"Community" is still alive and kicking.

I witnessed something special yesterday and it got me thinking... a lot.  As my family trudged through the snow covered landscape of our yard to rescue our cars and buy food, I saw a large group of folks across the way with shovels in hand ready to dig.  I figured they were doing what we were doing- getting ready to dig their own cars with the hope the salt truck, or even better, a plow would come through to give us access to our roads.  Almost two hours later we trudged back on foot from our cleaned off cars, bags of groceries in hand, and a shovel.  To my amazement my neighbors had done more than just cleaned their cars, they dug their entire street out of the snow...to the pavement.  I was so amazed and it enlightened me about what it really means to be neighborly and part of a community.

We've witnessed many catastrophic events this past decade, some occuring within our own families, many from our televisions in far away places, and some just a plane ride away. Sometimes we shake our heads in disbelief and think to ourselves "how aweful, I wish there is something I could do."  And more times than not, we do something about it.  Millions have heeded the call for "help" in Haiti using their own two hands or a donation.  It's these disasters, however big or small,  that get us out of our heads and out of our little incubated worlds.  Snowmageddan being one of them.  I have met more of my neighbors in a five-hour period of time shoveling snow this week than I have the three years I've lived in my house. 

I'm grateful, in many ways, for the snowstorms.  They got me out of the house, out of my car, away from my computer, and into the open arms of very kind people.  I feel like a neighbor now.

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Daphene + Rodney + One on the Way = Family

I've known Daphene & Rodney for a little over three years and we've become close.  In fact, we have a very special relationship that has been bound by an accident.  A car accident.  One that we were in together on our way back from the engagement session I documented right around this time of year.  After the wedding, I knew that we would stay close and in touch.  Then, Rodney left for war and I had to document them as a couple before he left.  Thankfully, he is back safe.  Now, we have a new life-to-be to be thankful for.  Daphene carries a beautiful, gorgeous, healthy, round belly that I documented just the other day.  The day the big snowstorm hit.  During our session I realized the stress she had been going through lately.  Because her Haitian relatives are dealing with a horrible situation following the earthquake.  An earthquake that has taken lives, precious lives. 

So, I write this posting thankful for my friendship with Daphene & Rodney.  Thankful for Rodney's safe return home.  Thankful that they are sharing this incredibly beautiful time in their lives with me.  And so thankful for Daphene's healthy belly.

I look forward to meeting a new little person!

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Joy & Mark. A Holiday Season Wedding in Baltimore.

It's not very often you meet people from large families.  The way I met this couple was through a fantastic make-up artist, Amie Decker, that I work with often.  Her husband is one of eight kids whose sister, Joy, was getting married. Have I confused you, yet?  Mark, the groom, has a large family as well. So, this was truly a family affair. 

I was so thrilled to have been asked to document this wedding.  When you see all of the siblings in a room together, you can feel the energy of closeness.  It's so wonderful.  Not to mention how much in love Joy & Mark are.  I mean gaga love.  And they are both so beautiful inside and out. 

The theme of the wedding was feathers, gloves, and a bit of a vintage feel.  The Belvedere in Baltimore was the perfect backdrop for their event.

Many congratulations to this amazing couple and their lovely, big families.

A special thank you to Elisha, who helped create beautiful images of their day.

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Meet Jack. A Newborn Session with the Poray Family

I'm excited to start off the New Year with a New Life.  This is Jack Poray, little brother of Charlie.  Jack is basically a minature version of Charlie.  You can see it in his eyes and his tiny mannerisms.  He showed up earlier than planned.  This, of course, was a bit stressful for Paige who hadn't painted his room and was still in the midst of the Christmas rush. This is a good sign that Jack has plans, big plans, and nothing is going to stop him.

Look out 2010!

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A Newborn Session with David Michael DeVito Jr.

Yay.  I'm so glad to be blogging again. It's been a little while. The little elves in our studio have been very busy placing orders for the Holidays. Can you beiieve it's Christmas so soon?

Meet David jr.!  Big, huge, lovely eyes like his beautiful mother, Kara.  Look how fabulous she looked during our pregancy session.

I went on location for their newborn session, which i love to do and highly recommend.  I love the aura of a home with a new life in it. There is definitely a warm-fuzzy feeling that surrounds you.  Is there such thing as calm chaos?  Because, that's what it feels like.  All is right in the world with new baby and, oh, gosh, no I don't have time to do mundane chores and I'm still trying to figure out how to unfold the stroller to put in the car and buckle baby in.  It's amazing, because in 2 months time, you'll be doing everything with one hand.

Thank you so much David & Kara for allowing me to document something so precious.  xoxoxoxoxo

I love the little smirk on his face.  Must be having a happy little dream.

I love toes!!!!

Just waking up to photographer.  Hello little person.

I love how little David is connecting with daddy.

Quiet moment with mom.

I LOVE this family photo with Max (the dog), who was making certain to protect baby from person with camera.

The two Davids.

Dreamy...

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Meet Max...I mean Ethan. A Newborn Session.

Max!

So, I made this image I was so excited about when Linda was pregnant.  They knew they were having a boy and named him Max.  They were pretty sure because they bought the letters for his room.  I wanted to use them in an image and it turned out great!  I was imagining it hanging on the wall in his little room. 

A few weeks later I hear from a dear friend and client of mine that they changed his name to Ethan after he was born.  And so my fabulous Max picture is just a memory. 

Here's Ethan.  Beautiful and sweet.

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Sarah & Keith. A Post Wedding Session at Patapsco State Park.

Sarah & Keith had an amazing wedding.  Not because they swanked it out, but because every step of the way they made certain it was a little piece of them to share with family & friends.  And it worked.   For our post-wedding session they chose to go near the place where Keith first proposed to Sarah.  Patapsco State Park is a favorite hiking place for them.  So, we went there to document their session.  The day was beautiful.  Warm Fall weather, which is a little odd.  But, I'm not complaining.  Clearly, these two are very much in love.  Thanks Keith & Sarah!

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