This month has been such a treat for me and it’s not even over! Because of cancelations and some strategic booking, I’ve been able to give myself a break in the middle of wedding season. It’s funny really. But I’ve loved actually being able to have a summer. I might just have to take every August “off”. This month has been full of camping, getaways, and lots of PLAY! My father-in-law works for Rio Tinto and they sent out a “discover utah” coupon book that has free admission to SO many great places. So I’ve been hoping around the valley enjoying attractions I’m normally way too cheap to frequent I actually took my camera when we visited This is the Place Heritage Park and thought I’d share a bit of our trip there. Now that I’ve been, I’m dying to shoot a bride in her grandmother’s vintage wedding gown in this setting. How fun would that be! So if you fit your grandmother or great grandmother’s gorgeous gown, you should email me

I’m booking for Fall right now and am so excited to start that wedding season. It’s my favorite as you all know! Last year I missed out because of Hazel’s arrival (not that I’m complaining) but it’s left my mouth watering for some gorgeous fall hued celebrations. So let’s hope this year of rain will leave us with some beautiful fall foliage. I simply love that life blesses us with so many colors whether in the leaves, sky, or flowers. This yarn pictured below is all hand dyed with plants grown behind this little house. How fun is that!

After seeing these two shots, I’m curious to know if I make this expression too?

p.s. You probably didn’t notice, but Ella did my logo stamping today. She insists on being on the computer. When I tell her to get off her responses are to the tune of “I can’t, I’m working” “I have to check my email first” “I need to finish this blog post” “I’m editing a picture”. YA. So I’ve decided to put her to work. Isn’t that what good moms do?

I’m still camping. Aren’t you impressed I have time and access to blog while up here? Right. Of course I was responsible and got these posts ready before I left. So I’m just imagining that I’m missing my girls a bit. Jordan will be up tonight so we’ll get to snuggle under the stars. Hopefully my girls are happy at home with grandma, enjoying their new playset. I had no idea when I bought this how much assembly was required. Luckily Jordan and his dad and brother have been the best sports and patiently followed every step of the 100+ listed until this gem was complete. I shot these last week while we were out building. I didn’t mean for it to become a entire shoot, but this is what happens if I pick up a camera. Add to that another cool sky and my mud eating Hazey, how could I resist? Ya. I realize my kids are dirty. Like everyday of their life. But I’m of the opinion it promotes imagination, healthy immune systems, and a happy life. We love our little home on the west side.

Ella & I ran out to Saltair last week when we could tell the sunset was going to be brillant. And we weren’t disappointed. I love how when you watch a sunset it’s so perfect, or so you think, but then every second more it gets better and better… I wanted to give a shout out and thanks to the young man who snapped the picture of Ella and I but I can’t remember his name. So whoever you are, glad you stopped by.

Once upon about a month ago I had this brillant idea. Or so I thought. I go all sorts of excited and went full steam ahead. And then we could never find a date to shoot it. And so we waited. And Ella & I lost interest. Or at least the freshness of the idea lost it’s zeal. And so the idea still felt good, but not brillant. Then it morphed a bit. And I love it for many reasons, the least of which being that it was much more suited to Ella’s patience and attention level. SO here it is.

Ella LOVES the world of weddings. She is so interested in everything I do with my job and everything about my brides, including their middle names. I thought it would be fun to capture that interested while it still exists for her photoshoot this year. So I thought, perfect, I’ll plan a wedding for Ella and she can get married. Of course she already did this in her play each day. But wouldn’t it be cute to capture it on film so to speak. And I needed a birthday party idea…so hey, let’s shoot her wedding the day of her party. Guests arrive bringing gifts, there’s cake to eat. BAM, it’s a reception! Isn’t that a cute idea? Ya. And then on top of it being the bash of the year, I’ll get amazing shots throughout the day, assemble a killer album and, BAM, win some awesome award at WPPI for brillantly shooting a 3-year-olds wedding. SO I let the idea get a bit too big, too impossible. Because seriously, when was the last time Ella really did what I wanted for longer than 3 seconds when I’m behind the lens. Never.

But for a while we entertained the idea. We bought a dress, a cake, made a bouquet, got her build-a-bear a tux, even found the perfect pair of heels and a veil at the DI. Even planned to lineup a 6-foot Salt Lake Temple replica that adorned someone’s parade float. She was SUPER excited. And so was I. But then we waited. And waited. And I had to let her open her cake early as a bride during our one shot family session and she’d already been playing with the bouquet plus wearing the shoes… Ya. I spoiled my plan. But the real kicker was when Ella refused to let Hazey have her moment as an angel and demanded to play along too. And then she was adorable for me. And I LOVED the pictures of her too. And suddenly I had an entire album worth of Ella & Hazey. Grrrr. I wanted to do a wedding album…

So finally we found a date. The morning of I decide to make the shoot more about the video than the images I’d capture. More about my relationship with Ella than her relationship with Rex Magee (aka Mr. Build-a-Bear). And Jenny was there all along supporting me, in the end bringing my final call to life. And I’m so so glad.

I love everything the video captured that a still never can: her silly version of “I love to see the temple”, flipping outwhen we don’t help her pick up her cake (though note she did ask nicely originally , and the way she sounds when she walks around in those high heels. Video perfect. Add in an amazing soundtrack. = TRUE LOVE. Ella + Rex. And a short little album too (plus a look at the final product in person, featuring a custom CD case from WHCC).

Want a video of your kid, your life, your family, or just you?? Tune in soon for details about a Jenfolio Giveaway and score one of your very own!

p.s. This wraps up my week of family. I know it’s only Thursday, but it IS a holiday weekend and a rather awesome one at that. So go out and celebrate!! I’ll be back next week with some gold ole’ American lovin’ in the gorgeous scape of Southern Utah, yes Shelbe & Mark, that means you!!

So happy to share with you the album I made of my girls this year. I printed it at Kiss Wedding Books. It’s a 12×12 linen kiss. LOVE! The last page features the above image of Hazey almost lifesize and I so want to eat her up everytime I see it. I shot these images in my bedroom (the angel set) with my blue wall and homemade clouds using natural window light. And then the others in my living room with a flash/umbrella combo on a Drop it Modern backdrop, brand new, full of creases. Any one have any tips on how to get rid of those??? I tired steaming it with my iron and got nowhere…

If you’re wondering what the text said it reads (in order of appearance):

Hazel Elizabeth 100% pure sugar
Ella Noel 100% pure spice
3.5 year old 31 lbs 39.5 in
everything nice
6 months old 18 lbs 8 oz 27.5 in
that’s what little girls are made of

Sorry to interupt the reguarly schedule Ashlee/Todd love fest (they’ll be back around lunch time), but today’s my birthday, so I am going to self-indulge. Jordan surprised me with this video. LOVE! LOVE! Can you believe how much of an urchin child Ella is? What an A+ mother I am…

Every year I plan and shoot a “real” session for each of my girls. I’d do it on their birthdays, but December is freezing. So we go for their half-birthdays instead. Can you believe Hazey is almost six months old??? Here’s a peak at what we have cooking… I’m in love with these pictures and I haven’t even taken most of them yet.

I’m also so excited to have Jenny shooting some of it. Check out this fun clip she did one time when babysitting. I meant to post this on Mother’s Day but it never happened.

Jordan actually gets work off for this Memorial Day so I’m looking forward to some family time on Monday. Tomorrow I’ll be shooting Ashlee & Todd’s wedding, come rain or shine. I’m positive it will be lovely either way. Their Blacktie session turned out fantastic and it rained the entire time. (Those images are in the que as well!) Happy holiday weekend…can’t wait!