Monday, February 24, 2014

Super Baby Celebrates Two | Inspiration Through Art

The last time I had the privilege of photographing this precious baby girl and her family, she was just 8 months young.  She sat up fairly well on her own, still developing those baby muscles of hers.   She has had multiple health issues as she began her life, and if you haven't previously read about her from our first Inspiration Through Art session together, you may want to visit that post by clicking >here<.   Baby "M" has not had the easiest start in life.  She was born missing a chromosome, diagnosed with DiGeorge Syndrome; on feeding tubes and eventually, she triumphed open heart surgery at the tender age of 13 months.  This super girl just celebrated her 2nd birthday and I am happy to report that she is thriving, growing by leaps and bounds!!  She's a miracle baby, if ever there was one!  I was astounded once again to be in her presence, to experience her joy, her gorgeous eyes, terrific smile and by how closely bonded this family is to one another!  They all shine brightly!!  "M" cannot help but thrive so beautifully since she is loved so well by her family. 

"M" isn't speaking yet, but is steadily learning sign language, which she taught to me also.  She not only can sit up very well by herself now, but she can run circles around me!!  She's a girl on the GO!  Nothing can stop this Super Toddler!  ;-)  

Here she is at our first session together… 


And, here she is at 2 years with her siblings: 


We celebrated her recent birthday with balloons and bubbles at Reading's own Goggle Works.  My many thanks and heartfelt gratitude go out to this wonderful, creatively rejuvenating location for allowing us the privilege.  What a lovely time we had!  Such fun!  


What a complete joy it was to spend time with this amazing family again.  "M" is quick on her feet, just as most 2 year-young toddlers are!   Thank you all again and again for honoring me with your trust, smiles and love.  I wish you much good health, prosperity, happiness and continued strengthened family love.  You should know that you enrich me and my life by sharing your gifts of the spirit, your story, and especially, your smiles with me.  I am humbled and grateful to you.  I hope to continue documenting your family's progress in future years… 
God's blessings and terrific love always be yours, my friends!!!



For families interested in learning more about Inspiration Through Art, a non-profit organization connecting professional photographers with families with a child(ren) suffering from a serious illness, or serious life altering disability, please contact www.inspirationthroughart.org to apply.  Be sure to request your preferred photographer to document and tell your story.  I would be honored to be your family's chosen professional.  Thank you kindly.  

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Love Rules the Day

I am So excited to see my amaryllis blooming for the second time!  And this time it has an additional bloom!!  This vibrant splash of color arrived just in the nick of time, too.  I couldn't have planned it better, if I could actually plan it at all.  It's something like love.  When we least expect it, it can have the power to floor us - quite unexpectedly.  If we are searching for it, seeking it, looking in all the corners of the universe for it, it'll hide its lovely head.  Letting the search for it go, giving in and unconditionally allowing what will be to be - that's when it happens, when it enters the room and your life.  It's a great little trick to learn.  To let it go and allow the natural forces to play their part.  Oh, yes!  It's a great little trick to be learned.  It's a reminder, somehow, to follow your heart.  We are not orchestrating every single move we make, even though we may try and believe we are in charge of our destiny, and therein lies the glory.  Life is wondrous and love is magical.  Once you have found it, or *it* has found you, its lessons do not stop.  The fairy tale has not ended - oh NO - it has not ended.  It's just begun!  Let love rule this day.  I challenge each of you to pass along a kindness without expectations of anything in return.  Then sit back and watch how it will be returned to you tenfold.  Don't believe me?!  Why not give it a try.  And check back to let me know how it all unravels.  I'm curious to hear your stories of unexpected loving kindness.  


Wishing you, my friends and loved ones, a very joyous Valentine's Day!  







Allow the unexpected twists and turns to delight you.  They may not all be welcomed ones, but know there is 
something greater than ourselves at work and at play.  
Good things are coming your way!  Love trumps all !!  

For a special treat, check out this sweet one:  Chocolate And Wine Pairings
just for you, to entice your adventurous Valentine's palette!!  Enjoy! 

Happiest, beauty-filled Valentine's Day to You.  Much love to all!! 


Sunday, February 9, 2014

Elizabeth and Matt's Wedding Day Celebration | Eicher Arts Center

It was an unseasonably hot and humid day in early October when Elizabeth and Matt pledged their love for one another in the presence of their dearest, closest family and friends.   Many of whom had traveled great distances to be a witness and to celebrate their union.  The air was charged with romance, adventure and terrific laughter and love.  All the planning, the preparations, the arrangements finally coming together for this one, very much anticipated day of celebration.  And, oh, what a celebration it was!!  I have been a witness at many weddings throughout my life and have photographed many as well, but there are certain couples that will forever be etched upon my heart.  Elizabeth and Matt are one such couple.  Their love shone so brightly this day, I was in love with their love.  The look in Matt's eyes when he watched his bride approach;  the way they flirted with one another at the altar, eyes darting and then entranced with each other;  the love, the laughter, the joy.  My romantic heart fills with hope and excitement for them and I watch eagerly as they embrace life and each other.  I couldn't be happier for these two.  They are the kind of couple who take charge of their own happiness, and go after life's fullest potential with all their might and soul.  They hold reverently their heritage, their family, and remain constant to the values of hard work, dedication, and continuously seek out what is in the best interest of the greater good.  They are an amazing newly wed couple, full of life and potential.  I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their trust; to be their wedding photographer was a great honor and so. so. SO. MUCH. FUN!!  Seriously, I had a constant smile on my face the entire day and we just had the best time creating these images together.   

Here begins the story of their wedding day.  Yet, somehow, I do believe Matt and Elizabeth have been written in the stars for one another for all of eternity.  Their hearts were destined for this day and for one another.  This is the day they were joined in holy matrimony and the day we celebrated heartily together.      





Congratulations and Best Wishes to the happy couple!!!  I raise my glass to you and wish you God's blessings - always!   Cheers to you, my friends!  May your life together be full - in every possible way!  Much love to you both! 



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Giving credit where credit is certainly due: 

My assistant and 2nd shooter, and good friend, Bobby Palko of Palko Photography holds high esteem with me.  Thank you, Bobby for your excellent eye, sharp skills and friendship. You did a wonderful job for me and for Elizabeth and Matt!! 


Pre-Ceremony Preparations:  Bride and her girls - Historic Smithton Inn, Ephrata PA  
                                                Groom and the guys - Matt's parents' home, Ephrata, PA
Wedding Ceremony and Reception:  Historic Eicher Arts Center, Ephrata PA                                                              
Formal Bridal Party Photos:  Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata PA
Caterer (dinner and cake):   Rettew's Catering, Manheim PA
The bride's gown:  an heirloom from Elizabeth's paternal great-grandma from the early 1920s
The girls' dresses:  David's Bridal
The guys' suits:  Men's Wearhouse