flakes out of their hair in this one:

Brandt & Nicole: The Rehearsal

2010-09-11T08:07:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I had the very fortunate experience of joining a family I love in Chicago for their son and daughter in law's wedding. (and I met a NEW family that I love in Nicole's clan!) Having flown through Chicago atleast 15 times on my way to Canada, I always said I wanted to actually LEAVE the airport and explore what looked like from the air to be a beautiful water-front city. It did not disappoint! I'm not a city-girl. I spent most of my life in big cities and prefer small towns BUT I do enjoy a few days in a place like Chicago. Very clean. Architecture is amazing. Enough world-class museums that you should spend a week there just exploring those. One of my favorite things about the city was the multi-culturalism. For Brandt and Nicole's rehearsal dinner they chose an AMAZING Moroccan restaurant near the church they'd be getting married it. It was just a hop skip and jump off the "L" (Irving Park Stop) and on a windy slightly chilled summer's end day... the meal tasted pretty much incredible. It was my first time for Moroccan. I have to say though... it's one of my new favorites. A mix between middle-eastern and Mediterranean food - both of which I love! Too bad Flagstaff doesn't have one. Or maybe for my wallet's sake that's a good thing. Anyway... here are a few pics of the rehearsal. Nicole looked gorgeous in her red dress!

Meredith & Ashby Part 2: Flower Power

2010-08-29T15:52:00.001-07:00

If you had a million dollars to spend on the perfect setting for a session with the perfect lighting and props... I don't think you'd ever get anything better than this.

Meredith & Ashby Part One: Lucky in Love & Light

2010-08-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

As an on-location photographer you're at the mercy of so many variables. The weather; the lighting; other people intervening on your chosen backdrop; the chemistry you do or don't possess with your subjects; ... the list goes on and on. This is one of the reasons I get butterflies before every single shoot. This was no exception. Somehow though everything came together like clockwork. For the initial part of the shoot I had chosen a green barn on a private property that I'd been wanting to use for years. I had popped in that morning to ask the owner his permission and he graciously allowed me access. When Merideth and Ashby showed up it was as though they had dressed to coordinate with the barn. Score! Then the sun dropped to a perfect level for backlighting. Score! Merideth and Ashby (despite warning me of their utter lack of photogenic-ness) turned out to be comfortable and photogenic. Score! Then we went to Hart Prairie road where there were tons of wildflowers... Score!... and the most amazing sunset I've ever witnessed. Score! (which peaked right as we reached the summit of a small hill). SCORE! I wish I could take credit when photos turn out like this but really... so much was luck. Here are my favorites... AND STAY TUNED for part two - a jaw dropping sunflower-session where you guessed it - we got lucky again! :)

Merideth really likes "vintage finishes" on photos... so I tried to incorporate them into a few.

Correction: Ashby had Merideth's ring made while she was in Haiti working as a relief nurse for earthquake victims. LOVED it!

Zoe

2010-08-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Zoe wanted her senior pictures by water and there is no better place in my opinion in Northern Arizona to get water shots than West Fork / Oak creek canyon. Zoe turned out to be great company on the drive down. She is very beautiful and has a really interesting life story. She also casually mentioned half way down that she "does a little modeling"... my afternoon turned out to be pointing and shooting... she did the posing herself! :) Here are some of my favorite shots. They aren't necessarily the "headshots" she'll be picking for her yearbook picture but the ones where she let me be a little creative that I liked so much. Enjoy.

Good luck Zoe! I hope your Princeton dreams come true! :)

Isabella and Her Beautiful Family

2010-08-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

Beautiful family... beautiful scenery. What more could I ask for? I love sunflower season! Here are my favorites from this shoot...

Jenna

2010-07-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

Jenna has the classic beauty of a Leonardo DaVinci Painting. ... and the kind of smile that lights up a room. No... maybe a stadium. Judge for yourself!

Jenna... you're an exceptional human being. Your maturity and strength and grace amazes me. People don't usually possess these rare attributes at such a young age. I know it will help you through life and allow you to achieve all your dreams. You have a lot to contribute to the world and I know you'll do so with flying colors! Congrats on your upcoming senior year of high school! :)

The McGinleys

2010-07-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

You know that old saying "It takes a village to raise a child"? It's true. There are those who offer emotional support through pregnancy and child rearing, those who help you look after them when you can't, those who teach them and those who help clothe them. Liz has fallen into all the above categories... especially the latter. I can't really begin to imagine what I would have done without all those little shoes and dresses that she kindly sent our way. She is always faithful and someone I admire and look up to as a mom. I wanted to do some photos as a thank-you. It's not enough but it's atleast a gesture. :) Enjoy my favorites from our little session.

One thing we learned on this trip is that John-John is NOT afraid of horses. Unlike me. ;)

Zack and Jacqui's Reception

2010-07-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

A beautiful relaxed affair featuring local cooking (some of the best Mexican I've EVER had), casual seating under the stars, twinkly lights and lots of Jimmy Buffet. It really had a great atmosphere! (and of course I included a couple more portraits that I liked!)

This is a third generation cake ornament. Her grandmother and mother used it on their cakes.

Zack and Jacqui

2010-06-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

When Jacqui contacted me I guessed this wedding would be unusual and beautiful with it's unique locations. When I MET her later in January I knew it would surely be a wonderful occasion ... she's one of those human beings that doesn't meet a stranger. Kind and happy and genuinely nice... even under pressure. Seems fitting for an ER nurse I guess. Then we met Zack, and he like his wife is a rare breed. On top of being excellent humans in character - they are beautiful on the outside too. Both of them made a personal record for me asking my assistant Kristen and I OFTEN if we were okay, if we needed anything, thanking us for making the journey.. etc. I felt much more like a friend than a vendor. Thank you both for such an exceptional experience. I loved every moment of your wedding. The laughs, the tears, and all the special personal touches you put on your day. It all made for beautiful photos. So many so that I'm going to do two posts. One for the wedding, and one for the reception. Enjoy!

