I love the roses painted on this wall. Coincidentally, this wall was painted over the next week. Glad we were able to photograph lovely Olivia in front of it before it went away.

We had perfect weather, but Olivia and her mom rented a couple of great umbrellas from Bella Umbrella for use as fun props. I love the way umbrellas frame Olivia’s face.

Congratulations Olivia! I know you will have amazing success no matter what you choose to do and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter in your life holds.

Because it was the Creative Connection, every detail was presently so beautifully. The conference included four meals and each time the table decorations were stunning. I love details, especially creative and pretty ones, so I was in heaven. Christine Hoffman was responsible for all the table decorations, as well as the Barnes and Noble tables.

One table setting featured eye candy from Matthew Mead, along with a lovely necklace from The Vintage Pearl, and another used fabric from Kaari Meng’s French General as a centerpiece.

Even the Barnes and Noble tables in the marketplace were dressed for the party.

I had the pleasure of meeting Holly Becker, writer of the wildly popular decor8 blog (no, that’s not me in the photo with her, just in case you were wondering). She was one of the keynote speakers and her warmth and charm filled an entire ballroom.

And of course, the food was fabulous, and beautiful.

Cupcake party. The cupcake is sitting on a chocolate chair!

Even the ice tea was presented beautifully.

The credit for all of this wonderfulness goes to the Dream Team of, from left, Nancy Soriano, Jo Packham, visionary and editor-in-chief of Where Women Create and Where Women Cook, and Brandy Shay (missing: Christine Hoffman).

Jo signed my book, Where Women Cook Celebrate!, and somehow, she knew what was in my heart.

Recently, Amara held a donor event to thank their many donors and I was fortunate enough to be invited. Not only that, I had the honor of my photographs of Amara families decorate the event space, held at the glassybaby studio and gallery.

Lots of yummy food and drink, all donated by local restaurants.

The idea for printing and framing a selection of images was the brainchild of Communications Director Danielle Hermeler. We’d talked about this over a year ago and it was Danielle’s idea to hang these photos in their meeting room. A total of 10 – 20″ x 30″ prints were hung! I hope the prospective parents who come into that room and see the faces of these loving families will get a glimpse into what a difference they can make in the life of a child.

Thank you Amara and Danielle, for all that you do. And thank you to my husband Lucky, for taking all the event photos. Love to you all!

The day was beautiful, warm and well, picture-perfect.

An intrigued flower girl…

The look in Diana’s Maid of Honor’s eyes says it all. Beauty.

The First Look is my favorite part of the wedding day.

Diana’s colors were creamy whites and warm browns. So elegant.

The Moms got down during the reception!

And I think many women can relate to this…

This gorgeous day ended with a spectacular sunset.

Thank you, Diana and Anthony, for the honor and the joy of being present for this celebration. Love, hugs and best wishes always.

Michelle was teaching a cooking class at PCC so we used the store background to emphasize healthy choices when shopping.

Here’s my favorite still life of the session:

Here’s one of my favorites of lovely Michelle.

I recently made up a set of blank thank you cards to give to a couple whose wedding I photographed. I picked out five images I thought they’d like, added some type and printed two each on Museo Artist Cards using my Epson 2880 printer. The quality of the prints are amazing. I was particularly impressed with the b/w printing. It held good shadow detail and tonal range, usually the nemesis of matte papers.

Last August, my friend Beth Evans-Ramos, told me that her beautiful cat, Harry, had received a similar heavy diagnosis. I asked if I could take some photos of Harry, and the day I came over, I found him spending those hot summer days in the cool bathtub.
The bathtub proved to be a great studio to showcase Harry’s long, soft, white fur. I used a Lensbaby to emphasize his fluffiness.

Those soulful blue eyes melt my heart.
We all were happy that there were meds available to keep Harry comfortable and with a great quality of life for nine months. I know I was lulled into a kind of denial, that perhaps some miraculous recovery had happened. Miracles happen. Maybe…?

Sadly, Harry has joined his place in kitty heaven. He was also stoic and loving up until the end. I know that Harry had a beautiful life with his loving family. And that’s all we can ever ask for.

I will always have that little furry, purring bundle of love in my heart. I guess you just never forget someone you share a bathtub with.

Photo by Beth Evans-Ramos