Radiant Images

Snow Day

2012-01-23T08:20:00.005-05:00

This past week we have been dealing with sickness like never before at our house. Malakai had the flu at the beginning of the week and spent most of his days on the couch. Then towards the end of the week, he got a bad cold and by Saturday, Isaac and I had it too. Thank goodness for my mom who made supper on Saturday night when I was laid out flat on the floor by the woodstove declaring it was freezing in the house with wool socks on and a blanket even though the thermostat read 71. We did manage to get everyone out in the snow for a few sled rides and fresh air. Believing for a week of full healing and recovery ahead!

Pajama Party

2012-01-13T10:11:00.004-05:00

This morning we are having a mandatory pajama party. No one is allowed to change out of their pajamas and it's so fun. For Mommy too. Here's to a great winter weekend ahead. Enjoy your warm house. Snuggle with your dear ones and be thankful for the blessings in your life. I am. Here's two of my favorite ones...

Great Grandma

2012-01-06T12:53:00.006-05:00

Yesterday we spent the afternoon with Great Grandma Brubaker. The boys love visiting her and I know it means a lot to her too. She is 90 years old and still drives herself everywhere. She is one of my most favorite people in the whole world and I am so thankful to have her as a joyful part of my life and my family's lives. I wish you could've heard the conversation happening between the three of them as they enjoyed an animal cracker snack and looked through a photo album together. She could live to be 125 but I am going to continue to capture life with her each time we are in each other's presence, because I know each day is a gift and photos are much more than paper. They are lifelong memories frozen in time. They may not mean much to the outside viewer, but to me, these photos are like precious gems. This is the kind of jewelry we all should invest in :)

Merry & Bright

2011-12-27T16:52:00.008-05:00

Christmas Eve we spent with Eric's family. Christmas Day we spent at home. Big breakfast. No agenda. Daddy home all day! Family movie night...Horton Hears a Who (fabulous movie, by the way!) Oh what fun to have two boys this year! Tractors, books, balls, and BUNNIES! Yup, I definitely had two little rabbits in my living room. We brought them in and asked Malakai what he wanted to name them. Instantly he proclaimed, "Lucy and Carrot!" That was easy. We love them and they seem very tame. They will be living in the barn with the cats and my parents' sheep. So don't ask about them being in the house. A husband, a dog and two little boys is perfect for now :) I'm so thankful that we could spend time with all of our family members for the past two weekends. What a gift and treasure it is to have these memories to cherish. Malakai even got to play Memory with his great grandma and they tied. She taught me how to be competitive :)

Who's Who?

2011-12-26T17:06:00.002-05:00

They say we look alike. Today we did some digging and found these shots of Eric and I's 7 month shots to compare to Isaac's 6 month shots. Crazy huh?

Our Baby Boy Turns One

2011-12-26T08:02:00.005-05:00

He was born eight days ahead of his official due date. I had a wonderful pregnancy. Flew to California to photograph a wedding. Traveled to New York to do another. Actually, I photographed 22 weddings with him in my womb! After six years of unexplained infertility, God planted a seed and enabled us to help it grow. Isaac Ray Martin was born on December 26, 2010 at 7:55pm weighing in at 7 lbs. 10 oz. Absolutely perfect in every way. Our deepest desire had been fulfilled. We could now experience what a little bit of Eric and little bit of Regina mixed together would look like, act like, and sound like. He has exceeded our wildest imaginations! Happy birthday, dear son! You are loved beyond measure!

Birthday Morning

2011-12-20T08:07:00.004-05:00

He slept in. Stayed in his pajamas. Ate a big farmer's breakfast. Opened some gifts. Chewed gum. Hauled in wood with Daddy. Rode his bike. Played with Isaac. Now that is one excited birthday boy! He is letting everyone know that he is four years old now. Becoming quite a little man. I am so proud of him. He takes good care of his little brother and I often hear from the other room, "Isaac, do you think that's a good idea?" Oh be careful little mouth what you say :) There are two very intent listening ears. My heart is thankful for my oldest and first born son, Malakai Grant Martin. What a joy. What a miracle.

