Hostetler Family - 10.30.08

I love to follow my clients through life and the Hostetler's are allowing me to do just that. Last year I did their family portraits and got to hear a little bit of their life story and I think we may be forever connected. Yesterday I met them at a park near their house for a fun autumn afternoon photo session. Zoe is now 5 and loves to pose in front of the camera. She is such a special little girl and my heart feels a connection to her even though we have only met a few times. Andrew & Barb, I pray that the desires of your heart would be fulfilled! Thanks for sharing a great afternoon with me.

Republican Committee Luncheon - 10.29.08

Yesterday I found myself in a sea of black coats and red ties again. The Republican Committee had a luncheon at the Lancaster Host. I was asked to take candid shots much like I did for their spring dinner in April with Mitt Romney. There were several special guests who made an appearance including, Senator Rick Santorum, Senator Fred Thompson (actor on Law & Order),and actor, Robert Davi (The Profiler). Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels was also there and donated some of her delicious soft pretzels for the VIP reception afterwards! Here are a few images from my morning.

Owen - 10.27.08

Just 7 days old...so tiny (even at 9 lbs. 6 oz.) and yet so much personality. I met Owen yesterday up in Jonestown...what a beautiful drive this time of year with all the colors. I've never seen a newborn so alert. Usually Mom has to poke and prod to get them to open their eyes, but he was completely the opposite, not wanting to miss a moment of his first photo shoot, out of the womb anyway :) Pete & Nicki are proud parents as this is their first child. Nicki wanted lots of "naked baby" pictures and risked getting peed or pooped on. Owen wasn't about to let his mommy off the hook for leaving him without a diaper on. She got nailed about half way through our session. (I think I may have seen a little smile on Owen's face at that point:) He's a handsome one, Mom and Dad...congratulations on your miracle!

Will - 10.26.08

It may have been the last warm day this year...a great afternoon for senior portraits. Will lives within walking distance of the Overlook Park which has some fun old buildings, etc. It was fun getting to know him a little bit during our session. He is an avid dirt bike racer, loves his two dogs and the great outdoors, plays ice hockey for Manheim Township, and is going to PennTech for automotive management next fall. Will, it was an honor to do your senior pictures. Thanks for being so "posable". (Some guys are rather contrary to work with:) Continue to pursue your dreams...your heart comes alive in doing so.

O Happy Day!

Yesterday was a very special day for our family. We had our court date to officially legally adopt Malakai Grant Martin. It was such a great feeling to know that he is forever our son. The judge said to us, "It is as if he was born to you as a biological son." Hallelujah! Our parents came to support us as well as our adoption case worker, Amy. We have grown to appreciate and love her so much for all that she has poured into us by helping us to connect to our dear son. I should go...my son just woke up and wants his breakfast...NOW!!


...Eric's mom made this bear for him when he was a little boy and now passed it on to Malakai.

Thad & Ali - 10.18.08

Saturday we hung out in Orwigsburg (not far from the famous Cabela's in Hamburg) for my last wedding of the season. (Can you believe that!) We met the girls at Ali's parents' house for some prep shots and then walked a block down the road to the church. Then afterwards the bridal party and family rode in a horse trolly back down to the Zimmerman's for portraits. We had fun posing Thad and Ali with their dog, Marzipan, and did more portraits at the country club where the reception was held. We had the BEST apple pie instead of wedding cake and there was lots of dancing and laughter. Thad and Ali I wish you the best in your new marriage and hope that Hawaii was incredible! Here's a few of my favorites from your day...

Cristina - 10.20.08

Cristina is such a sweet girl with a radiant smile that lights up her whole face. A few months ago, I did Cristina's family pictures so we have worked together before and she is a lot of fun. She and her family are missionaries in Spain. But this year she is living with my in-laws to finish her senior year here in the US. Cristina, I have enjoyed the many interactions we've shared already and am looking forward to our family weekend at the cabin in a few weeks. I pray that you would find great friends at Donegal and experience rich relationships and joy in a new culture. We Americans can be rather strange...especially those of us from Lancaster County :) Seriously, who made up shoo-fly pie???

Umbrell Family - 10.19.08

I wasn't always a photographer and believe it or not, I even used to be in 4-H. I showed sheep and pigs. The Umbrell family also showed pigs so I got to know Tina and her brother Nate while smacking our pigs on the shoulders with wooden canes in the show ring. It sounds kind of ridiculous when I write it out like that and unless you have some agricultural blood in you, I don't expect you to understand but it really was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the sheep showing more because they didn't stink and I could really get to know my animal throughout the year. Anyway...this entry is about the Umbrell family, not my 4-H experience...

Dennis and Linda live on a beautiful farm and share a big split farm house with their son, Nate and his wife, Jena and their two kids, Lindsay and Lane. Sunday afternoon we toured around the farm for family pictures. The weather was crisp and refreshing and everyone was excited to capture some family moments together. 5 kids, age 3 and under kept me and Eric (& Malakai) busy! I hope you guys all had fun with me and my "Mexican" husband! You never know what sounds are going to come out of him to get the kids' attention.

