My heart almost broke last night when I finally took some time out to just take photographs of my kids.  Just as we were just about to head in for the night, our boy Holden who is 5 years old turns to me and says “look I’m hugging Daddy right now”.

Tissues please.

“Go Canada Go!” but bring home my love as soon as the 2011 World Rugby Cup is over.

As soon as we first flew into the city, my sister picked us up and we were on a cupcake delivery run to The Eglinton Grand (where she had ironically enough got married there herself years ago – fabulous venue). My younger sister Jenn has a Cupcake Shop in Toronto called The Cupcakery – if you’re ever in TO – check it out – you won’t be disappointed!  Jenn set up her infamous cupcake display for a wedding that weekend -  the room was spectacular – the decor was so chic and stunning – I couldn’t resist taking a few shots even though it wasn’t a wedding I was shooting there that day.

Trips go by too quickly of course. Before I knew it it was the end of the week. Had a really fun time with Grandma & Pop, Auntie T, Liam, Olivia, Jenn & Zio Piero, Bonnie Bon Bon & Lisa Hynek – gotta love family craziness, Easter egg hunts, endless shopping sprees, playgrounds and delicious food!  Thank you for spending time with us -  miss you guys!!

I LOVE shooting babies when I get the opportunity – it gives me a little case of the babyitis (new word o’ day unless it exists already) and it makes me remember the fun days of maternity leave since my babies were born 5 & 3 years ago.

Meet Lily – could she seriously be more adorable?  We shot in my home studio over 2 weeks ago and her smiles & chubby adorable legs were too sweet!  She was very camera aware and alert – quite the little poser I must say…in a baby fantastic sort of way.  Six months is the perfect age to do a baby photo shoot in my opinion – she could sit up on her own and hold herself up as well as have the best expressions.

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone whether you’re in love, out of love or in between loves!

There was a time when I was in a Professional Photography program and they told us just to go out and shoot whatever…. Whatever?  I mean what? Where’s my boundaries? What’s the project?  Where’s the rule of thirds training?

I’ve come to realize that it’s sometimes good to just throw aside the rules and pressures of everyday life and just live in the moment.  Whatever it is. Get to know someone on a deeper level… throw that iphone in your purse and actually listen to your own thoughts… take an idea you’ve had and actually execute it instead of talking about it.

It’s like when I play soccer with my 4 year old son Holden who kicks with a passion and his tongue hangs off to the side when he’s really concentrating.  It’s refreshing to see that he’s just enjoying that moment & what he’s doing. He doesn’t realize how competitive it can get later in life or how the rules can sometimes change the face and feel of a game.

It’s like exercising – I should do more of it.

I have approached people in Old Navy before and called on colleagues from a former career.  Meet Jayme, an amazing graphic designer who I used to work with at Cossette Atlantic, an advertising agency right here in Halifax.

THOSE EYES!!  I am drawn to their shape, color and intensity and let’s face it – she’s stunning & a sweet person to boot.
Thank you Jayme for coming to the studio and being my muse and having some fun!

And meet Luey, I met her at Starbucks after my 2nd latte of the day – I loved shooting you!!!!

A very special thank you to Christa for allowing me to showcase this gorgeous traditional veil that all brides can find at Felicity Bridal off of Hollis Street (right beside Spirit Spa).

More tomorrow from these shoots…

If you have a few minutes and love the sound of Dave Matthew’s sweet sweet voice, view the whole family shoot here.  Enjoy the sunshine everyone!!

But there is nothing comparable in the world to seeing your children laugh and play, giggle and scream with joy on a gorgeous and sunny Fall day in their own front yard.

And nose kisses.

Leahann and Dana, you have amazing children.  Cherish the good times, endure the bad and love the little moments.