It’s almost here and I’m getting SO excited. The new site is looking amazing! One thing I thought I would mention now… the new site will be at www.aliciathurston.com, which is also where the REALLY, REALLY BIG giveaway will be next week so be sure to stay tuned. Don’t worry, if you come back to this site it will direct you there anyway.
I’m getting lots of fun vendors involved in the launch party giveaway, fun things for everyone and even some discount codes so everyone’s a winner. I’m partying 1999 style!

Theirs is a true love story with plenty of serendipity and enough twists and surprises worthy of a Hollywood Motion Picture. They grew up on the opposite ends of Ontario, both practice law and enjoy leather bound books and the smell of a rich mahogany. Both Teri and Cam will soon discover a new love in their daughter, an intoxicating love. The days of relaxing by the lake, taking a jog or vegging out watching reality t.v. will be even more cherished with the arrival of Elle Marie MacDonald. Teri and Cam call themselves foodies, so from one foodie to another, I challenge you to have your little girl eating sushi (or the like) by age two. It’s so much fun to pass on that passion for good food to our kids!

My question for the parents-to-be;
What do you want to remember about your life in this moment? How happy we are together and how excited we are to meet our daughter!

Every so often I get to experience a little piece of an intensely passionate relationship, this was one of those times. It allows me to push my photographic envelope because I can observe something that is already beautiful and create a whole picture for them to step into. I really wanted to embrace the connection and show the chemistry between Teri and Cam. Teri is the sweetest mama-to-be and definitely ready to brave the road of motherhood. Strong and confidant are two words that best describe her from first glance, as I’m sure you will see. Enjoy!

I’m starting the celebration early! I am launching my new website very soon and I can’t wait for our new look. I’m giddy with excitement so I’m celebrating with a few special promo’s over the next couple weeks. Promotions will vary and each one will last 24 hours only.
First up, book your session in the next 24 hours and get a FREE 12×12 Metal Print!
Check out what a 12×12 metal print looks like here, on my family wall!

It was a great day for an Easter egg hunt at Steckle Heritage Farm, hosted by momstown. Looking forward to the rest of the long weekend with family and watching the Toronto Beaches Easter Parade!
I only have one thing to say about the first image – I GOT IT! FINALLY! It’s taken almost four years, since this beautiful girl was born and only now has Elise finally warmed up to the camera. In fact, she was all about being a model today. Yay, it’s about time, this face deserves to be in front of the camera.
Happy Easter everyone, enjoy your long weekend, laugh lots and eat some chocolate.

They went to the same high school but being five years apart, they weren’t exactly high school sweethearts. Fast forward ten years where they meet in a local bar up in cottage country. Amanda knew this handsome guy from highschool, John claims he doesn’t remember Amanda but I find that hard to believe, I think you’ll agree when you see her in these photos!
The connection was hard to deny as they laughed the night away and they quickly fell in love. John proposed a year and a half later up on Georgian Bay where they also married in June 2010. This tie to cottage country is something they can’t wait to share with their beautiful little Addy. Having children was something John and Amanda both wanted more than anything. Amanda will joke that they couldn’t hold off too long because “John’s getting up there is age, you know”.
Their biggest joy as parents so far has been the realization that this sweet little baby is actually here and all theirs to love. No one can prepare you for the love you feel for your child, it is a force to be reckoned with. I remember being told by a friend, before Em was born, that I will never love anything more than my child. At the time I thought… what about my husband? But it’s just different. The love you have for this tiny little person fills your heart so completely it almost feels like it could burst.

I asked Amanda to share the story of her daughter’s name as I love Adalyn so much.
“I have always adored the nickname “Maddy”, but our nephew, Matthew gets called “Matty”. So, I thought Addy was a really pretty alternative. We thought “Addison” was too popular, so when I saw “Adalyn” on a blog, it just seemed right. Her middle name, Rose, is also my middle name, my mom’s middle name and two of my great grandmother’s first names. There was never any doubt that we would use it as our little girl’s middle name too!”
Lastly, a fun fact about Adalyn;
“Adalyn was born 9 days early, so she was small- 6lbs, 2 oz, but she had huge hands and feet! After 2 weeks, she nows weighs 7lbs 7 oz- i think she’s going to be tall and will eventually grow into those hands and feet!”

