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!

Check out JD!!!

I can't believe he's now a high school senior! The last time I had spoken with JD, he was an adorable (sorry JD!!) kindergartner, who would play down the basement and talk non-stop while I was working there. To explain, I used to work for JD's parents as a picture framer, and before they moved the frame shop downtown, they operated it out of their office supply store. I did the framing work in their basement where the framing equipment was set up. Lots of fun memories...... :-)

But anyway, here is JD, all grown up!



JD LOVES basketball. We got some other super fun basketball images, but I picked just one favorite for the blog...

If you are wondering how I got such an awesome smile (above) out of a teenage boy, this is why: his two sisters came along to the session to help out!


Right as we were finishing the session, JD's Dad showed up driving this super fun vintage car!!! I wish I could say I planned this! Sometimes, my favorite images of a session are the ones I did not plan at all!

It was great catching up with you, JD! I hope you have a great senior year!

I hate to say it...

...but summer (check out Joseph skiing!) will soon be over, and our thoughts will turn to hot apple cider, football games, turkey and stuffing, and yes...........CHRISTMAS!!

If you have been considering getting portraits made, now would be a great time to call and set up an appointment! This school year I will be taking appointments on Thursdays during the day, and Thursday evenings. I also have select Saturday session times available. The Saturdays and evenings fill up FAST, so be sure to call if those times work best for you!

I also wanted to share the following holiday season info with you to help with your planning:

Last Day of Photo Sessions: Nov 8

Your Proof Gallery Will Be Online No Later Than: Nov 18

Please Place Your {Print/Digital Image/Custom Card} Order No Later Than: Nov 25
**Rush Fee Of 50% Applies To Christmas Orders Placed After Nov 25**

Custom Christmas Cards or Single Full Res Images {For Your Christmas Cards} Will Be Ready No Later Than: Dec 5

Prints Will Be Ready No Later Than: Dec 19

And here is just a reminder of my regular production times: Proof Images Will Be Online Approximately Three Weeks After Your Session. Orders Are Ready In Four Weeks. Production Time May Vary During Peak Seasons. Rush Fee May Apply for Rush Orders.

If you place your order before the deadlines mentioned, I am more likely to be able to get your order to you sooner!

On a fun note, maybe you noticed that I mentioned Custom Cards! I will be offering some really fun card designs that I can customize for your family! I am very excited to offer these-stay tuned for news on this!

I hope that the end of summer and the start of school has been a good transition for you all! I find myself a little behind with several unplanned things having happened recently, and some things I could have predicted would make me busy! I have been able to have a few productive days this week though, so if you are expecting proofs online, a print order, or anything else-you'll hear from me SOON!!! I just can't wait to show you TONS of highlights on the blog from weddings, a couple graduates, and some very special other sessions. CHECK BACK!!!!! :-)

Maeva loves...

...having fun!

...being inquisitive-hmmmmmmm!

...being two!

...riding tricycle!

...lying in the grass and looking up at the sky!

...HER MAMA!!!

Meet Dan!

Dan will be starting his senior year at MOC-FV High School in a little less than a week...

Athletics are a big part of Dan's life right now. If I remember right, he said he takes part in all the sports except track! I had a chance to see Dan in action this summer, coaching summer rec baseball for two of my boys. He did a great job!



We got to take a few pictures with Dan's family's dogs at their home. The dogs were so excited to see Dan, but they calmed down nicely, allowing us to get a couple of great portraits!

To Dan: Thanks for being a great sport for these portraits! Have a great senior year!