Christmas is for Giving

2011-12-19T13:08:00.006-05:00

Our family got together this weekend to celebrate Christmas. I am always in awe of the generosity among us. The boys love to help hand out gifts to everyone so it isn't the most organized but it's fun to see their excitement in giving. This is definitely a value I appreciate in my family...the love language of giving. We gave, we ate, we laughed, played games, took some tractor rides, drank hot drinks, etc. We enjoyed two full days of just being together, making memories and thanking God for the gift of each other's lives.

And Then There Were Nine...

2011-12-19T13:00:00.004-05:00

We haven't taken family portraits of us since Malakai was 6 months old. Yeah...we decided it was time again. So Saturday, when the whole family was together, we did a quick 15 minute session outside in the freezing cold. And it even started flurrying! We used a tripod and no, Isaac didn't want to look at the camera, but we're all smiling and documented and that equals success. I even got to do two mini sessions with Wendall and Emily and my parents. I love photographing people that are so special to me. Here we are!

Malakai's 4-Year Portraits

2011-12-16T08:02:00.006-05:00

Tomorrow at this time, I will be the mother of a four-year old. Wow! That feels big. He is big. He's growing up right before our very eyes. Literally. We just got out his growth chart and since June, he has grown almost 3 inches. Seriously! What a gift we have been given. Malakai, you are amazing in every way possible. Your life was planned by Abba Father way before anyone even knew about you. Your name means "My Messenger" and you have a message to share with the world, no doubt. We bless your spirit to soar. You carry love and gentleness to those around you. Many times people have shared with me how you have shown them and their children kindness and love without even trying. It's just who you are. To the core. After we finished this portrait session, he looked at me with a completely sincere heart and said, "Thank you for taking my pictures, Mommy!" My eyes filled up with tears. I didn't force him to say it or even require that he enjoyed it, but he loved every minute of it. And maybe the promised "let's go to the park afterwards...just you and Mommy" may have helped, but still....

Malakai Growing Up

2011-12-16T07:40:00.005-05:00

Almost 4 years ago (tomorrow is the actual day), a 5 lb. 2 oz. perfect little baby boy was born in Philadelphia. We didn't meet him until 8 weeks later, but we knew about him in our spirits. Malakai is the first of two miracle sons the LORD has given to Eric and I. I still remember the first time I held him in my arms. Weeping and making a mess as I looked into the eyes of my beloved son, whom I had longed for for many years. My empty arms were finally full. His deep chocolate skin melted my heart and in an instant I was in love. I looked back through some of my favorite images from his photo sessions over the past four years of his life and tears came to my eyes. He honestly has always loved the camera and I don't have to do much coaxing. He is growing into a handsome young man and we are honored to be his parents.

LIFE...All Caps

2011-12-14T07:58:00.003-05:00

The funeral was on Monday. It was hardly just a typical one. An entire day long celebration of the lives of three incredible people: Jordan. Joelyn. Kyle. I've never experienced anything like it. We worshipped for hours with 2000+ people, in person and who knows how many were watching online. Laughing, crying, hands stretched towards heaven, embracing and processing together all that has happened and all that has yet to happen.

I've been told a time or two, that I have the gift of writing. Last night I told Eric that I feel like there is so much I want to write, but maybe I should just do that for myself and not make it available for the whole world to see. I quickly (and gently) was rebuked. That's the whole point of this. Till all have heard! At his 16th birthday party this past spring, Jordan said to his Grandpa, "I'm going to change the world in one day!" WHOAH! He just felt it deep inside of him. A song was played during the slideshow at the funeral and I can't get the words out of my head:

I'm a warrior...I would die for you

The family told us that the twins, Kyle and Jordan woke up to that song each morning. I was telling Malakai about this. All day long yesterday, repeatedly, he would come up to me and say, "Mommy, I'm a warrior!" That's my boy!

A good friend of ours, watched our boys on Monday and gave us a devotional book. I was reading it before I went to bed after the funeral. The LORD spoke directly to my heart:

I am taking care of you. Feel the warmth and security of being enveloped in My loving Presence. Every detail of your life is under My control. Moreover, everything fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me and are called according to My design and purpose.

