Lilies & Pearls... 30 Years Later, She's Still His Girl

30 years ago, Macintosh revealed their first computer, Bill Murray & friends taught us who to call in Ghostbusters, Transformer toys made their appearance in stores for the first time, and Kevin Bacon danced his way into our hearts in Footloose.

30 years ago, two people madly in love decided to take the next step in their relationship, got married and started a family.  Donna & Frank just celebrated that special 30th Wedding Anniversary together and even 30 years later, we can tell the love you have for each other still shines so bright.  He smirks at her corny jokes, and she occasionally lets him know he's right.  They still laugh and act silly like a couple of teenagers, smitten with each other.  

So here's to you, lovebirds, and the next 30 years.  Congratulations! xo

A little behind the scenes....

When preparing for a photoshoot, especially newborns, it is important to communicate details and expectations about the session before-hand.  This includes everything from keeping the baby warm, happy, tired & full, to being prepared for outfit changes, clean up & accidents. 

Ironically, just before Gianna's newborn session, we had joked around about the image that is circulating the internet currently of the newborn baby that was so relaxed, he relieved himself on Dad (found here).  We thought it was funny and shared stories of babies doing such things.  

Well, about an hour into the session, the same thing happened to us!  While I have been present and shooting while a newborn did this, I haven't captured it quite like this before.

Another bonus shot we got during this session was when the family dog, Gizmo, decided he wanted to be in the photo and give his new sister a few kisses mid shoot.  She is quickly getting used to him doing this ;)

 
 

Totally unexpected, yet the beautifully funny side of life. <3

Sweet Perfection...

7 pounds, 19.5 inches, 10 fingers, 10 toes, 2 eyes & 1 nose.  August 29th at 8:33pm this bundle of joy entered the world with a full head of hair and her hand already tightly gripped around our hearts.

Meet Gianna Elizabeth - the name Gianna is Italian and means God is gracious.  This sweet baby encompasses God's grace perfectly.  If you have seen the post Maria & Joe's Maternity, then you have already seen her loving parents.  

However, it is truly a beautiful sight to see two people who have just become first time parents and the look of wonder, amazement, and love that dances across their faces when they lay eyes on their baby girl.  For me, seeing my strong, determined, outdoorsy older brother turn into mush when his daughter coos or smiles or just simply looks up at him is enough to melt my heart EVERY. time.  And to see my smart, independent, caring sister take on motherhood with full force and make it seem easy (even though I know it is far from it!)  I am so happy and proud of both of you, and could not love the sweet perfection that is my niece, Gianna, any more than I do.  <3

 

 

 
 
 
 

Did I mention that we are all big football fans?  Joe is Greenbay Packers fan, Maria is a New York Giants fan, and Gianna - well, she'll get there...  ;)

 
 

Maria & Joe's Maternity

"Love is patient, love is kind…."

Patiently waiting the last 33 weeks for their bundle of joy and enjoying every little kick, hiccup, and nudge inside.  With another 7 weeks to go, this couple enjoyed strolling down the beach together and reminicsing of times spent in Seaside Heights.  This was where their first date took place, and where he proposed to her, so it is only fitting to return for maternity photos.  These clients, and this photoshoot was very special to me as it my only brother & sister-in-law, and my niece to be!

The love between these two is so strong and it radiates from them.  Everyone who knows them, knows that they are going to make such amazing parents.  Good luck Maria & Joey, we are all behind you!  <3  

MariaMaternity1
MariaMaternity2
MariaMaternity3
MariaMaternity4
MariaMaternity5
MariaMaternity6
MariaMaternity7
MariaMaternity8

Memorial Day

To many people, Memorial Day signifies 3-day weekends, BBQs, and drinking beer to kick off the summer.  And while those things are very American, that is not what this special holiday is about.  Living at the Jersey Shore has always made this holiday even more crazy because it is the first real weekend of the summer and that means lots of parties, bar specials, and people anxiously waiting to break out the shorts and tank tops.  It also means the start to the long lines of weekend traffic and tourists.  And while Memorial Day weekend brings the start of summer and all these things, I hope it also brings a time for reflection and to think about those who serve our country & have fallen.  Take time this weekend to reach out to your loved ones and thank anyone you may know who protects our country.

I have always held a special place in my heart for those who serve and all branches of our military.  And so with that I would like to give back, even if in the smallest of ways.  I have two Military Appreciation offers as a thank you, and as a way to honor those fallen men & women.  Thank you & God Bless!