Happy Christmas!

Although I am so ridiculously behind in blogging, I had to share this awesome email from one of my clients. I photographed Abby & Cody's wedding two years ago. They recently brought their beautiful baby girl, Kody Ann, in for a session. Abby called me about a month after that session to see if I could squeeze her in for a Christmas surprise session. Cody (Dad) has been nominated for the Clay High School athletic Hall of Fame (hope that's the right title - I am not a sports person...). Abby really was hoping to get some images of baby Kody with Dad's jersey that the school gave to them. Cody was unaware of the session or the nomination. Of course I made time to do this. I LOVE taking part in happy surprises!
This email from Abby means the world to me. I was thrilled to learn last week that I was selected as "The Knot Best of" for 2011 for photography, but letters like this are even more of a reward for what I do...

"Gerri,

I had to email you to tell you how thankful I am for all that you did for Cody's Christmas present. I wish you could have been there. It was priceless. When he opened it up, the tears wouldn't stop. He actually had to leave the room. He has thanked me over a MILLION times, and has not stopped smiling. I know that its just a picture that you take, but its more than that to us. Its capturing our daughter so beautifully in a way that we will never forget. You are truly amazing, and so generous. Thank you so much. I look forward to having you watch baby Kody grow up over the years :)

A very thankful mama!

Abby"
Thank You, Abby, for allowing me to capture these special times in your lives.
Hoping you all had a wonderful Holiday & that all your photographic surprises were well loved!

Most interesting Family session award!

Ahhh, yes, the most interesting family session award goes to Richard, Cheryl & the kids...every year! They certainly bring the fun! Between Richard & Cheryl, the kids & Cupcake & Scruffy, the dogs, there's always something going on. No stiff, posed smiles for them - they always infuse their personalities & style into the sessions, making their Holiday cards unique & fun for their friends & family. Hope you had a great vaca guys & Happy Holidays!

Addie, Elise, Mom & Dad - holiday session

I have also photographed these little girls since each of their newborn sessions. This mama is so great about utilizing all my mini sessions - I see these girls for their birthdays, Easter, Halloween & Christmas! Thank you, Andrea, for always being so generous with my donation collections, also. Have a great Holiday!

Family Holiday sessions

It's my favorite thing to see families come back year after year for Holiday photos. I can remember photographing Madison when she was a year old - the kids are all so grown up & adorable now! Merry Christmas, Luke, Bailey & Maddie!

Nicholas, Brody & Cade - Holiday sessions

I have photographed Nicholas since his newborn session (he is the teeny little baby in the shot in my studio). He is now a big, busy two year old. He's never too thrilled with having his photo taken, but adapted greatly after discovering the fun of playing taffy toss with his dad - hey, whatever it takes!
Brody & Cade also pose a bit of a challenge when it comes to taking their pictures. They take great delight in driving their mother crazy. She happens to be my cousin & I can't help but crack up watching them push her buttons! Brody got out of the car all ready for his session - complete with fake, plastic teeth in place! We actually got some awesome images this year - way to go, guys. They must have finally realized that all you have to do is give the mama great Xmas shots & you got Xmas in the bag...

Holiday Mini Session images

Wow- I am actually about two months behind on blogging & posting images. Hate that....
I figured I'd just jump ahead to the Holiday sessions & then backtrack. I really love to show off my clients & their fun sessions - just been way too busy to get to posting them on the blog & facebook. I'll catch up after the holidays...
I've been enjoying seeing my clients for the Holiday mini sessions - last week we had an incredibly beautiful day for our outdoor sessions & just began the indoor sessions this weekend. Mini sessions will run through Dec 7th only. Call or message for your appts. Remember, no session fees - thanks so much to everyone for bringing the blankets, hats & gloves for the shelters in lieu of session fees.
Here are a few images from the holiday sessions so far. More to come...

Holiday Mini Sessions!

So excited that it's going to be close to 60 tomorrow for our outdoor Holiday Mini Sessions at 577 Foundation in Perrysburg! We'll have the red velvet settee out for some great shots! Still can fit in a couple last minute slots, if anyone can make it.
We will be starting the indoor sessions next weekend, running through @ Dec 7th. Times are listed, however, I can also fit in sessions on the weekdays in between. There will be two set ups this year - a traditional set up with red velvet, etc. The other will be a more contemporary set with a candy theme - yummy!
Call or message me for your appt. Remember, no session fee - bring coats, blankets, hats or gloves to donate to the area shelters.