Because the world is in an abnormal, fallen condition, people tend to think that chance governs the universe. Events may seem to occur randomly, with little or no meaning. People who view the world this way have overlooked one basic fact: the limitation of human understanding. What you know of the world you inhabit is only the tip of the iceberg. Submerged beneath the surface of the visible world are mysteries too vast for you to comprehend. If you could only see how close I am to you and how constantly I work on your behalf, you would never again doubt that I am wonderfully caring for you. This is why you must live by faith, not by sight; trusting in my mysterious, majestic Presence.

Job answered God: I'm convinced. You can do anything and everything; Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?' I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, 'Listen and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.' I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand-from my own eyes and ears!" Job 42:1-5 (The Message)

If you have ever been to our house, you'll see a painting on the wall of Eric and I overlooking the Susquehanna River sitting on top of Chiques Rock. My parents snapped the picture and a friend of mine painted it for us. I gave it to Eric as a wedding gift. In the expanse of the sky, the scripture below is written. It is also engraved in our wedding bands and has become our life verse.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, " declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55: 8-9

Jordan, Joelyn, and Kyle are experiencing LIFE...in all caps. They have won the victory. Praise the LORD!

Double The Fun

2011-12-13T16:16:00.008-05:00

Our two boys both have December birthdays. Malakai will turn four on the 17th and Isaac will turn one on the 26th. This year we decided to do a joint birthday party. Tried to keep it small...and we ended up with 32 people and there were about 10 that couldn't make it :) The boys had a blast and loved hanging out with their friends and family. And Isaac loved his first taste of cake! I didn't take one single picture all night...Eric was busy snapping away. What an honor to have these two precious gifts of Malakai and Isaac in our lives. I am honored to call them mine, and blessed in knowing they ultimately belong to the One who gave them to us in the first place.

Under His Wings

2011-12-08T07:52:00.003-05:00

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be" Psalm 139: 13-16

I sit down in the green living room recliner. Open my Bible. Read from Psalms. Chapters 91 and 139. Rivers of tears begin to flow slowly. Then a flood. Look at my dusty journal. See last entry dated 6.6.11. Feel embarrassed that it's been that long. Over six months since my pen last touched these pages. Wow, I used to fill several pages a day. This might be messy. Lay it out, Regina. Raw. Unedited. Less than perfectly worded. He loves this. Desires this. Takes great joy in this. It's part of the healing. I need this.

The past 36 hours have been almost unreal. A family tragedy has occurred. Not in a far off untouchable way, but very close to home. About 3 minutes from home to be exact. My cousin, Marilyn and her husband Mark just lost three of their ten precious children. Car accident. Transported from earth to heaven. In an instant. No longer living and yet fully alive for the first time. Oh LORD, did you really need them this soon? The twins just got their license a few weeks ago. Joelyn still had more tapioca pudding to make and many more babies to hold and haul around on her hip. My boys loved her. The animals in the barn are hungry and miss hearing their voices. The grass will be two feet tall if Kyle and Jordan don't mow. Aching. Gaps. Holes.

And yet...there is a higher response. Yesterday morning, at 9:14am to be exact the phone rang. I tore down the steps thinking it was a family member, but my caller ID said, "Higher Response". I picked up, wondering who would be on the other end. No one. I hung up puzzled and yet sensing the LORD was speaking something to me. 9:14am...I felt the prompting. Look up Psalm 91:4...

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

More tears. Today, I am hiding under His wings. It's warm. It's safe. It's the only place. I may stay here for awhile...

Overflowing

2011-12-03T07:13:00.002-05:00

They are as different as their color of skin. Night and day. Apples and oranges. Black and white. Literally. As a photographer, it's important to have some loose expectations of how I want my photo sessions to go...until you work with your own kids. Time to check your expectations at the door and enjoy the ride.

Malakai has always loved (and I do mean LOVED) having photo sessions with me. He woke up on Friday morning asking, "Mommy, is it time to take pictures yet?" I had mentioned it the day before. This morning I looked at some of the images I captured yesterday of him, and literally starting weeping. His spirit just jumps out at me in every image. I don't have to coax him to smile with his eyes. It's all real. Here is one of my (30+) favorites. The rest will have to wait until I post them for his birthday coming up very soon...

