Luckily, I’ve been able to stay connected to BHGH.. I’ve had the pleasure of  hanging out with the girls on a couple occasions for dinners, cooking, and documenting their Hearts and Hope fundraising event.

I can’t believe it’s been almost 2 years since their new house was built … the girls and boys have changed so much and there are new students in the houses as well … It was definitely time for some new photos!!

So we planned an afternoon cookout and got everyone together for a great day of hanging out, laughing, playing basketball, grilling food, and taking pictures.

I look forward to many more chances to hang out and volunteer with Boys Hope Girls Hope over the rest of the year.    They are so much fun to be around and it’s such a great organization to be a part of.

There are lots of opportunities to get involved if you are looking for a place to volunteer, to mentor or even to donate funds.  If you are even thinking about an excuse to get out there and help some amazing students in the area I urge you to click on over to their website, read what they are all about, and see where you can help.   Do it!!

But first look at these fun photos!!

Blog title lyric from ‘One Red Thread’ by Blind Pilot … listen to it here

It’s quiet, and adorable, and full of waterfront parks, antique shops,and funky little photo ops.  You’ll find steamed crabs, delicious ice cream, cute coffee shops and beautiful sunsets on the boardwalk.

Wow, that sounds too good to be true!

The only thing better than all that would be .. all of that PLUS A PHOTO SHOOT!!!!

Sooo… I’m holding a one-time only Havre de Grace photo shoot special!!

I’d love for you to come visit me so I can show you around my town and capture some fun new photos of you and your family.  For all you people out there in Annapolis, Arnold, Severna Park, and surrounding areas it’s worth the drive.  It’s a cute town and I’m pretty fun too so really it’s a win-win.

Here’s the deal…

Sometimes you just have to see it to believe it, so below are some more fun photos all taken by yours truly in Havre de Grace.

There are countless images that I love but this particular one stood out to me this morning.

Happy Monday.

title lyric from Free by Donavon Frankenreiter and Jack Johnson .. listen to it here

Thank you for always being there for me, supporting me and loving me.  I love you more than I can say.

Happy momma’s day Franie Fran.

Julie and Stephane are both incredible people who are doing wonderful things in the world.  Since they were both living in Haiti I wasn’t able to meet them in person until the actual wedding day but I loved them instantly and I was thrilled to kick off my wedding season with such a fun couple.

The forecast called for rain and storms all day long but we were blessed with gorgeous weather for their outdoor ceremony at Kent Manor Inn.   I love when it works out that way!!  Enjoy this little glimpse into their day…..

Julie’s stepfather, Chester, performed the ceremony so their were lots of laughs!!

During our final phone consult, I always tell the brides I work with …  You can plan out every detail up until the wedding day, but once the day comes along the most important part is to enjoy every single minute ..  no matter what happens.   Little mishaps will happen, but if you can laugh about it, it will make for a better story to your unique day.

And laugh-it-off is exactly what they did when a gust of wind grabbed Julie’s veil and sent it flying into the Bay right in the beginning of their portraits.  

Isn’t Julie’s ring gorgeous?!!  So unique!  (The background for their ring shot is the top of one of the beautiful lanterns they brought over from Haiti)

Blog title lyric from ‘I’d Rather be With You’ by Joshua Radin .. listen to it here.

Something so raw and magical.

One of my absolute favorite parts of being a photographer is being able to witness and document those connections .. giving mom’s a chance to see themselves the way that we see them.

In honor of Mother’s Day coming up I wanted to share a handful of images of some of the beautiful mother’s I have had the pleasure of photographing.

If you are looking for a last minute Mother’s day gift that she will cherish forever contact me about gift certificates for a custom portrait session.   And  all you mom’s out there .. feel free to forward this link to your gift-givers .. sometimes they need a little hint.  ;)

Happy Mother’s Day!!!!

Title lyric from ‘You’ll be in my Heart’ by Phil Collins

The next time we see them they will have a brand new little baby girl!  I can’t wait!!!

Blog title lyric from ‘Satellite’ by Dave Matthews Band .. listen to it here

I have to-do lists everywhere, on my computer, in my dayplanner, on my phone, in my wallet, on the refridgerator.  I make my daily to-do list longer than I could ever complete in one day.

Why do I do that to myself?  I think part of it has to do with being self-employed… especially working from home.  There is no separation.  So I feel guilty relaxing when I know that 15 feet away there are photos that need to be edited or albums that need to be designed.

Or maybe I can just blame Pinterest.  I swear my daily activities multiplied substantially when I first logged on to that magical, brain scrambling, creativity inducing, devil site.

Although, I don’t necessarily think that there is anything wrong with being busy or  making never ending to-do lists.

As long as there is a balance.

For years my to-do list was almost exclusively about work.  editing, designing, emailing, packaging, ordering, editing etc.  If I was working I felt like I was missing out on time with my family, my friends, myself.  If I did anything else I felt guilty because I should be doing work.  It sucked.. big time.

That’s not the life I want to live so I try really really hard to find a balance.  To make time .. for myself … for learning to quilt …  for making dinner slowly .. for unexpected things like a phone call from a friend or a visit from my aunt.  It’s not always easy but it’s always worth it.

Anyone have tips on finding balance?  Any photographers want to share anything they outsource to lighten your workload?   Anyone want to tell me a good joke? .. I already told Tony all the ones that I know.

I’ll leave you with some photos from a day that I did absolutely nothing but live.   They are from a drive Tony and I took on skyline drive during our roadtrip from Joplin, MO to Maryland.  Someday I’ll share the rest of the photos with you.  It’s on my to-do list.  ;)

Seriously, how cute is this guy?!!

I just spent 3 whole days creating and sewing a new backdrop for our new photo booth … Now I’m going to go outside and plant flowers.  Balance.  :)

Blog title lyric from ‘The Right Place’ by the Monsters of Folk.. watch the video here.

What you will need:

1 cup good red wine .. you can eyeball it

1 package ground chicken

1/4 c. salsa

1/4 c. diced onion

2-3 cloves fresh garlic minced (I love garlic)

salt and pepper to taste

monterey jack cheese sliced

The first step (which might very well be the most important) is to pour the red wine into a glass of your choosing.

Sip liberally throughout the remaining steps.

Mix all remaining ingredients into a bowl.  (You really need to get in there and mix it with your hands which is why I start with the wine)

Divide and form into patties.  I usually get 4 burgers from 1 package of chicken.

Heat olive oil over medium heat

Place burger patties in pan and cook for approx 5 minutes on each side (you could also do this on a grill)

Add cheese and place on a toasted onion roll

enjoy!