There is something extra special about capturing the love of an extended family. It amazes me to look at a group of fifteen people and to think they all began with just two! It's an especially sweet thing to see an extended family together who does not frequently get to all be in the same place at the same time. The Cate family had all traveled to be together for their parents' anniversary as well as Fourth of July, which fell in the same week. I knew this family was going to steal my heart as soon as those precious cousins all walked up together looking as darling as can be dressed in their best! And steal my heart they did, with those six sets of blue eyes and one of brown, and their patience and gentleness with one another that made me quickly forget they are as young as they are!...

For all you skimmers out there, let me start this with a few SPOILERS: 1. When Erin walked down the aisle...well, just trust me. Grab some tissue and scroll on down! 2. Remember the classic Dirty Dancing lift? Yeah, let's just say this was not your everyday finale to a first dance! 3. Anyone think they can guess who caught Erin's bouquet? Again, believe me when I say you'll want to see it for yourself!...

Every wedding has at least one thing that sets it apart and makes it especially memorable. Sarah and Rudy's had plenty more than one, from the flower arrangements and cake, to the incredible live band. Not mention the oysters and prime rib, and a crowd that could put any crowd to shame on the dance floor! But my personal favorite part of their day was even better than all those...

This newborn session was extra special for me. I first met Beth and Garik when they were expecting their daughter, who is now almost two years old! I can remember their excited anticipation as they were a few short weeks away from meeting their baby girl and their whole life was about to change...

Living thousands of miles from all of our family certainly has its challenges. As a photographer, one of those challenges is simply not having the opportunity to photograph my own siblings and their families very often! So you can imagine my delight when my brother's entire family came all the way out here from California to visit us!...

Jonathan and Daniella were in MIDDLE SCHOOL when they first started "dating." Middle school! These two are barely into their twenties and have been steadily falling in love with each other for the past 11 years! How amazing is that?! And it absolutely showed, how at ease they are with one another. Literally from the very first click of the shudder...