And then there is Mr. I'm Not Interested In Doing Anything You Want Me To. I know from experience that 1-year portrait sessions are probably the hardest thing on earth. The almost walking, teething, goldfish-hungry, not-sure-what-to-do-with-myself stage is a blast to capture, right?! He's a good mixture of both Eric and I. And cute, but never on command :) Another favorite image with more to follow on his upcoming birthday.

So I celebrate my boys and ask the LORD for wisdom in knowing how to mother both of them. One needing different things than the other. Isn't that every mother's prayer? I am thankful for their similarities and their stark differences. I remember last year sending out our Christmas cards that said, "Wishing you joy unspeakable this Christmas and always". I was pregnant with Isaac and full of so much anticipation of all that was to come. This year, my heart is literally full to overflowing (tears to prove it) as I consider all that the LORD has given to Eric and I as we have prayed for children.

As I walk with women who are still believing for children who have yet to be conceived, or have lost children in the womb, or have a child and are believing for #2 or #3, I realize the gift of the four little feet that need socks, the two mouths that need wiped, the two hats and coats that need zippered, etc. I am thankful for the naps needed, the same books that we read 20 times a week, the swings that we push, the questions that need answered. The gift of children. The gift of life. Malakai and Isaac...my love knows no end for you.

Good to the Last Drop

2011-12-01T13:40:00.003-05:00

Malakai loves to lick the beaters. Yup, it's that time of year again. Mixing up Christmas cookies! And I think he's a handsome helper. I'm heading out soon to my "outdoor studio" to do my boys' yearly portraits. Lucky them...both in December. Oldest turning four and youngest turning one. I can't wait to see what I come up with. Beautiful day for it. And Grandma is coming to help out. Definite plus!

Fruit of the Womb

2011-11-27T12:59:00.003-05:00

Isaac wore this shirt for the first time today. My mom got it for him when he was born. Very appropriate! He is 11 months old and quite the little ham. He loves to laugh, which isn't surprising since his name means laughter.

O Christmas Tree

2011-11-27T07:18:00.003-05:00

It was a gorgeous day to cut down our tree on Saturday. Didn't even need a coat on. We spent the morning downtown Lancaster. Got some goodies at Central Market, saw some friends we haven't seen in awhile, and then took the boys to the model train display. We were the very first guests for the season. Even got there before the elevators were turned on! Malakai had a blast and I am not sure if he even blinked the whole time we were there. Eyes wide, fingers pointing, mouth open...just taking it all in. And Isaac sat on my hip just drooling and trying to grab every train that went past. When we finally had seen every detail, it was time to head out to our favorite tree farm to chop down our evergreen. Came home with a beauty. Now she's all decked out with ornaments and lights. No, I didn't even take a picture of the finished product, but I'm sure that will come. Let the Christmas festivities begin!

Thanksgiving Morning

2011-11-24T09:25:00.001-05:00

Here are my favorite guys reading the paper together. A favorite activity to do by the wood stove. Happy Thanksgiving! May your plates be full of good eats, your homes be full of great fellowship, and your hearts full of thankfulness for all that was, is, and has yet to be. Let the holiday festivities begin!

Swing With Me

2011-11-20T17:13:00.004-05:00

In this season of giving thanks, I am thankful for so many things, but the three people below are on the top of my list. A loving best friend and husband, a sweet spirited, kind hearted, fun loving almost four year old son, and a happy, giggly, soon to be walking 11 month old baby. How can I keep from singing? Thank you, Father for the gift of life. May I never take one breath of it for granted.

