This family is very special to me, they are my cousins and aunt. For Lauren's First Communion portraits, we took some in the studio with natural light, and a few at North Catholic High School in the prayer garden. Lauren and Justin were also able to light a candle for their daddy, my sweet, loving Uncle Dave, who recently passed away unexpectedly. He did get to see his daughter make her first communion this past spring, which was a wonderful opportunity for our family to get together. Lauren and Justin are now blessed with a very special guardian angel. I certainly felt his presence as we were taking these photos on such a beautiful day - sunny, blue skies, with a gentle, cool breeze.
The S Family - Cranberry Twp. Family Photography
Summer evenings offer the most beautiful lighting for outdoor sessions, and this family knew the perfect wooded spot to capture some sweet moments with their little ones. I met them at their grandma's home to shoot in her beautiful backyard, the very place where mommy and mum tied the knot 6 years ago! Two beautiful babies later, they're such a sweet, fun, generous family, and it was my pleasure to photograph them!
Lilah Quinn - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography
Big Brother Cameron was so proud of his new baby sister, Lilah! Upon his arrival, he was sure to ask me if I "liked her." I told him that of course, I did, but the more important question was whether or not he liked her. He replied with a resounding, "Yes!"
Baby Lilah was an angel for her session. Barely making a peep, and sleeping soundly the entire time. She was a joy to photograph. Congratulations to her mommy and daddy on such a beautiful addition to their already sweet family.
Adalyn & Brinley - Cranberry Twp. Family Photography
Adalyn and new baby sister Brinley came for their session bringing along personality and beautiful handmade crosses made by their great-grandfather. The girls were absolutely beautiful posing with their parents, and a joy to capture.
Mackenzie Lynn - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography
Baby Mackenzie visited me at one week new for her newborn session. She must have been having a sweet dream, as she kept smiling in her sleep. She posed in bright spring colors to match her nursery theme of corals and greens. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mackenzie!
Mother's Day Session! - Cranberry Twp. Children Photography
These cousins had personality plus for their Mother's Day photo shoot. The photos will be used as Mother's Day gifts for their grandma. I'm sure she will love them! How blessed she is to have such beautiful, healthy grandchildren!
Teague Hollen - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography
The princess (Leia) has arrived!
Baby Teague and big brother Landry were lovely in lilac for their photo session. Sleepy, sweet Teague spent most of the time snoozing away, and ended her session posing as the angel that she is with simple, elegant angel wings. I met this amazing family through my son's music class when he and Landry were just babies, and I'm so happy to see their family expand with their beautiful new daughter. I can't wait to take their family photos this summer when Teague is a bit bigger!
Carmen is Six Months! - Cranberry Twp. Baby Photography
I'm a little partial to this special six-month-old...she is my niece Carmi! I was so excited to do her six month photos because of the mermaid and Easter theme, and also to redeem myself after her newborn session. I got very sick shortly after Carmi was born, so I wasn't able to do her newborn session until she was nearly a month old! She was fussy and not having it that day, so I only got a few sleepy shots of my girl.
Carmi was a total doll for this six month session and was pleasant the entire time! She gave me smiles and seriousness, and of course showed off her AMAZING baby blues! She was even patient when my assistant (her cousin/my two-year-old son) walked in front of the camera.
Aunt C loves you, Carm!
Nina is One! - Cranberry Twp. First Birthday Photography
Miss Nina is turning one! Nina's mommy chose the colors and inspiration of "sunshine" for Nina's first birthday shoot, so I gathered some things to make her theme come alive, and Nina brought the bright sunshine of her smile. Nina wasn't too interested in disturbing the icing on her cupcake, but that's okay because she still has some time to practice before her party.
It was so nice meeting you, sweet girl! Enjoy your first birthday in May!
Gavin is One! - Cranberry Twp. First Birthday Photography
I met the adorable Mr. Gavin when he came in for Christmas photos a few months ago, and I was so happy to work with him again for his First Birthday! Gavin brought along the Paw Patrol to help him celebrate in style. He was a man on the move crawling and walking all over the place, but he still managed to get some great shots - both candid and posed.
Happy 1st Birthday, Gavin!
Adilynn Leigh - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography
Miss Adilynn was so warm, cuddly, and sleepy at 5 days new and 10 pounds! She was born on St. Patty's Day, and is for sure her family's lucky charm. Big sister Danika was so proud to show off her new little sis. Without being prompted, they held hands, and I can just tell they're never letting go.
