Hannah:: Langhorne, PA

I met Hannah in 2001. She was 10 years old. Today is her 22nd birthday. And she just graduated college on Friday. Time flies.

It's been an absolute joy watching her 'grow up'; I almost feel old saying that, but it's true. In a sense, she's like a younger sister to me, but she's also my friend and part of my family. There was a bit of an impromptu graduation party for Han last week...and I took some pics of Han and her family.

Congrats Han. I love you and can't wait to see what you'll accomplish in the next ten/twenty/thirty years....I'm so thankful to have you in my life. Happy Birthday! Happy graduation!! Love you....

Dani:: Long Valley, NJ child session

I've mentioned my best friend from high school before - when I took some pics of her daughter Dani last year. Dani's 2nd birthday was yesterday! She is one of the cutest, most sweet little girls. I've not really spent time with her in awhile, so I wanted to make sure when I got to Jess and Scott's, I didn't just pull out the camera and begin shooting. I asked Dani to show me her stuffed animals - all lined up atop the couch in the living room - and once she attempted to sit next to me, I realized she had already 'invited me in'. We were good to go!

We took pictures while Jess, Scott, and I talked and caught up. Then between an outfit change, we got some cute pics of her coloring in her 'undies' :-) Jess is having a mermaid-themed bday party for her this weekend, so the pics we were coloring were of Ariel and Sebastian from "The Little Mermaid."

After eating some lunch, we took some more pictures and even got an opportunity to head onto their front steps for a few; the weather was nice enough, even though there were remnants of snow on the ground.

I'm so grateful for the friendship Jess and I share. And it's so incredible to watch Jess and Scott parent this little beauty. The last time I visited she sang "You Are My Sunshine"; I actually started tearing up listening to her sing with such a sweet little voice.

Happy birthday, sweet girl!! I'll write up a more full post - with a LOT more pictures - in the coming weeks!

Kylie's baby shower

I met Kylie in college. I don't remember our first meeting, but I enjoyed getting to know her and becoming good friends throughout our years in college. Kylie and I were both teacher ed. majors, and we student taught at the same time. What I remember most about our time student teaching was that we'd get together for meals together - sometimes it was breakfast at IHOP, sometimes dinner at Taco Bell (I know, we were livin' large!). And throughout those meals shared, I recall Kylie's heart, her desire to know how I was doing, and her dedication to encouraging me and truly being a dear friend.

Ky and I have continued to keep in touch since college. One summer while she was nannying, we talked early in the mornings as we drove to work. And while we didn't ever seem to have earth-shattering things to say to each other, I valued those conversations so much. Kylie continues to encourage me with her care for my life. She is an incredible teacher, a caring wife, and is about to become a mom. I was overjoyed when she shared her news with me about becoming a mom.

This past weekend, a number of Kylie's college friends attended a shower for her. It was so great to spend time with Kylie, and hear of her excitement in becoming a new mom!

Kylie, I am so excited for you and Ben. I am so glad I was able to be at your shower and spend even a little bit of time with you.

Showers of Love

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to a bridal shower for Brittany. She and her fiance - Bradley (most people call him Meek) - are getting married in July. And while at the shower, I - of course - had to take soooome pictures. Brittany has one of the kindest hearts. I remember first meeting her (she was close with a mutual friend of ours) and wishing I could call her my friend. She is passionate about many things, and really cares deeply for her friends. She also has an incredible fashion sense, and it's often the topic of many jokes (in regards to matching vs. non-matching). And if there's one thing she can't do without, it's tie dye shirts. Not really. She can't stand the fact that all these random (usually unmatched) colors are all splattered on a shirt...and that people actually wear them!

But I am thankful to now be able to call her friend and excited for their wedding in July.

Here are a few pics of the shower...

Aren't these just so beautiful? They tasted AMAZING!!

Britt and some of her coworkers

Under the Sea:: Ruby's 5th Birthday Party

This weekend I had the opportunity to photograph Ruby's 5th birthday party with all her friends. The theme centered around all things mermaid/under the sea and the decor was ocean blues - shells, streamers, pom poms, fish-shaped sandwiches, and even a visit from Ariel herself, complete with face-painting, a treasure hunt, and - at the end - "loot pails" for each child.

I took pictures of Ruby's princess party last year and wrote a simple blog post about it. Ruby's mom - Jen - is fabulous with planning parties and is quite honestly the hostess with the mostess :-) Jen has launched a business out of her love for planning and is gearing up for some upcoming parties. Check out Jen's newly created blog for previous parties and those to come! I am so thankful we had the opportunity to meet a few years ago...I count it a blessing to have her as a friend and watch her love on her daughter.

But back to the party..... The day couldn't have been nicer - temps in the 70s - and a little girl so excited about her special party. Here's the birthday girl:

 Mom and Dad with Ruby.....

 Such a happy little 5-year old:

 Playing with the flowers....just love that "poof" of the skirt...

 A pic of the girls with Ariel in the middle...they were so excited when she came...

 Ariel's response when one of the girls asked her a question:

Ruby doing the "craft" -- painting shells...

Ariel did face-painting too...all the girls ran to line up....birthday girl got a little heart...

 Beaming as she listens to her friends sing "Happy Birthday".....

 The moms whose girls came to the party....they are a great bunch of really sweet women...

 The dining room, all set for lunch... Jen did a great job taking care of every last detail...

The cutest little holder for pink lemonade that the girls loved...and look at those cute straws....

 The wonderful hostess....and mom extraordinaire. Jen is so gifted...she's really so talented. She made so many of the decorations and food items you see in this picture:

the streamers hanging, the marshmallows on the left of the table, the pom pom hanging, 

and put thought into each and every thing that took place that day. 

Jen, thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of Ruby's special day. I am so glad I was able to capture the moments so you could enjoy watching it unfold. Your creativity is inspiring. It's amazing what a year does to little ones...Ruby is such a sweet young lady and it's wonderful to know your journey and have her be such an incredible blessing in your and Jeff's lives.

Absolutely superb party...can't wait to hear about next year's theme!!!

(Click here to see more pics)