THE BIG GUY | CHRISTMAS

i landed the biggest job of my life. i couldn't believe it. this was it--the turning point of my photographic career. i was stunned. a star. i was going to be shooting a STAR! when jess first emailed me and asked me to photograph their holiday party a few weeks ago, so many thoughts were flying through my head. am i ready for this? what should i wear? have i been good this year? i wonder if he will bring his sleigh? maybe Rudolph and i can hangout and drink some nog. i better get my list in order. and bake a couple dozen cookies. that's right, folks. i was going to meet the big guy. SANTA. :)

the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, and the kitchen was oozing with wonderful smells. the tree stood proud in a corner, glistening and glowing, while the sound of bells echoed throughout each room. each berry and chocolate and light was in place, and as the guests entered in, children's laughter rang loud and clear. little did they know, he was coming--making a surprise appearance!

Christmas holds wonderful nostalgic memories for me that i look forward to all year. jess and brad started creating these same wonderful memories for their family and friends by hosting a holiday party featuring the man in red himself. there were tons of great memories made that night, and the looks on the kids faces were priceless, but here are a few of my favorite editorial style pics of the night. and i know you were wondering... Rudolph preferred a good glass of Riesling, and Santa loves my baking.

like mother, like daughter | sneak peek

i'm not sure if it was her sparkling blue eyes, her turquoise checked pea coat, or the fact that she grabbed my hand within 5 seconds of meeting her and treated me like her big sister, but from the moment i met this little gem i was in "love"! regardless, this little spitfire gave me and her mom MANY laughs with her, what i will officially term, "alex-isms". mom and daughter have such a special connection and i felt honored to be able to capture it on film. see more of their sneak peek below :)

barns, barefeet, and benny :)

it looked like rain this morning. for a brief second, i frowned, until i inched closer to the window and saw the sun just starting to peek up in the distance. i yawned, i stretched, and i got ready. first stop, an old brick house and barn. this is where we would pick up after a long time.

i hadn't seen her in years, but her familiar face reminded me fondly of college days, residence halls, and a lifetime of memories. while finishing my undergrad, i served as a resident advisor. that's where i met Krystyne and her husband Bernie--only the best hall directors around, of course. :) now, mom and dad of two little guys, i had the opportunity to work with them in another capacity...

truly all gems, and full of so much love for each other. anthony and benny are some of the funniest kids i have ever met. and if you could even read a bit of krystyne's personal blog, you would understand even more. these guys were troopers today. let's just say that we had to talk the boys out of trying to unlock all locked doors...multiple times. and i'm pretty sure i worked off 10 lbs chasing benny around trying to get a smile out of him. thank you, thank you, thank you to my wonderful friends for the opportunity to capture your beautiful connections. check out their sneak peek below :)

if you are interested in booking a fall session, 

i still have spots available :) contact me for more information.