The getting ready and reception site was Hacienda De Corona de Guevavi Ranch near Nogalez. I can't say enough about this bed and breakfast ranch. It was a photographer's paradise with it's decor and surroundings.

Jacqui made her own jewelry for the wedding. And wore awesome vintage shoes. I told you she was cool!

One of the coolest parts of the wedding to me was the jewelry. Jacqui MADE Zack's ring and he had hers made. Neither one saw the wedding rings before the alter. They were GORGEOUS!

Zack wore a vintage western outfit - fully equipped with vintage pistol, knife AND hand-made bullets (which I heard he crafted himself!)

The ceremony was in Mission San José de Tumacácori which is a beautiful Spanish mission church void of any elaborate decorations and left in it's original state as a nationally treasured "ruin". It had beautiful light and a wonderful spirit about it.

This mariachi band was amazing. Part of the ceremony was the most beautiful rendition of "Ode to Joy" that I've ever heard. It was perfect for the setting!

I walked around the edge of the building right after the ceremony and caught Zack doing his "happy dance". :) I would put the whole series in if my blog could handle it. It was pretty cute! (and funny)

While I was fixated on the shadow shots (like the one above) my assistant Kristen Daulton got this AMAZING candid shot of them walking along this wall. I just adore the way the shadows fell and the composition landed. It's one of my favorite wedding photos ever! Way to go Kristen! She really rocked the second shooter spot on this one:

More to come in the next few days of my favorite formal shots and some of the reception!

One Happy Bunch

2010-06-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

When our good friends the Boones visited from New Zealand I told them I was going to take family photos since I'd managed to miss doing their wedding. We had planned to be there but as life goes we had a little bundle of joy arrive JUST when they were scheduled to tie the knot. Anyway... we did a little jaunt around downtown and then headed for the fields so they could have a little souvenir of Dave's home town. I realised when I edited these that Naya must be the easiest baby I've ever photographed. There were no photos where she wasn't smiling. I guess she can't help it with the parents she has. They about the coolest most layed back pair you'll ever meet. I wish we lived closer.

Something about the photo below I love. It's like you can see peace and happiness written all over their faces.

Lydia came a long for the ride (my little girl on the left). You'd think they were sisters wouldn't you?

And one of Naya and her grandma (not that she looks like one) back at the house.

We love and miss you guys!

Avery Michael

2010-06-15T22:44:00.001-07:00

Avery is a little ray of light in a dark time of the Terrin family's life. Since 11pm isn't my high time for coming up with words I figured I'd look up Avery's name meanings. Wow. According to babynames.com...

Avery: A Magical Counselor
Michael: A man Like Unto God

I expect great things! :) You must have been inspired Christin!

My Sister

2010-06-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

My sister Naomi is a proverbs 31 woman. She is without question one the most honorable, kind, hospitable, hard working people I have come across on this earth. She is really good at a lot of things (though she'll humbly deny this) - but of all her talents - mothering is her strongest. She is almost ready to pop with baby #3. A boy this time after two beautiful little girls. I can't wait for little Jonah to get here!!!!! :) She came out for a few days a month or two back and we did a few photos of her and her belly. We had planned on doing photos in Phoenix that evening (picture cacti and wild flowers and a field) but it turned out to be freezing and far from any such destination. Lucky for us we spotted this amazing scene on the way down and decided to jump out for a couple of quick ones on our way through Sedona.

When we got to the hotel it had a great little pool area that was full of the most beautiful warm light. It was really chilly so we had to keep the kids moving.

These photos make me remember the uninhibited joy of childhood. It was so great seeing all the cousins together playing!

My sister grabbed the camera for a portrait of me and the girls. I'm glad she did - it's such a cute picture!!! Wish she lived closer... we could be a good team. :)

Love you Omi!

Caleb and Leona Take the Plunge

2010-06-04T16:41:00.001-07:00

Well... almost. I really tried to get Leona to jump into lake Mary and she would have... but Caleb talked some sense into both of us. This wedding was one near and dear to my heart. Leona is a good friend who is setting off to create a new life for herself with her husband Caleb in South Carolina. Leona talked to me about doing something fun for her pictures after the reception when the light was better and I was ALL for it. I wanted to find a spot that she could have Flagstaff's beautiful scenery behind her so that she would have something to remember the place where she grew up by. Both of them are really outdoorsy people and a canoe was something I'd wanted to incorporate into a wedding shoot for a long time. I'm so glad it panned out. It was a beautiful day combining some of my favorite families ever. Here are a few of my favs from the day:

Leona is the definition of a natural beauty. And her inside is just as beautiful as her outside!!

Caleb's parents are so adorable... and I just loved this shot of them in the resident "model" car :)

Best jumpshot ever...! The dock was metal so leona's dress was reflecting off it.

After sloshing around lake mary and through the mud - I just had to have a photo of their feet!

Leona and Caleb... I wish you love and happiness. I wish you God's mercy and His blessings and a life you can be proud of and work with each other for. I hope that you always look at each other the way you did that day and that your sacred journey together never ends. I will miss Leona... you're a lot younger me but much more mature in many ways. I always looked up to you. I'm so happy you are so in love and so happy you're going to have such a good family to live near and support you. Good luck and safe journeys. :)

Baby Adam

2010-05-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

There seems to have been a baby boom in Tucson lately and lots of babies have been headed my way to have their photo taken. To do portait sessions back to back in my home makes creativity a challenge. It's hard not to make them all look the same. I don't have props... I use just what I have lying around. For this session the piano got incorporated and Daddy's hat that mommy forced him to bring. I think it MADE these photos!!! There is a ton of musical genes in this family... so I'm guessing one day Adam will probably play the piano (or maybe Cello like his Dad). Anyway... beautiful family and beautiful baby. Very nice to meet you guys and spend some time with your little one! :)

Thank you for letting me share these Daniel... the next couple of photos are some of my favorite I've ever taken. I just love how Adam lights up when he looks at you!!! :)

Some props brought by mom...

