In my world, babies are everywhere. Everywhere, I say. None of them are mine, but I’m surrounded by the offspring of my beautiful friends. Some babies are brand new. Some babies are turning five. Some babies are still buns in the oven. But this baby, Allie Brynn, just turned one. And in the words of my friend eMohn, she is “totes adorb.”
Being a January baby, Allie’s birthday party was a winter one-derland. Complete with a themed cake, snowmen (her favorite) and snowflakes galore, cake pops (oh my) and her closest family and friends. Melanie and her mom outdid themselves, but everyone had such a wonderful time together. And that time was only made sweeter with the hugs and love from this special little one-year-old. I can’t believe a year has already passed. It feels as though I was just at their house, photographing Allie for the first time. But now she’s bigger, has the cutest hair, the chubbiest cheeks, a resemblance to her father that no one can mistake and the ability to make everyone in the room smile. Including this lady.
Believe me when I say it tastes as good as it looks. My girl Melanie cake bake a mean cake.
Four generations. I sometimes forget how inspiring family photos can be.
My favorite. A little soft, a little fuzzy, but absolutely perfect. Happy Birthday, Allie Brynn.
{ Shutterboo Photography }
January is gone. I can’t believe that the month passed as fast as it did. I also can’t believe how much I’ve traveled in the last six weeks – I’m ready to stay home and not go anywhere for a long while.
So even though I’ve been busy with the 9-to-5 and jet hopping and driving down winding roads, I did get to spend the day with one of my favorite people and her family last weekend. It’s always an honor to even be invited to Melanie’s parent’s home [because the spread that she and her mom puts out is OUT OF THIS WORLD], but I was asked to document Allie’s first birthday. With traveling, I haven’t even had enough time to look at what I shot that day. But I was able to give Mel a sneak peek.
It’s a cute peek. And there’s more to come. Promise!
Way back, way way back on Christmas Eve, I took some time away from my family to spend time with another one. My dear friend Nazzie had family in and out visiting all December. I got to meet her Irish Uncle Mike [whose I accent I still had trouble working through even though he's been stateside for years]. And a few days later, I got to meet her older sister, Soraya. I had met the youngest sister, Nikue, while we were still in college (and she was still in high school), so I was kind of excited to meet the third [and final] sister. And I wasn’t disappointed. We shared an Irish coffee and she shared some lovely stories of them growing up together.
Soraya and her family visit during the holidays but this was the first time I had the pleasure to meet her, her husband Hamid, her daughter Naseem and her son Eemon. Throw in Nazzie and I can honestly say I had never felt more confused by light conversation in my life. A little bit of English here, a little bit of Farsi there – I seriously couldn’t tell what was what. But it didn’t matter. Seeing them all together was a treat – a sweet treat covered in hilariousness. But knowing that not long after Christmas Eve everything would go back to the way it was – Soraya and Company back in California and Nazzie chasing after little girls – I felt special to be there with them.
These are the Ghasemiyehs.
Brother and sister. I couldn’t help but laugh at their reactions when I tried to convince them to act like they liked one another.
Soraya and Hasim. She’s beautiful. He’s quite dapper. And very fond of his wife.
Nazzie got her love on with big sis.
Their mother is Irish and their father is Persian. We took a vote and decided Soraya “looks” the “most” Irish of the sisters.
And of course Aunt Nazzie had to love on her niece and nephew.
Naseem has gorgeous hair. I don’t know why these ladies love to pull it back so much. Naseem’s mane is such a warm chocolate color with thick curls. It’s luscious.
I might be jealous. Maybe.
Soraya. Seriously. I love you. And your gentle smile.
Thank you to the Ghasemiyeh and Casebier families for hosting me on Christmas Eve. I had so much fun with you all. And I hope everyone made it safe and sound back to California. I cannot wait for your return!
Just have your people call my people. Or just tell Nazzie.
{ Shutterboo Photography }
Way back in April, I told you about my friends Meredith and Troy. And though I was a tad nervous about taking their engagement photos (the first couple shoot I had done), we knocked it out of the park. I’ve always admired them, you can’t help but smile when you see them together, but their photos from that day spoke volumes about their relationship.
And then they asked me to help capture their Big Day. I accepted… was maybe a bit reserved about it… but I was thrilled they had asked me to document their wedding.
