A Cause Close to My Heart...

My hometown was recently rocked to it's core by a tragic event. A van drove into a grade six classroom and sadly one girl passed away. Two girls are still in the hospital with extensive injuries. I think the whole town has stood back and began to re-evaluate what they believe and where they are in their lives.

I am so proud to say that I'm from St. Paul. The amount of people that have opened their hearts to these kids and their families and the school staff is unbelievable. Sometimes we become so consumed with our little lives that it takes a tragic turn of events to take stock and realize that we have to help our neighbours out when they're in need.

A group of incredible ladies is organizing an auction in support of the three families affected. While two girls remain in hospital, their families are going to have a lot of costs to cover. We need to help these families out. 

It's a cause close to my heart, because when I was three years old, I was injured in a car accident and sustained a spinal cord injury. This year actually marks the 25th anniversary of the accident, and if I can pay it forward the way that my family was helped in the months after my injury, I will. That's why I'm donating a session, which includes a disc of the high resolution images, and a $100 print credit. 

Oh, and did I mention they're auctioning off a guitar signed by the Biebs??? Yeah, they are. So because my birthday is today, I'm asking everyone to go like this page on facebook and when the auction is announced, go bid on something...it doesn't even have to be my session. Bid on whatever you want, but just bid. Help these families so that one day they can pay it forward!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Emmerson :: Baby

About a month ago, I featured a wonderful family that had recently welcomed a brand new baby girl. Well, that same wonderful family asked me if I could also get a few of just little Emmerson a couple of weeks later. Of course, I said yes.

Rachel and Mark, you have a beautiful family and little Emmerson has rounded it out perfectly. She's so sweet and lovely, everything that a little girl should be. Thank you for letting me document her beginning. She's so incredibly precious.

I don't think I've ever seen such an alert baby. She is definitely aware of what's going on in the world around her, and will no doubt take it by storm and change it for the better!

Derek, Chantelle and Brett :: Family

I have to say, whenever I sit back and think of the people in my life, I am overcome with gratitude. I have an incredible group of people that I know are always behind me in whatever I do. 

One of the top spots on that list belongs to this family. I love them so much! I have known Chantelle since grade 6...basically I've known her more years than not. Derek came into the equation during college and they were married a few years ago. And now there's a little monkey that comes along with them wherever they go. ;) Gosh, Brett has completely stolen my heart. He is a joy and a blessing in not only his wonderful parents lives but in the lives of everyone he meets. And now since they only live a few minutes away from my parents, it makes those family visits that much sweeter!

Chantelle, Derek and Brett, thank you for coming out for Thanksgiving with us. I am so thankful to have all three of you in my life. You are always encouraging and nothing makes me happier than time spent with you. Thank you so much for letting me take a few photos of your little family...I hope you love them! Love you guys!

Oh, and thanks to my dad for coming out with me on this shoot. I didn't really have to ask though...whenever Brett's around my dad can't be that far behind. :)

Brian, Ashley and Boys :: Family

Just like every hairdresser and make-up artist surely has people they'd love to work with for whatever reason, most photographers have a dream list of people they'd like to photograph.

I am happy to announce that this post features one of the families on my list! (Note: Brian and Ashley, please don't be creeped out by that. I don't stalk you, well except for Facebook) I can't even give you a definite reason why they're on my list. Maybe it's because their outgoing personalities are exuberant. Maybe it's because they have incredibly adorable kids. Maybe it's because I really want Ashley's hair...ok, maybe I do stalk them. That's definitely not the point though. The point is to always have your dream list because you never know when you'll get to cross something off on it. I can attest that there is no better feeling than crossing items off of it...I've had the opportunity to photography many of my dream subjects! :)

Brian, Ashley, Colby and Caleb, thank you so much for hanging out with us. You are a wonderful family that makes everyone feel at home instantly. Knowing you guys is a true gift that I am so thankful for!

Oh and a little known fact about me, I absolutely love family photos where one of the kids is crying! Seriously. There's nothing better than a truly honest moment in a family's life. 

Mark, Rachel and Kids :: Family

This time of year, people quite often find themselves bunkering down and preparing for the long cold winter months. Thank goodness we're able to have a few holidays before the madness of winter hits and we're able to relish in family time and all that our family means to us. 

It was a pleasure to be able go out to a family farm in the middle of harvest, and spend a bit of time with this beautiful family. They just recently welcomed their newest member, and I have to say, I don't think I've met such a peaceful, laid back baby. She is like a little doll.

Mark and Rachel, you have an awesome family. Your kids are polite, friendly and funny. It's no wonder with parents like the two of you. The way that the girls looked up to their big brother and the way he would take them into his arms seriously melted my heart. He is the big brother that I wanted growing up! hahaha.

Thank you so much for having us out, especially in the middle of harvest. You were all a dream to work with. I truly hope that you all enjoy the next coming months to the fullest with the new bundle of joy!