Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

Matilda Jane Trunk Show and Mini Sessions Spring 2010 | Raleigh Child Photographer

I'm hosting a Matilda Jane Trunk Show in my home on March 5th from 10am-12pm!

Matilda Jane has THE cutest stuff for girls--perfect alone during the summer or layered in the winter. I got to see the new line in person last weekend, and I love this collection. Please check out the lookbook to see some sneak previews.

Matilda Jane is not available in stores, so if you're interested in coming to my house for the trunk show, email me and I'll send you an invitation. Kids are welcome! If you aren't able to come to the trunk show, but you'd like to order from a catalog, let me know and I'll get you connected to the right person.

I'll be doing a mini photo session for your child if you spend $75 on Matilda Jane clothing at the trunk show! The mini sessions will be held on April 16th (times and location TBA). Each mini session will last 15-20 minutes and will feature your child, decked out in her new Matilda Jane duds and will include one 4x6 print! Digital images are not included. You will have the option to purchase prints at the regular price, listed on my website.

Please note that this mini session is for your child only. If you'd like to schedule a regular family session, please contact me and I'd be happy to schedule something with you.

So come shop, hang out, and enjoy some yummy treats : )

Sarah + Billy | Raleigh Engagement Photographer

This session is a few months old (they're married now!), but I still wanted to share. Sarah and Billy met at the seminary in Wake Forest and quickly fell in love. They were making each other laugh the entire session. Now they're married and can make each other laugh all the time : )

Japan | Raleigh Travel Photographer

Wow, it's hard to believe it's a new year and I'm just now doing a blog post! For those who have asked, despite not posting since December, everything is fine : ) I've been busy working on a brand new blog (coming very soon!) and making some much needed updates to my website (still in progress). I have many blog posts to catch up on and I hope to make many of them on my new blog very soon!

I actually thought I had posted these a couple of months ago, but with the busyness of holiday sessions and editing, it just didn't happen. These are a few images from my trip to Japan (in July!). I was so excited to spend some time with my sister, Joanna, and her boyfriend Victor. They both live in Japan, and despite it being a fantastic country, I am really looking forward to them both moving back to the US this year.

I only got to see them for a couple of days, but we made the most of it with some good food and some late night karaoke. We visited the Studio Ghibli Museum, which was so cool. I would never have expected a museum to have real Miyazaki sketches plastering the walls with no glass around them. It was as if there was no concern that they might get damaged or that someone might steal one. For those who are unfamiliar with Miyazaki's films, please check them out. This is a random thought, but I have to say that I think Miyazaki (and his studio) might give more attention to wind than any other animation studio. It's really beautiful to watch in his films.

We traveled to Lake Ashi, where we rode on a pirate ship and saw Mt. Fuji. Nearby, there was a beautiful cedar forest that we walked through. That night, we stayed in a traditional ryokan that Victor had booked. It was so cool to be able to sleep in a traditional Japanese hotel instead of a more touristy one. It had an onsen and also included a Japanese breakfast.

Oh--here's a tidbit of advice for anyone traveling to Tokyo. Go to one of the large department stores before they open and go in as soon as the doors are unlocked. We walked in and all of the employees were lined up down the aisle of the department store. Every single one of them bowed as we walked by. It was almost overwhelming and surreal, but such a neat experience. If you go later in the day, don't expect to see this. Even if you can't go in the morning, it's worth going to the department stores just to check out the food halls. They're amazing (and expensive)!

On to some photos!

Many parts of the museum reminded me of Gaudi's Casa Batllo in Barcelona.

This is right outside the little cafe at the Studio Ghibli Museum. I just loved the little detail of the tiny pinecones next to the vase of unripened blackberries on the red chair. So whimsical : )

This is a Mont Blanc, which is carried in most Japanese department stores in their food halls. It was Jacob's favorite dessert in Tokyo when we were there in 2005. It would never be my first choice, but I had to get one in his honor : )

Joanna and Victor in the cable car on our way to the pirate ship...

Mt. Fuji!

The cedar forest--so gorgeous.

My youngest sister : )

Holiday Minis 2010 Part Four

Look at these two : ) I'm so glad I got to photograph these twins again so soon for their holiday session. They were really happy at the same time for only about 5% of the session, but they were cute and entertaining 100% of the session : )

Holiday Minis 2010 Part One | Raleigh Family Photographer

I can hardly believe Halloween is almost here. And that means Thanksgiving is right around the corner! It also means this is a very busy season for us photographers because people want to get their sessions done for holiday gifts and cards. Hence, the Holiday Mini Sessions.
I have to thank Erin for lending me her gorgeous settee for the mini sessions. I think it was such a great addition to the shoot and was well worth the drive to Hillsborough to borrow it. Thank you SO much, Erin! You have great taste (not just in the settee, but in your whole house, by the way)!
This is part one of several mini sneak peeks I'll be posting. More to come!

Jenny + Jon | Raleigh Wedding Photographer

Jenny + JonOctober 3, 2010
Jenny and Jon had a lovely intimate wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina. They wrote their own vows, which were so sweet and heartfelt. And they each had the officiant read some words of thanks they wanted to share with their families and friends. I was especially touched by what Jenny had said about her mom.
The reception included lots of dancing, a delicious almond cake from Edible Art Bakery, and strawberry daiquiris : )
Congratulations!
Venue: Delightful InspirationsCake: Edible Art Bakery