I love photographing engagements :: the way they smile at one another, finding out what makes them laugh, and what puts a sparkle in their eyes. The way he squeezes her hand at juuuust the right moment.

Michelle and Chad were all that and a bag of chips. So completely in tune with each other, knowing what the other was going to say or do before the moment presented itself. Because, sometimes, you just know. Kind of like how they met. She stood out to him for many reasons. Her laugh. Her eyes. The way she loves to live. He knew it the minute he saw her. And as their lives intersect and they embark on their journey of an intertwined life, we paused for a moment to acknowledge their engagement and the way they love to live, together.

Sportin’ a little bling ::

And some seriously fierce shoes. Love me some Louboutins…

Oh, and did I mention the ridiculously cute pup?! Seriously…those eyes!

We enjoyed some wide open spaces,

And some seriously steamy moments too.

More puppy, you ask? You shall receive.

Michelle and Chad, I can’t wait to see all your fabulousness this fall at the wedding!

One of my favorite collections in our home (and I have a few…) is a handful of vintage Kodak Duaflex and Brownie cameras, along with other assorted box and pocket cameras from the 20′s, 30′s and 40′s, along with the Canon AE-1 that I first learned to make photographs with, soooo many years ago. Some are family possessions, others found at flea markets and vintage shops. It’s fun to imagine the images that came of these little cameras, not to mention the people who were trying to huddle everyone together to make a portrait. There’s no exposure meter on most of them, so it had to be a wing and a prayer to see if the photo would turn out, when the film came back from the lab. Oh, how times have changed.

I have this letterpress print in my home (a lovely gift) and it’s so fun to pass by each day…

And perhaps it would be nice to add a couple of these….

Or maybe a kitschy clock too (I actually own this little camera body, love how the artist added a clock face to it!).

I love the rich, extraordinary stories of families. (I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I love families.) I love that no matter where your story begins, it ends with the people around you who matter most.

The story of this family begins many places–and with each, a unique opportunity to intertwine their lives with another through the gift of adoption. With each addition to their family, one by one, their individual voices have grown, weaving together to create the chronicle of a family surrounded in warmth, friendship and love :: supporting one another through life’s challenges and celebrations.

To honor this point in their lives together as a family, we ventured to one of their favorite locations. It was a delight to see their enthusiasm for the comfort they took in somewhere so familiar, and the joy in experiencing their favorite activities as we made our way around the property.

No visit is complete without a trip to see the cows (this is the Midwest, after all) ::

And a run through a magical garden.

We explored, reveled in the wide open skies with its approaching storm clouds, and wrote our own adventure ::

We played a little peek a boo ::

We had quiet moments and happy moments filled with energy and enthusiasm ::

And there was, and always will be, love. SO much love.

Ellner family, it’s an honor to share in your joy as you continue to write your beautiful story about the meaning of family, life and love…I’m humbled by your energy, your laughter, and your admiration for each other and your beautiful children. Much love!

For real, iTunes. How is it that you know exactly what I want to hear at the moment I’m dying to hear it?

So smart.

I love these…. super-smart iTunes Genius Mixes. It’s like iTunes reads my mind. Madelaine Peyroux? Sure. Mumford & Sons? Yes. Iron + Wine? Cool. One click and there they are, new artists and old classics, happily blended together and waiting to entertain me as I power through my latest design project or editing a portrait session. It’s like my soundtrack for life.

It’s all in the way he looks at her. The way he holds her chin, kisses her gently on the forehead and looks into her eyes, as though he can know what she’s going to say even before she has the opportunity. And she can only help but smile.

She knows.

She knows how much he loves her. She knows what life in ten, thirty, fifty years from now will be like. That, even so many years from now, he’ll hold her chin, kiss her gently on the forehead, and they’ll both smile, knowing the happy, beautiful life they’ve journeyed through together.

I’m honored to be part of celebrating their engagement and upcoming wedding this summer. We started off their lovely evening session with a sweet treat at one of their favorite hangouts ::

Such a rich, strong foundation for their relationship — friendship, the connection they share, and their genuine admiration for each other. I love the sweet, intimate moments balanced with fun, playful ones, too ::

So, so happy and at peace together.

Lauren, you are simply gorgeous. Just gorgeous.

And a parting shot ::

Thanks for a wonderful evening, Nathan and Lauren! Can’t wait for the wedding this summer! Cheers!

I came across this quote recently…

One of the greatest gifts
That life can give to anyone
Is the very special love that families share…
As years go by,
It’s good to know that there will always be
Certain people in our lives who care.
For there are countless things
That only families have in common
And memories that no one else can make…
And these precious ties that bind a family together
Are bonds that time and distance cannot break.
How fortunate we are
When we have relatives to love us,
It makes the world a happy place to be…
Few gifts in life
Will last as long
Or touch the heart as deeply
As the very special gift
Of family.

(craig tunks)

I believe in families :: both biological, the ones we’re born with; and chosen, built of friends who we couldn’t imagine our lives without. I believe that no matter what we may encounter on our journey with life, that we always come back to the people who matter the most to us. And to have the love and support of the people you trust as you journey through life…that is one of life’s greatest gifts.

This family, and their precious ties, was a joy to photograph! Through cheerful giggles and the sweet, kind demeanor of the girls…we explored, spun pinwheels (and watched as the wind blew them, too) and celebrated their precious gifts of life and love.

Seriously…what a beautiful family!

We were braving 40+ MPH winds during their session…and the little one was thrilled that her pinwheel spun like magic! Sheer joy all over her face…

I’m totally in love with their Matilda Jane outfits. So adorable!

The curiosity of the youngest is so cute–and her giggle is totally infectious!

Thank you, Smith family, for allowing me to tell your beautiful story! I’m honored to be part of celebrating these moments in your life together as a family. Much love!

I know, I don’t usually post stuff about my little family. (Most days I figure you don’t want to hear much about my latest accomplishment in nose-wiping.)

Little Man looooooves to golf. The hubs taught him to swing a club last summer and even went so far as to buy him a real (i.e. non-plastic) golf club his own size. And they talk about someday, when Little Man has a couple more birthdays, when they can go to the golf course and play together. Since the weather has been cooperating so magnificently, hubs thought it would be a good time to go out and hit a few balls at the driving range.

Little Man couldn’t get enough of it. He had some whiffs. He had some big hits. And it was great to see the two of them participate in something that they both enjoy.