Nathan + Valerie = Happily Ever After

shhhh .. can you keep a secret? .. this was my very 1st professional wedding shoot! :}

 nervous? yes. excited? yes. happy with the results? yes. 

Thank goodness this couple wasn't as nervous as I was. They were brilliant! Their special day was marked with beautiful weather, loving family & friends, and a radiance of love that surrounded them. 

Here's a little sneak peek into Nathan & Valerie's wedding day... 

Here's Valerie with her girls getting ready for the big event ...



and Nathan patiently awaits his bride ... 

Here's Mickey playing his accordian for the guests as they arrived, and waited for the ceremony to begin. 

A true gentleman with such a happy soul.

They did it!!! Congratulations!!!



here's a favorite of mine ...

Nathan's parents had joked with me when we first met to discuss the wedding. They said that Valerie would probably be wearing hiking boots under her gown for the wedding, since she is such an avid climber! 

Now, I know what they meant!!  

Both the bride and groom are avid skiers and mountain climbers, as you can tell by these terrific photo collages they made. {and I noticed that someone has an eye for photography too ;}

Here's the ring bearer twirling her way across the dance floor! Such a sweetheart. 

It's Polka time!!!



Nathan & Valerie, I can't thank you enough for this wonderful, special opportunity that you offered me. Not only was I honored to be your photographer, I am honored to have been a part of your momentous day. It's a day that I will never forget, as it's etched upon my memories forever.

I wish you all the best in your married life together. Continue to seek out new challenges, broaden your horizons,

and share your life with openness, truth, and joy.

May love, light and laughter surround all the days of your life.

With sincere appreciation,

Barb

it's Relay time!

My team and I managed to get a couple hours in at the Relay for Life, held at Twin Valley High School (my alma mater) yesterday. We chased after the kids, ate some yummy treats, connected with friends, and got to enjoy the beautiful weather. Thanks to everyone who supported our efforts!! :)) We managed to raise $355 for the American Cancer Society. Not too shabby.

Here are a few of my favorite shots of my "Busy Bee" team in action ...

Thanks for supporting a very important cause!

'Till we Relay again ... Be in good health and happiness.

~ Barb ~

afternoon with the "big" girls

Some days are just right! Yesterday was one of those days. The weather was perfect. My toddler took an extra long nap. And these big girls played so well together. I was inspired to break out my little friend and do some creating!! ... Take a peek into our days ...

Thanks for visiting, and viewing a fun afternoon with my Busy Bee "big" girls. :}

Here's wishing you fun-filled days too!

All the best,

always,

Barb

Beth and Patrick are having a baby!

I was so excited to hear from my "old" friend, Beth! And then to learn that she is married and having a baby!! Yay! We first met while studying at R.A.C.C. in our shared area of interest ~ early childhood education. Beth was always a bright light {and still is}; one of the most positive, up-beat people I have ever met. So, when she asked me to photograph her, her husband, Patrick and her baby belly I was overjoyed!

The Janssen Estate (part of Penn State Berks Campus) features this intriguing, beautiful labyrinth garden. The symbolism was perfect for our shoot. A labyrinth is an example of the many twists and turns we make on our lifelong journey. These 2 souls met on their path, fell in love, committed fully to each other, and now, will very soon have their first child. Isn't life amazing ~ magic and miracles abound all around us! It's a lovely sentiment for a truly special couple. :)

Just love this shot ...

Beth is glowing with pride. She is stunning. 

Oh, and can you guess what gender their baby is?!! ;}

Beth, it was wonderful to see your beautiful face, and be reminded of the times we had together at school.

When I think of you, I always think of your terrific smile!

I am so very happy for you and Pat. You will be wonderful parents ~ already are!

Best wishes always!!

With love and blessings,

Barb



new directions

There are more changes coming down the path for me and my family. I had an eye-opening, heart-warming, soul-searching experience while teaching the preschoolers and pre-Kindergarteners at La Salle Academy these past 4 months, and have decided not to return next school year. Can I just say ~ teaching is not for the faint of heart! It takes guts, persistence, hard-work, dedication, talent and the ability to live on less (especially in parochial schools). I am truly in awe of the dedicated teachers that I have met. They are real gems, and I will miss seeing them everyday. I will miss the little ones that have touched my heart as well. I have saved all the drawings, cards and "I love you, Mrs. Liszcz"es with every fiber of my being. My days with those children will never leave me. But ... I have made a choice. And I do believe it's the best choice for me and my family. 

With a bit of hesitation at my next move, I begin the process of doing what is best for my family. Maybe Alanna senses the hesitation, and expresses it herself ... Here she is getting ready for her culminating gym show at Berks Gymnastics in Reading last night.      

Let me also say that I am not faint of heart. For those that truly know me, know that I don't back down easily. I can face a challenge head on, baby! :) I'd also like to say that I LOVE TEACHING! It's something that took hold and resides at the very core of me. I will always have a teacher's soul (you know the sort ~ somewhat bossy, yet sweet as honey ;). It's who I am. But there are times when your "gut" tells you that it's time to move on, and this is one of those times. 

I am really excited about the possibility of homeschooling my 5 year old. She will be a Kindergartner. Our public school district no longer offers a half-day program, and we can not afford the local private schools. So, it's a no-brainer! Why not?! My husband is somewhat leery. He knows that I like to be "beyond busy." I have a bad habit of taking on too much and then, maybe just a little, I drive him crazy with my craziness. ;) Hey, what are hubby's for anyhow?!! I believe it'll work out. I have confidence that offering my children an education that is home-based, home-loving, and home-schooled is what is best for right now. 

Here is Alanna after the gym show. What a difference! She did a great job and had so much fun!! Kurt and I are very proud. :)

Let me know your thoughts on homeschooling. Do you know anyone that homeschools? Maybe there are other parents in my area {Twin Valley School District} that are thinking along the same lines as me. We could connect and help one another. :) I'm all about community spirit. I look forward to your comments.

Thanks for listening, my friends.

All the best,

always,

Barb

Family Days

My friend, Cindy, had been anticipating and planning to gather her family together to do a family photo shoot with me for some time. This is something they have never done before. :) Lucky me! We chatted about what to wear (comfortable clothes, be yourself), where to meet and when (morning at Hopewell Furnace in Elverson), and basically, what to expect (have fun!). She let me know what she was hoping to capture as well. I think they were pleasantly surprised with the results...

I brought along some bubbles for the kids' enjoyment. I think the "kid" inside this dad had more fun!  



Their son learned how to feed a horse on this special day too. {I gave up my lunch ~ some sacrifices are completely worth the moment!}

Just love the expressions on these faces...



Eric & Cindy recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They are devoted to each other and their family. For better or for worse, they have built a loving family life. Such warmth surrounds them and their children.



I have to say, I think this shot is one of my very favorites from the day...

and look at these beautiful girls! They have a tight bond of sisterhood.

Here are all the ladies together...

This is my favorite group shot from the day...

Thank you again, my friends, for a wonderful morning spent together capturing your happy faces. I am grateful for this chance you gave me as your photographer, and for all the trust you put in me. It is a humbling experience, which makes me LOVE this work even more! I always learn something new while getting to know my subjects. I am forever thankful for your fun, easy-going spirits. It was a joy I will never forget!

Happy 25th Anniversary to Eric & Cindy!!

With love and friendship,

always,

Barb