Mary and I photographed Lauren + Fran's wedding back in 2015 at the Saturn Club in Buffalo, NY. It was one of the first weddings we ever photographed and it was so beautiful. The people we met that day were so amazing and we are lucky to still call many of them friends. I remember that wedding was so much fun because Lauren and Fran, their families and every person at that wedding was so kind. They were also phenomenal dancers! Lauren and Fran are such a fun couple and so incredibly loved!!

Fast forward five years, a puppy and 2 babies later. I was so excited that it worked out to photograph Lauren and Fran's brand new baby girl when we were visiting Buffalo for a few weeks this summer. Behind the scenes, this session was a little crazy with 2 under two. We found humor in the chaos (and someone's ticklish spot) and this sweet family's laid back disposition is really what shined through in the photos. 

I really love our trips back to Buffalo to visit family, but I also get to see so many friends and clients through this little photography gig. It is such an honor to document your sweet memories and to watch your beautiful families grow. Thank you for your continued support over all these years. Sharing in your lives is something I am truly so grateful to be a part of.

This sweet family is preparing to become a party of four! When you are pregnant, it can sometimes feel like an eternity. Looking back, you start to forget the feeling of having a bump. The way your baby hugged your bump, the tiny kicks that kept you up all night..those memories fade. I was so happy to be able to capture this time of being a family of three along with maternity photos to remember this special time in their lives. I believe it is so important to have tangible memories we can always look back upon. Someday, these will be the old photographs we share with our older children and grandchildren. And this Iittle girl's pout may just be the cutest! She perked up any time we mentioned her baby sister and she knew right were that little one is, pointing to and hugging her mama's belly! The deep roots of those sibling bonds begin early. We took these photos outside of Lake Nona and the light coming through the trees was so pretty. Totally worth waking up early for it!! I can't wait to meet this family's new baby girl in a few short months!! 

These photos are of my sister and her daughters from when they visited in early March. I asked them if they wanted to do a little motherhood shoot while they were here. Keli and I were excited when the girls agreed to dress up and take some photos with their mama! I am so grateful we created these images because we have a reminder of my nieces at these ages. The girls are currently in fifth and eighth grade. Due to the current situation, school will be taught at home for the remainder of the year. Some of the celebrations typically associated with these milestones are unable to happen. Even if there are no parties or graduation ceremonies, she has these memories with her girls before they transition to a new chapter!

On another note, my sister and her husband enjoy a mostly vegan diet. I find this fascinating because they are also such foodies. They love to eat out at restaurants and to cook at home. Keli gave me many pruning and drying tips for the herbs and vegetables in my little garden. I am constantly asking her for product information and recipes. It's funny, most of our text messages are usually about food in some way, shape or form. She inspires me in the kitchen, always coming up with healthy and delicious creations! 

Since we are all spending more time at home and cooking a lot, I asked her to share some vegan recipes that her family enjoys so we can change things up a bit. I asked her for recipes that are easy to make and that her non vegan kids will happily eat. I linked the recipes below for anyone that may be interested! 

Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup - one pot! 
From: ELA Vegan

Vegan Mac and Cheese 
From: Ela Vegan

Now for some of my favorite photos of these three...All of these images were photographed on film! 

Newborns bring such light and joy and I think we can all use a little of that right now!  This was my last session before social distancing was a thing. Alex and Steven are such natural parents. Steven had quickly mastered the swaddle and Alex knows exactly how to calm her sweet baby girl. They are such a great team already as they navigate parenthood together. 

I don't know about you guys, but I feel like we need our team now more than ever. Each day, something new unfolds and often more uncertainty. We are confined to our homes, working and doing life closer than most of us ever have. It is crazy and chaotic here. Some days seem eternal. Others fly by and I am left wondering what we did all day. Through this experience, I have also recognized that I have slowed down. I don't have a list of places to get to and activities to get done or drive to. I have been more present and for that I am grateful. Tommy and I have started taking daily walks. It almost seems like going back in time when we walk around the neighborhood, seeing everyone out with cheerful smiles and hellos from a distance. We hang outside, as a family, when Mike is done working and the weather here has been amazing. The sun is usually dipping behind our neighbor's home and we listen to music, have a drink or swim as an evening breeze gently brings a close to the day.  This situation is not ideal, I am as excited as anyone for things to go back to normal. But we are healthy and I will choose to take what I can from it and right now, that is spending more time with my little crew and listening to fart songs. Thanks Alexa.

Every stage is truly so special. They grow up much too quickly for my liking! 