Toledo City Paper - Best of Toledo 2010 Ballot

Toledo City Paper - Best of Toledo 2010 Ballot Support your favorite local businesses! Vote for Toledo's Best 2010 & don't forget Serendipity Photography! We'd love for you to share the love. Be sure to share with others, too. Thanks a million!

October Mini session posts

We had a great day for the October mini sessions - Fields of Gold! The field I used, although a bit hidden, was full of texture & color. My families & kiddos all looked great in their autumn outfits. Bonus - they are already set for Xmas cards!
Since I am sooo behind on blogging, I am not going to post as many images from each session. Check out Facebook for more images.

Back to blogging

Wow - just looked at the dates of my last blog entries. Can't believe the time has flown by & I have sooo many sessions, etc to blog. Thankfully, I can say it's because I've been so busy shooting that I haven't blogged. I don't complain about being so busy- I know that winter will come & I'll have too much time on my hands then!
Guess I should update on Taylor since that was one of my last entries. Thanks for all your kind thoughts & wishes to her on her mission trip. She had planned on staying for @ 7 week,s but unfortunately returned after 2 weeks. While she tried to remain focused & positive, all was not as promised...While the organization, Honduras Children, is I'm sure a legit organization, it doesn't seem to operate in a very organized, thorough manner. We understand that there are communication issues with Central America, however, the organization is run by Americans who ensured me that Taylor would be safe, never travel alone, etc, etc, etc. Lots of mistruths, etc.
Taylor thoroughly enjoyed her days at the "orphanage" and her 2 days at the high school (apparently the teachers can just cancel school or show up whenever they want & the poor kids who have gotten themselves there have no purpose to be there...).
Although she did not get everything out of this trip that she had hoped for and feels that she was mislead & "ripped off" in many ways, I know that all lessons are not always so obvious. Sometimes in life, we have to make these mistakes in order to grow & learn. I am just thankful that her only "cost" to this life lesson was the monetary value. She is safe & healthy. And I have noticed a few levels higher in the maturity scale. When discussing the end purpose of the trip she said "Well, if the only reason I was there was to make the kids smile, then that is what I was supposed to do". Good for you, Taylor, you are learning about life - and learning the best lessons!

Holiday Mini Session dates!

Can't believe it's this time of year again. But due to production time on my end & my lab's end, we need to jump on the Christmas band wagon early! I'll be starting Holiday outdoor sessions next Sat., Nov. 6th. The second Holiday outdoor session will be Sun., Nov 21st. I love the outdoor sessions - hats, gloves, sweaters & pine trees - location to be announced when I find the perfect venue!
Holiday mini sessions are 20- minute sessions, 8-12 images to choose from, packages available. No session fee - please bring donations for the area pantries.
Call or message for your appt.!

There she goes...there she goes again....

Don't know who sings this song, or what it's called, but it's become somewhat of an anthem around here - relating the my youngest, Taylor. As we pulled out of the driveway to take her to Florida her freshman year of college, the song came on the radio. We laughed as we cried...
I didn't hear it this morning, but there we were again... early morning fall drive to Detroit airport. Freshman year - Florida, Sophomore year - Ireland, Junior year - Honduras. Yes, Honduras!
Taylor took this semester off of school to focus on deciding where she wanted to go with her major (thankfully, she has decided & is on track for spring). Well, she also figured she has time off, she might as well go somewhere & why not Honduras??
She is going with Honduras Children to volunteer with the schools there helping kids learn English. She is very excited to see this part of the world, meet new, interesting people, learn the language & mostly, work with the kids in that part of the world. While we are all obviously concerned, I felt much more comfortable after talking with Eve, the American who has started the organization & coordinates all the volunteers. She assured me that she "wouldn't send anyone elses' babies anywhere that she wouldn't send her own babies". Her children have made many, many trips there with them.
As I sit, with phone in hand, waiting to hear that she has arrived to the volunteer house safely, I am reservedly excited (if that is a right phrase...) I don't think there ever comes a time when we stop worrying about our children, "are they making the right decisions", "will they know what to do", what if, what if... However, Taylor is our wildflower. She has a passion for traveling & meeting people. Things seem to always work out for the best for her. But, more than the worries, I am so very proud of who she has become. With each adventure, she has become more mature & much friendlier! It's awesome to see her grow as a person and to see what she takes from the people's lives that she touches & whose lives have touched hers. I am also impressed that as a 20 year old, she is willing to spend her well earned money doing a mission trip as opposed to buying purses, shoes & nights out. She lives in the moment & wants to devour all she can! We just try to be sure that she does so sensibly & responsibly - so far she hasn't let us down.
Please keep in touch with Taylor via Facebook & email (they do have internet at the volunteer house). She would love to hear from you. I'm sure she'll be posting tons of pix soon. If you are the praying sort of people, please put in a prayer for her safe travels. It's much appreciated.
Thanks for listening - take care!