The day came and went as fast as the fastest thing you can think of right now. Friends traveled to Louisville from all over: Chicago, Austin, Maine. The support for Meredith and Troy’s union mounted throughout the day and was apparent from all the warm embraces, tender smiles, numerous toasts and wild laughs on the dance floor.
To be a part of their wedding was tremendous. But honestly, to be a part of their lives is beyond that.
{ Shutterboo Photography }
One of my favorite things to do is look back at the photos I’ve taken over the year. Finding the moments where something clicked, reliving the time spent capturing the photo – it’s all there, right there in my images. And with Shutterboo Photography taking off this year as well, there are so many minutes, so many laughs that I can recall just by staring at pixels.
I took the time throughout the year to write down my favorites from each month – the photos that captured not only something that makes me proud but also captured my mood. They may not be my “best work” or your favorites, but they bring a twinge to my stomach, stir up my butterflies – and I kind of love that feeling.
January: The Virgin Islands
We went cruising last January and my new 7D made it’s way with me to the Virgin Islands. By far one of my favorite images from the year is of my friend Alan standing on the beach in St. Kitts. Every time I look at it, I want to go back.
February: Balloon Self-Portrait
I took this photo for the WPC{2011} but it’s one of my favorites. I’ve taken the advice of my friend Mrs. Rev and strive to take a self-portrait each birthday. So while this isn’t my birthday SP, it was still in February and involved the largest balloons I’ve ever encountered.
March: Chase – the one that can hear
I don’t have very many good photos of my doggin Chase. She despises the camera and usually darts away. But for longer than a split second, she left the blanket on her head and I caught picture. She’s not a silly dog, more of a no nonsense kind of pup… but that just makes this one even better.
April: Meredith+Troy
I was hesitant to take their engagement photos, but man am I so glad I did. Meredith and Troy. I had a blast being with them, jumping all over the place with my nerves, but we walked away with some keepers. “No Parking” is a forever favorite. I know some other people that feel this way as well.
May: The Sorority Girls
I had the honor of photographing several different Sigma Kappas last year but the first group is the one that stayed with me. These three gals, Madison, Kelsey and Sarah, were goofy as could be and didn’t have a care in the world. Not only did we get some fantastic images on UofL’s campus, but they stirred up my girly feelings for the ladies I call my sisters.
June: Little Angry Man
My DAd has said that if you want to capture the pictures others don’t, don’t take the camera away from your eye. I did just that and I caught this little boy in a mini-fit of rage, accusing me of stealing his cousin’s flashlight. I was an innocent bystander holding on to a small flashlight only after being asked to. And well, I snapped this.
July: Cali
I am loving watching all my friends’ children turn into little people. And it’s especially true of Cali – she is her mother once over and I could not believe the fun stories this little girl told during our family session. And I adore this photo of her.
August: Sleepy Ethan
Oh man. I couldn’t wait to get over to Brent and Emily’s to see their youngest son, their third son, and stick my camera in his face. He was as precious as could be, so sweet and mellow. Then he yawned. And then I melted.
September: Heather+Clinton
I had the opportunity to assist Louisville Wedding Photographer Courtney Reece in September. And not only did I learn a lot, but I had such a wonderful time. The time I spent with Courtney and Melinda was some of the best hands-on schooling I’ve had. And the bride and groom, Heather and Clinton, were out-of-this-world gorgeous/in love/fabulous/pick a positive adjective and it will probably fit.
October: The Meehans
I feel the need to say that the mini-sessions I had in October were better than I had even hoped for. Each family was fantastic to photograph, the kiddos were beyondo cute and I felt so blessed to be a part of their lives in 2011. But the Meehans… maybe it was the time of day, I’m not sure… but the colors that came out during their mini-session were like whoa. And I might have a crush on Eli.
November: Theresa+Billy
My cousins who are expecting their first child in February. This definitely took the top spot of any other photographs I took in November – and I got so many awesome photos in November – but this one takes the cake because I cannot help but smile. I could not be happier for them, knowing that it’s taken years to get to this point, but in a matter of weeks, they’ll be a family of three. I am so excited.
December: The Big Deaf Dog
Seriously, could I have left the BDD out? My last photo taken for the WPC{2011}, the theme was “black and white” and the BDD fit the bill. This dog gives me so many headaches… but they’re soon forgotten when she pulls on her sweet face. And even though she can’t hear and does the weirdest things dogs shouldn’t do, I think I’ll keep her.
{ Shutterboo Photography }
Leave A Comment