So, it wasn’t long before they trekked back over to Philadelphia to visit again… but this time we did a little scheming beforehand. You see, Sterling is way, way, waaaaay into books. And I was an English major in college (so you can make your own assumptions from there), so when Amber casually threw out “grab a couple shots in the library” you know I took that and ran with it. We had a fun afternoon whispering at the UPenn Arts Library (seriously, my shutter echoed so loudly it sounded like a door slamming and we couldn’t. stop. laughing.) and then exploring some random parks before hitting up one of our favorites (Terrain!) for dinner.

Since then, Amber & Sterling have welcomed into the world a healthy baby boy named Foster. Cutest name ever? I think so. And today, I get to go meet the little bean. So just consider this one to be continued and prepare yourself for some baby fever.

Amber & Sterling, thank you again for a marvelous afternoon. Thank you for being two such wonderful people that make me forget I’m doing work (because it really isn’t work with you two). Thank you for letting me be a part of your life and document it for you. I feel honored to call you not just my clients, but my friends. And, I truly, truly cannot wait to help document the first year of Foster’s life for you.

And then off to a field in Nowheresville, Pennsylvania. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you this, but this park was basically sketch central. I think we were all a bit skeptical at first, but I knew all we needed was 1-2 good directions to shoot in and you’d have no idea. I think we succeeded…

First there is Nicole & Darin, with future little baby Andrew there in the womb. We shot up in Hershey, PA (their hometown) and it was my first trip to the area. To say it’s a chocolate-lover’s paradise is no exaggeration (me = ultimate choc-aholic), but that’s a topic for a whoooooole other post. The morning we were going to shoot, we had one of the only like two snowfalls we got all winter. And, I must say, while it was totally unplanned, it was pretty perfect.

Congratulations, Nicole & Darin, and thank you for letting me capture such a special moment in your lives.

I call it “finding peace.” And yes, I realize this is neither the most intriguing nor the best composed images of all time. But it is me. And it is particularly relevant to my last month. I should probably clarify that January was a lovely month for me. I am clearly very excited and optimistic about 2012. I launched the first ever SOI Newsletter. I am knee-deep in huge, exciting changes for the company. But, when it comes to personal matters, it was also a challenging month for me. I grappled with some personal hurdles that I should have predicted were coming long ago. When someone asked me to jump, I said “how high?” and then I got walked all over.

But, as with anything in life, we recognize these experiences, we learn from them, and we grow. No matter how much things upset me, no matter how disappointed I was in some people, you can never let one person – or one experience – sour your perspective on life altogether. So even after we learn and we grow from these experiences, we – as we like to say around here – keep on keepin’ on. And we keep on jumping. Thank you Buddha, for constantly reminding me of that:

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else;
you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

Sidenote: Doesn’t she look a little like Emma Watson in this shot? Totally jealous.

Happy weekend, friends!

But, then I saw Tina’s compilation at the end of the year. Twelve images. Each one representing something personal that month that – when compiled together – told a story of her year. A story of growth, exploration, and reflection. And then, suddenly, I couldn’t love the idea any more. Inspired by her candidness about the project, and convinced it would help me fulfill one of my resolutions, I immediately hopped on Amazon and picked up this bad boy.

Wireless remote shutter release for Nikon by Vivitar. $34.99

And I’ve already started brainstorming my idea for the month. Wish me luck and stay tuned!

Here are just a few (emphasis on a few) of my favorites from our afternoon together…

P.S. Doesn’t she have the prettiest, clearest skin ever? I still can’t get over it.

Okay, so is it just me or do these images have you angsting for Fall and cooler weather? I must admit… I was kind of over the shorts thing a month or two ago. Bring on the boots, I say! Ooh, and the apple cider. Mmmmm, apple cider.

