Lauren & Elin | Montrose Park, Chicago

I met Lauren & Elin through my sister-in-law, Sarah, a few weeks ago in Chicago. And when we realized we had actually met back at Sarah’s wedding, the same time I met Sarah’s youngest brother, Taylor. Well, all that is ancient history now, but it was lovely to see Lauren again and meet her gorgeous daughter, Elin for a photo shoot. It was overcast and raining when we headed to Montrose Park.  We were afraid it wouldn’t let up, but after about 15 minutes, the sky began to clear and the rain lessened until it disappeared all together. To our surprise and delight, it turned out to be the perfect day for a family shoot! They both were wonderful to work with, and I look forward to photographing them again. 

This sweet girl has such stunning eyes and beautiful golden hair – just like her mama!

This one is my favorite!

Katie, George, & George Jr. | An Easter Blessing | Long Island Maternity Shoot

In honor of our friends, Katie & George who just welcomed their son into the world. Here are some of Katie’s maternity photos.

This session wasn’t planned and was a complete surprise on Easter Sunday. Taylor and I were supposed to be staying overnight in New Jersey. But instead, we spent Easter Sunday with Katie, George, and their family. We were supposed to be spending the next day enjoying the city, but instead our car broke down and we had to stay at a hotel on Long Island. Our car broke down right before we arrived at my friend’s wedding reception (no kidding), and we spent a good hour or so under the car trying to wire up the muffler before giving up. Since it was day before Easter Sunday, no mechanic or towing company was open. Instead of our original plan, God had something else in store for us!

We were so frustrated and upset, but pulled it together to walk to the reception. At the reception we met Katie & George, and when they overheard us on the phone inquiring about tow trucks, they offered to drive us to church the next morning and help us get our car to a mechanic.

We joined them for their Easter service (which was lovely), and then after the service, Katie’s generous mother invited us to join them for Easter dinner. We were blown away, and in that moment, Taylor and I looked at each other and smiled in amazement at God’s goodness and provision. It ended up being a perfect weekend with the Mannales & Coyshes, filled with really beautiful memories, laughter, and stories we’ll never forget. We are so thankful to have met them and grateful for their help and hospitality.

Katie was more than 8 months pregnant at the time, and before the sun set I grabbed a few maternity shots of her and her husband. They are such a beautiful pair! The following day, they picked us up for lunch and then dropped us off to get our newly repaired car. And although car repairs ended up costing us quite a bit, the friendships and experience we gained were priceless. We wouldn’t take back that muffler incident for anything. Everything worked out perfectly that weekend, and we wouldn’t change a thing!

We never made it to the city for Easter, but we didn’t mind. Instead, we had an amazing meal with a beautiful family who we will always treasure as our Long Island Family!

Now, our long Island Family has now grown by one 8 lb, 7 oz baby boy named George Jr.! We are so happy for you, Katie & George, and for your entire family. Can’t wait to meet this little blessing!

Sweet Moments in Old Town | Family Session | Washington DC

Just days before I embarked on the first leg of my road trip, someone from the DC area inquired about a photo session with me. I was totally floored, because my first stop was Washington, DC to visit my best friend, Andrea. Sara and I connected and just days later, I met this lovely family in Old Town for a photo session along the Potomac waterfront.

Working with this beautiful family was one of the highlights of my trip, and after our session together, I felt like I’d known their family for more than just a couple of hours. One of the best moments was following the shoot when Madison, their oldest daughter, who insisted on walking me to my car with her parents, hugged me and sent me on my way with the sweetest goodbye smiles and waves. As I drove away, I glanced up and saw her waving in my rear view mirror, and I thought to myself, “I have the best job in the whole world.” I was reminded how much I love working with families and connecting with children. I can’t wait to see her and her family again this summer. I am looking forward to many more trips to DC to visit both old and new friends!

Happy Mother’s Day

To all the mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, and friends, to all the women in my life: You have set the gold standard in the way you love deeply and live fully. Collectively, you inspire me to become a better woman and I love you so very much. Be blessed on this day that celebrates women and all that you are! Happy Mother’s Day.

(Since no blog post could handle the amount of photos from all of the women I love and cherish in my life, here are just a few of the moms in my immediate family.)

My sister, Erin Rachel, with her newborn daughter, Piper Brielle.

My grandma holding her great-granddaughter, Piper, for the first time.

Jessica, my sister-in-law, playing with her son, Calvin.

My sister-in-law, Sarah, sharing a moment with her son, Sawyer.

My mother-in-law, Sali, lending a hand to her grandson, Calvin.

My mom, Paula, loving on her granddaughter, Piper, along with my Dad.

Four generations celebrating Mother’s Day: My sister holding Piper, my mom, grandma, and niece, McKenna.

iamorphaned’s Chalkboard Night | Support Women in Malawi

Last night, my friend Gabe from iamorphaned.com hosted a really creative fundraiser to support her special project in Malawi. Not only did she and her team help a group of women in Malawi start a farming project to raise pigs, the women are also learning to read and write!

The 3 Ms | Maternity Shoot | Syracuse Photographer

Good Morning Tacos | Breakfast Recipe

I’m a huge fan of breakfast foods, but I’m rarely up early enough to eat, let alone, cook breakfast before rushing out the door. Our cupboards are usually stocked with cereal, because this girl is not the kind of wife that rolls out of bed to cook breakfast for her husband! Don’t get me wrong though, I do LOVE a good breakfast, but I normally eat it later in the day!

Last week, my road trip was coming to an end, and I spent one final evening in DC with my lovely best friend. The next morning, I was up bright and early to say goodbye and hit the road. There were leftovers from the delicious fajitas and tacos we devoured the night before, so I just threw them together and good morning tacos were born.

The salsa and cheese tastily dress up the eggs, and the corn tortillas add texture and make them convenient for eating. A delicious breakfast topped with basil leaves is enough to woo me out of bed and may even be enough for me to adjust my stay-up-late-sleep-in ways.

And yes, all of these ingredients can be found, conveniently, at your local Wegmans. You’ve just got to try their line of salsas! My new favorite is their  garlic & lime salsa - so tasty!