Abe & Rachel: Real Life Fairytale

2011-11-17T06:06:00.009-05:00

He knew that she loved strawberries, so instead of giving her a flower on their first date, he gave her some strawberries he had picked from a local patch on his way home from work. He had already won a little piece of her heart. A little over two years later, they went to Disney World- a first for both of them. On the first day, they spent the afternoon in Magic Kingdom, like two little kids taking it all in. From their table at dinner that night, they could see Cinderella’s Castle. The plan was to eat dinner and then watch the fireworks. After finishing dessert (a baked strawberry crisp, of course) the waitress brought the check and said she had one more thing for them. Rachel was still clueless and thought she was bringing Mickey-shaped mints. Then amid normal conversation Abe said “I know you don’t like surprises… so I am going to give you the heads up...in five minutes, I’m going to propose.” He said it so casually that she actually asked, “Propose what?” thinking he wanted to take a cab home or stay later. He said, “Marriage propose!” As the fireworks started going off over Cinderella’s Castle, “When you wish upon a star” began playing overhead. The waitress brought a pillow with a glass slipper and a tiara on it. Abe got down on one knee and said, “Will you let me be your Prince Charming, from now until happily ever after?” She said, “Yes,yes, yes!!!” He slipped on a beautiful engagement ring and they sat and watched the fireworks go off over the castle in Disney. Meet the happy couple...

Birthdays and Get Aways

2011-11-14T10:55:00.005-05:00

November is one of my favorite months for a lot of different reasons. Fall is just beautiful and crisp at this point. It's my birthday month and my business is usually slowing down around this time as the holidays approach and colder weather sets in. This means less stress and a chance to get away with Eric. We have planned fall get aways for the last few years and have never been disappointed. This past weekend, our friend Darren and his new bride, Grace had their wedding reception in his home town of Chambersburg. They got married in South Korea so it was amazing to finally be able to meet this beauty and celebrate God's faithfulness to them. We decided to make an overnight stay out of it instead of driving almost four hours in a day. It was our first night away since Isaac was born so we were thankful for the extra rest. We did some Christmas shopping, ate at a new cafe down town Lancaster called Bon Appetit and got some donuts across the street at Fractured Prune. Oh. My. Goodness! Our tatsebuds were more than satisfied! We stayed at a beautiful bed and breakfast and did some hiking before heading home. Our hearts are feeling fully alive, our love tanks are overflowing and we are refreshed and thankful for a break in the routine of life.

Here are some images from my birthday last week. Eric cooked me an amazing jumbo shrimp dinner, brought home some beautiful flowers and a massage when I'm ready to use it! And then we had dinner at my parents' the next night. And the next morning I got a haircut...bangs and everything. It was an exciting week around here!

Pietropola Family

2011-11-07T08:09:00.006-05:00

They are the dearest little family and I always look forward to their sessions. Lance & Lindsay are both very laid back and just roll with life. And also very in love! This makes photographing their family so much fun. Ella is now 4 years old and full of opinions and cuteness. Luke is the newest addition and is affectionately known as "Fuzzy" (named by his big sister because of the little tuft of hair on the top of his head). Check out this adorable bunch...

Family Worship Night

2011-11-07T05:59:00.002-05:00

Malakai comes to life when I break out my guitar. He loves to sing and dance (and he's got some incredible moves) and play his tambourine. Last night I left him play my guitar for a little and he said he'd like to have lessons some day. Awesome, kiddo! And Isaac just melts when we have family worship night. It totally and completely relaxes him and he doesn't even move...which is quite a feat if you've met our little mover and shaker. What a great night praising our Creator together!

Emilee: Senior

2011-11-03T06:50:00.008-04:00

We met at the Belvedere Inn. This is where Emilee goes with her family to celebrate great accomplishments in life so it is a very special place to her. City sessions are so fun simply because you never know where the best surprises (photography-wise) are hiding. We walked past an alley and I spotted a great little corner that most people would just call dark, ugly, and the last place on earth to take pictures of a beautiful girl in high heels. Well, those are some of my favorite images from the session. Emilee willingly trusted me, hopped up on the loading dock (thanks to a random pickle bucket), and did her thing. She loves her friends, family, and her orange cat, Oliver. She has a wonderful sense of fashion and creativity. After high school she has future dreams of being a pediatric nurse and living in a big city. Meet beautiful Emilee...

