welcome finley fay.

It is an amazing and heartwarming feeling to see friends become parents. There is just something about new parents – seeing their love for their child and also witnessing the deep love and respect that grows for each other through such a sea change. I first met Ronald and Brittany about a year ago when they contacted me about some photos of the two of them together. You may recognize these two lovelies from that shoot. Not long after that, I received the exciting news that their family of two would soon become three, or actually five, including Solo and Millie. We all welcomed their little one on January 8, 2011. Ronald and Brittany asked me to document the day Finley was born, which was a huge honor.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t be there to document this important day and felt terribly sorry and disappointed. I was on my way to visit family in Florida and even said to Brittany, “Now don’t you have that baby until I get back.” Brittany laughed it off with an attitude of “that will never happen,” and sure enough, Finley had a mind of her own (I think she gets that from her mama) and decided to make her debut three whole weeks early! I was so sad to not be able to capture this new life on day 1, but am thrilled I could capture this new family weeks later. Ron and Britt, I’m so happy to have met you and it is beautiful to see you as parents. I’m thrilled to meet your little daughter. Finley, welcome to the world sweet girl.  

(Please click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way). 

I even got to hold the little sweetheart.

Read all about little Finley on Brittany's laughter inducing blog.

Sweet poster designed by Ronald Cox.

Pretty pink pompoms by Kimbra of Oh My Goshman.

we are family: the mialis

When I first moved to Portland, these were the only people I knew in this town. Small world, but I lived next door to Matt's nephew in California. (Sidenote: Their family in California took amazing care of me and I am forever grateful). This sweet family took me under their wing and introduced me to Washington Park, the Soap Box Derby and fantastic tacos on Alberta - just to name a few. Matt, Vanessa, Enzo and Marcella, thanks for the continuous warm welcome over the past few years, and for showing me why you love Portland so much. I think I’ve fallen in love too. Many thanks for a fun afternoon – weather and all! 

(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way).

the lovely lindens.

Meet the Linden family. We were gifted with an absolutely gorgeous October day at Powell Butte Park, one of their favorite places. What a great site with tall grasses, knobbly trees, and stunning views of the autumn foliage and mountains gracing our fair city. Troy and Briana are new parents, but after watching them with their little one Jasper, it seemed like they had been doing this all their lives. It was inspiring to see them as parents and heartwarming to witness the sweetness and tenderness that exists between all three of them. I love Jasper’s jovial and intense curiosity, and observing how each leaf or branch was a tiny discovery for him.  He was exploring so much that he tuckered himself out, falling asleep in his dad’s arms on our walk back. Briana, Troy and Jasper, you are such a lovely family and I am delighted I had the opportunity to spend a morning with you. Thank you.

(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way).

good morning: audrey + justine

It is now officially summer. Spending a little time with these girls was the perfect beginning to my day. Morning light, tiny yet precious discoveries, roses in bloom, rays of sunshine, warmth, laughter, beauty and joy. Thank you to Audrey, Justine, and their beautiful mama, Christina for making the rest of my day a little bit sweeter.
PS: I can't wait to go back to this gorgeous park...maybe for a shoot at dusk. Any takers?
(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way).

paloma: pretty in pink

Allow me to introduce Paloma - ballerina, supermodel and humanitarian in the making. Paloma is one of my ballet students, and I was absolutely thrilled to photograph her on a sunny Sunday morning on Alberta. I always thought this kid had style and no wonder - her beautiful mama is an owner of the boutique Frock. We had a blast - with balloons, laughter, frolic and a few passés of course.
I have a little story that I would like to share with you about this one. While we are doing our stretches in ballet class, we have the ability to fly to magical places. (I know, I know - I sound like the crazy ballet teacher here, but you do what you have to do to keep kids interested in warm up exercises). The girls go to wonderful destinations, like Grandma's house, Mexico, or outer space. One day, I asked Paloma where she was going and she replied,"I'm going to Haiti so I can help people." It is a moment I have never forgotten. How fitting that her name symbolizes peace.
(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way).