Christine, James, and baby Madison

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas!! Ours was awesome (pictures to follow). Here I am, back from Colorado, and back to blogging!

This session was right before Christmas break. I met Christine my freshmen year at BYU one weekend when she visited my roommate Cheryl, and I thought, why is everyone from San Diego so perfectly amazing and beautiful? I'm pretty sure it is the case with them anyway. ;) When Christine was pregnant with little Madison, she acquired cancer and has been fighting it on and off ever since. I am utterly amazed at how strong she and her little family is after all they have been through. It is so obvious that they are full of so much faith and light and love.

We have been meaning to take their pictures for months now, I was so grateful and honored that we were finally able do their session. It was also Madison's first birthday this month, so it was the perfect opportunity to take some of her, and of the three of them.

It was a freezing cold afternoon in Provo. Cute Madison was such a trooper, but before long, she and the rest of us were a bit frost-bitten and needed a back-up plan. So we found one, and for that I have a million "thank you's" to say to my favorite boutique at the Shops at Riverwoods, Soel. They so graciously allowed us to use their yoga room so we could finish our session in warmth. I highly recommend their clothes and their yoga. (I recently bought my very favorite pair of jeans and rain boots from them!) :) So thank you to Soel, thank you to Riverwoods, and thank you to Christine, James, and Madison for allowing me to take your photographs! I hope they will be cherished for years to come.

This girl is going to move mountains. :)

Merry Christmas

School is out, work is out, and we are out- to Colorado! Merry Christmas to all of you!

*Any flaws found in this photo (weird hand?) can be blamed on the running from my tripod. :)

{Judd Family}

If you think these guys are familiar...you are right (and awesome)...since I have proudly had them on my blog (old and new) several times. When I finally got into BYU, winter semester of my freshman year, I randomly (miraculously) moved into an apartment of the most wonderful girls in the world. Cheryl {here} was my roommate, and quickly became one of my best friends. We all lived together until she married Scott. Those years, and the years since, have been some of the greatest memories I have ever had. I love and look up to my friends more than they know, Cheryl being one of the best. It has been so much fun seeing each other and our friends get married and have babies! Allie is the cutest little thing ever, and she was so awesome in the freezing snow. Just this last week, Scott graduated, so they packed up and moved away to bigger and better things in California... I already miss them like crazy, but I am so grateful for their friendship and that I could take a few pictures of them before they left.

One of me and Cher...

Emily Jane Creations

If you are ever in need of invitations or announcements (and who isn't?), you should definitely call my friend Emily. Her designs are all beautifully handmade, reasonably priced, and always worth it. When Casey and I got married she helped make our announcement (how good are your eyes, can you spot it in the picture?). Everyone is always so impressed with her designs and she is always willing to create exactly what you have in mind. (Those cute little lady bugs on the baby announcement...um, she made them!) Basically, I love her stuff so much that I asked if I could take some pictures of them. She has a website that you should definitely see. I wasn't convinced that a scanner was doing her invitations justice. ;) Here is a sampling of the photoshoot!

Cindy {Bridals}

The first day of December brought the first snowfall of the season, which at first made one photographer and one bride slightly nervous. :) We decided to choose an indoor location or two, but once we arrived in Salt Lake, the snow had stopped falling and oh my goodness it was gorgeous. So of course Cindy was so happy to trudge through the snow in her wedding dress to get some of these. Basically, December brides are the most hard core. (One very awesome Colorado wedding two years ago had similar weather conditions!) Her sister Becky, only one of my greatest friends, came along to help out. It was a blast. Cindy is so gorgeous, I loved her dress, and I loved getting to know her better. She and Chad are getting married in the Oakland, CA temple on December 29th, I'm sure it will be much nicer weather. (I wish I could do a million December 29th weddings!) It has been a busy few weeks, but I am loving the holiday season. Thanks again Cindy!

P.S. Everyone keep voting on the polls! I know you're out there... I apologize if there isn't a category for you on one or the other, just pick one that fits you best! Or just leave a comment because I love them and I know you do too. :)