Our Family Of Four

2011-11-02T05:56:00.006-04:00

To those of you who think this photographer mom has special powers to make her kids smile and pose just right, I want to assure you that you can put that lie to rest. This past weekend when it was our turn to look happy and all put together in front of the camera. Easier said than done. Isaac decided he was going to throw a wrench into the plan. Or at least throw a fit anyway. My always happy baby boy was anything but. About 5 minutes into the session he was callin' it quits. After a few tosses in the air, lots of peek-a-boo, snot and tears, this momma wasn't sure what to do. Of course Daddy saved the day. He ran into the house and brought out a granola bar...or maybe three and we just keep shoving them in for the rest of the session. Worked like a charm. Boys and their bellies. Malakai on the other hand always does great and was true to his nature. And all the images of Eric and I...let's just say if there was sound in pictures, it would probably change the way you think when you look at our calm, focused faces. There might have been a wailing child a few feet away from us. But rest assured, big brother was making sure that granola bar got into the right place. Thanks to my dear friend, Voni for making this annual tradition of fall family pictures one we always look forward to, even with snot and tears. Ah yes, memories. Here we are...no faking anything.

Firemen

2011-11-01T05:08:00.002-04:00

These guys are ready to put out fires! We visited a few friends in the city and our old neighborhood last night for old times' sake and had a blast. Wouldn't you love if these two handsomes showed up at your front door?

Andrew & Rebecca: Engaged

2011-10-31T09:55:00.008-04:00

Sometimes life takes some twists and turns that no one can expect – this is their story. Living 1,000 miles apart, a chance meeting forged a friendship that later grew into a deep rooted adoration for one another. They got engaged a little over a month ago and are ready to embrace the future with arms wide open. God has guided them both on a broken road that has lead them to each other.

Bumpy Road

2011-10-27T10:33:00.005-04:00

I picked Malakai up from preschool on Tuesday. "He needs to dress in costume on Thursday for the parade." Gulp. We don't celebrate Halloween or really go trick or treating. He can't be the only kid in the class not participating. I have less than two days to come up with a brilliant idea. Think of something, Mom! So I went online and googled "homemade boys costumes" and this is what I found. All you need...adhesive velcro (had some on hand for who knows what reason), electrical tape, and a few match box cars. Malakai is really into match box cars right now and he begs us to drive down a nearby road with lots of hills that he has affectionately named "the bumpy road". So here he is, walking around with all the other kids (who are donning some not-so-homemade costumes) with great confidence. The fingers on his cheek mean, "I'm nervous because everyone is starring at me." They even sang two songs and did some hand motions which he loved.

Weber Family

2011-10-26T13:06:00.009-04:00

Dave and Alex live on a beautiful 100 acre horse farm where Dave was raised. Here, he trains and boards horses as well as giving riding lessons and teaching horsemanship clinics. God blessed them with six beautiful children: Tyler, Emily, Jacqualyn, Layne, Madelyn and Lydia. All of them ride in High School or Youth rodeos. They help out on the farm and they love being with each other. Alex shared with me that they thoroughly enjoy their children, family and farm/country life, horses, dogs and other critters. She was born and raised in Germany and went to school to become an RN but is now a stay at home mom who raises her kids and German dachshunds.

Read To Me

2011-10-25T07:37:00.003-04:00

Yesterday morning I heard some commotion out in the kitchen. I came out to find that Malakai had pulled up two chairs and was reading to Malakai from his new fire engine coloring book. A fire truck came into his preschool recently and he got a whole bag full of goodies. Isaac seemed very impressed and contentedly munched on his cheerios.

Adam & Angie

2011-10-19T06:10:00.006-04:00

Angie and I grew up together. Our parents were good friends, we went to the same church, showed sheep together, and swam in her family's swimming pool as many summer days as we could. It was so fun reconnecting with her during this session.

They met as teenagers many years ago, became high school sweethearts and have been married for 12 years. Adam & Angie have two loveable dogs, Cody (yellow lab) and Nitro (black lab). The photo shoot was initiated to have a 'family pic,' including Cody & Nitro, as both are getting older. If I needed the dogs to move, I just threw a stick, a rock, or anything really, and they were off chasing after it. Nitro is a trained hunting dog. Very impressive to watch him at work. Their family enjoys being outdoors, living in the woods (on a dirt road) and traveling to the mountains. In addition to the dogs, Adam loves to hunt and fish. Angie enjoys scrapbooking, cooking projects and yoga. Check out their fun loving family...

