The Wednesday Files, Part 2

Yesterday I shared some of the pictures I was working on this week for my friends.  Baby bump pictures are always fun, and this time I got add some Fall flavor to them!

This little family was the very first one I did a photo shoot for, almost two years ago.  It is because of them that I learned that I could -- and enjoy -- taking pictures of people.  How fun to be able to be able to capture this big change in their lives!

As you can see, the big sister is quite excited for her new baby sister to arrive.  Imagine all the hair ribbons and dolls their house is going to have!

What a beautiful little family... one that is not going to be so little for much longer!  May health, happiness, love, and joy follow you all the days of your lives, and may Baby Olivia be a light in your world.

The Making of a Bride (Houston, Texas)

I have seriously disappeared, I know.  I have a good reason, I promise...

Isn't that a beautiful dress?  Wait until you see the girl who went in it...

Maybe you remember the engagement pictures I shared a few months back, maybe you don't.  Being asked to take the engagement pictures was an honor, but being a part of the wedding day is much more special!  I was a bridesmaid AND I had the privilege of taking the "before" pictures.

Hair is done, card has been written and delivered to the groom, and it is time for make-up...

Querubia's mother passed away a couple of years ago and her father was unable to get a visa from Brazil in time to come to the wedding, but her sister was there to share the day with her.  I was blessed to be able to witness many special moments between them during the few days I was there, like this one.

Despite many loved ones so far away, she was not alone.  About 200 people were in attendance and over 200 people watched the wedding via the internet in Brazil.  Two of her bridesmaids came straight from Brazil, two came from New Jersey, and four came from California.  She is well loved and well supported.  What a great send off into a new life!

But if you knew her, you wouldn't be surprised.  Not only is she stunning on the outside, but she is on the inside as well.  I have never cried as many tears at any wedding as I did at this one.  Everything was beautiful, from the bride down to the dress, the vows, and everything in between.   


(Four of the eight bridesmaids, ready to help her finish up and send her on her way!)

So, yes, I was gone.  But I told you had a good reason ;)

A Mother's Love

Almost one year ago I had the privilege of taking maternity pictures for some of my friends.  It was the first (and only!) time I have done baby-bump photos and it is was so much fun!  Seeing as Mother's Day is just around the corner I thought I would share them with you. 

At some point we were all that little, teeny-tiny baby inside of our mother's belly, and I am sure we were already very loved.

Some of us were surprises, others of came after a period of waiting.  But I am sure that each one of us was longed for.

I am not a mom yet, so I cannot understand a lot of things my mom-friends say.  I don't personally understand the lack of sleep or the cleaning up mess after mess after mess.  I hear stories of happy pregnancies and miserable pregnancies, of easy deliveries and rough ones.  But in the end, I see every one of my friends has found a new kind of love -- one that didn't exist in her life before.

I realize that not all mothers received their children through pregnancy and delivery.  Some receive their long awaited bundle-of-joy through an adoption worker placing that baby in her arms.  And really, I don't think it matter how it comes about; a mother is a mother and her love knows no bounds.

My mom is not here anymore and I cannot wish her a Happy Mother's Day this next weekend.  But I will celebrate her and the love she gave me.  And I will celebrate the other women in my life who stepped to provide that love after my mom no longer could.

To all you moms out there, keep on loving your kids in the way only you know how.  And kids (that's all of us), love your mom.  Tell her.  And if you can't tell her, celebrate her.  She was the first to love you, and the one who loves you best.

A Little Bit of Sweet Lovin'... (Houston, Texas)

I know, I know... this has been more of a photography blog than a food/life blog this past week.  But my guess is that you will be able to find it deep in your heart to forgive me when you see how adorable my friends are.  (And besides, you are probably too busy with Easter stuff right now to even really care about tuna casserole with spinach or something like that, right?  Right.)

These pictures were actually taken back in January, but were under lock and key until my friends made them public, which they just did.  Finally!  I have been itchin' to share them. 

And wouldn't you know it... Train's "Marry Me" just came on Pandora.  Perfect!

Let me tell you about these two lovebirds.  Querubia is one of my very closest friends.  You might have already read about her and her amazing turkey-sandwich smoothies.  But what you don't know is that she is the one who introduced me to my husband.  Via an MSN instant messenger conversation.  She says she was trying to get Paulo someone to practice English with, but I am not so sure... ;) 

She was my very first Brazilian friend, and she has remained one of my very best of all friends throughout the years.  The past few years have seen her here in America and back home in Brazil for periods of time, but throughout it all, no matter where we were at physically, we have remained connected -- both through good times and very difficult life situations.  That is real friendship, right?

But right now we celebrate one of those really good, no, GREAT times.  She has found the love of her life, and I must say -- after spending this weekend with them in Texas, he gets my full approval! 

I feel very honored to not only have been selected as one of the bridesmaids, but to have them ask me to come out to do their engagement pictures.  I will be heading back out in a few short months to spend a few days with them, celebrating that sweet love that they publically declare their love in front of all of their friends, family, and God.  And I can't wait!