Love.

Yes, I love this location. Isn't it gorgeous????

Ok, having an adorable set of twins and a precocious four-year-old doesn't hurt either.

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Abigail {Utah Family Photographer}

Abigail came to live with my brother-in-law's family when she was just a handful of days old. They had fostered other kiddos before, but Abby's situation was different. After a few months, their hopes for this baby turned toward adoption. This hope became a reality over the summer and Abby officially became part of their family. In August, Abby's family took her to a Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where they were sealed to each other for time and all eternity. Their family relationship can now continue beyond death into eternity. Abby, we are so happy to have you in our family!!

There is a pretty cool story about how Abby got her name. The social worker had called and asked if my brother & sister-in-law were willing to take a baby boy. Having three girls already, they were kind of hoping for a boy, so of course they said yes. A little while later the social worker called back and said "I'm sorry, I was mistaken, it's a baby girl. Do you still want her?" My SIL said "yes, of course." Then she called my BIL and said "it's a girl." He got real quiet, which made her worry. He got quiet because he was thinking. He had just read The Peacegiver which features the story of Abigail & David (1 Samuel 25) and had the thought 'if we have another girl in our family, her name should be Abigail.' And so, they welcomed this baby girl into their homes, and when she was officially adopted they named her Abigail.

The sisters!
I love how the family hands are creating a safe place for Abbey's hand, a protection.

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The Carousel at the District and What to Wear for Portraits

Since spring I've been wanting to do a shoot at the Carousel, so when Victoria emailed me and said "How about at the Carousel, and I'll bring balloons" I said YES! Adrian just turned one and the setting was just perfect. The balloons have a bit of an Up! feeling to them and and a bit of a "watch me grow" feeling as well. I love Adrian's look of wonder as he rides the Carousel and the paradox of how big he is, yet how small he still is - again the feeling of "watch me grow".

Also, a word on wardrobe. People often ask what to wear. I answer "something that you like, that fits you good, and coordinate with each other (if it is a family or couple shot)." We've come a long way from the '90s where everyone wore matching shirts. I think a lot of people are afraid of being "matchy-matchy" and "twinners" that they run in the opposite direction and end up completely not coordintating at all. I'd like you to notice Victoria's choice of wardrobe. The orange on Adrian's sweater vest matches her dress, and the lighter blue stripes match Manny's shirt. Because everything else is solid blocks of color, the design on Victoria's dress is a welcome sight - it's very pretty! - and not distracting at all. Her accessories - her necklace & earrings - are just the right touch. And the balloons (although not exactly the same orange) also coordinate well. Well done, Victoria!! So, to everyone reading this, you don't have be twins, but it is very lovely to coordinate! :)

And don't forget to submit your entry for the Giveaway!!

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Family Time

I recently spent the evening with this lovely family.

Katie is a senior this year, so we worked in some of just her. But we couldn't leave her siblings out either :) Check out the girls' beautiful hair!

Family dynamics are very interesting. Some siblings tease each other. Others don't even want to stand next to each other. I immediately noticed how *quiet* these kids were. But then as I was photographing I could hear them whispering things to make each other laugh. And then... as the kiddos were sitting for a nice portrait... the girls leaned over and gave their brother kisses on the cheeks!! I didn't expect it, but I love it!!! So fun!


Sigh. Isn't she gorgeous?

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Happy Palm Sunday

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Nice Weather = A Day at the Park

I am going to the park today.

You should too.

This weather is too beautiful to not enjoy!! I love letting the sun warm me up, listening to the birds, chatting with friends, watching the kids play on the playground, etc.

This family invited me to the park with them.

"There's something about looking through a camera that makes you stop and realize just how special everything is" - Zuzanna Audette
Sigh. I am truly grateful to be able to capture moments like this.

It's Miss D's 6 month birthday!

Tanner always brings a "friend" with him.

Awwwww, super sweet, eh?
Don't forget about the Orchard Sessions!!

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Vintage Family Portraits. In the Desert.

The title says it all, eh? This was a mini-session and good thing it was because this was one of THE coldest days. EVER. Ok, at least for Southern Nevada. At least the wind wasn't ripping like it normally is in at this location. It was just plain c-o-l-d though! The girls were treated to breakfast & hot chocolate after enduring the session so well. Sounds like a good day with Grandma & Grandpa if you ask me! :)

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