Baby Ella

2010-05-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ella has her mother's beauty.... lucky girl. She also has a beautiful spirit and was just about as calm and relaxed as a newborn can get. Made my job very easy. Waking her up was a bit of a challenge but I'd rather have it that way around. I hope she wasn't awake the whole way home to Tucson after that big nap she took for the camera! :) Congrats guys... she gorgeous (I guess that was going to be a given) Here are my favorites.

Neta's Maternity

2010-05-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

"Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before
you were born, I loved you. When you were born, I saw your face and
knew I was in love. Before you were an hour old, I knew I would die for
you. To this day and until i take my last breathe I still will."

Beautiful photography doesn't take hours of preparation. It takes a person who is willing to be genuine. These were done totally last minute in a whirlwind run around town after church one Sunday. Ofcourse Neta doesn't really take a bad picture... so maybe I should judge my experiences on her.

The Hawkes & Page Clan

2010-05-11T14:50:00.001-07:00

Meet Amber (the beautiful girl on the right pictured with her niece):

In the story of my life... Amber has a starring role. If she didn't exist, things could possibly be completely different for me. You see we met at a christian youth retreat in 1999. She and I became good friends that kept contact and traveled together for years afterward. We were the kind of friends who instantly picked up where where we left off. She always knew how to make me feel good about myself and those around me - and I'm positive that I've never laughed as hard with anyone else as her. (case in point below):

Yesterday I sat and shed a few tears when I opened a mothers day card she'd mailed me from Portland where she now lives. I've been through a little rough patch recently... and somehow Amber knew just what to say to unlock the emotions I've had bottled in. What a gal she is! Her friendship was always been a gift and remains unlike many others I've had to this day. Most importantly, she gave me the gift of introducing me to my husband, her good friend Wes. When I moved here I felt like inherited an extra family in her parents and sister Jaimie who now is Lydia's babysitter a day a week. Jaimie and I have also bonded and I treasure her friendship so much. She and her family just found out that they will soon be stationed in South Korea for Eryn (her husband's) job. I am so happy and so sad at the same time. Those are going to be some BIG shoes to fill and Lydia is going to freak when she figures out what's going on. ANYWAY... We got the WHOLE family together for some photos before they set sail on their great adventure. It's such an honor to have known and become close to this family. I'll be putting some of these photos up around my house too! :) I love you guys all so much. Good luck with wherever life takes you and may the Lord always guide you. I know you'll do wonderfully.

Do you still think you're not photogenic Jaimie??

Kathryn & Thomas at Saddlerock Ranch Sedona

2010-05-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

If there's one piece of advice I'd give couples it's this: have a small wedding. I know... for most of us that means offending tons of people, but every time I shoot a wedding like this (guest total:30) I fall in love again with the intimacy and natural flow the day takes. Kathryn and Thomas had a wedding I would have carbon-copied for myself. They literally hit the vendor jackpot. This was a destination wedding (they are from the East Coast) and they did most of their planning from thousands of miles away. They kept it simple and spent their money on things that were really important to them. Amazing food (I think I'll devote a whole blog post to their personal chef... she was THAT good!); a great local bluegrass band because Thomas is a musician himself and wanted live music; and a scenic house full of character to hold the festivities in. They scored high points on all counts and the best part of the day was that it was emotionally charged with all the joy and tears that best friends and close family pour into an occasion. Here are some of my favs from the day!

They chose to do a pre-wedding photo session. This is right after he saw her and proclaimed his surprise at how good she looked... it was really cute... I knew what he meant. I knew she'd look great but I also was blown away about HOW great she looked.

Thomas spotted the Agaves in the lower photo on a previous visit.... aren't they massive?? I was in awe!

Love this photo... right as she was going to exit the car...

Waiting to walk down the isle. Love how relaxed Kathryn was!

A unique thing they did at their ceremony is that the audience pronounced them man and wife... it was pretty cool!

Probably my favorite thing about this wedding is how they served the food "family style". Passing big heaping plates of amazingly delicious food. It made it feel like it was christmas with my own family!!

Actually... come to think of it... THIS was my favorite part about this wedding. A bonfire and the Burnett Family playing blue grass!

Another Soldier Has Gone Home

2010-04-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

Human nature loves routine. Our church has no seating order but somehow we all float to the same pews every Sunday. For the past 5 years that I've attended Flagstaff Tabernacle, I've sat on the right side, half way back. Two rows in front of me sits the Terrin family. This morning when I was awoken with the call that our brother and friend Mike had passed away, I thought of the picture I will always see when I think of Brother Mike. I will think of his hand on the small of Charlene's back... especially when we would bow our heads to pray. I think because Charlene had shared the testimony of how God had saved their marriage, it always represented a miracle. He was the strong silent type. The protector. You always felt like he would have his arms around his family and friends watching out for them. He has left a very young family but I pray that the strength he offered in his years on earth and the love that was so evident for his little boy and beautiful girls will stay behind. To know beyond the shadow of a doubt that someone loves you and believes in you - is a gift that not every father gives. My heart aches for you Charlene... Christin... Danny... Mikey.... your Dad was a very special man. He was a policeman... a soldier for Lord... a person who really lived for others. There will always be a hole where he sat... That little afternoon last summer that I thought was a routine event of family photos has now become something very important - and a lesson for me is to realize that even the small things we do in life can end up with monumental impact. I will always be grateful for the time I got to spend with the family that day. Mike... you may have lost the battle with cancer... but I'm confident that as you're greeted in heaven... you'll be awarded with metals for your contribution to the war. My love and condolences for all that Mike loved. May you live your lives in honor and respect of your Dad, Husband and friend who will always support you even when he's not here!

Mylie Does Bocelli

2010-04-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to have my husband's grandparents from Missouri visit this week. The kids (Lydia and my two nieces) decided to put on an impromptu show for all us. Mylie decided to do an Andrea Bocelli impression. SO funny - I had to post a slideshow of it. P.S. Seems as though some unkosher links arise after the slideshow is finished. I can't control what other videos come up next so just know I'm not associated with them and please don't click through!

