{cox family}

I was so excited when my old friend Stephen asked me to do pictures for his family. I've been friends with Stephen since we were 12 years old in 5th grade. So we go way back! We've managed to keep in contact over the years and remain friends. He and his family are just so cool. His mom is super sweet and his dad is pretty funny. Jenny was always the cool older sister that my girlfriends and I always wanted to be friends with. And Stephen, he's always been a sweetheart and a good listener. I had such a great time catching up with the Cox family during our session and even afterwards when they invited to hang out for a while. I hope to see them again soon!

What a great lookin' bunch, huh?

Janet, Stephen's mom, just loved all the old stuff on this wall.

Isn't awesome how sweet they are after decades of marriage?

Jenny and her newly fiancee Jamen. They got engaged a week or so before our photo session. Congrats!

{bowman family}

Last week I had a family session with the Bowman family at my most favorite spot ever. They are such a sweet little family! And Amelia?? One of the cutest little girls ever. I absolutely love her brown eyes and short curly hair. Along with being completely adorable, she is a ball of energy. It was fun chasing her around. Thanks for the fun evening, guys!

Love her tongue poking out!

I love this tiny antique chair that Christina brought.

How beautiful is she?!

What an adorable little family!

We put Amelia's Tinkerbell costume on and she was so cute in it.

{london & avery's birthday party}

Last week I photographed London and Avery's birthday party out in QC. Everything about this party was cute: the girls, decorations and dancing. There was a catwalk, tea party set-up, games, dancing, you name it! I had a great time doing mini photo shoots for each girl. They definitely knew how to work it, even at 6 and 7 years old! Happy Bday, girls!!

Elli had the entire backyard set up with the cutest decorations. She set up two adorable tables with tea cups, pitchers, candy, cookies and candles.

Check out London's boots! I wish they made stuff like this back when I was a lil' girl.

The adorable birthday girls.

Workin' it on the "catwalk!"

{zumba for valerie}

One of my most favorite clients ever, Amanda, asked if I would photograph a fundraising event for her friend and fellow Zumba teacher, Valerie. You see, Valerie is diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkins Lymphoma and is trying to raise funds to beat it. The Zumba Event was arranged primarily by Amanda and was such a success. This event alone raised $4500! It was so great to see so many people support Valerie. It is so amazing to see friends and strangers come together to support such an important cause. There was a ton of dancing, smiling and yes, some tears. I feel lucky to have been part of such a great event. Thanks Amanda!

If you want to make a donation and find out more info visit cureval.com

Is Valerie just the cutest thing ever or what?

One of my faves from the day.

This woman makes me wanna dance!!

One word: fun!

"Over the Rainbow" was played at the end of the event. I can't begin to explain how much I love this song! I have to admit that even I got a little emotional.

At the end of the event everyone chanted "GO VAL GO!" Look at the enthusiasm!

{napa}

I've been working so much on other projects lately that I decided I needed to take a break! I wanted to have some fun and play around with color and texture. These are some images from my trip to Napa this summer. I literally think my brain is taking a big siigghhhh. =]

{brittany & pj wedding}

A peek from Brittany and PJ's wedding on Saturday...

{eric & kristen}

Last weekend I had the opportunity to shoot Eric and Kristen's engagement pictures. Eric is my husband's cousin, but practically mine too since I've known him for almost 10 years. I totally love him! He is so funny and so goofy and has the ability to make almost anyone laugh. I met Kristen a couple months ago and fell in love with her. For one, she is sweet and easy-going and two, she is completely gorgeous! They are a great match.

We started shooting at Kristen's parent's home and then moved the party to my favorite spot in Gilbert. The end of our shoot got pretty interesting when a huge storm decided to pour dirt and rain on us! Both Eric & Kristen were troopers and stayed and took some more pictures even though we were getting a little wet and dirty. A little fun and a little drama made the afternoon awesome!

I love how these two can make each other laugh!

 These two lovebirds are so much fun!

Hello hottness.

I'd like to take a moment and thank these two. They did anything I asked, like laying in some damp grass. I love them!

Here comes the dust storm...

The dust storm had this amazing orange glow. It made Kristen look even more amazing.