"Earley" Christmas Present (Soon) | NJ Family Holiday Portraits

There's nothing quite like a brisk walk early in the morning on a chilly Autumn day to really wake you up & get you going!  I got to enjoy just that with the Earley family, as I wrapped up Fall portraits for the season.  It didn't take long to get little Carlisle revved up, despite feeling under the weather the day before (but you'd never be able to tell!)  Candace & Jason wanted to capture their family of 3 together before their new baby son comes along - and boy, did he try to make a surprise entrance already!  With her due date - and the holidays - rapidly approaching, we knew time was of the essence, so we set out to shoot and had a great morning in the park!   

My wish for you all this warm Holiday season, is to emanate the same spirit & happiness that children do.  Just look at the way he lights up!  :)

And as for the Christmas-present-to-be, Coulson, well he's still hanging in for now; keeping warm from Mom (can't say I blame him!)

Have a safe, happy & healthy New Year!  See you in 2018!

Warm & Fuzzies | NJ Family Portraits

I could write a hundred things about "Fall family portraits" or "Christmas wishes" or how photography is important to freeze time as it passes so quickly before our eyes (and it is!), but this time I just simply want to share.  Share portraits of my adorable nieces that make me laugh until my stomach hurts.  Share portraits of my brother & sister-in-law, loving (and making fun of) each other.  Share our evening, spent eating yummy cookies & strolling through the park.  Share some of my favorite images that I've taken yet.  

Share my life.  I love this chaotic & snuggly bunch.  <3   

Steps Towards a Dream | Alexandra's NJ Portraits

What would you do to reach your goals?  How far would you go to make a dream into reality?  "What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" - Robert H. Schuller

Four years ago, Alexandra set out from sunny California to New Jersey, in pursuit of what she knew was in her heart - ART.  More specifically, art history & museums.  She knew that being in an area so close to NY, she would have more opportunity to follow her passion and is currently in her Master's Program.  

This special lady excited me because she has a different perspective of art - a deep appreciation, understanding & knowledge towards aesthetics.  She reached out to me to assist her in building a portfolio to begin tackling a second vision she has, modeling.  So we set out to this NJ park and spent the evening talking, laughing, and a little hiking through the trails!  

Entering new territory for yourself can be scary at first, but as soon as the jitters fall away and the confidence comes out, it will shine so much brighter!  Deep breath in, slow exhale - you got this!  (This may have even inspired a new series idea!)

And look at that smile! ;)  Alexandra, best of luck in all your endeavors, I'll be cheering you on girl! 

Autumn Evenings at Allaire Village | NJ Family Portraits

Meet the Earley family!  They are an active family of 4 men and their loving Mom & wife.  Between school, sports and busy schedules, life sometimes gets hectic.  And when your sons are growing faster than you can keep them fed, you free an evening & get outside for some fun portraits in the park!  No rapidly approaching sunset (with DayLight Saving time) or park patrol could keep us down - we were on a mission to grab the best moments!

The warm hues of the Autumn season are beautiful, but it is the family that truly shines together.  

And for brothers, they actually seemed to enjoy each other's company!  ;) 

Rustic & Chic | Kate & Mike's Maternity

When your best friend asks you to happy hour at one of your favorite after-work restaurants, especially after a hard day at the office, you say "yes!"  And when she would normally order a fruity cocktail but opts for just water instead, you can't help but wonder the question that all women do when their girlfriends switch it up...  But instead of coming out and asking, you patiently wait for her to break the amazing news to you while you both stuff your faces on half priced appetizers.  The very first thing you do is congratulate her, and the very next is calling dibs on her maternity session.  

Kate is the first friend of our group that is pregnant, but that comes as no surprise.  She was the first friend to move out on her own, land a real job, get married, and buy her own house, and she is gracefully navigating the confusing "early 20s".  With the support of her loving husband Mike, she's even making her pregnancy look easy (even though we all know it is not).  I am so proud of you both, and know that you will take on parenthood with the same love and ambition that you always do - you got this, just breathe!  <3  (and I can't wait to meet Michael)