Lily

2010-04-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

All babies are miracles. If you've ever witnessed a birth or been close to someone who has carried a child - you know that it is nothing short of mystifying. The develop of a human being is a series of MILLIONS of amazing processes happening in nine short months - all culminating into one fascinating piece of work that will become a person. Funnily enough - I never consider the miracle of it all going right as much as when something goes wrong. When Stephanie was pregnant with Lily she found out that her baby had gastroschitus, a condition where the bowels form outside of the body. For months we prayed for her and Lily. Prayed that Lily would experience the "best case scenario" - a normal full term birth and be healthy enough for an operation to fix her problem. It was nail biting experience even for those of us who didn't know them very well (Stephanie is my sister-in-law's cousin). There was a large "range" of possible outcomes. Praise the Lord though - Lily was born healthy and normal and was able to have the necessary surgery and recover to be a completely normal, perfectly functioning child. So while every baby is a miracle... Lily is an extra special miracle and I was happy to take some photos of her six-month birthday. Here are some of my favorites.

Little Eloise

2010-04-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

This is little Eloise. She is a special baby to me because a few years ago I photographed her parent's wedding. It was one of my first paid weddings. They were so sweet and grateful and I always held a special place in my heart for Bobby and Kama. It was an absolute joy to watch Kama's pregnancy progressing on Facebook. From her first sonograms to her nursery decorating choices and finally at the end all the decisions made during birth. She was the first "play by play" labor via facebook birth that I've seen. haha... the joys of technology and epidurals. Eloise is gorgeous and good natured! Congratulations... I'm proud of you guys and the wonderful parents you already are.

This picture makes me so happy.... I kept opening it. Such a lovely surprise to see her smiling in one as I didn't realise I'd captured it. I know you're smiling too right now! :)

This was my first indoor shoot with my new 50mm f1/2 - I wasn't blown away by it's superiority outdoors but one look at the photo below taking out of the camera with zero adjustments and you know it's in a whole different league. I am so impressed!

Keeping Love Alive

2010-03-15T11:09:00.001-07:00

Life gets a little hectic sometimes. Routines turn what used to be fun and exciting into boring and ordinary. Scary part is it's our own fault. It simply feels easier to fall into a pattern - and it's the path of least resistance to tell ourselves that we simply don't have time for "all that fun stuff" we used to fill our lives with. We feel guilty if we take the time to do something that doesn't accomplish something (aka further our careers or make us money). I was reminded last week though of just how simple it is to work a fun little date into one's schedule. Between the end of last Wednesday's work day and church Wes and I picked up some hamburgers from Dog Hauz and drove out towards SnowBowl to take some photos of this winters extraordinary snowfall. It was so much fun. Lydia was loving all the puddles.

We snowshoed out to an old abandoned ranch house that Reg Plett (fellow photographer) tipped me off on. (Turns out it would be an EXCELLENT venue for someone's engagement pics.) All said and done, it was a cheap-easy-n-quick way to appreciate the two people I love most and the gorgeous place I live in. All in a block of time that I likely would have filled for cooking, vacuuming or facebooking. Now it's time to quit blogging and take my little girl to the library (she's watching Barney and I feel compelled to practice what I preach!!)

The Robsons

2010-02-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

Recently at church, our pastor was talking about "doing all things as unto God". In other words don't just go to church and pay your tithes and call good a day. Try to put the effort into all things as though you're doing it for God. Your work.. your family.. your friends... your hobbies even. Do it honestly, whole heartedly and with good motives and intentions. Boy - summing that all up I realize how miserably I fail at this. I often feel like I don't contribute much good to the world - but occasionally when I'm taking photos I see a very pointed purpose in what I'm doing. This was one of those times. I gave Danette family photos for her 30th birthday. In these last few years she has endured some hardships that most people will never see in a life-time. If there ever was someone with a right to be negative it's her - but you'll never hear it. She is strong and kind and gracious and loyal. She is a beautiful person outside and in. She was NOT wanting photos of herself - but I really wanted to take a few while we were getting family photos to reflect the beauty that I see come out of her. She is a wonderful inspiring friend and mother and always will hold a special place in my heart along with her handsome boys who were SO charming while having their photos taken. I hope these pictures reflect in a small way what a neat bunch of people these are! :)

Matthias is quite the acrobat and he was dying to do some tricks for me. Despite how the lower left photo looks (ouch!) he landed his back flip and no children were harmed in the making of these images. (thank the Lord!)

William trying to find his pockets before we took the "look at the camera" shot. It was cute!

They looked pretty bored with the whole photo idea...
So we got a tickle fight started!

I love you Netty !!!

Jalen and Jaxon

2010-01-29T15:01:00.001-08:00

I was lucky to photograph the cutest little boys in Flagstaff. I can say this only because me and my family have had ALL girls. ;) Seriously though... you'll see why I venture that far. They were so sweet and well behaved and on top of it - GORGEOUS. I'm pretty sure Jaxon could become the Huggies spokes-baby tomorrow! Here are few of my favs for the session.

Daddy came home just in time to get them to put his football jerseys on. They were swimming in them. While he was coaxing Jaxon to wear it I snapped this shot. Really sweet...

Jalen got his brand new bike out to show me. It was very cute how impressive he thought it was!

I told him he could throw snowballs at me if we went outside. I didn't bank on him having good aim!

Finney Business

2010-01-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Finney family is wonderful. I mean that sincerely. A real salt-of-the-earth bunch who I felt very comfortable and welcomed with. Grandpa Finney even told me he's a stalker of my blog. haha! :) Anyway... without further hesitation here are some of my favorites from our photo session at their house a couple of days after Christmas - a rare occasion when ALMOST the whole family was together.

Remember Ember? She's still not sure about me - but has come a LONG way since her six month session when it took two hours to get a smile out of her:

Zach and Nate both serve in our military. All I can say is I'm thankful and having spent time with their beautiful families it kind of hits home what it means for these guys when they have to leave. It's really a sacrifice!