I know we are all busy and sometimes just getting through the day. These moments, happening right before us, are worth documenting. This stage, whatever it is, is part of your story. Those times of togetherness. Seemingly ordinary, but so very meaningful. The way she clings to your hip and kisses your face. The knowing glances shared over all the silliness. The special, little details like tiny toes and tight, blonde curls. How he laughs hysterically, while snuggling in close. That growing bump, so full of new life. Through the chaos, we are all making memories each day, as a family. The smirks and laughs, pouts and cuddles, those special nuances that are unique to your family. I would love make these tangible treasures with you. Keepsakes of moments shared together, in beautiful light, that you will always have to look back on. 

This is the last installment from my time at The Magically Mundane Workshop with Daphne Mae Photography! Sausilito, California was absolutely beautiful and the families that we met were just so wonderful and I really dragged it out for as long as possible! Since these photos were taken, this adorable family welcomed a new baby boy!! I think it's fun to look back on that time of anticipation and to remember the hope and wonder of what was to come! 

I had the opportunity to do something really fun with some friends in the beauty industry last month! We partnered for a Mommy Makeover Giveaway in the Orlando area. One special momma received hair color, cut and style by Jessica Travis from The Hive Beauty Bar, glam makeup with Caroline Throneburg, Makeup Artist and a motherhood photo session with yours truly!  

Jennifer was our giveaway winner! She went for a bohemian 60's vibe, channelling Brigitte Bardot with her half up bouffant and gorgeous long waves. Her look was completed with beautiful makeup inspired by the Mad Men series and a floral, cutout maxi dress. Momma was beyond stunning!!
After being pampered, Jennifer and her son, Weston, met up with me for their photoshoot. Our outdoor plans got rained out so we relocated the shoot to Jennifer's new home, which was just perfect! Despite the hurricane like rain and complete darkness that Mother Nature conveniently provided, we found some light!
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​Jennifer and her little boy are really so wonderful. They have such a sweet, playful bond that was so much fun to be able to watch and photograph. I hope the memories that were made on this rainy afternoon are ones they will always treasure! 

A huge thank you to Jessica Travis and Caroline Throneburg for making this experience amazing!! 

Hair: Jessica Travis @thehivebeautybar
Makeup: Caroline Throneburg @carolinealice_mua

That coastline, the movement, the colors, this sweet family!! 

Below are a few of my favorites from Lauren + Vern's family session at The Magically Mundane Workshop with the ever talented Daphne Mae Photography in Sausalito, CA! 

You know you are in a photographer home when the doggies that greet you are named "Bokeh" and "ISO"!! Nanette and Karl are photographers in the Naples area, their work is just beautiful!  I met Nanette on Instagram and was so excited to meet up with her in real life! I feel so honored and just over the moon happy that I was invited into their home during this special time in their lives. Their playful little boy, Teddy, is full of curiosity and so adorable with his big blue eyes and blonde curls. He seems to be ready for this big brother thing! These days leading up to the new baby are full of playful moments, complete with tickles and snuggles for Teddy and his fur buddies while they await the arrival of this little newcomer. The sweetest of anticipations!

I was recently asked, "What does being a mom mean to you?"
It sounds pretty straightforward, but the words did not immediately come to me. My first inclination was something sarcastic, like "being a referee who shuttles children around while running on caffeine." But really, it's this beautiful gift that is continually changing. It seems that way to me at least. Let's be honest, it is certainly not always sunshine and rainbows, but looking back on old photographs and videos, or even reflecting a little at the end of each day, I really just feel so lucky to have the opportunity  to be a mother. My kids are growing up and as that happens my role in their lives continues to change. First, I was the mommy who nourished and nurtured my babies. I held them, fed them, rocked them, stared at them for hours. As they are growing, my role is evolving into something a little different, but still wonderful. I have these inquisitive little seekers of information, always asking questions and trying to figure out the world for themselves. I do not always have the answers, but (with the help of Google) we learn together. They now hold my hand, as we walk together. The feed themselves and are learning to clean up after themselves. We do travel to a lot of activities and there is arguing. Sometimes I stay up too late so I'm tired. But our conversations are interesting and laughs are plentiful. We are together and that is what matters. 
To me, motherhood is a journey. I believe we have been blessed with this opportunity to love on and raise good and kind humans who can make a positive impact in the world. We’re all doing it differently and that’s ok. As mothers, we are not perfect and realizing this is freeing. We can allow ourselves a little grace and know we will not always do everything correctly. We are all doing our best and from a place of love. 

These images were made at The Magically Mundane Workshop with Daphne Mae Photography. I flew from Orlando, FL for a weekend full of creativity and learning in SausiIito, CA.  It was such an inspiring experience with some of the sweetest families and very talented photographers turned friends. I am truly so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.