A handful just in time for the Holidays

I recently did 5 shoots during the Thanksgiving Break.  2 of which were engagement and 3 were family.  Here are the 3 family shoots I did, just in time for Christmas cards.

Crystal & Brandon Engagement

Crystal found us on Facebook and I was delighted to take her engagement photos.  We schedule our photo shoot late in October, in hopes that the snow would arrive.  The day before the shoot, it hadn't snowed, but the morning I woke up on shoot day, the snow was falling massively.  It was pretty exciting that we got what we wanted.  It was my first photo shoot with the snow this year.  I love taking pictures with the snow.  Just a happy, cheery feeling.  We were all prepared with handwarmers and they even brought their 3 year old son, Gavin, who was a mighty hiker.  Their engagement session was a blast and it continued snowing through out the day.  Cory and I got along with them so well, almost like we have known each other in the past.  It was a great time and I wish them a happy engagement.

Mocieka Family

I met John through Cory.  John used to be Cory's supervisor when he was active duty.  John had known that I take photos and had told Cory that he would like his photos done by us.  In time, he finally scheduled a shoot with us.  We were delighted and it was just in time before winter hit us with tons of snow.  His family got what was left of the beautiful fall colors.  John, his wife, Lacy, with their two sons, Jaxson and Chase, seemed really eager to see what we got.  Not going to lie, but I feel more pressured to impress my friends when taking photos.  They are such a nice and fun family.  It's awesome seeing John and Lacy as parents, because they are wonderful.  Their love for their boys is indescribable.  I hope to take their family photos again in the future as the boys grow.

Thompson Family

I have known this family for ages.  Amanda and I grew up being best friends all through elementary to now.  Her parents pretty much raised me because, I was at their house a lot growing up.  With the Nintendo games, McDonald's runs, otter pops, beanie babies, camping and much more growing up was a lot of fun with them.  I remember Amanda said I am "her sister from another mister".  It was an honor taking their family photos when Dina asked me.  So there is Grandma Ruth who always took care of us after elementary school(many Pokemon card exchanges at her house), Alan & Dina who are still happily married after 25 years, Sean the oldest who is married to Kaleigh with son Carson, Amanda who is married to Brian with Charlotte and Dani, and Adam who is engaged to Kelsey.  This family has grown so much and it is so wonderful to be a part of it.  This is the kind of family I want for my own.  A very healthy, happy and bonded family.  They are the perfect example of an all American family.  I can't wait to do another family session with them.

Cameron Brailey DHS Senior

Cameron and I went to Little Campbell Lake to start our photo shoot and then finished in Kincaid park.  We hurried before the sun went down but had fun.  He was brave enough to put his bare feet into the cold lake.  Cameron was a really chill guy and he is graduating from my alma mater, Dimond High.  He knows he wants to go out of state for school but doesn't know where yet.  It sounded like he was certain to stay near the Pacific Coast.  Cameron skis, swims and runs cross country for Dimond.  He is a super busy man and I was glad to book him in a top his busy schedule.

Carolyn & Colin

I am very thankful to have met this married couple.  Being that Colin is in the Army, I learned that he is leaving to the "sand box" in November for a year+ deployment.  For Colin, this will be his second time down there and this time he will be missed by his loving wife, Carolyn.

For Carolyn, this will be the first time her heart will be across the world.  I cannot imagine the fear she holds for her husband.  Carolyn and Colin are the same age as me and I felt like I connected with them fast.  Almost like we already knew each other.  They recently welcomed a chocolate lab puppy into their family who will keep Carolyn busy for the long winter.  Although, not even a puppy can fill in Colin's place in the house.  I wish them luck for their time apart.  I hope they stay strong and he gets through the deployment safely.

On the day of the shoot, it started sprinkling around the time we were supposed to meet.  Thank goodness we waited out the rain.  I was very hopeful for the rain to stop and when we met up outside Botanical Gardens the sprinkling lessened.  Carolyn did have a umbrella ready on hand.  They also brought their dog, Charlie, who was so adorable!  The first thing that popped into my mind was the Charlie bit my finger video from YouTube and I impersonated the child in the video.  Colin laughed and was glad we were on the same page about the dogs name :)

Anyways, here are some of their photos to share!  They were amazing and fun!

Blaine Bronga EHS Senior

Blaine's mother, Karen, found me online.  Blaine is a cross country runner for East High School and for once, he had a weekend free of racing.  It was the perfect day out at McHugh Creek with the sun shining and no wind blowing.  The beluga whales were also out in the inlet.  Blaine is the youngest of 3, which means he is the last to leave the nest at his home. He was a very nice man and was down to do anything. It was great meeting him and I wish him well in his last year of high school.

Summer & Jacob Engagement

Summer & Jacob are 19 years old and happily engaged with a baby on the way.  A week after booking our photo shoot together, they found out the news about the new family member.  They are both not from Alaska and decided to live up here because it was a place they have never been to.  Summer is from Oregon and Jacob is from Tennessee.  They met at the gym here in Alaska.  I say it is fate.  I was happy to meet them and I am happy for their engagement and growing little family.