And one last one for the road... why can't belly fat be this cute on adults?? Then we could eat whatever we wanted!!!

2009 You Have been Good to Me - You're Leaving so Soon?

2009-12-31T06:27:00.000-08:00

I feel blessed. Many friends of mine are suffering the worst trials of their life. Their health is failing, their jobs are vanishing, their marriages are disintegrating. This year undoubtedly I've witnessed more hurting in people close to me than I ever have before. It makes my heart break. So it's bitter sweet to bid the year goodbye. We all see it as a big imaginary blank page that we'll turn and things will be different. Here I stand, as people around me fall, and recognize that I have had one of the best years of my life. And rather than feel guilty I feel DUTY BOUND to enjoy what I have. To savor every moment of peace that exists at this moment.

I once watched a movie about a holocaust survivor who said that the way she survived the atrocities of concentration camp was that she would vividly imagine the good times. When they served the daily broth she would picture her family together - big and united laughing over rich meals in warm rooms. So here I am making memories that I will have to keep me through the darker times that come in all our lives. I have a two year old who is FULL of life and is healthy and happy and I'm SO amazingly grateful to have her. My husband Wes started Around the Bend Adventures and we are FINALLY starting to see the fruits of his labors. He's worked for over a year for free all in anticipation that eventually our baby will take off. Seems like it finally is and for that I'm so grateful. He is REALLY good at his job (grand canyon tour and hiking guide extraordinaire) and I'm happy he chose to pursue his dream.

Then there is the photography thing. Man what I ride. It was mostly an experiment. Prior to this year I had only done about 3 weddings a year and usually it was for people I knew. I didn't have a huge amount of equipment so I figured I'd put a website up and if I got jobs I'd spend the earnings upgrading my stuff. Well needless to say the year was FAR busier than I anticipated and wouldn't you know that God knew we'd need every cent. I had 9 weddings and tons of portrait sessions. The requests keep pouring in - had I not had a part time job I could have taken 20 weddings but I have to balance my passions carefully. The great news is I managed to upgrade my cameras, buy some high end flashes and a new lens. I have one huge purchase to come (the Canon L series 50mm f/1.2 lens) which Lord willing I'll accomplish in 2010. I had weddings published in major industry blogs and managed to get some serious coverage by the end of the year. I am SO excited that I've been able to make money doing something that I L-O-V-E!!!!! I made lots of mistakes, learned lots of lessons and feel like after this year I can say without cringing slightly - I am a real photographer. :) Thanks only to all my wonderful friends and my patient family who have been models dozens of times and have encouraged and supported me to move forward. I love you all and couldn't do anything without you!!!!!

So Thank you Lord for all the blessings You have bestowed upon me. I am grateful beyond measure for the mercies you have shown in my life. You after all are the greatest thing about me!

Here are some photos from our travels through the year.

50 going on 5

2009-12-23T15:27:00.001-08:00

Two weeks ago I photographed a surprise 50th birthday party. You would expect a very adult occasion wouldn't you? But according to Drew's lovely wife Angie - he is anything but adult. He's "just a big kid" at heart. The party had a "kids" theme with all the silly, delicious, outrageous details you wished for when you were 5 but your parents wouldn't let you have. Tons of candy, games, millions of toys, gags, cupcakes galore and "Tickle" the face painting clown. It was so much fun and definitely a success since Drew was completely surprised. I found out that he was as young at heart as she'd said he'd be which is why I opened the blog with above picture.

I just made a composition for an idea of what was there. We did tons of photos with the family that was in town and I'll post those for them to see in a gallery. Here are a couple I really loved though. Angie battled an agressive form of cancer recently and MADE it through. Woot!! Thank the Lord and modern medicine. I just loved this photo when I thought of it because she is so happy in it and carefree and considering what her diagnosis could have meant even 10 years ago it's such a miracle. It also tells a lot of her relationship with her husband. Your partner should always keep you laughing!

The siblings were from around the country. Here they were making a "sissy sandwich" of their sister.

A Family After My Own Heart

2009-12-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

I have an opportunity to write things from my heart on here and I'm going to do just that today. I'm posting photos of a family that I LOVE. They go to our church and Donald (Dad) is our song leader. He is probably the most humble person you'll ever meet. In fact when I think of him away from the pulpit I picture him hands in pocket, kicking the dirt, humbly laughing or smiling. He's just one of those talented people who gives SO much to SO many and always seems to think he's inadequate. SO - I just want to tell him (on behalf of me, my family and SO many others) what a wonderful job he does leading songs. I so admire his heart's desire to follow the leading of the Lord and ignore his own needs and desires. I've filled in on piano at church and believe me - being up in front of that many people is nerve wracking. He really does a nice job. ANYWAY... just wanted to say that publically. I don't think he ever gets the praise he deserves. The cool thing is - he's got God in him. When he reads this he's going to divert the praise straight back to Jesus where it belongs. :) Okay.. now for some favs from their family session!

Introducing Caitlin... a buddy photographer.. one who I fully expect to give me a "brisk" run for my money. She's talented... and I'm hoping we get to team up in the near future!

I love this photo.... LOVE it! Look how much he loves her. I can tell when I look at this!

Caitlin - please - when you see these don't get a big head. Beautiful people are far better looking when they aren't aware of their exterior! :) I went a little gung-ho on pictures of her... maybe we'll call it an early senior session. :)

Ciceros and the Five Dollar Smile

2009-12-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

Being a photographer is part talent... part equipment... part luck. Sometimes you just have subjects that DON'T want their picture taken and you have to count on a little luck to come in your direction. For instance... exhibit A:

Joshua was really not in the mood to look happy in the frigid air. And rightfully so I suppose. In his head indoor photos would have been just as great. What does he know about lighting?? Anyway... Shannah and Paul were SUPER patient. They didn't loose their cool (take notes parents - kids will be kids even on photo day!). They just worked with him. THEN the luck part came into play. My lucky charm that day was Gavin - a cousin they happened to have brought along. After about 100 shots of the back of Joshua's head, I told Gavin I'd pay him $5 bucks if he could make Joshua smile and look at the camera. Wouldn't you know that 5 minutes after negotiating the offer - Gavin had delivered. Gavin... are you up for hire???

