Earth Day

Okay, I know it's been a while since I last posted. It's been sorta crazy around here. I just had Amanda and Jonathan's wedding on Friday. It was a blast. Unfortunately the weather was not cooperating all week, and the ground was soaking wet. But we still managed to get some great shots. I decided to take the weekend off (well, sorta off, I did a little bit of work) so I don't have pictures yet. But I should have some tomorrow. In the meantime, I wanted to mention the city of Chicago is participating in Earth Month. My friend Megan Gervase (which I'm sure you will see pictures of from time to time) emailed me to let me know. Chicago is doing something really great. They are collecting all of your old eyeglasses, and giving them to families in need in developing countries. You can drop them off to any Lens Crafters, Pearle Vision, Sunglass Hut, Sears or Target optical centers. They are doing some other really great things now thru May 20th, check out their flyer.

Lastly, Kailee has just turned 15 months. I can't believe it! She's getting so big. She is talking, A LOT now. My husband says "just like her mommy!" Whatever! I'll send some pictures soon.

Gina & Eric's Engagement Pictures

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of doing engagement pictures for Gina & Eric. We went to their hometown of Yorkville, and got some of the shots right in their own backyard! The weather in the Chicago area has been quite unpredictable lately, and of course, the day we picked, was not one of the better days. But Gina and Eric were great sports, and we had a really great time driving around the town. They're getting married in May, which is right around the corner. Anyways, here's a few pics from the day.

Let Us Remember

I'm sure by now everyone is quite aware of the tragedy that has gone on at Virginia Tech. This is something that I never thought I'd have to blog about, but I can't seem to un-glue myself from the TV as more and more is uncovered from what transpired. I couldn't even begin to imagine how horrified, alone, and confused the victims must have felt as they spent their last minutes on earth. The mind is so mysterious, so you wonder what kind of state someone must be in to harm so many innocent people, with such bright futures ahead of them. As a parent myself, my heart goes out to the families who have lost someone dear to them. Please remember to keep them in your prayers.

Ginger's Communion

Well, I hope everyone had a great Easter. It was a very busy weekend for my family, celebrating started on Friday, then Saturday, and finally Sunday for two family stops. What a weekend. But I wanted to share some pictures of a first communion shoot I did. Meet Ginger. She is 9 years old. We did a few traditional photos, but there's nothing traditional about Ginger. Her mom, Jill, said she's a little sassy one. And boy was she right! We had a lot of fun on her shoot. I barely had to direct her, she's a natural! We ended up doing a little album for them and her invitations for her party. Hope you like the pics!

Love My New TV Show

Well, just getting ready for the Easter weekend. I love and hate holidays all at the same time. I love getting together with family and friends...but I hate getting ready for it. And I don't know about you, but I usually feel like I need to take a holiday after a holiday. Well, tonight, I was cleaning the house, when I realized my new favorite show was about to come on, october road. I am in love with the characters on this show. Maybe it's because I feel like I have friends just like them. Who doesn't have the guy friend in their group who picks up all the hot chicks...but doesn't really like any of them. Or the friend that disappears for years, and all of a sudden comes back into everyone's lives so unexpected. I don't know, there's something about this show, that I feel like I'm part of the group, like I'm sitting right next to them when everything is happening... they have packed each hour and in 2 or 3 episodes I feel like I know all the characters so well. If you haven't checked it out, it's on Thursday evenings at 9:00pm central time. Let me know what you think of the show!

More on Vegas

Okay, as promised, I'm posting some additional photos from Vegas. These photos are compliments from my friend Kenny Kim, check his blog out. The first photo is me, David Jay, David Burke, and Kenny. If you didn't read my last blog, David Jay has been my inspiration to get Bellissima moving in the right direction. I have followed his work, and was SOOOO excited to finally meet him. I was actually so nervous, that James ended up tapping him on the shoulder to talk with him! I never get nervous! But he was really cool, and talked with us for a while. We all ended up eating dinner together that night, and can you believe it, no one had a camera! Anyways, he'll be in Chicago speaking in May, and I can't wait to meet up with him again. Continuing introductions, David Burke and I met in California at Mike Colon's seminar. We've become great friends. He's an awesome guy, and we I just found out on the trip that him and his wife Bridget are expecting another baby! Congrats!





The second photo I'm posting we've added James at the bottom, and in the middle next to DJ is Corey McNabb. He is from Asheville, North Carolina. I also met Corey at MC's seminar, and I feel has been a bit of a mentor (whether he knows it or not :) to me. He's been doing photography for a while, and has recently stepped into the wedding arena. Last but not least is Melissa Rich. Melissa and I also met at MC's. She is from Denver, and one hell of a photographer. Most of the people I have met are from seminars and tradeshows. But what was unique about MC's seminar is our group became really close. We had 13 people, and 12 of us made it to WPPI. We all met up a few times, which was really cool to catch up. Unfortunately, there's not much coming up for all of us to get together again. But there's always next year!!