Matt & Kate - 10.12.08

Another beautiful fall day for a wedding! Sunday, Matt & Kate tied the knot here in Lancaster. The ceremony was held at a local church followed by a reception at the Mulberry Arts Studio. The day had special little details like 4 adorable flower girls and one handsome little ring bearer, the guys all decked out in orange ties, and the bridesmaids all wearing different styles of dresses in the same color. It was mentioned several times throughout the day that Kate is exceptionally organized (I can totally appreciate that!) and had the day planned out to a tee. It was so easy to work with this bridal party because they were all on time and ready to go when we showed up. That is VERY unusual! We were able to take them to Central Market for some great portrait shots before heading over to the party at MAS. By the way guys, your cake was phenomenal...I hardly ever see chocolate wedding cakes. Enjoy a little preview of your day.

My Favorite Face

How can you not want to squeeze these little cheeks?! He had little surfboards all over his shirt and looked like he was ready to go surfing...especially when he stands up...we call him our "little surfer". Malakai is 10 months old today.

Clint & Dara -10.11.08

He hung a huge sign on the side of a bridge that said,

DARA, WILL U MARRY ME? -Love Clint

This past weekend, these two got married on Dara's family's farm and what a gorgeous Saturday afternoon it was! I love shooting outdoor weddings and this one was like none that I've ever experienced. The ceremony took place down in the woods where they had cleared out a section of trees and hung long streamers of tool for the occasion. No chairs needed for the guests, just straw bales covered with white sheets. Clint even made doors for the back so it felt like you were entering a church. When the doors opened and Dara began her long walk down the wood chipped aisle, I got chills, then looked at Clint who was tearing up. It was a powerful moment...one that had been planned and prepared for long already.

It's really special when the bride and groom become more than just "clients". I felt like I kind of knew these two since I did their engagement shots and then Eric and I borrowed their canoe for our anniversary in June. It was a beautiful ceremony and we were able to get some sweet portraits of the newlyweds with the evening sunlight coming softly through the trees.

The reception lacked not one detail. There were food stations all over the yard with pictures of family members and Clint & Dara, etc. The dessert bar got my attention right away and the caramel apple I took home was scrumptious! The first course was soup in these little carved out pumpkins. I was so excited, but I didn't get to try it because they cleared my place setting before I got to even sit down for a break...I guess I didn't look very hungry, but I was very disappointed :(

Clint & Dara, I am so excited that after four long years of dating, you are finally husband and wife and what a great team you make. Your love for each other is strong...I feel that every time I'm around you. Blessings as you settle into your new home and make it yours! Here's a few images that highlighted your wedding day.

Pumpkin Pickin'

Friday night we went pumpkin picking with our friends Derek & Abby and their daughter Kailea. We love watching our two "Kai's" play together. Malakai had fun eating straw and crawling around while Kailea sat in the Gerber daisies and posed for her Mommy. We hope to make this a tradition that our kiddos can enjoy in the years to come. Derek & Abby, thanks for a fun night and a yummy supper. We love you.

Manheim Farmshow

Last week we took Malakai to his first local fair. He was just taking it all in, not chattering at all. It was a very serious occasion for him :) We took him over to the animals and he got to touch a little chick. When I got it close to his face, he wanted to take a bite out of it and immediately put it in his mouth...oops! Guess he thought it was a nice stuffed animal for him. Then we went out to the parade and the loud trucks and sirens didn't seem to bother him. He did great and we were glad that we have that memory of him now.

Kristie - 10.10.08

2 years ago I did Kristie's sister, Katie's senior pictures and now Kristie is a senior at Donegal High School. Her family has a paper route so they get to see a lot of the neighbor's properties. There is a gorgeous house that sits on top of a hill right down the road from them. The woman who lives there has flowers EVERYYWHERE and even rides around on a golf cart to make her endless job of keeping everything watered and trimmed a little less tiring. Kristie is absolutely beautiful which made my job was so much fun! For a change of scenery we went down the road to my in-laws farm. Don't let her fool you, Kristie may be a fashion queen, but she loves the outdoors and riding horses and wasn't afraid to get a little dirty. Here's a few shots I loved from our session.

Megan - 10.9.08

I first met Megan last summer when I did her brother's wedding and then again this spring when I did her sister's wedding. This morning I got to do Megan's senior pictures. Her and her mom drove up from Glenside (near Philly) for the photo shoot. They had a meeting at Millersville University so they killed two birds with one stone. But they still had to wake up and leave very early. I asked what time they hit the road..."Oh it was 6:25 when we got in the car." But Meg looked great and they enjoyed the beautiful scenery at County Park. Malakai came along and Mrs. Todd entertained him for the morning. He took a 3 hour nap when we got home...thanks for tiring him out! Megan, continue to pursue your love of photography and have fun with your new camera :)

