Rebecca and William:: Erwinna, PA wedding

Rebecca and William couldn't have asked for a better day - gorgeous weather, a picturesque red barn to get married outside of, friends and family gathered for a momentous occasion, and a commitment to life as husband and wife.

Though they are off honeymooning in Mexico, I wanted to post a few pictures of their most special day. Enjoy a few of the moments captured. I think many who were there would agree that the emotion showed when Wil saw his bride coming down the aisle with her dad was a touching and moving thing to witness.

Congrats Becca and Wil, and thanks for letting us capture your love!

90 years young

Today is my grandpa's 90th birthday.

I feel like it's more rare these days for people to live till their 90th....and I am grateful for his life.

Yesterday he had cataract surgery; the doc said his eye was one of the worst he's seen. But when my grandpa realized some sight was restored, he looked at my dad and said "I can see your face, Kenny...and I can see the exit sign." To think of my grandpa saying those things - the way the words were uttered - makes me thankful to have a grandpa like him.

I am thankful today for the man my grandpa is...for the marriage he has and the love that is shown in the care he has for my grandma. I am thankful for the four boys they raised, and for the sense of family that there is, even though they don't get to see each often. I'm reminded of the many holidays spent at my grandparents house and for the sweet memories that we have of time as a family. While my grandparents weren't the type to talk about sports or the latest fashion trend, or movies in the theaters, they showed me their love by the other ways that showed their care for me - asking about my job, my living situation, or praying for me. Those intangible things carry a far greater value.

Happy 90th birthday grandpa!

Hummels:: Thompson, PA family session

Karl and I met sometime in elementary school...I think it was 2nd grade. And throughout our years in school, we probably said hi to each other, but I don't remember interacting with him much until high school. Karl became my 'big brother' and we'd often joke about how we couldn't be more different. We hung out in different social circles, and people used to ask us (separately) why we were friends with each other. After high school graduation, our school put on this event called 'Project Graduation' - an all-nighter at some sports complex. And we took a picture that night...a picture that would be hung in the room of my dorm freshman year of college. And Karl and I went to dinner one night while I was home on a break freshman year, but after that, Karl and I rarely spoke.

I have a knack for remembering birthdays, and each time September 24th would come along, I'd remember him in the back of my mind as my friend, but knowing little about what was going on in his life. One day in 2007, my mom mentioned she ran into Karl down town, and shortly thereafter we reconnected. Karl came over to my childhood home and as we sat on the couch, he told me he was engaged and getting married in a few months. We caught up as best we could - how do two people catch up on nearly 8 years of life events? - and promised we'd meet up soon. Soon was indeed soon and we met at a restaurant so I could meet Courtney, his fiance. She was super sweet and of course had been caught up on Karl's and my friendship over the years. And while I was there, they invited me to attend their wedding, now only weeks away, if I was free.

So I had the privilege of attending their wedding and seeing one of my childhood friends get married. I couldn't be more honored to be invited and see my 'big brother' so happy. I knew I wasn't going to let our friendship fall by the wayside again, so for the past five or so years, we've kept up with each other. When he comes into town, we try and see each other. Courtney and I have gotten together, and it's been great to develop a friendship with her too. Soon after they got married, they found out they were having their first child. Now they are a family of three....and their son, Trey, is just so cute.

I'm grateful to have a friend like Karl in my life. We've often said of our friendship that even if years go between talking, we've the type of friendship where if we need help from the other, we'd be there just as soon as we could. Karl came to see me after I had my back surgery last year, and it was such a kind gesture that he stayed true to his promise to come see me.

Well, this August, I was near their home photographing a wedding, and called to see if I could visit. I was glad to finally be able to see where they lived, and to spend some time with them. While I was there, we were able to do a quick family session and I was able to take some pictures of Karl and Trey as they walked down their long driveway to get the mail.

Karl and Courtney, I'm so glad I was able to come visit. Thanks for opening up your home to me. I look forward to the many more years of friendship....

Walsh Family:: Washington Crossing, PA

If I could pick two things about the little boy in these pictures, it's his eyes and his sweet demeanor. I've been able to photograph Caleb and his parents a few times already - for his 6 mo old pictures and his 9 mo old pictures. And while this session was supposed to be his one-yr old pics, we had to reschedule the session. In a way, I'm kind of glad we did, because the day we ended up meeting up was gorgeous. The leaves were at their peak, the weather was gorgeous, and I had a busy weekend of sessions - a wedding, an engagement, and two family sessions.

Josh, Amelia, Caleb, and I traveled to Washington Crossing. You can be on both sides of the river - one side is NJ, the other is PA! We began our session on the NJ side, and then ended our session - as the sun was setting - on the PA side.

Caleb is quite simply a cute little kid. When he smiles, you can't help by saying "Aww..." and as the photos are taken, and you can see his eyes glistening in the images on the back of the camera, my heart just melts. I continue to be blessed by being able to photograph this wonderful family.

Heritage

I feel incredibly blessed to grow up knowing both sets of my grandparents. I even had the opportunity to know my maternal great-grandparents throughout my childhood, and have fond memories of times at their house. I also met my paternal great-grandparents, but I was so young, I don't remember much.

I was named after my paternal great-grandmother, and consider it a privilege to be named for someone who raised such wonderful children. I am - without a doubt - a product of my parents, and it's neat to see the characteristics that are carried down throughout the generations.

My dad's parents live in a retirement community in Lancaster County, PA. They have lived there for a number of years, so many of my adult memories are of times spent in the apartment they've lived in for over 10 years. Just recently, they moved into another part of the facility. As they age, they've realized the need for further care, care they just can't provide for themselves.

There is still something so very sweet about them. While they don't show each other much physical affection, the love that they have for each other overwhelms me. My grandpa cares for my grandma with such ferocity. Equally there is this incredible tenderness with with he tends to her needs. But lately, his eyes have been causing him issues and he is nearly blind in both eyes. So he hasn't been able to do the things he once did.

A few weeks ago, I went to visit them with my cousins. It was the first time I saw their new place. It's smaller but still great for them. They are on the first floor now (previously they had a second floor apartment), and so my grandma was telling me about the ducklings that were frequently outside their bay window. And sure enough, while we were there, they came (about 10 of them) to get water out of this tiny water basin.

I asked them if I could take a picture of them. When I sat them together, my grandma was in her recliner and my grandpa sat stiffly in a folding chair next to her. They are both very stoic. So I thought to capture individual shots of both of them. As I focused on my grandpa, I treated him as though he were a kid in front of my lens, and said, "SMILE, grandpa!" and gave his knee a little squeeze. He smiled SO big...a genuine smile I've not seen in awhile. And then I told my grandma to smile and - well - you see the result below.  I know there is a glare from her glasses, but I really like her expression. She is going to be 92 this August...unbelievable! And on Tuesday, June 5, they will celebrate sixty-nine years of marriage.

This, my friends, is a picture of my grandparents. I am so happy to be part of their family, and grateful for the support they've offered. While I don't get to see them very often, I know they love hearing about my goings-on and regularly pray for me. What a joy to have grandparents who may not show you the outward affection, but passionately love you on the inside.