A Song For Baby Cornelius...

...as sung by his Mommy.

You are my Sunshine

My little Sunshine

You make me happy

When skies are grey

You'll never know, dear

How much I love you

Please don't take my Sunshine away...


A few weeks ago I was honored and humbled to meet Baby Cornelius and his wonderful family. Cornelius has a beautiful big sister Adella, a loving Mommy and Daddy, adoring Grandpas and Grandmas, Aunties, Uncles, cousins and friends. Cornelius also has a genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

In learning a little bit about this family's journey, Cornelius' family amazed me with their strength and courage, as well as their thankfulness and joy for each day they have together as a family.

Please join me in praying for miracles for Baby Cornelius (there is no known cure for SMA), and for continued courage and strength for his family and all who love him.

If anyone would like to contribute to a benefit fund to help with Cornelius' medical expenses, please contact me and I can forward that information to you.

Sweet little Cornelius,
I am changed for having met you....you are remarkable.
Love and prayers
Vanessa

Megan and Patrick have loved each other since...

...fifth grade!!! Yesterday I had lunch with Joseph's class of fifth graders-and I can't help but smile when I think about Patrick and Megan sitting across from the lunch table across from each other years ago, or playing on the swings at recess! :-) It's so much fun learning about couples' totally unique love stories.

Last month Megan and Patrick gathered their family and friends to witness and celebrate their exchange of vows!

Megan's shoes!

Megan getting ready with her sister and Maid of Honor looking on...

I love the next two images of Megan and Patrick's first meeting!


I think the following shot has kind of a Hollywood glamour feel to it...

These two are just plain stylin'!

It was a beautiful day-I love blue sky!

Megan had always wanted to take wedding pictures by willow trees and a kind family at the edge of town let us use their beautiful yard!

Married!

Congratulations, Megan and Patrick! All the best to you in the coming years. Thanks for letting me photograph your day!

Jamie and Jason-Sioux Falls, SD!

It was so much fun being around Jamie as she was getting ready for her groom! I have never seen a girl so radiant and happy to be getting married!

Jamie and Jason did pictures before the wedding (great choice!) We drove to a nearby park-it turned out to be an amazingly perfect day despite a grey start!

There was another wedding party already taking pictures on the bridge we had hoped to use, but they gave us a few minutes to make what turned out to be some beautiful portraits...


Here is Jason watching Jamie come down the aisle. I think there are few things more beautiful than a groom who is overcome with love for his bride! :-)


The reception was held on the top floor of the downtown Holiday Inn!

A fun shot in the hotel lobby...

First dance...soooo in love!!!!

It was said at the wedding, and I have to agree, that this whole day was centered around Jamie and Jason's family and friends. You could just tell how the people close to this couple have totally inspired them to be the wonderful individuals and couple that they are. Truly inspiring...

One thing all these wonderful people knew how to do was HAVE FUN! The dancing at this reception was just the best! At one point, people were taking turns showing their moves in the middle of the circle (is there a name for this? Sorry to be so out of the loop on my dance terminology!) and this guy in the orange shirt starts tucking his tie into his shirt, when suddenly...

He DOES A FLIP!!!! And I CAUGHT IT ON CAMERA! Just had to show you that! The whole night was filled with crazy fun dancing!

Jamie and Jason, thank you so much for allowing me the privilege of capturing this important day for you!