Does Philip have the most beautiful eyes or WHAT!??

Once we arrived at a coffeeshop for hot chocolate he was all smiles! So was I :)

Thanks Guys for being patient and keeping all your spirits up. It shows through in the photos!! :)

One Big Happy Step Family

2009-12-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

haha... I would never be so bold as to title a blog post this - but that they were joking about it after I posed them all on the "steps" (photo below). Here are some of my favs of the Allen family photo session. We took their photos in terrible midday light at a really beautiful location. (Flagstaff Ranch Clubhouse). So pros and cons meet in the middle. I think there are some really cute ones.

Levi & Brianna - Last Wedding of the Year

2009-11-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

Whew... between a job, 10 weddings, a 2 year old at home almost full time, family and senior sessions, etc. etc. it's been a VERY busy year. Very rewarding though. I've learned SO much and I'm so grateful. So.. here is the beautiful couple that wraps up my 2009 weddings. Levi and Brianna had a gorgeous (unseasonably warm) November day with lots of love from family who came in from around the country. My assistant for that day, Kristen Daulton, will be posting more beautiful pics on her site. Stay tuned for a link. Here are a few of my favs from the day:

I love this photo - Brianna sneaking a peak around the corner to look at Levi and all the people arriving at her wedding:

The cake was from "Caked" on 4th street. Very nice!

Afternoon with the Pages

2009-11-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

Good food. Good fellowship. Good friends. There really is nothing that makes you feel warmer inside than a Sunday afternoon with friends. I took my camera and snapped a handful of photos in the Page family's back yard. Here are my favs till I get the rest edited!

Is this guy the cutest thing you've ever seen in his Dad's hat?

Sorry guys - you can tell I've lived in a city my whole life. I didn't realise what a dangerous thing I was doing when I sent Zachary up the wood pile!

Christina's house have these fantastic old windows. This is their littlest boy playing with Lydia in the afternoon sun. Just thought I'd add it cause it was so cute:

The Five Best Years of my Life

2009-11-19T11:40:00.001-08:00

Just 5 years ago (plus a couple of weeks) I packed up my life in Canada after a two-year long distance romance and headed South of the Border to Arizona. When I think about it now... it was quite a leap of faith. I had never lived away from my parents. I had a freelance design business that I plucked up by it's meager roots. I had never spent more than a three week span in Arizona. I had never seen the apartment where I was going to live. I had no family in or near my destination. I was marrying a grand canyon river guide who spent his summer deep in the ground. I was going to change my status from "Citizen" to "Temporary Legal Alien". Seems like I should have been a bit worried about the upheaval.YET - I didn't question a thing! That is the amazing grace God bestows on you when he leads you to your perfect mate. Your new partner IS your family. He IS your provider. He IS your security. It isn't a reckless gamble as it may feel or appear at the time. It is a sacred decision of trust and faith. I chose Wes Neal. He chose me. He and his family took me in with open arms and on this day (November 19th, 2004) 5 years ago I promised him that come rain or shine I would always be there for him. He has returned the favor with grace and charm! I love him so much.

So far we've been so blessed it's too much to write in this small space. We have a wonderful life together and God blessed us two years ago with the greatest gift he could give a married couple - a child! I pray that I never take my marriage for granted... that I always am diligent enough to water our relationship so that it keeps growing. I also pray that God grants us mercy to stay together and work through anything that may come. For now all I can say is that I'm so lucky to have a Godly man who endeavors to make my life and all those around him better. I'm so happy I made the choice to be with Him 5 years ago today!

SO... in honor of it I'm posting a few of my favorite wedding pics. Laura Lily - my good friend in Canada jumped on a plane and got handed my Digital Rebel. She was a film student and took a mean farm pic! I just knew she'd do great on a wedding and we were broke so no money for a fancy schmancy wedding photographer! (ironically). You would swear she'd been shooting weddings her whole life by what she turned out! I'm still so grateful she made the trip out. She's doing weddings herself now so if you're in Ottawa and need a photographer I'll hook you up! This is one of my favorite wedding photos EVER. She took it of the guys through their window while they were getting ready:

Ofcourse I can't forget to include a photo of Lydia - our sweet girl - who has made our lives together so much richer! (taken on our Oregon trip).

Vote for my pics :)

2009-11-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

Hey All, on the advice of my friend Kristin Daulton, I entered some photos into the TopKnots photo contest. One category is people's choice. So head on over before December 1st and show your support if you get a sec! No registration required - it's just a quick click and you can only vote for one image. :) Click here

Andrew and Karine Make it Official! (Finally!)

2009-11-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

Poor Andrew and Karine. I personally know of three separate wedding dates that they booked and arranged. For different reasons the wedding always had to be postponed and most of the time I was unavailable on the new date. Finally, when they settled on November 7th, their venue called them pretty last minute to announce that the residence had been sold and their contract was canceled. Talk about frustrating. Fortunately I had just done a wedding at Foxboro Ranch and I knew it would fit their taste. They drove up, saw it, loved it, booked it. Who wouldn't? I of-course was delighted to return to this amazingly photogenic venue. Their wedding was beautiful - the weather cooperated nicely as did their friends and family who created such a warm atmosphere around them. I was lucky to capture it! Here are some of my faves.

Andrew is a graphic designer and he designed all their stationary. It all was so beautifully coordinated.... and orange and green are my favorite colors so how could I not have loved it all???

Karine's Dad passed a way a few years back and so she pinned charms onto her bouquet with his photo in it so that he'd be with her through the day. Beautiful touch!

