The H Family {Family Photographer: Slidell, Louisiana}

There is something about dressing up for Halloween. Whether you are two or twenty, when you put a costume on, for a short little while, you get to be someone else. But when you are four, its like you live in that magical little land where you play make believe all the time, and when its time to put on a costume, something magical happens.

Well, I have 3 little words for you: Alice in Wonderland.



Oh, yes. The momma to these two totally did it. And she didn't half do it. She really went for it. And those two gorgeous little ones were totally the part.


The Mad-Hatter had this infectious little giggle that had us all cracking up. He was the perfect model for the costume, and I kind of feel like sending Disney a copy of his picture so they know that the 4 year old they intended that costume for did them justice. The scene was magical.


And Alice. Oh, what a beautiful, sweet little Alice. With her teapot shirt and her beautiful matching bow and tutu, I don't think anyone could have played the part better. She was smiley and happy tucked into the lavender and black-eyed-susans.






I felt like I was walking through the woods and happened upon this little site. They were hilarious and their oh-so-creative momma couldn't have done a better job. We sang and danced to get them to smile, and they humored us so well.










We got a few out of costume as well, and what incredible shots they were. With bright eyes and golden light, I watched personalities dance through my lens.








We were also able to sneak Momma H and Daddy H in for a few shots as well. It was so fun to capture The H Family in action, but its always easy with a family as beautiful as theirs.







I had so much fun, Rachael. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to catch your gorgeous little ones in action!

Happy Fall, Y'all!

It was only very recently that I started to care about the seasons changing (or lack thereof in South Louisiana). It is with a whole new perspective that I welcome the cool breezes that only stay for a week or so. Now it means that I can dress my girls in rich browns and creams with boots and tights, or white socks and mary janes. It means that pumpkin picking is not only about porch decorating, but the very serious process of choosing the pumpkin itself. Something about opening the windows, cleaning the house from top to bottom (or, well, almost...) and lighting pumpkin pie candles sort of make my heart skip a beat. My girls can feel me relax, and then all the sudden, they follow my lead, I have the two most chill babies ever. What I'm trying to say is, somehow Fall has become my favorite time of year.










My girls light up when they see decorated houses in the neighborhood. Maggie usually pipes up from the back seat with a surprised, "OOhh, momma, look at 'dat!" They make me appreciate so much more the beauty that this area offers. We're just soaking it up these days.










Hope you can soak it up too. Feeling very thankful these days. Happy Fall, Ya'll!!

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.