Being so camera shy, it took a little convincing on my part to get Grandma Vera to be the only one in the photo.  I explained how these portraits were important to me and the rest of the family…that we wanted to have these portraits to cherish down the road when she is no longer with us.  Once Grandma agreed to the portrait session I then asked if she would wear her black and white floral dress and some of her beautiful costume jewelry.  It is a favorite of mine that she looks so beautiful wearing!  I also chose to photograph Grandma in and around her home…a place I’ve always loved visiting!  To have her in her own environment, with her own things, seemed like the perfect backdrop.

Not everyone is lucky to have grandparents when growing up.  I count myself lucky to have such a treasure trove of memories associated with my grandparents and especially Grandma Vera.  It was always so much fun to go and stay a week at the farm with her and Grandpa Ted.  We would spend our days taking walks on the country roads, admiring their flower and vegetable gardens, playing cards, and eating delicious food.  Many visits were also filled with watching the beautiful creations Grandma would be making with her sewing machine for myself and my siblings.  She made my sister Erica and I the most beautiful dresses…maybe that’s why I still delight in wearing summer dresses so much!  She made us doll clothing, stuffed animals…you name it…Grandma could create it!  For this reason I photographed Grandma at her sewing machine last summer. With that, I am thrilled to have these beautiful portraits of a a very special and lovely lady!  To see more photos you may do so by clicking here.

Parker’s Bar Mitzvah a few months ago was no exception.  The day passed so quickly!  Looking back it was a smooth blur of happiness.  The combination of Parker’s nervous excitement, mixed with the love and pride gleaming from his family, was so endearing and memorable. Truth be told, there were several moments throughout the day that were real heart moments…moments that made my eyes a little glossy.  Seeing Parker’s parents tear up during the ceremony and party were moments that were especially moving.  Hugs and kisses from the grand parents and extended family were also sweet and memorable.  Last but not least, one of the most memorable moments was seeing Parker’s great grandmother dance like a thirty-year old during the party at Maggiano’s!  The thought of this fills my face with a big smile.  It is a powerful reminder that life is about living, loving and celebrating all the good that fills our lives.  To celebrate the big moments like Mitzvahs, as well as the small moments like witnessing the first flower of spring.  These new moments are all special and are the collective memories that make up our lives.

To see more images from Parker’s big day you may do so by clicking here.  Congratulations Parker!!!

Fast forward two years, Pig Pig is very much a family member.  He lives inside the house with his dog siblings.  Weighing close to 100 pounds, Pig Pig will eat anything and everything in sight.  I cannot even begin to imagine what his food bill is every month!  More importantly Pig Pig is an intelligent, loving and cherished member of the family.  To view more photos of Pig Pig and his family you may do so here .