You’ve kind of already seen today’s 365 post if you’ve read the blog post just prior to this one.  It was about my dad’s engagement photo shoot I did this morning with his fiance, Sharon.  They asked me if I’d be able to get a photo for their Save The Date card done before I left for Ethiopia (on FRIDAY!!!!) and I said sure! We walked in the somewhat blustery sunshine of Downtown Annapolis to grab some stellar shots.

Now, my dad seems to think he might need to “improve his looks” a little bit, but I know better.  And not just because he’s my dad.  I have realized over my time of shooting couples either on their engagements, or weddings, or just because, that they always look wonderful.  Wanna know my secret?  It’s L-O-V-E!  It’s that simple, and I guess it’s not really MY secret.  So, if you want to look great in your photos, if you want to look phenomenal, have them done with someone you LOVE!  It works every single time…no lie!  I always tell my clients that I don’t photograph ugly people – it’s a rule.  And I follow it strictly.  I strive to make every person look & feel as wonderful as I see them from behind my lens.  And I happen to think it works.  It’s all about being with someone you love.  So, pick someone – your spouse, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your kids, your dog, your grandmother – whomever.  I guarantee you’ll look awesome if you’re with someone you love.  Look at my dad!

This is my husband, Josh.  He’s my other half, my better half, my more patient half, my “I’m a better gift giver” half.  He just has a lot of talents & one of them is completing me.  I love him.  This image is one I captured of him working this evening on his laptop.  He has a regular job, where he goes in to an office daily, meets with clients, fixes their home automation issues, builds the home theater of their dreams, programs remotes that do everything but change diapers, etc.  The work you see him doing here is his other passion:  creating apps.  Josh has probably been one of Apple’s biggest fans since I can remember.  Yes, at one point in our marriage we owned a PC, but it was short lived.  He brought me over from the dark side (or to the dark side) very early in our marriage.  And it’s almost been 7 years now and I am continually impressed at his knowledge.  Not only can he talk Baltimore, but he can whip my tail at scrabble almost any day of the week.  He’s also had more hair colors than anyone I know.  He has me tied for the number of ear piercings.  He’s gotten more tattoos than I care to image the pain for.  He’s got two daughters that dote on him.  And now he’s ventured into his own small business.  You never cease to amaze me, Josh Sroka.  I love you, my renegade.  You are like no other & that’s what I like about you.

Don’t you just love handmade gifts?  Especially when it’s little hands that made them?  These are 2 candles my “big girl” Emma made me for Christmas.  The candle on the left she made in her preschool class.  They mod podged little images on the outside & sprinkled it with sparkly glitter.  The candle on the left features three white snowmen made from three of her fingers.  She made that one at our MOPS group.  They are just so sweet & I remember when she gave them to me for Christmas she was so excited to be able to give me something all on her own.  So teachers, childcare workers, caretakers of children everywhere – these little things that you help our dear ones make warm my mommy’s heart in these cold winter months.  Thank you!  And keep ‘em coming!  I’ll gladly fill my entire house with knick knacks if they come from the hands of my girls.

Oh, and I love the title of this post because it reminds me of my mother-in-law’s former store:  Handmade with Love.  She no longer runs a brick & mortar store, but if you like jewelry, love unique things, or love shrinky dinks, you should check out her latest endeavors over at Fun Jewelry on eBay & Create Happiness on etsy.  She’s quite talented!

Well, I better get to bed.  We need to get in some active time tomorrow before the next big snow hits!

My sister came along in my life when I was almost 7 years old.  She kicked me out of the “baby” role & stole my spotlight with her brown curly hair & beautiful blue eyes.  And I LOVE her!  Maggie hates hates hates when I share her business with anyone, so I’ll be vague, but I have to share with you how proud I am of her & how much I just love her.  Now don’t get me wrong…she is annoying, steals my clothes, doesn’t return my phone calls, talks incessantly, and STOLE my role as the baby in the family.  Yet, she is my sister and she has been through some tough stuff in her short 22 years.  But lately, I have seen a fortitude & determination in her life that makes me smile.  She wants to be a good mother to her dear, sweet Leah.  She wants to work.  She wants to make her way in this world.  She wants to be self sufficient.  Wanting is one thing…doing is another, and lately, I have seen Maggie doing.  So, to honor her (& because I’m the worst gift-giver ever & all I know how to give is photographs), I stole her daughter today for a mini photo session.  Yes, it did benefit me to parade my niece around in tutu’s and feather boas and make her cry, but it is also my gift to Maggie.  Leah is her world, her constant, & her reason for trying to be better.  These photos of her little love were what I felt would speak to her the most…that, and an iPod.  And I’m really bad at secrets, and I’m not technically supposed to be giving Maggie this gift until Leah’s 1st birthday in November, but, like I said, I’m really bad at secrets & can’t wait!!!!  And MAJOR MAJOR props go out to my partners in secrecy Ashley (my sister-in law) & my mom, Susan.  Ashley made so many faces, did so many noises, dances, and other crazy things to get Leah looking at me.  And Mom, you were great watching the 4 other grand kids & helping with numerous outfit changes…oh yeah, and lying to Maggie about what we were doing!  Thank you both!  Here is Leah Beth…..

They were both told that they never smiled in photographs.  They could have fooled me!  Dan & Cindy could not STOP smiling almost our entire session.  And I even had to bring out my “kindergarten teacher” voice to get Dan to stop gazing at his future bride & give the camera a few glances.  These two kids could not have been more in love than what I witnessed this past Saturday.

Now I think all my couples are the greatest, and they are all madly in love with one another.  But I have to give Dan & Cindy the award for the most lovey dovey looks, most hands holding, most kisses, most spontaneous acts, and most energy!

Dan & Cindy I am honored to finally give you some photos of you both together.  And I cannot wait for all the surprises and acts of spontaneity that will no doubt occur during your wedding!  Enjoy your preview…