Christmas has come and gone and we’re left with the memories of what this years festivities held.  For us our greatest gift is our new addition to our family and the love that surrounds us each day.

As part of our family tradition we had to stuff our big boy in our stocking for our babies first Christmas photo that is hung on our Christmas tree.  It’s so sweet to see the three kids hang there.

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and that the year ahead of you is joyous and prosperous!

Being on maternity leave with my family is wonderful.  I can’t imagine trying to manage juggling new life with our family of five, as well as business.  I appreciate all your well wishes and understanding while I enjoy this much valued time off.

Things are going great with Dez.  Time is flying by fast as today marks his 4th week.  Andre says he’s a month old now, but I think you go date to date to mark that. How would you calculate it?  Either way I can’t believe he’s a MONTH old either today or in 2 days.  Isn’t that’s crazy!!!

He’s a very healthy eater and is growing like a weed.  At 4 weeks he’s 12.8 pounds and 22+ inches long.

Here’s my little chunky monkey.

Introducing…

Sweet as can be he’s now 3 weeks old.  He’s rounding our family off beautifully and has Nate and Lana, ahem… well all of us wrapped around his precious little finger.

As for me, I’m on maternity leave through the New Year.  I’m available for phone calls and emails so feel free to contact me.  I’ll respond as quickly as possible… I’ve quickly realized that I’m not in control of my schedule right now.  Dez is!

I’m actually on maternity leave.  I’m sorry for not blogging sooner… but I’ve been enjoying my my time by recovering, spending time with our newly shaped family and getting to know my precious baby boy.

On November 20th my husband and I welcomed our third child Dezmond Dominik into our family…. literally.  Andre and I delivered him at our house.  Yes, we had a semi-unassisted home-birth.  I say “semi” home-birth, because thankfully our wonderful birthing team (Mid-wife Christy Martin, her assistant Abby, and our Doula / Hypnoduola Kathy O’brien) arrived just minutes after Dez was born (they were caught in Friday night rush hour traffic).  Immediately upon arrival they took incredible care of Dez and I and we couldn’t have done it without them.

Having Dez naturally at home was such an amazing experience that has bonded us all together in such a loving and intense way.  Being at home for his birth was so soothing, comfortable, and most of all it was just right for us.  At birth Dez weighed 9.6lbs and was 20.5in long.  My biggest baby yet.

Proud Dada Andre taking in all of Dez’s sweetness.

Me, proud and shocked Mama, taking in the moment, shaking a bit, and high from the experience.

Nate and Lana… simply in AWE of their baby brother.

Andre and I had planned for a home-birth, not so much the unassisted part, but when it happened, we worked together perfectly and encouraged each other throughout the two pushes… then Dez was there and in my arms.  I always say that Andre is great, but really you must know after this he truly is AMAZING.  I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful partner and best-friend to experience life with.

Photo taken by Kathy O’brien.

It seems like not too long ago, they were new to saying I am a high school graduate (Class of 06 & 07).

Fast forward to the present where they proudly said “I do”.  Photographing these stages in their lives has brought such joy and satisfaction to my job.  Ah, I love what I do!!!

They worked as a wonderful team coordinating each detail of their wedding day.  Justin really step it up and was super attentive to everything Kayla needed.

Andre and I had a wonderful time capturing their love and unity.  We look forward to capturing so much more in their lives.

love these moments!bliss!in the moment!  true love!

To see more from their wedding click here for their slideshow.

♥ Congratulations Kayla and Justin!  We wish you the best in your life and marriage together.

One of my new favorite dates with my husband is shooting weddings.  It’s the coming together of our ideas, perspectives, technical and artistic talents.  It’s knowing that he’s there for me and I’m there for him.  It’s our ability to make eye contact to communicate our needs and desires for capturing the day.  He’s my favorite person to photograph with and he’s without a doubt my favorite person to witness the unity of other couples as it enables us to live in the moment capturing one of life’s greatest emotions, L♥VE.

Brandee and Kenneth’s love is sweet and honest.  They have a sophisticated relationship that is undeniably real.  Their wedding was held at White Chapel UMC in Grapevine, TX.  The beautiful ceremony was followed by an elegant reception at the wonderful Gaylord Texan.

Andre and I are thankful they invited us along for such a wonderful event and a great date!  ; )  Who say’s you can’t have fun while you work or love your job with whom you are accomplishing it with!

I LOVE it when couples choose to have the see each other before the ceremony.  It gives them a beautiful private moment seeing other for the first time.  They’re able to exchange words of love right away and enjoy a few minutes of peace before the days events take over. 

Brandee’s brother proudly walked her down the isle.

White Chapels immense sanctuary.

Love this moment!

Details at the Gaylord Texan were beautiful!  A beautiful venue for a wonderful wedding!

yummy cake!

inspired.

Congratulation Brandee and Ken!  It was our pleasure to document your wedding day and your love for each other!

To view more from Brandee and Kenneth’s wedding click here for their slideshow.

Life and business has been busy to say the least.  With this our blog has suffered. I will do my best to post our recent shoots and weddings within the next few weeks.  Starting with this sneak peak!