Dana's Graduation Pictures

I shot Dana's senior pictures last week in downtown Melbourne. She loves flowers and we couldn't find a good garden but did find the most awesome dead flowers ever (above) and my favorites from the session. They are so Tim Burton. I heart Edward Scissorhands --for you old school people. So, Dana just graduated from Eau Gallie High School and she is such a nice girl!
Off the subject, I am 7 hours away from my husband getting home after being gone a whole week. The tough part about that is how he will think he is so tired even though we all know that three kids on your own, in the summer, while working, most certainly wins the
i-need-rest-prize. But I'm proud of him and the work he does so I'm going to be generous and give him a few hours tomorrow morning. After that, I'm thinking pedicure... on my way to tomorrow night's session of course!

Love this one.

We finished off at the beach right at sun down and yes that may look like the sun but since we are living on the East Coast that is actually the moon!

Chris and Mandy are having a baby!

I met Chris and Mandy for maternity photography last week. We started at their home and finished at Gleason Park. When Mandy called me and told me her last name I knew she had to be Chris's wife! I have known Chris since he was little (and me too.) He is my little brother's age and my family used to hang with his when we were all small, then he and Devon went through school together and his sister Andrea graduated with me (just yesterday really. not really. but maybe if you believe me we can just go with that.) I actually ran into him at the bowling alley last summer. Our lanes were right next to each other. It was my kids first time ever bowling. We were all very lucky to get through it without an injury -including Chris. Logan, my oldest and my perfectionist, was freaking out when he didn't knock down enough pins. Thank God for the bumpers. My dtr was better at throwing the ball rather than rolling it and little Davis was running wild like the animal he is. Now picture Chris and his buddies trying their best to have guy time. Poor Chris and his buddies.

So, he told me then that they were expecting and now months later it was really fun to meet Mandy and get to capture this special time for them. There really is nothing like the expectancy of your first child. Their nursery is beautiful and all set. Mandy looks gorgeous and Chris has the new dad nervous excitement thing going. I love the series I put up top but there are a few others competing for my favorite!

This is just hysterical. Poor pup. I hate to break it to you but it is all down hill for you now. Relish your last moments as the baby...

I have a love-hate relationship with this one. I love Mandy's beautiful face and yellow bench and the composition. I hate the thought of laying upside down as a pregnant woman and I start to feel my stomach in my throat when I look at this. She wasn't really tilted, the camera is. I wouldn't do that to her. It was bad enough to ask her to lay flat on her back! (I'm gasping for air just thinking about it.) She looks great though right.

super tan belly. I never did achieve this myself.

I love how Chris has to bend over to kiss her cheek -this is another fave for me.

and this one.

they got married right here.

oh yeah this one too.

this one's hot.

stay tuned for newborn!

As You Wish Catering and Events

As You Wish Catering and Events is a unique option for those of you looking for a caterer in Melbourne, FL and surrounding Brevard County. AYW offers more than just amazing food, impeccable service and presentation. They will also go the extra mile for your event; be it decor, center pieces, chair rentals, you name it. I shot these images last week at the Lansing Island Club House and because I was not the photographer for the actual wedding, I was not there during the main course but don't worry, I will get some images of the yummy dinners offered and put them up here soon. I am impressed by the finished product and artful presentation but especially the pride this business takes in it's results. Leave comments and reviews here if you have worked with As You Wish!!

I'm going to dig up some Lansing Island Club House pics to show you more of what this venue has to offer... To be continued...

Nathan's Bar Mitzvah

I photographed Nathan's Bar Mitzvah celebration last weekend at The Courtyard at the Oaks
in Melbourne, FL. First though, I had the pleasure of coming along to Temple and photographing some of the rights of passage for Nathan's big day. I had visited a temple once before in college on an assignment for my world religions class. I was very impressed then, as I still am, at the focus on remembrance. I love the emphasis on what God has done for His people in the past which in turn brings hope for the future. I love that kids Nathan's age are practicing an ancient language, not because it will be useful for communication purposes, but I imagine to connect with the origin of their faith. As a Christian I have treasured the studies I've done on the patriarchs we share with the Torah. I kind of wish we had more markers for kids growing up in the faith. Nathan's celebration was rich with symbolism and the support of his family and friends. I started out with the first few images here being designed as album spreads and/or storyboard collage. As you can see in the first image above, Nathan's dad was just beaming with pride for his son the whole time. Mom too, but I think the Bar Mitzvah is extra special to fathers and sons.

Oh my I am love with this wee one.

See. I told you.

What a cute family right? I think dad is from Morocco and mom from Canada but they've lived here in the Melbourne Area for a long time.

This is Courtyard at the Oaks and I'm not sure who did the arrangement but I know the Oaks provided the table settings and custom designed a Moroccan menu.

Do you remember middle school?

xoxo

barbie, hand bag, pink shoes. check. sweet cheeks I want to pinch like an annoying aunt. double check.

this is the table chart. remember middle school now?

The first part of the event was outside on the patio, great set up with the bar and servers walking around with yummy hors d'oeuvres. Why do I have to google that every time I spell it?

if there is a sweet baby or toddler at your event, i will not be able to resist.

if you weren't sure about the possibility of flying people leaving trails of pixie dust behind, you can rest assured now.

enthusiastic crowd. really fun. grandpa was a hoot too.

sweetest little sister ever giving her speech in support of her bro.

The dj's were very familiar with Bar Mitzvah. Did a great job I thought with keeping the event moving from one thing to the next. But, just say no to the weird confetti looking lights. They were all over everybody on the dance floor like glowing lent. I even got a photo with a green one right under someone's nose. No worries guests of Nathan, I deleted, but seriously.

They're holding hands. I think it's a duet.

love this one. these girls had a blast.

I learned that photographers can get crushed in what I believe might be the most ancient of all mosh pit traditions. Really cool dancing in circles, then circles moving in different directions, then in and out and poor Nathan just when he thinks he might sneak away there are more ladies ready to give him a twirl. I LOVE the hands.