Stepping into Amanda, John and Adalyn’s life for a few hours was a joy! Thank you for sharing your experience with me and a few cuddles with Addy!

Etsy is one of my favourite places to look for new artists, kids clothing, handmade goodies and inspiration. I recently needed something fun and different for some marketing materials and came across Reani, check out her etsy store here. I’ve decided that every once in a while I would like to feature an artist on my site and Rhian Atta was the first person I thought of to start off this fun venture.
This first illustration is the project I commissioned her for, a girl that stands for me and my business, of course wearing a Kelly Moore Bag.

First, tell us what got you started in illustration?

Well, this may sound as a cliché but I have been told that I started drawing before I can even remember. All I know is that my parents swore that they could never buy me any new color pencils or watercolors because I drew or painted on all the walls and doors in our house. They eventually gave up to my persistent begging, though. My mother used to draw all the time and I got that from her. I used to feel jealous because her girly drawings were much prettier than mine, and always I tried to mimic her style — and I ended up drawing a lot of girly girls! Growing up, I thought that art did not hold much of a future so got a BA in computer science, which I loathed. After working for a few years, I went back to school to study graphic design. After a few years of working as a professional graphic designer, I discovered Etsy.com. I just put my work there (graphic design and illustrations) and I was amazed at the amount of requests I got. I work full time as a freelancer now, and since then I have never looked back.

What makes you tick? What is the driving force behind your work?

When I start drawing, it immediately transforms me to another world – my own world that is full of colors, fashion and whimsical girls. Anything can inspire me, looking at the work of other artists, a beautiful color combination, a walk in the park, or even a beautifully designed blog – virtually anything. I just visited the National Museum of Women in the Arts in DC, and that was very inspiring.

What or who inspires you?

Strong people who tell themselves that it is never too late to fulfill one’s potential.

Name your two favourite blogs to follow?

Share Some Candy: http://www.sharesomecandy.com/

Graphic Exchange: http://www.graphic-exchange.com/home.html

Lastly, how you you start your perfect day?

By getting a big smile from my daughter, who is 8 months now. I make my cup of tea and have it while watching her play and checking my email for any new requests or questions from my clients. I normally work when my daughter naps in the day, or after she goes to sleep at night. I work from 9 – 5. Then I stop to cook dinner (cooking is one of my favorite hobbies too). I work again from 10 – 12 midnight. I work a lot, but I love what I am doing and every new project is a door that takes me to a new and exciting world!

Thank you Rhian for taking the time to share your work and inspiration with us. I would love to see one of your illustrations come to life, the characters are so precious, whimsical and delightful in every way!
This last one is my absolute favourite. The next Reani commission will be for my daughter’s third birthday, one of my photographs of Em turned into an illustration. I can’t wait!

Want a custom illustration, shop Reani! http://www.etsy.com/shop/Reani

I may be in the minority but this weather is freaking me out! If it’s like this in March, what are we facing this summer, I’m slightly frightened.
That being said, you sure can’t beat this weather for photo shoots so I guess it’s bittersweet.

I am so excited to announce that we have been accepted into the NAPCP (National Association of Professional Child Photographers)! It is a great honour to be a part of a community of fabulous photographers from across the globe. The NAPCP recognizes photographers who produce consistent, quality imagery and hold the highest standard of ethics and integrity in their business practices. I’m looking forward to benefitting from their members platform and hope to showcase some of my work on their site. What a great week!

I asked my friend Lindsay to write a little something about her high school friends;
“There is no feeling in the world like holding you newborn baby for the first time! Waiting in anticipation for 40 weeks, making lists of names, stocking up on the many baby items you will need once the little one arrives. On February 29th, 2012, my dear friend Jess and her husband Mike felt a joy like no other when their beautiful baby boy was born. They make world class parents and I am looking forward to watching our kids grow up together!”

Thank you Jess and Mike for allowing me into your world to capture these precious moments. You have a handsome little man to fill your hearts!