a fresh start

look closely...you may catch a few shocked expressions (likely the result of a comment about the bride's physique), hysterical laughter (likely the result of the occasional butt grab) and the groom's black eye (definitely the result of a pre-wedding wrestle with his adult son) and it will give you a glimpse into the absolute riot this wedding was.  what you don't have to look very closely for is the love they clearly share, not only for one another, but for their family, friends and the God they serve.  what a sweet day and what a blessed marriage!

i could do a whole post on this little girl alone...in fact, i think i will.

future "miss south dakota"

seven years ago, i met luke.  he's from small town south dakota and had just returned from eight months in edmonton leading a mission team, mostly comprised of feisty young women...needless to say, he returned single and seemed quite content to stay that way for awhile.  we later went on a team together to india and spent many hours poking fun at each other from our office cubicles in the following years.  so when he greeted me at the door of his new home with his lovely wife and new baby, we had a little chuckle as neither of us ever quite anticipated this day...me, standing on their bed taking pictures of his beautiful little family.  i'm so excited for you guys - you're going to be a great daddy, luke! 

let the sun shine in...

soleil is french for "sun", also defined as "the star which the earth revolves around and receives light and warmth from". one look in her parent's eyes and you know she's living up to her name!

after using the frame in her maternity session in february, i knew i wanted to incorporate it into the newborn pictures as well.

is there anything better than really good friends?

well, maybe the perfect family.

spring is here!

this beautiful family contains one of my original "muses": the adorable river.  since i first photographed her a year and a half ago, she has grown into quite the young lady...and now has a sister who's going to give her a run for her money!  we met in a park in langley and despite some of our party getting lost in the forest, it was a lovely time and once again...there are so many fun images!

these nature loving people can even get birds to land on their hands.  wild birds, people!!