jace + andrea {engagement}

 When Andrea and I met at Starbucks a couple weeks ago for our initial engagement/wedding consulation, I was totally surprised to realize I actually knew this girl...we went to bible school together over 10 years ago...small world...again. Enough about me :)

This session felt like an afternoon with friends. That's how great this couple was to work with. Their love for each other is completely obvious as you spend time with them; their affection is natural, and their laughter and smiles coming easily and often.  They are lovely.

I was treated to the story of how they met and fell in love...camp retreat...slurpees... tandem bike ride and a beautifully set proposal. A total recipe for success :)

Jace + Andrea - I genuinely enjoyed your company and taking these photos...so excited for your wedding!!!!

global heartbeat 2010 {event}

This post is exciting for me, both professionally and personally. This was my first official, "big" event to shoot and it was no small affair (hello...the mayor attended!!!!). The reason it has a personal interest to me is that this evening was a fundraiser for Hunger Response International. My friend Lorri Sawatsky (pictured below) is a woman that is passionate about her ministry. The theme this year for the event was "Give me your eyes..." This is totally reflective of Lorri's vision:  teaching children + others to change the way they look at the world - through the eyes of Jesus! The people involved in this organization genuinely yearn to bring about change to countries that are so much less fortunate than our own. I highly urge you to check out the link to her website; go to the "about" section and watch the video there. The effect that this mission has had and continues to have, globally, gave me goosebumps as I watched. 

Lorri - it was an inspiration to see a glimpse of what you do, and it was an honor to be invited to photograph such a fantastic event. Blessings to you as you travel to Ethiopa...now those will be some pictures to see!

 

cliff + faith + family {extended family}

Extended family sessions can always be a bit intimidating: more people, more relationships and dynamics. It's not just a challenge to get everybody to look at the camera; it's also the desire to capture as much many moments as you can within a group of people that are all connected so closely.
I met up with this family this past weekend for a session at Ellwood Park. The fall colors were starting to pop, the rain held back, and we even got the men in this family to smile...a few times :)  What is it with boys getting their picture taken, heh? I know you guys secretly enjoyed yourselves.
To the family ~ it was great meeting you all and spending some time with you! I love doing sessions with new people and discovering all the connections we have...perks of a small town :)