Kent & Cindy: Love is Freedom

2011-10-17T12:20:00.018-04:00

She waited her whole life for him. The one who would steal her heart and love her unconditionally. Kent, you are a blessed man to call Cindy your bride. They could've asked anyone else to photograph their wedding. A lot of their friends are photographers, so Eric and I felt exceptionally honored to be asked to do it. The day could not have been more beautiful. 80 degrees. Leaves beginning to change. Full sunshine. October in all her glory.

Weddings often evoke a lot of emotion in me, but this one was different. When you witness a friend getting married it's a much stronger emotion than someone you don't know. Cindy and I were born a day apart (she beat me by one day), went to high school together, were in homeroom together, lived in the city and went to church together. We definitely have some history with each other.

She was a truly radiant bride on her wedding day. Kent was overwhelmed when he saw her for the first time. I wept like a baby as her father shared from his heart in public, when he gave her away to Kent. I don't think anyone could listen without some tears falling. Then worship...oh wow. The view of the water and trees in front of us was incredible. Again, I wept. It was like heaven visited earth. It was a joyful day like no other. Friends and family gathered from all over to celebrate their love. They sailed off on a boat, but this is just the beginning of their story. Kent & Cindy, what a great way to finish up our wedding season with your wedding day. You are in for one incredible journey. Love truly is freedom!

Our Little Pumpkins

2011-10-15T06:11:00.004-04:00

It poured all day long off and on and I didn't even think we could do it, but the sun came out and it was a gorgeous evening. Last night we went and picked pumpkins for the first time with our friends, Derek & Abby and their family. We had such a fun time together. The hayride out to the patch was a highlight for Malakai, of course. We came home with a whole bunch of really cool pumpkins.

Clean Out The Fridge

2011-10-15T06:06:00.004-04:00

If Isaac is close by when I open the fridge these days, he thinks it's just grand to start taking things out. I have lots of help "organizing". I think the fun is just beginning....

Rob & Allison: Married

2011-10-13T09:45:00.014-04:00

80 degrees and sunny in October? How incredible is the weather these days?! Rob & Allison had a gorgeous day and beautiful fall colors to go with it. Rob's best man and brother said that these two have been together longer than most people have even known each other. Finally, they are husband and wife! Her dad wept as he gave her away and entrusted her to Rob. A moment to treasure forever. Guests threw bird seed as the two drove away in Allison's yellow convertible VW beattle. The celebration continued at the Fireside Tavern with carmel apple favors as my favorite (and very tasty) highlight! Enjoy a few images of their wedding day...

Zodet Family

2011-10-08T10:56:00.009-04:00

I met this family when their youngest daughter, Avery was less than a year old. She is now five...spunky, curious, and adorable. Autumn, her older sister is nine. Brilliant, quiet, beautiful and lady-like. Both love to pose, both make me laugh. Brian and Vicki are going to celebrate 12 years of marriage next week. Congratulations on a job well done! And dear Skye...the affectionate 11-year old pup. She couldn't resist giving even the photographer some kisses while I was working. Happy Columbus Day weekend!

Eric's Birthday

2011-10-04T07:57:00.003-04:00

We celebrated another year of Eric's life yesterday. I am so blessed to be able to walk beside my best friend in life. He is more than I could've asked for or imagined in a husband and father to our boys. Birthdays have always been a big deal in my family and I love to honor a person's life when we remember the day they were born. We partied with our families this year and enjoyed lots of yummy desserts. Ice cream, chocolate cake with peanut butter icing, peanut butter pie and chocolate cream cheese cupcakes. Oh yes, we do it right :)

Rainy Day

2011-10-03T14:49:00.003-04:00

It's always a beautiful day to ride bike in Malakai's mind. Even if it's cold and rainy, he doesn't really care. Just get him on his bike and he's a happy camper. So, out we went. Runny noses and rain drops. How do you spend a rainy day?

My Littles

2011-09-30T16:58:00.000-04:00

I can't help falling in love with you, boys!