Come to find out, downtown Lancaster is, well, it’s like downtown anywhere else. Cute little shops. Hotels. Normal buildings, offices, and paved roads. My mind was blown. Nonetheless, Christie and Dave were indeed full of the happiness of newlyweds. And, Christie couldn’t have been more adorable in her entirely-Anthropologie ensemble (bestill my heart). Plus, I have to admit, there is something so fun – so magical - about getting married during the holidays.

Many well wishes to Christie and Dave as they celebrate six months of wedded bliss. Thanks for letting me capture you in this moment! xo.

And, my favorite, because it looks like he’s whispering sweet nothings into her ear. Nothing beats that.

So, last Saturday (the 28th) I bought a GPS, hopped in a car, and toodled on over to Virginia to shoot the lovely reception of Amanda & Steven. They were officially married in Africa, but were having a reception here in the good old US of A with all their family and friends to celebrate. And the best part? It was AFRICAN STYLE. Seriously, I fawned over their adorable animal details and had a blast shooting their party.

During dinner, they played the video of their wedding since no one was there with them to actually witness it. Here was their reaction while they watched. Aren’t they the cutest?

I drove back on Saturday night and got up early on Sunday to shoot first a sweet little baby boy…

…and then Meredith and Patrick, who had a totally nature-inspired shoot at the coolest environmental center in New Jersey. We got quite the workout hiking around the place, but it was worth every second laying on the grass, frolicking in daisy patches, and trying not to get run over on long paved roads, haha!

Fast forward to this weekend. On Saturday, I spent the day at Terrain (if you haven’t been there, you really, really need to go) to shoot the wedding of the fabulous Mindy & Mark (yes, the same Mindy & Mark you saw on Friday, cooking it up). The wedding was, honestly, nothing short of spectacular and they were, of course, nothing short of adorable.

On Sunday, I met up with Ali & Chris, who are also getting married in August, and did a grand round of center city with them…. starting over on Passyunk then making our way to Rittenhouse, and then the Art Museum. I think they had me laughing the entire time.

Phew! That makes it sound like things are crazy, huh? Perhaps I should keep my wrap-ups to one weekend from here on out. Nevertheless, I clearly have a lot of shoots to feature along with a very exciting announcement (no, I’m not pregnant) coming very, very soon. Happy Monday, all! xo.

In the morning, the rain held out just long enough for  me to shoot the McGinnis Family. I had so much fun watching the kids run around collecting Easter eggs and playing kickball. They were so cute it was kind of ridiculous.

After that, I headed back into the city to snap a couple graduation photos for Lynn and her son, who was graduating from UPenn and is headed off to NYC.

Then, in the afternoon, I headed back out to Jersey to grab a few of the adorable 6-month old Mateo. Tell me this isn’t the cutest face ever. Ohhh those cheeks!

Phew! I have to admit, just recapping my Sunday has me spinning just a bit. But, it was so much fun and an interesting change of pace from the usual as of late. I honestly loved every minute of it. Well, maybe not the driving part. But all the minutes that count at least.

Tomorrow, though, we’re back to weddings with the adorable e-session of Sara & Keith… including bicycles, chalkboards, and an amazing handmade table. I’m getting all excited just thinking about it! Sneak peek here.

Saturday I headed over to Norristown for Aryn + Ruel‘s nuptials. They made simply the cutest, most excited faces leaving the church, and – get this – hopped on a trolley over to their reception! You know I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to get a few with that.

On Sunday, I headed over to Old City to grab a few headshots of my dear friend Isis. We’ve been twitter pals for a long, long time, but I just recently got to meet her IRL (that’s “in real life” for you not-with-it folks – and yes, I just learned that one; I know – I’m so cool I can hardly stand it). So, when she mentioned needing some new headshots to go along with her new brand launch, I jumped at the opportunity to get to know her a little better. I’m only sharing one because I don’t know if she wants me spoiling the surprise quite yet. But, seriously, how cute is she?

Here’s to another beautiful weekend. And some fun posts I have planned for next week! Happy weekend, all. xo.