I've thought about how I was going to start this blog post so many times, some of which were before the wedding took place.  No matter what I think of, it will never do justice.  Rob and Rachel gave me the chance of a lifetime.  They believed in me, they loved my work, and most of all, they have become great friends.  There was something that just clicked last March when Rob contacted me about shooting his wedding.  Although I had met Rob a few times before, I didn't know his fiancé Rachel.  The more he told me about the wedding, the more I fell in love...before even sitting down with them.  Once that happened, I was hooked, and the fact that they even wanted to work with me, "Ms. never shot a wedding before," was just the icing on the cake.  

As the months went on we'd meet up to plan out details, and then wedding meetings became mentioning details over wine. It certainly helped that Rob and Rachel literally lived down the street from my parents.  I have no other way to describe it than Rachel and Rob are good people. Plain and simple.  They are the people that invite you over for game nights, summer bbqs, and will watch your child when you're in a pinch (that really happened.)  

Rachel and Rob's wedding was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.  The scenery at Laurita Winery is just out of this world, the food from Branches Catering was impeccable, the Matt Bilyks Band had the dance floor packed all night, and the wedding crowd was better than you could have ever asked for.  Every detail was so well thought out and it was a true reflection of Rob and Rachel.  Enough of me rambling, let's get to the good stuff :)  Warning: MASSIVE over-share 

A few months ago, I was asked if I was interested in donating a session for a local fundraiser beef steak.  It only took a few minutes of hearing Julia's story, that I jumped at the opportunity to get involved.  Here's a link to Julia's page where you can donate and get updates! While at the benefit I heard a super cute family had won the session I had donated. But low and behold, Shannon was kind enough to donate half of her session to  Lori, who had also tried to win.  It seemed like the gift that kept on giving :) During our session I got to spend time with Cailtin and Jackson, who absolutely hammed it up for me.  One of the easiest sessions yet!  Thank you guys for spending some time with me on a beautiful late August day!

If I could describe Harper in one word, it would be "feisty!" The little Miss had her own agenda when it came to coming into the world and her newborn shoot.  Did I get every sleepy pose that I would have hoped for? Of course not.  But I did get so many sweet shots of my favorite style of newborn shoots, lifestyle.  Thank you Ryan and Chelsea for being so accommodating, it's tough being brand new parents and having a girl bring a ton of equipment into your home and practically rearrange your house, but you both took everything in stride and I couldn't have asked for anything more.

For as many summers as I can remember, my family has spent time at the Jersey shore.  Not always the same beach, or house, but always the same family.  As much as you would expect a shore vacation to be the same thing, it never is.  The blue (yes the water is blue in new jersey) ocean, walks to the beach, and late night ice cream runs are the same.  But the moments we have are so different.  Just comparing last year and this year is such a big change.  Last year Colton was crawling and eating sand all over.  This year he was using his dump truck to build castles.  I can't thank my parents enough for bringing us all down there and putting up with our antics year after year.  Thanks for more great beach memories!

After Carlo and Julie's maternity session, it turned into the waiting game for Evan to arrive.  Thankfully, we didn't have to wait too long! Evan was such a perfect sleeper during his session, even letting me change up his outfits and poses frequently.  I loved how relaxed and welcoming Carlo and Julie were as parents also!  Thank you guys for such a precious session!