This is one of my favorite photos I've ever taken. This is Andrew's parents who I am actually going to do a entire post for. They were SO in love after all these years. Their eyes twinkled when they looked at eachother. It was obvious that they still really enjoyed eachothers company. Right as the ceremony was about to start I peaked my head through the door way and saw them waiting on the couch in the loft to be called to walk down. They were touching hands and whispering to eachother. They had no idea I was there. This was a moment of sincerity with no pomp or pose. I wish I could be so lucky to find a moment like this at every wedding:

After the ceremony they took a few minutes alone together outside. I think this is a spectacular idea. Weddings have a way of rushing by and I think a planned moment of reflection is a great inclusion!

I can't name the ways in which I love this next photo:

Melissa Dunstan was SO kind and generous to lend me this awesome bike to take to the wedding. I have been dying to use one since seeing some of Jose Villa's bicycles at his weddings and this was the perfect prop for these two.

Wedding cake compliments of Andrew's mom!

On a side note - Karine does awesome video production and the video they showed at their wedding was killer. Also check out how they sent out their "save the day" invites. So unique and original!

Anne-tics

2009-11-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

Anne is one of those people who makes you want to go gray...

Tell me you aren't contemplating letting yours grow out right now... ;)

Poor Anne - staring into the sun. Midday photography is rough. The backdrops are cool though!

Bottom left is there just because I think the shadows are cool. Bottom right just because she looks beautiful.
Lots more to come... these are just my favs!

Kimberly Shines

2009-10-29T17:12:00.001-07:00

I love my job. I get to find people's best and then capture it. I didn't have to dig to find Kim's. She's a beauty inside and out. She's weathered a lot of storms in her young life and it shows in her maturity and grace. The only quirk I discovered about this girl during our senior photo escapade is an unusually large gum collection carefully organized in her car. Color coded. hmmm.. :) I hope I get to photograph lots more of her in my life. Since she's my pastors granddaughter (but lives and is practically adopted by them) I think I might just get to do that! Love you Kim - I think you are just SO beautiful. P.S. Here is My vote for yearbook pic (lots more to come - these are my favs) :

I told Kim she looks like Jodie Foster. She had no idea who that was and I in turn felt really old. :)

Eden is Here (has been for a while)

2009-10-24T08:26:00.001-07:00

It's been an amazing and emotional week for me. We traveled to the Pacific Northwest where I saw some of the most beautiful sights this country has to offer. I drank in the rain and all the green (plus some bonus fall colors) and really contemplated my life. I stayed off the computer, took lots of photos and whole heartedly embraced my husband and daughter for which I am so grateful. Then at the end of the week I miscarried at the "cusp of 7 weeks" pregnant. I had gone against what I thought was better judgment and told people about the pregnancy really early. A trip to the ER later, I was told that I had a 50% chance of keeping the baby. By morning I knew I was in the other side of that 50%. Strangely, I am so at peace with it all and when I came home I just wanted to go and hold my newborn niece. Miscarrying is a stark reminder of how intensely fragile life is and how incredible it is when a human makes it from a little seed to an actual living breathing human being. I know one day I'll hold another of my own if it's God's will but my second attemp at bringing life into the world was probably graciously ended because of a chromosomal error. God is so good. He is so so good. And so have my friends and family been good. I'm overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. I know people go through a lot more than this (it was after all really early) and they don't have to be sympathetic like they have been. ANYWAY... I digress. Here are my photos of Eden. It was therapy editing and posting these. :)

Ross and Rebekka's 30th Birthday Adventure

2009-10-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

Ross and Rebekka made the trip out from Los Angeles to get some romantic shots amongst the scenery of Flagstaff - something they WOULD have had 4 years ago when they got married here had the weather cooperated. Infact they would actually have said their vows around the tree pictured above. Sad. But I think mother nature made up for it nicely with one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever watched. It was also Rebekka's 30th birthday (something she says should become a tradition because she enjoyed it so much) and I was happy to share it. We started out in the colorful alleyways of downtown Flagstaff and ended at Snowbowl ski area. The light couldn't have been more perfect and the company was fun. Really fun! :) Here are some of my favs.

After discovering that Ross was a screen writer for Sci-fi alien movies (amongst other things) I decided that this wall was probably appropriate after all. (That's right Ross... I'm one of those creepy people that googles people ... I was just making sure you weren't Ira Glass under a ghost name).

Ross seronaded Rebekka with happy birthday:

This photo is straight out of the camera... talk about incredible light:

And just had to add a snapshot of that amazing sunset!

What Happens in Vegas... Leaves Vegas

2009-10-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

Atleast... I hope so. I attended Photoshop World this last week (compliments of my boss Dan at GDS) and was handed so much information that I wondered whether my rather "Waterlogged" brain could retain any of it. The conference had many amazingly talented individuals teaching both design and photographic technique. Each brought incredible skill sets and nuggets of information to the table. Some brought huge egos too. That aside, I learned a LOT and was totally inspired by what I saw.

I enjoyed Vegas which is actually amazing considering I probably dislike Vegas more than most people on the planet. It's a place engineered to suck you into casinos to spend money. No natural lighting, no clocks, amazing maze like structures specifically designed to make people with even the slightest lack in sense of direction to sit down at a slot machine in bewildered confusion. I will never understand why the city that requires more electricy and water than any other on the planet was constructed in the middle of a barron desert. ANYWAY... enough ranting. It was nice to go there for a reason and walk away with a LOT. On the last day our classes only started at 11am so I took a crazy hurried run down the strip to shoot some photos. Please mind all the abstractness - I had been around too many artists. :)

Incase any of you are wondering what Vegas is REALLY like, this is the most common age bracket and activity you're likely to run into there:

I was treated to an amazing moonrise/sunset on my way home (and I was SO excited to see my honeys back in beautiful Arizona!)

Featured!

2009-10-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

There was a moment at Cori and Evan's wedding when I looked through the lens and just KNEW that this wedding was the one that would finally get me some coverage.

"You're going to be all over the blogs" I told her.
"What?"
"All over the wedding website blogs".
"Oh... yeah. Maybe. Those can get kind of crazy huh?"

