Jen & Gus

I had the pleasure of getting together on one of our rare, nice spring days to shoot the engagement pictures for Jen & Gus. They will be getting married next summer & Jen has been busy planning the wedding from Montana! She was in town recently, so we squeezed in their engagement session at Toledo Botanical Gardens. I'm looking forward to their wedding - it is sure to be a fun one!

Recent kiddo sessions!

Some quick shots from recent kiddo sessions - I love watching my babes grow - some are repeat customers & some are newbies! All cuties! Thanks for coming to see me

Over due Family session

I was able to fit in a family session this weekend between weddings (and storms!). These kids, who happen to be old friends of ours, bought their mom a Serendipity Gift card for Xmas (2009)! With the kids being scattered all over, work & school schedules, it's often impossible to get everyone together for a session. Glad we finally got it in - it was great to see you all again!

Fave Fam!

If you are a follower to my blog and or Facebook page, you have seen these faces around. I have photographed Ms. Bella since she was a newborn (she also happens to be the winner of my Facebook Cutest Kid Contest). We recently met up for a family/engagement session for Bella and her Mommy & Daddy. We had so much fun getting some shots of Erin & Jay and some with Bella.
I love capturing images of families playing & lovin'...naturally. The loving, fun nature of this family shines through in the images. I am so excited to photograph their wedding this September. They have such a great little, happy family - it will be fun to witness them become a great little, happy family on paper - and with a big party!!!

"Before you were conceived,
I wanted you
Before you were born
I loved you
Before you were here an hour
I would give my life for you
This is the miracle of life.

Babies are bits of stardust blown from the hand of God

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."

A Mother's Day post

I am such a bad blogger...always apologizing for being sooo far behind on blogging. However, just wanted to take a minute to wish all you awesome Moms out there a Happy Mother's Day!
Of course, I wish my own Mom a special day, but I also want to send out some lovin' to the girls that make every day a special Mother's Day to me! I wouldn't be the Mom that I am without my amazing three daughters! I am so proud everyday knowing that somehow we have raised three bright, independent, compassionate little beings in this big world.
We didn't have the "typical" Mother's Day that many do - we had Chipotle at home for lunch, then drove Taylor to the airport to send her off to Spain for the summer. Yes, one more adventurous trip for our wildflower. Although I love having all my "chickens in the coop", I know Taylor is following her heart and her passion by heading off for the summer to once again be an Au Pair.
Instead of worrying (which I still do, even if I try to convince myself otherwise), I am content in knowing that Taylor is confident and independent enough to brave traveling alone in order to live her passion. She is truly intrigued by cultures & customs & finds a way to travel & make money at the same time. This is her passion. Likewise, I am so proud that Nicole & Courtney know their passions & live them everyday. Nicole is an amazing teacher who loves her "kids" and puts her all into teaching them & showing them the world in the 9 months that she has with them. And I have never seen anyone with as much dedication & commitment to not only her dogs, but to the strays and neglected animals out there as Courtney. Between volunteering with the Humane Society & driving dogs to rescue homes, she finds the time to be the best, most loyal dog owner to her two (somewhat needy) dobes!
So, thank you girls, for the wonderful Mother's Day - I loved our little lunch, my gifts ( David Gray #4 show - woohoo!!!) and for making every day a special day for me! Love you all!

Sunday Hat Bridal Shower

A little personal blog here... My beautiful niece, Audrey, is getting married this June on Sanibel Island (so super excited for that one!) Her bridal shower was this past Sunday at the amazingly gorgeous Mansion View Inn in downtown Toledo. She had wanted a formal, "Sunday Hat" theme - unknowing that it was the same weekend as the "big Royal Wedding" - funny coincidence. We all had a great time & it was so fun to see all the creative hats that guests came up with.
Thanks, Cheryl, for hosting this special day for Audrey!

Contest Craziness

WOW- I never expected such an insane response to a contest! We've just completed our Furry Friends & Cutest Kid Contest with a bang! Thanks to all who shared our FB site & encouraged your friends and family to join in the voting. Because of this, Serendipity Photography went from 445 fans to 1,049 in a few short weeks. The exposure from this is priceless for me - thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
Our Furry Friends winner goes to my buddy, Baxter. And, no, there was no ballet stuffing! I did not vote for anyone - Baxter is just a lovable guy! Since there was such a great response & because I love my Furry Friends, I will be awarding all the contestants an 8x10 print collage from their session. We are planning another Furry Friends special this summer. We were able to donate over 100 pounds of dog food to the Humane Society from this contest. You guys are awesome!
The parents in the Cutest Kid Contest pulled out all the stops! I loved watching the posts encouraging votes - so much creativity & fun! Bella was the overall winner with 250+ votes. I know she is adorable, but all the kids are super cuties in my book. Bella will receive a $100 Serendipity gift card, Lucas who gets second place will receive a $50 gift card & Gunnar gets a $25 gift card for third place.
Thanks to all for Sharin' The Love - it's what makes my world go round!