How I Covet Thee....

So like half of the world, I am lusting after the new Apple iPhone that is being release today at 6 PM. Not lusting enough to camp out for it (I'm not sure how would I do that with a 2 year old anyway), but defintely keeping my eyes on aquiring one in the coming months. The biggest problem is I'm locked in one those stinkin' contracts with another carrier for at least another year. Since AT&T Wireless is the only carrier for the phone right now, I guess I'll have to wait until my contract is up (or nearly up.) If you get one, let us know how much you love it! It does look pretty awesome.

Arizona Bride Magazine

Happy Friday! Yesterday was a "red letter day" as my Grandmother used to say. I opened my mail to find the latest edition of Arizona Bride Magazine and was super excited to see that not one, but two of my photographs were published in there! (Though they did spell my name wrong on one of the credits - oh well).

But, I think I was even more excited to see that my client from three weeks ago (Michelle) was featured in a spread about her beautiful letterpress printed invitations, designed by The Paper Place. They were absolutely beautiful. (You can see a close up in the slideshow by clicking her name above.)

I just love fine papers and printing. I could spend hours in invitation stores. My two favorites are The Paper Place and Celebrations in Paper, both in Scottsdale. Check them out if you would like custom designed invites for any occassion.

Baby Reece

So I met beautiful little two-week-old Reece Madeline last week and got to take some very sweet pictures of her. She was awake for half our shoot and then slept very soundly the last half as we ventured out on the shaded patio. (I think it was only 112 degrees that day!) I do think she liked the warmth though as she quickly nodded off and seemed so peaceful. She was so sweet and I just love some of these images we captured. Reece's mom and dad Jenn and Jimmy were so nice and laid back and just really trusted me to play around with some imagery. They were all wonderful to work with. I hope to see more of this beauty as she grows up!

I also photographed their friend's 3 month old son Tyler yesterday, so his shoot will be up soon as well.









I didn't know they made Crocs this little, but I just knew I had to photograph them when I saw them.













Love the juxtaposition of a tiny newborn with a manly man.






















We were sitting on their porch talking as I was packing up my gear, and Reece was just so content in her dad's arms like this. I thought this was a sweet moment.

Today's Funny

I have been catching up on my occassional blog reading and saw this on Becker's blog. I literally laughed out loud.


Cartoon courtesy JM Borgman and the Cincinatti Inquirer

Can't Sleep

Here it is almost 4 AM and I cannot sleep. I have so much to get live right now, so I'm working. Erika and Andy's wedding in Rio Rico will be coming soon, as well as 2 week old baby Reese, some modeling headshots and more... stay tuned, they should be up soon.

I also have a brand spanking new custom blog in the works with BIG, BIG pictures so I can't wait for that to be live!

But in the meantime, here are a couple cute recent pictures of my daughter and her friend Kate. They were swimming the other evening and followed it up with a little outdoor "rinse" shower to get all the chlorine off and warm up a bit. I thought these were pretty cute of them. Baby Abby (Kate's sister) was watching on with her usual peaceful demeanor.

That's my love bug.

Jordan a couple weeks ago testing the water ... and her new summer garb. Now, I can't get her out of the pool.

P.S. As a side note, I've learned an important lesson about only posting realistic goals to my 101 list. I set the goal the other day that I would try and blog every day for a month. With all that I have going on with family and client files and business, there is just no way to promise to myself at the end of every day I will find time to blog. But it was a good idea at the time! I think about blogging every day. Does that count?

Honest Answers About Wedding Photography

I came across this great site that has answers to many questions that brides and groom have about wedding photography, including:

"Why is wedding photography so much more expensive than when my parents got married?"

"Is it better to work with a photographer that shoots film or uses digital equipment?"

"Why is there such a price disparity among wedding photographers?"

"How long will it take to recieve our wedding album?"


...And so much more. I found this to be an excellent resource for brides and groom who may have started the photography shopping process and want more information. Check it out: http://www.wedfog.com/

Last Minute Wedding Plans

I saw this on the BlueOrchid Designs blog (posted from Weddingbee) and thought it was funny! (click to enlarge)

Happy Fathers Day

I want to wish my Dad, Step-Dad, husband and all you Dads out there a happy Father's Day!

Michelle and Craig

Michelle and Craig were married last weekend in a beautiful and moving ceremony at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church in Cave Creek, followed by a reception that was both breathtaking and fun at the Desert Mountain Cochise-Geronimo Clubhouse. I had so much fun taking Michelle and Craig's engagement pictures months ago and was excited for this wedding for some time. They are very in love, extremely photogenic and just laugh constantly with one another. Their natural chemistry really comes through in their photographs and they both just have these positive, infectious spirits. Jeanne, Michelle's mom, with whom I talked frequently prior to their wedding and is wonderful, commented how much they absolutely glowed on the alter during their cereomy, and I couldn't agree more. I thought it was also very moving that Michelle asked her mom to be her Matron of Honor.

Here are some favorites from the day... but I'm only half way through the pictures, so I might have more to add soon or watch their full slideshow.

Michelle's stunning Reem Acra dress from Kleinfeld's in New York City (where Michelle lives). That is where I got my wedding gown as well, and they are absolutely amazing there. I cannot say enough about Ronnie or Mara who own the shop.

Jeanne reacting to Michelle turning around in her gown.

The beautiful couple... (click any photo to enlarge)

Craig's parents (r) looking on... I think his Mom looks a little like Jackie Kennedy Onassis here.

Michelle's dad gave a great toast where he mentioned what a special day this was...(insert well placed pause) "being Paris Hilton's second full day back in jail!"

Some details from the evening...

Jeanne bustling Michelle...

...And some first dance shots that I just love, love, love.




A few more shots of the gorgeous couple...

Erin Kenly, who second shoots with me sometimes nabbed this adorable shot.

Craig and his Mom after the ceremony sharing a moment... and a mother/son dance later that night.

Last but not least, I set a long exposure to capture a shot of North Scottsdale's city lights from the view at the clubhouse. What a view they have up there!

Thank you Lombardi and Brede families for allowing me to be a part of your very special day!