Go figure in the last month I've seen it on about 5 different blogs. The first was Vintage Glam Weddings , then about 5 or 6 smaller blogs and then the holy grail of all wedding websites Style me pretty did a three part feature last week. Very cool! I *who has never been featured anywhere* was tickled pink!

If you're interested in reading more about their wedding visit Cori's blog where she has documented much of the process and has posted tons of her favorites that I took that day. I would encourage ALL my future brides to read how she did her wedding. She was very much true to her and Evan's tastes, personality, wants, desires and wishes. She stuck to a pretty strict budget and pulled off a GORGEOUS wedding all because she was true to herself. AND PEOPLE - please - more weddings where everyone stands around the bride and groom. It's SO much easier to photograph!!

Eden is Finally Here

2009-09-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

There is something so miraculous and breathtaking about a child being born. A little spirit who you know will be so important and meaningful in your life that you haven't even met yet or layed eyes on. It's surreal and beautiful every time - and since this particular baby is my niece it's even better! Eden Christine was delivered today at 1:52 pm (just one minute after her uncle Tim's wager on 1:51) at 6 pounds 18 inches. Can't tell who she looks like yet but Mom and Baby are in good health and spirits. I love you guys!

She is FULL of life. Unfortuneately she wouldn't stop crying during my short stay so stay tuned for some "peaceful newborn" shots later on. :)

The only problem with THIS little situation is now I really want another baby. :)

Some Love for the Lovealls

2009-09-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

You know when you meet those people who are all good things rolled into one? You know... beautiful, intelligent, funny, sweet, genuinely concerned about others... that's my friend Neta. She also is my biggest fan... seriously... I think I could take a horrific photo and she'd still say something nice about it. ANYWAY... Neta wanted family pics in Sedona with some red rocks. I chose Sliderock because we could have nature scenes, an orchard AND some cool old buildings. When we arrived though it was the Apple festival and overrun with people. We backtracked to West Fork (so you'll recognize some familiar scenes). Her family is SO photogenic. AND THOSE BOYS.... how cute are they? (and they're charmingly well-behaved too!). Here are some of my favorites.

"Speak softly and carry a big stick." ~ Anonymous

Neta thinks she's not photogenic.... I'll let you be the judge...
This photo is hilarious. Jonah (the one in the middle) was very serious for all the photos so I told his brothers to tickle him. Tobias (left) was all too willing and Wes (right) was totally bored by the suggestion. Too funny the photo that ensued:

Joshua pointed out the gorgeous sunset going on as we were leaving West Fork. Glad I caught it!

Joshua earned this vehicle for achieving a certain goal in his business so he wanted a shot with it. Unfortuneately it was almost dark so the shots are a bit blurry. Still pretty cool spot for a car shot right!?

Sample Album - Adam and Lindsay's Skilodge Affair

2009-09-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

I just finished designing Adam and Lindsay's custom album and I thought I'd share. This one will be a flushmount leather album printed on 12x12 metallic print format. Kodak metallic paper is stunning - to me it gives the illusion that light is behind the photos. I can't wait to see this one in print! Here are a few of my favorite pages in the book.

And here is a shot of how these books look bound... (book I printed for Lora and Alex's wedding)

If you'd like to click through and see a full album design - here is a good example (Jamie and Doug's wedding)

Flagstaff Photographer & Designer Sarah Neal

Caitlin & Mitchell Part 3: The Horse Session

Caitlin and Mitchell Part 2: The Portraits

I love people that think out of the box

Caitlin and Mitchell Part 1: The Wedding

Meredith and Ashby Part 3: The Reception

Meredith and Ashby Part 2: Ceremony & Portraits

Meredith & Ashby Part 1: Prewedding

Sophie

A Million Things to be Grateful For

Daulton Family (+one on board)

Welcome Silas Wesley

Bekah and Brandon's Maternity Pics

Engaged! Caitlin & Mitchell ~ Part 2

Engaged! Caitlin & Mitchell ~ Part 1

Morris Family Photo Session

Avery Has a New Baby Brother

Avery & Vienna

Too Cute Not to Blog

Happy Third Birthday Liddy Biddy

Ryan and Bri. Cold Hands Warm Hearts.

Jennifer and Barry

Kaitlyn & Ben's Wedding Portraits

The Dickersons

Oh Dani Girl

So many beautiful people... so little time!

Brandt & Nicole: The Wedding

Brandt & Nicole: The Rehearsal

Meredith & Ashby Part 2: Flower Power

Meredith & Ashby Part One: Lucky in Love & Light

Zoe

Isabella and Her Beautiful Family

Jenna

The McGinleys

Zack and Jacqui's Reception

Zack and Jacqui

One Happy Bunch

Avery Michael

My Sister

Caleb and Leona Take the Plunge

Baby Adam

Baby Ella

Neta's Maternity

"Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Beforeyou were born, I loved you. When you were born, I saw your face andknew I was in love. Before you were an hour old, I knew I would die foryou. To this day and until i take my last breathe I still will."

The Hawkes & Page Clan

Kathryn & Thomas at Saddlerock Ranch Sedona

Another Soldier Has Gone Home

Mylie Does Bocelli

Lily

Little Eloise

Keeping Love Alive

The Robsons

Jalen and Jaxon

Finney Business

2009 You Have been Good to Me - You're Leaving so Soon?

50 going on 5

A Family After My Own Heart

Ciceros and the Five Dollar Smile

One Big Happy Step Family

Levi & Brianna - Last Wedding of the Year

Afternoon with the Pages

The Five Best Years of my Life

Vote for my pics :)

Andrew and Karine Make it Official! (Finally!)

Anne-tics

Kimberly Shines

Eden is Here (has been for a while)

Ross and Rebekka's 30th Birthday Adventure

What Happens in Vegas... Leaves Vegas

Featured!

Eden is Finally Here

Some Love for the Lovealls

Sample Album - Adam and Lindsay's Skilodge Affair

"Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before
you were born, I loved you. When you were born, I saw your face and
knew I was in love. Before you were an hour old, I knew I would die for
you. To this day and until i take my last breathe I still will."