On the Bayou: Part Deux {The R Family Photographer: Slidell, Louisiana}

Think of a two lane highway, a wobbly old bridge, parking on the side of the road. Think of unloading babies and tip-toeing through slick mud and briers, sand and grass all mixed together. Think of a clearing, and a fast moving river named for an oyster's treasure. A clear sky, happy little boys running around, and a couple who is married, but flirt like they are still dating. I felt so lucky to be the one to capture these moments. Its like I was peeking through a window into their precious life. The boys were in the sweetest moods. And the chill mood everyone seemed to have really fueled it. They played in the sand, waded into shin deep water. We were entertained by a shrimp boat with a curious puppy. A puppy, who upon seeing those gorgeous little boys, hopped right out of that shrimp boat and swam right up to us. And Momma H and I cringed, because we all know what wet dogs do. They find the cutest, cleanest person, and shake all their(muddy river) water off. But this puppy just sniffed a little and went on his way. I saw amazement in little eyes so many times during our session. It really was a play date.
It was such a pleasure taking your family portraits again, especially on a bright day with smiling kiddos. (Our original session was plagued with mosquitoes, tropical downpours, and, well, the sun going down.) I would say that we had everything right going for us this time around:





























It's just easy to take beautiful pictures of beautiful people.

Thanks so much to the R Family!

Miss Maggie turns Two!

It was only recently that I found the true meaning of a birthday celebration. Its easy to get lost in the commercial aspect of "every one's designated day to get gifts." But to really, fully, enthusiastically, joyfully celebrate the anniversary of ones birth can be... overwhelming. Its the day that Chris and I became "Daddy and Mommy." It was Day #1 of our brand new life together. A life of babysitters, vacations, car seats, baby food, happy meals. She started it all. And she's this funny little person that chases me around, says the most unbelievable things, and just blows me away with some of the things she comes up with. So with her becoming more and more aware, we were faced with a "bird-day party" and what exactly the "theme" would be. Being that she feels like anyone with red hair and a crown is "Princess Maggie," in her own words, we thought that a princess party would be fun. And somehow cupcakes got involved. And so it morphed. A Princess Cupcake Decorating Party at Princess Maggie's Palace. We celebrated two beautiful, healthy, hilarious, loving, amazing years of this little person's life. And it was happy and quite honestly, could not have worked out better. The kiddos did an amazing job. There was no real serious mess (especially thankful to the two wonderful nieces who cleaned up the whole place!!), just imaginations hard at work. Which cupcake flavor, which icing color, and for goodness sake, which sprinkles?! There was almost a hush that came over the 20+children and adults working on their creations. It was beautiful. I had a natural high for about 3 days after that party. And although she was a tad overwhelmed, and slightly embarrassed when we sang "Happy Birthday," she really enjoyed her day and all her super awesome presents. Thanks for a wonderful time everyone!



















Oh, and is it just me, or....


Yes, she is my darling little cupcake.