Brad & Sara - 2.23.08

Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to do my first out of state wedding in Hagerstown, MD. We had so much fun photographing this weddding. Brad and Sara were a lot of fun and were excited to celebrate their wedding day with lots of laughing and dancing. The ceremony was at the church where Brad's dad is the pastor. We were able to do some outside shots, but not without getting a little muddy. Sara didn't have boots so I gave her mine. She was a cute bride in her big brown boots! The reception was held at the beautiful Cortland Mansion. Everyone had fun dancing under the disco ball. And the meal...probably the tastiest one I've experienced at a wedding reception. It was a baked potato bar complete with all the fixings and then dessert was a chocolate fondu bar with everything imaginable to dip! Brad and Sara, we rejoice as the two of you become one. Enjoy a few of our favorite shots. You'll have to come and meet little Malakai Grant soon!

My Little Ham

On Saturday, my cousin and his family came in for a visit and they gave Malakai a little fireman outfit. He looked so cute! I did a load of laundry this morning and carried him in the basket back upstairs. He loves motion so as long as we're moving he is happy. As I'm typing this, he's sleeping and smiling in our new Ergo Baby Carrier. (Thanks Mom & Dad Martin!) If any of you are moms never heard of these brilliant inventions, go check them out online. They are made in Hawaii and they are just coming to PA. Bella Boo, in Lancaster carries them. Worth every penny!

Last night we had a shower for him down at the Prince St. Cafe in Lancaster. There were about 60 people there to shower him (and us) with lots of love and gifts. It was a really special night for Eric and I. So many of our friends have been praying for the perfect child for our family and now he's finally here. Their prayers have been powerful and affective! Our son has come home so we want to kill the fattened calf and celebrate!

Getting Familiar...

It seems there is always a reason to take pictures every day at our house these days. Yesterday I watched as Daddy and Malakai drifted off together in Daddy's favorite chair. Last night Gideon and Malakai were having some good interaction together too. We have to give these two small doses of each other right now. Gideon wants to nibble at Malakai, but we know he really loves him. Soon they will be best buddies!

Our Son...

Well, after many years of waiting, Eric and I are finally parents and we are loving it! Malakai is such a sweet baby boy and he has had many visitors already. Here are a few pictures of him with some of his favorite people. It's impossible to post all of the pictures of each of his visitors because the doorbell keeps ringing. We gave him a bath today for the first time and that was a lot of fun for us. We also went on our first walk around the neighborhood as a family (Gideon too) which was a big adventure. We often find ourselves wide awake in the middle of the night with Malakai and we are either playing, praying, singing, feeding a bottle, or changing a diaper. I have been remembering songs my parents used to sing to my brother and I growing up, before we fell asleep. It's incredible how memories are stored in our minds and brought back to life at just the right time. I keep looking at him and saying, "Eric, this is our promise...we get to stare at our promise from the LORD every day for the rest of our lives!" It's so sweet...

Loren & Doreen - 2.16.08

The weekend after Valentine's Day is a very popular one to get married. I had a wedding booked for the past two years on this weekend and they always seem to be extra sweet. Loren and Doreen were married at a church in Camp Hill, PA. It was a beautiful winter day, full of snow and sun. We went to a local farm for pictures before the ceremony. No one seemed to mind the cold weather, even the women who were wearing strapless dresses. The worship time was powerful. I was feeling extra worshipful as the day before Eric and I had found out that we were going to adopt little Malakai Grant for sure. I noticed all of the babies at the wedding more than usual. Doreen and I were neighbors growing up. Our parents are good friends and she would drive me to school before I was 16. It was an honor to photograph her wedding day. Loren and Doreen, I pray that you would experience life and life abundantly as you begin your marriage together. Your love for the LORD is contagious. Enjoy some of my favorite images from your wedding day.