Sals Pals Wine Tasting Event

On Friday, the girls & I volunteered to photograph a Sals Pals event once again. Sals Pals was founded by the family of a great little man named Sal. He has cystic fibrosis & his family & friends have committed ridiculous amounts of time to raise funds for the research and development of CF. To date, they have raised over $500,000 - unbelievable for a family run group!! They selflessly organize wine tastings, walks, golf outings & the annual dinner auction with ALL funds going to the CF organization.
I am honored to be able to give a little back to helping them when they are doing so much for others. The wine tasting was held at the Pinnacle & was very nice; food, wine, socializing & chocolate fondue..mmmmm.
To read more about Sals Pals - check out their website. www.salspals.com.
More images on Facebook.

Special Surprise Session - Toledo area family photography

I'm not going to say much about this session or show too much since this session is a surprise Christmas gift to family members. I will definitely post more later because the images are too priceless not to share. I laughed so much, but at the same time was deeply touched by the sweetness!
If only we could all be as happy with the simple things in life...

Annual Family Session - Toledo Area Family Photography

I have been photographing this family for @ 7 years now. And they still always want to go back to Toledo Botanical Gardens...it's become tradition now & I can't blame them - always beautiful there.
When the older two kids were wee little, Mom & Dad would continually pop M & M's in their little mouths to keep them happy during the session. They also would resort to singing & dancing to get the kids attention - I wish I had videotaped them ...the wheels on the bus go round & round... Not usually a problem, except the time that there was a yoga class going on behind "the wall" - not a happy yoga instructor - oops!!
No M & M's or singing needed anymore - these kids are pros. They now make suggestions to me on where & how they should pose. I love these sessions because the kids call me Miss Gerri & I always get hugs from everyone when we're done!
Hope your soccer games went well - Love you guys!

A.W. Senior Beauty - Toledo Area Senior Photography

I've actually known Emily since she was about 2 years old, although I'm sure she doesn't remember me from back then. She has become not only a gorgeous young lady, but also very sweet, outgoing, and as Mom says, a real goof! Believe me, if so, she comes by that naturally!
We had done her sister, Katie's, session a couple years ago at Side Cut, so I wanted to be sure to get a different look for Emily. Though we went to Side Cut again, we shot on the other side and took full advantage of the fall grasses & the river. I brought out a fun chair to tuck in the grasses and made sure it wasn't one that I had used for any of the many other AW girls that I photographed this year. I know the girls like to have unique photos & I really try to mix it up for them!
It was great fun seeing you again Emily & of course, my awesome reflector assistant, Pat...I mean Peg...

BG senior - Toledo Area Senior Photographer

Hannah is a Bowling Green senior - I photographed her sister a couple years ago & was delighted that they came back for her session.
We started out at the studio for some shots with her friend, Courtney, and some shots with her super cool blue heels! Couldn't wear those at the park! We then headed to Side Cut along the river to take advantage of the awesome, yummy fall lighting. Does anyone else notice how amazing the late afternoon sky is this time of year! I love the shots of Hannah with the tall grasses & out on the river. Hannah reminds me of a classic, 1940's glamour gal! Such a beauty!