One Post, Two Shoots

Some of you may be wondering where I've been.  I know!  I'm sorry, blog!! I've totally neglected you.

First, I was very busy in May because I was wrapping up the semester at Orange Coast College where I teach an Interior Design class.  Grading final projects, final exams, turning in grades... it gets overwhelming!  I was also busy getting ready for our long vacation.  We were in Hawaii on the island of Kauai to celebrate my brother's wedding.  It was amazing - and photos will come soon!  But first, time to catch up.

I had a few non-typical shoots before we went on vacation.  My first was a double baptism of my friend Tina's two children.  I really enjoyed shooting this wonderful event and capturing the emotion of the day.  Tina did a fabulous job coordinating the baptism, I only wish I made it to the reception to see all the amazing decor & food for the family.

 

I crashed my friend Charlene's Interior Design Studio class at Orange Coast College during their final presentation.  The class had an actual client and worked with an architect as well.  What an amazing learning experience for the students!  There is no better way to learn the process of design then to be in the middle of an actual project with clients.  

Their presentation was wonderful and as you can see by the photos, we have a brand new building and studio.  It was great to be able to teach in such a nice environment!

After the presentation, we went outside the building for a few group shots:  students, instructor, clients, architect.   Thanks for letting me be a part of your day, Charlene!

The L Family

I was very excited to meet the parents of Kaitlin & Roman.  I had photographed their extended family last year, but their mom and dad couldn't make it.  I knew K & R's parents had to be just as gorgeous and I was right!  What a fun and beautiful family!  We had a nice workout walking the trails in the Back Bay.  I love how Kaitlin is such a wonderful big sister to Roman - it was so sweet to see how much they cared for each other.  Thanks for such a fun shoot, T & W -  love your family!  xo, V
 

The many faces of Roman

Daddy's Home!

I was so happy to be able to meet up with Carla again - this time to meet her husband Bowe who is home for 2 weeks from Afghanistan!  Their story makes me cry when I think about it and surely enough, as I was saying good-bye to them and as I was editing their photos, I was tearing up.  I can only imagine what it was like to be reunited with your infant son and wife after 7 long months.  Yet, it feels like they've been together all this time.  I had the best time witnessing their love for each other and I hope the next 4 months fly by for the A Family - when Daddy will be home for good!!  xo, V

My Critters

As promised, a few shots of the kids as I was trying to get them to model for me.  Let me tell you how hard it is to get two 3-year-old boys and a 16-month-old girl in one frame.  And add in the fact that the boys are not big fans of baby sister.  So, I gave in and gave lollipop bribes for the boys... and it worked b/c they actually gently touched their sister!  It's usually pushing, kicking, shoving, stealing.  And as you can see in the photo, Baby Sister was so confused that Big Brothers were holding her hands.  She actually started crying as soon as I took this photo - I think she thought they were going to beat her up.  Check out how thrilled Nathaniel (on the left) is about holding Tabitha's hand, and Aaron, who usually hides from the camera, totally struck a pose.  Oh, what a lollipop will do!

 

And just a few more of my favorites from the afternoon.  Love my little critters.