Kakey is Graduating!

My niece, Kaitlyn, has survived 12 years at my own alma mater the Highland School system, and she's set to graduate this spring! She's walked a long road since the days when our family referred to our once firey-tempered little sweetie as "Saitlyn." (affectionately, of course.) In those days, it wasn't Sunday after-church-lunch if Kaitlyn wasn't red-faced and crying for a 'big quarter' to put in the little toy vending machines. She grew out of her temper-tantrum phase and marched proudly into the phase whereby she used her baby blues, twinkling smile, and melodically oft-repeated phrase ("I like your outfit") to get out of trouble. (And who could resist? She was a-dorable!)

I can't pinpoint exactly when it happened, but at some point, Kaitlyn gracefully strolled into the chapter of her life where she grew into one of the most sweet-spirited people I know....one who whole-heartedly adores and cares for others, seeks to live a spirit-filled life, and absolutely loves to laugh (and seriously golfs like a pro!). I'm proud to say that she now uses those baby blues for good, and not evil. ;)

We love you Kakey and are so proud of you! You hear it said in every.single.graduation.speech for a reason: it's true. So, throwing novelty to the wind, I say, as important and amazing as your road thus far has been, your journey is truly just beginning!

We had to do one angst-filled teenager shots! :) I just loved how the sun hit her eye...







Loved the golden light in this set...here's my secret weapon. My mom (or Nona to Kaitlyn) was working the diffuser and reflector....

Michelle and Luke: engaged!

Mike here, stepping in for Courtney as a guest blogger (I hear all the cool kids are doing it now) to write about the latest engagement shoot featuring one of my all time favorite people, my little sister Michelle. Sometimes when I think of her, I still see my three year old kid sister in her car seat, playing gently with her dolls and bundled up like the Michelin Man to keep warm in those harsh Pittsburgh winters. It's hard to imagine that she's grown into the beautiful woman that I now see in these pictures. I notice that if I look closely enough and stare beyond her outer beauty, I can still see the sensitive and sweet little girl who smiles often, laughs easily, is kind to animals and cares deeply for her family, friends and even those she doesn't personally know. Michelle is a lot like my other younger kid sister Marsha, which is probably why the two of them are still such great friends.

It's been so great to watch Michelle's spiritual growth over the last few years. I'm so happy she has found such a great guy in Luke with whom she can continue that spiritual journey. Someone once said (if I paid more attention in school I'd probably know who it was) that the 'journey of a thousand miles begins with one step'. I hope Michelle and Luke will be able to look back at these pictures in the years to come with fond memories of a beautiful young couple who took their first step together.

Congratulations Michelle and Luke!































Congratulations from me (Courtney) too! We love you!

Micah is 1!

I was so excited to get to spend some time capturing all the sweet little smiles and fun expressions of little Micah. He has such a big personality for such a little guy, and he is just sooooo adorable (obviously!!)! Even though he was sick the day of our scheduled shoot, he managed some smiles for the camera. Thanks sweet Micah!