Phil - 10.6.08

"I hate getting my pictures taken!" he declared the minute I walked in the front door of his house. Yet, I knew it would be one of the most fun-filled male senior portrait session ever. And sure enough...I was right! Phil and his family live on a beautiful farm and he wanted his senior pics taken there. I've known Phil ever since I started dating Eric. His family went to the same church we did and I always remember Phil being full of energy and fearful of nothing. Not much has changed. Phil is now studying culinary arts and hopes to be a cook. He loves books and his VW. He had so many good ideas for different poses and even showed me a shot he saw on the internet that he wanted to try with his car. (Hope I did ok with that one, Phil). He is such a life giver and you can't help but smile when he's around. Phil, you have such a passion for relationships and I'm certain that being in the food industry you will meet and serve lots of people. Maybe you can cook up a meal for Eric and I sometime...we'd be glad to be your guinea pigs :)

Todd Family - 10.5.08

Mr. & Mrs. Todd were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and wanted to get a family picture of their 18-member family while everyone was in PA. Their one daughter and her family live 4 hours away in Virginia and were making a day trip for this special occasion. The 10 grand kids were enjoying the park and throwing some football with their dads and uncles. It's always fun to watch extended families who are close-knit.

Fall Fun

Here are a few eclectic pictures that I found in our point and shoot camera from the past several weeks. We are enjoying the wonderful, cooler fall weather we've been having here in Lancaster and are excited to go pumpkin picking with our friends, Derek & Abby and their little girl, Kailea this weekend. We both have kids named "Kai"...so fun!


Grandpa took us to a Barnstormer's game on his birthday. I made it until the 5th inning and then Mommy and Grandma took me home so I could sleep better in my crib.


First swing ride...squeals of joy could be heard through the park!



Story time with Daddy...


Helping to blow out birthday candles...


Malakai helped Daddy open his birthday presents for the first time. He was more excited with the tissue paper than anything else.





I love chewing on Grandma's toy basket.


Daddy digging potatoes in Grandpa and Grandma Landis' garden. Their dog, Truman is helping (you can see him in the background).

Rohrer Family - 10.4.08

I did family portraits for the Rohrer's last fall and it's always fun to have repeat clients. Like I said in the previous post, I grew up less than a mile from these guys and never really got to know them until I became a photographer. Rosie makes and designs incredible cakes for all occasions. So all of you brides looking for wedding cakes, go check out her work at www.rosiescreativecakes.com. I have sat and talked with her about how she juggles being a mom and business woman. I respect and value her wisdom as I am beginning a family of my own. The farm they live on was Dwight's parents and there are so many great places for portraits. They even have a big grape vineyard that we were having some fun in. Thanks for a great night, guys. And Ryan, our chicken BBQ was incredible!

Ryan - 10.4.08

Eric turned 29 on Friday so Malakai and I had fun thinking of creative ways to celebrate Daddy's birthday. We made brownies to share with his co-workers, and took him a balloon. My parents went to a bed and breakfast in West Virginia for the weekend so we were house sitting (and dog sitting) for them. It was fun to have a house out in the country for a few days. Ryan and his family live less than a mile from mom and dad's and I was scheduled to do his senior pictures on Saturday afternoon along with family pictures. It was a beautiful night for portraits on their farm. Ryan is a senior at Hempfield High School and plays soccer. I remember him as a little tyke. Growing up we went to the same church and were neighbors...now he's much taller than me and heading to college next year. Kind of makes me feel old. Here's a few favorites from our session.

Marvin & Dori - 9.30.08

They met at Messiah College years ago, never imagining they would ever be husband and wife. Yet, here they are, smitten with love for each other. They were married September 23rd last year on a beautiful Sunday evening at Lauxmont Farms. There has never been a wedding that Eric and I cried so much at before. Tears of joy streamed down our faces as we watched Marvin literally skipping over the mountain towards his radiant bride, Dori. Their journey to marriage was one of patience and they will tell you themselves that it was worth the wait to find the one that their heart loves. Marvin wanted to surprise Dori with a one year anniversary photo session downtown, Lancaster. It was so sweet to watch them interacting as husband and wife. It's obvious that their hearts are filled to overflowing with love for one another. Marv & Dori, I hope your anniversary trip to Boston is filled with lots of great memories and that you can be refreshed as you spend time together in a new place. You are two of my favorite people in the whole world and I love you both dearly!

Jason & Stephanie - 9.27.08

This past Saturday Eric and I traveled to Hatboro, PA (near the Philly area) for another wedding. The rain was coming and going all day but didn't ruin the outside reception they had planned. A little mud won't hurt anyone. These two are so in love and couldn't stop kissing each other all day which made pictures a lot of fun for us. Stephanie's two daughters, Isabella and Grace were the cutest flower girls and enjoyed wearing tiaras for their mom's special day. I watched as Stephanie slipped that ring on Jason's finger and her eyes welled up with tears...and then mine did too. So sweet to be able to capture two people becoming one. The reception was held at the beautiful home of one of Stephanie's friends. Everyone enjoyed the outside atmosphere, delicious food, and of course...lots of dancing. Jason & Steph...here's to a lifetime of falling more in love with each other.