Daxton Alexander - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography
I'm loving the lips on this sweet baby boy! Daxton and his precious pout was a great little model for his newborn session. He brought along his arctic animal pals and his daddy's college football helmet for some styled poses, but also showed off his gorgeous features for some simple sleepy shots. It was a joy to photograph you, Dax!
Lukas Jay - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography
Lukas was so sweet for his Newborn Session. At one month young, he made eye contact with the camera and gave me a little smirk - such a little model. He was very alert during his session, but only because he wanted to show off those blue eyes, I'm sure. He was a little gentleman with his auburn hair in a professional side part. Nice working with you, Sweetheart!
Mila is Two! - Cranberry Twp. Birthday Photography
I have known Mila since she was 6 months old, and it has been so fun watching her grow! She is always so sweet, gives the best hugs, and has such beautiful eyes. She will be celebrating her 2nd birthday later this week with a Minnie Party, and I can't wait to see what else her stylish, creative mama will have in store for her.
Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!
Tucker is Six Months! - Cranberry Twp. Baby Photography
When Tucker's mommy and I first started brainstorming ideas for his six month photo session, we had planned to reflect the season - the month of March! "In like a lion and out like a lamb," as they say, Tucker posed in outfits to reflect both winter and spring!
It was so much fun to photograph him. He was so happy, and showed off his dimple with his big smile. Six months is such a fun age as babies are beginning to sit, perfecting their "tummy time" skills and head control, and filling out with chubby, little rolls!
Thanks for sharing your day with me, Tucker! You're adorable!
Easton is One! - Cranberry Twp. First Birthday Photography
Easton was so much fun at his First Birthday session! His parents chose a woodsy, lumberjack theme for his shoot and first birthday party, which will be next weekend. I absolutely love it when parents have a clear vision and theme for their baby's birthday photos. It's always fun to collaborate and come up with the fun props, colors, or style that they desire.
This age is also a joy to have in my studio! One-year-olds are usually pleasant, playful, inquisitive, and smiley, and give me an array of fun (and often times funny) facial expressions to capture. Easton was a good little guy, and kept holding up his little fingers to show us his "ones". Happy First Birthday, Easton!
Colin is One! - Cranberry Twp. First Birthday Photography
Colin was a perfect little guy for his First Birthday Session! He was such a good boy and certainly earned his cupcake icing at the end. I love his gorgeous eyes and chubby little toes. Colin will turn one on February 5th and celebrate with a lumberjack themed party...so fun!
Aubrey Madeline - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography
It was a pleasure to meet Baby Aubrey this week. She was following suit with the last few newborns I've photographed by being wide awake for most of her session. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I was able to capture some shots of her stunning blue eyes. As you can see by her last pictures, this sweet girl was eventually ready for a nap.
Isaac Josiah - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography
Since it is still the Christmas season, I wanted to share this session and highlight the warmth and love I felt from this family. I formerly worked for the March of Dimes for over seven years, and I still maintain a relationship with the foundation today. Their mission is to fund research to prevent pre-term birth, birth defects and infant mortality, so I am happy to still support them by donating my services to some of the families who have unfortunately dealt with birth complications.
This family of all boys was fun, crazy and happy, but they are sadly missing a brother. In tribute to him, they are active volunteers with the March of Dimes. Their aunt is a board member, and their entire family fundraises and walks in the March for Babies every spring. This coming year, they'll have a special addition to their team in Baby Isaac (pictured above) who was recently born happy and healthy.
What was most note-worthy about this family was their positivity and strength. Their mother and grandmother were both so grateful to have the session and be able to keep their son/grandson's memory alive through their work with the March of Dimes. Rather than focus on the sadness of their loss, they commented on how blessed they feel to have three healthy boys to look after. Their attitude was most admirable and called to mind a line from a classic Christmas movie for me....
"When I'm worried and I can't sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep counting my blessings." - White Christmas
Charlotte Mary - Cranberry Twp. Newborn Photography
It was a pleasure to meet another Baby Charlotte today! She was so adorable and wide awake for her entire session (except for that 5 seconds I captured of her snoozing at the end). She was so strong holding her head up and looking all around. This little girl didn't want to miss a thing! She and her mama were a joy to spend time with today.