I have known Henry since high school.  His younger sister Jennie and I were in the same class, and because we used to live in the same neighborhood, she and I grew close.  I remember going to her house all the time.  When you were in high school and you knew someone who was an upper classman, you were considered cool.  I thought I was pretty cool because I knew Henry. Now Henry is a Dad and has a beautiful family.  I was glad to see him again after so many years and that I got to photograph his little girl!

A One-year-old child is so many things –

A tiny discoverer of butterfly wings,

A hugger of Teddies,

A sweet sleepyhead,

And someone to dream for in bright years ahead.

Meet Chloe, the big girl (and the rest of the family):

For the very first time since I started shooting weddings, I felt like I have witnessed a dear friend getting married today.  I laughed, I cried.  I was excited and emotional.  But in the end, I felt completely blessed and honored to be a part of their special day.  Michelle and David, coming soon..

I graduated high school with Amber more than ten years ago.  I am now a mother of two and pretty darn proud of how much I can handle at one time with two children.  She, on the other hand, is now a mother of five.  Yes, five.

Jordyn joined the rest of Amber’s family about three weeks ago; her big blue eyes are a very similar shade compared to her four older siblings.  As I held her close, I couldn’t help but remembering the days when my own children were just like her : tiny, warm, soft and full of love. Another miracle from heaven, another new life.

This is Jordyn Avalon, along with the rest of her siblings:

For this engagement session, my sister and I have been planning for months.  We communicated via Skype, emails, and just visiting tons of different blogs to get ideas and inspirations.  We finally decided to tie this session to her wedding day, using similar colors and theme.  This past weekend she flew in from Milwaukee for this, we were both so excited to finally execute our plans.  I am so excited to present this to you!

He’s from Michigan, she’s from SoCal.  He’s quiet, she’s talkative; he’s calm, she’s melodramatic.  But somehow they met, they fell in love, and they can’t wait to spend the rest of their lives together.

A few months ago my sister moved to Wisconsin to start her new life there.  The parting was difficult, but I soon learned that she has adapted to the midwestern lifestyle with her soon-to-be husband, and she is loving every minute of it!  Although always a Cali girl at heart, she is getting used to settling down.  I can’t tell you how happy I am for them two, and I cannot wait for their big day!!

This is Jean and Matt:

And mark your calendars for 2011:

“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s going to be really hard; we’re gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me… everyday.”

~The Notebook~