In 2016, one of my resolutions is to take more quality pictures of my own children, not just iPhone photos. The other is to get a fabulous wall display for those pictures, which I can update as the years go on. One advantage of being a professional photographer is that I can order from certain places that the general public can't, and this year I cannot wait to get the display I've always dreamed of!

Normally my studio is off limits to my kids because I don't want them ruining anything, but yesterday evening as I was getting ready to clean up from sweet Emily's 6 month sitter session, Lila, my 16 month old, wandered into the studio. She decided to plop herself right down in the bucket I had out and I thought to myself, "Okay, here's my chance to sneak in a couple of quick pictures." Because she is such a peanut, I put her in the same outfit that I had had the 6 month old in and started snapping away. The result is something I am incredibly surprised, excited, and overjoyed with! I think little miss Lila let me take pictures for a good half an hour and gave me such great expressions that truly capture her personality. She is growing up SO fast, and these pictures helped me to freeze time and remember her like this forever! From the tiny toes, to the curly hair in the back, from the chipped tooth and innocent smile, to the hazel eyes with long gorgeous lashes, she will forever be my baby.

Oh my goodness, isn't little Eden just simply adorable?! She came to the studio in Kennett Square last weekend to celebrate her first birthday with a cake smash. Mom did Baby-Led-Weaning with her, something I followed with my own daughter, so Eden knew what to do with that cake right away! Mmmmm, icing! She may have been super serious about her eating, but other than that, she was all full of smiles and personality! 

Last weekend I traveled to Collegeville for this little lady's first birthday party. Mom had picked out 2 adorable outfits for her to wear and had a beautiful dessert table on display. The decorations and cake even coordinated with Marin's outfits. While I was there, I was able to photograph Marin with her relatives and was a first hand witness to the love that surrounds her and the entire family. It made me wish I had hired someone else to take pictures at my own kids' parties!

The rate at which my business grew this year is beyond my comprehension. When I started in July/August I assumed I would get maybe 1 or 2 clients a month, doing this more as a hobby. I don't think there is any way I could have imagined having 30 full-session clients and 18 mini-session clients in a matter of 5 months. My January 2016 also has 4 newborns and a sitter milestone session booked. I also have clients already booked in April, APRIL!

These last two months have been extremely hard for my family with me going from a full-time mom to a busy business-owner, 2 unexpected deaths of close relatives (my grandfather and aunt), and illness after illness for my kids, BUT, I still seriously feel extremely blessed and fortunate! I LOVE what I do and I LOVE all my wonderful clients who are supporting me in this journey.

Something else I LOVE is when I finally get a chance to take pictures of my own children. This is my daughter, 15 months old, and her first time at the indoor children's water area at Longwood Gardens. We were there for breakfast with Santa (which did not go well - she only screamed and did not want to go near him, much to our disappointment, oh well...), so thankfully I had my camera with me when we decided to quickly stop over at the Conservatory. The excitement and pure joy on her face made all the stress of the last couple of months just disappear. And, once I finally got these images on my computer, I was able to relive that moment all over again.

This is what photographs do - they freeze a moment in time, a moment you can look back on year after year, and they make you smile. I wish I could say we will all live forever, but we won't, so make as many memories as you can today. Take pictures, have your picture taken, capture those memories, and get those pictures printed - BIG and ON YOUR WALL! Life can change in a blink of an eye, book your session today and let your memories live on in beautiful photographs! Thank you to all my past, present, and future clients. I LOVE you all and I LOVE your support!

Poor Miss Mackenzie woke up sick the morning of our photo shoot, but she and mom were only in town for a few days so we carried on and she was a trooper, even through set-up and outfit changes! Check out her great expressions and fabulous hairdo!

​I have known Mackenzie's mom, uncle, and grandparents since I was born. They lived down the street from me when I was young and we still get together every once in awhile. It has been fun watching our babies, which are around the same age, growing up. Unfortunately Mackenzie and her mom now live in North Carolina so we don't get to see them very often, but it's nice when they come for visits. Happy first birthday cutie pie! I hope your day is as special as you are!!

Are you ready for some first birthday cuteness? Check out adorable Christian and his cake smash! I seriously can not get enough of him!! Although he wasn't really into the actual cake, he was definitely into the icing, the bath, and the music! So much fun!!

I can't believe this little guy is going to be one already! He was so happy and a natural in front of the camera! His mom and dad brought him to a nearby park for these pictures and we found the perfect spots. Too bad a big dog also liked the walking path where we were and tried to hang out for a while. I should have gotten some pictures for funny outtakes, but I just couldn't take my eyes and camera off this cutie!

Little Miss Lila is 100% Mommy's sweetheart and love bug. She is also 100% princess! This pink, heart themed first birthday cake smash was just perfect for her! With babies, you never know how they are going to react when given a cake for the first time. Will they eat it? Will they even touch it? Well, within the first 30 seconds, this little princess let me know she was going to devour this deliciousness! Happy first birthday, Lila!

If you would like to book a cake smash session for your child, contact me today so we can start planning the fun!