Saying Goodbye

2011-09-29T10:11:00.002-04:00

She's been part of our family for 9 years. It's been a good long ride, but the time has come to say goodbye and find a new home for her. We are selling our 2000 Chevy Malibu. Contact us for more details if you are interested.

Stoltzfus Family

2011-09-28T15:42:00.007-04:00

She was my typing teacher in high school so I had trouble calling her by her first name. I kept wanting to call her Mrs. Stoltzfus. I guess now that I've been out of school for 13 years I can relax a bit. I had given LMS a free portrait sitting to donate to the school auction and she won it. I asked how often they do family pictures. "We haven't ever had them done professionally." she replied. I knew we would have fun.

They enjoy being outdoors in creation and passionately love the Creator Himself. Mason, their oldest son is raising chickens, a Hans Herr FFA member, passionate about being a witness for Christ and a natural leader. He looks forward to hunting season and trips to the mountains. Natalie, their daughter is a determined and focused achiever who loves volleyball, hanging out with her friends and her pup Skippy. Luke, the baby of the family is fun loving and wants to make a positive impact on everyone he meets. He loves reading, ice hockey, soccer, and his cowboy boots. I couldn't wipe the smile off of his face if I tried during our session. He really was having a blast. Rod and Heidi are two teenage sweethearts who God brought together and continues to bless through their marriage, family, work and friends.

Fall Beach Day

2011-09-28T07:53:00.009-04:00

September might seem late, but it's still a beautiful time of year to head to the beach. The forecast didn't look too promising but we decided to go for it anyway and we're so glad we did. It was a warm, overcast, dolphin-jumping day at Cape Henlopen, DE and we all had a great time of relaxing, eating, and laughing together. Malakai was getting more friendly with the ocean and Isaac loved crawling around on the beach blanket. Next year, I think I'll be very focused on his whereabouts on the beach! Grandpa brought along the "famous" shovel, which usually helps to produce massive holes or gigantic animals. He had the attention of many little people on the beach. Mom loves to take long walks on the beach which was fun for her and I to just let the kids with the men and have some mother/daughter time. Wood-fired pizza on the way home and we called it a day. Good bye Ocean, see you again next year.

Rob & Megan: Wedding Day Parade

2011-09-23T15:03:00.017-04:00

Little did they know they were getting married the same day as the Whoopie Pie Festival in Strasburg and the Puerto Rican Parade in Lancaster City. Megan literally walked down the aisle to all the "bells and whistles" associated with noises at a parade. There was much celebration and rejoicing over this marriage for many reasons! After being together for six years, it was finally time to make her his Mrs. and Rob a happy man. The walk down the aisle towards her handsome groom, their first dance as husband and wife, and her twin sister's maid of honor toast were a few moments that brought tears to Megan's eyes as the reality of what was actually happening set in. Her dream was coming true. She was marrying her best friend. They get to walk hand in hand for the rest of their lives. Enjoy a small preview of their beautiful wedding day.

Kylie: Senior

2011-09-20T05:39:00.001-04:00

I always enjoy when I have the opportunity to photograph a girl who just loves the camera. Kylie's session was so much fun for me. She is an aspiring young photographer herself and knew how to work it. And here is a little bit about her:

She's tiny, but fiesty...don't let her fool you. Yes, she is a field hockey girl but she doesn't wear a skirt. No no, she's all padded up, complete with a helmet...goaltending. I'm thinkin', not too many balls get past her. Bargain hunting for unique fashion finds is a passion of hers. With each outfit change she proceeded to tell me about the few bucks she spent on the dress, shoes, or jewelry. I was shocked and would love to hire her to be my personal shopping assistant. And her car. Oh yes, it has eyelashes and is named Carter. She's the kind of girl who just loves to love, everything and everyone. And it's contagious when you get around her.

Kylie states, "I make time for what's most important to me. God has completely changed my life and I couldn't be more grateful. I'm writing my lift story...it's always something new." One of her favorite quotes is Helen Keller, " Life is either a daring adventure, or it is nothing." I believe she is a living testimony to this. She is going to change the world, that's for sure.