The Warner Family

There is so much to love about Fall.  The seasonal shift that transitions Summer into Winter. The richness of the colors, the crispness of the air, the crunching of leaves.  Weather that invites you to wrap yourself in warm sweaters, and spend some time outside. So much to see, so much to take in, so much to explore.  Especially for little ones. 

Those sweet kiddos belong to my high school friend, Amy, and her husband, Justin.  In high school, Amy and I were on the pompon team together.  These days, leading a team, and counting "5-6-7-8" look a lot different to this mama of two.  :)

I met with the Warner family on one of the best Fall days Michigan had to offer this year.  And the little ones had fun. 

I think one of the reasons I love Fall so much is because I love how evident and beautiful the change is from one season to the next.  And for me, a similar type of love comes along with reconnecting from friends of the past. I love the opportunity to see love and family grow, and the chance to see how evident change has been from one season of life to the next. 

                              
                            

Thank you Amy and Justin! Your family is beautiful and sweet, and it was my joy to take these pictures for you all. 

And one more for good measure.  Because seriously, I can't get over how cute this little outfit was on Ashlyn! 


seriously.  those tights. that skirt. the socks.

  Thanks again!

Seersucker & Lace Events.

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver.

There's a blog that I visit regularly, where the author references that quote often.  It's a motivator and a challenge all rolled into one.  What is it that you plan to do with your one life? 

After people my age graduated college, we looked for jobs.  and looked, and looked... and looked.  It wasn't the worst of times, but it wasn't the best of times either.  And as opportunities came up, they were snatched.  I know people who moved across the country for jobs, I have a sister who did temporary substitue jobs for years, and I know some people who went back to school for the hope of more opportunity.
The thing is, at the end of the day, there is pressure to provide.  Bills need to be paid, groceries need to be bought, and like the name reveils, unexpected expenses come up when you least expect them.  To have a job is a blessing.  But to many, it's still just a job.  

I'll tell you what encourages me though.  People like these two.




Readers, this is Rachael and Lauren.  In addition to working jobs that pay the bills, these two ladies are following their passions.  They have each taken note of the one wild and precious life they have been given, and are on the brink of doing something great with it.  They've used their non-working hours to start Seersucker and Lace, an event planning company.  They're smart, and capable, and have a natural drive to help make celebrations fabulous. 



So when the two of them asked if I'd be interested in taking a few photographs for their upcoming website, there was no other answer from me but yes. It's both encouraging and exciting to be a part of something big.  Gaining a sense of wanting others to succeed, and for them to do so by using and stretching their gifts and talents.  They gave me an opportunity to use my art and skills, and I couldn't be more supportive of referring others to use theirs.




Here's the link again if you need them.


Stay Fabulous.
Emily

The Movassaghi Family

When I was in elementary school, there were few things I liked better than being able to take the bus to a friends house after school.  Back then, a short note on an index card was all it took to make that dream a reality.  So you can imagine the disappointment when one day after my friend Kellie and I had turned in our notes, we got word that I'd have to go home on route 3 that day, to my house.  The reason wasn't one for me to take personally.  You see, Kellie's mom was babysitting a young family member that day, and in the midst of playing, he had managed to get a crayon stuck up his nose.  you read that right, a crayon.

oh, children.

Not to worry though, I was back at the Lewis home later that week.  We got right back on track, and by weeks end, we were eating puppy chow, tormenting her brothers, and walking to the park with sheets of wax paper (to sit on as we raced down the twisty slide, naturally). 

We know what having a good childhood looks like, because we had good childhoods.  Parts of which were spent with each other.

Early June of this year, Kellie's life took a turn in a new direction.  She entered mamahood, thanks to this sweet one.  

Ladies and gentlemen, Meet Eva. 

She's perfect as can be.  From her sweet little face... 

To her flawless little toes...

and and a head of hair that is almost identical in shade to her daddy's.

And, like other perfect babies... she's entitled to an occasional meltdown. 

But a little time, and some soft word from her mom and dad did some beautiful work.

It's so special to stay connected with the friends of your childhood.  People you share that bond of growing up alongside, and have had the opportunity to experience life with, no matter how far away from each other the path of life might take you.  Those relationships are fun, and cherished.  And the hugs you still get as an adult from those moms away from mom, the ones that introduced you to things like puppy chow and supplied you wax paper for top thrill trips down a slide, well, those are special too.

3 generations of beauty.

Kellie and Duncan are already great parents.  They love their little Eva with all their hearts.  Duncan soothing her with kind words and steady voice, and Kellie being just what that little girl wants and needs, her mama.  They've already taken her on adventures to other countries, and shown her the importance of family.  They're off to a great start. 

Kellie and Duncan, your little Eva is a beauty.  It was a joy to see you guys, as always.  Keep enjoying the experience of being Eva's parents.  You're doing a great job!  Just keep an eye on those crayons. ;)

xoxo

Happily Ever After : Andy and Seema

The day of her wedding, I found Seema in the guest house on the grounds of Misty Farms.  She was with her two sisters, and a close family friend - quietly, but contently finishing up the remaining details in the preparation process.  A small group of women anticipating the sweet and humble bride becoming the center of attention.  She looked gorgeous.

                                                                                                                                                                                           

Just a few minute walk from where the bride and her attendants gathered, Andy was prepping for the ceremony as well.  Looking dapper while embracing the traditions of his new bride.  

Outside, the day was near perfect.  The type of day you cross your fingers, then hope and pray for when you make the decision to have an outdoor wedding. The sun was shining, and though the sky was spotted with few clouds, they were all perfect and white.  The temperature was hot,  but that only made for a natural gathering of family and friends under the biggest tree on the property.  And the fun began. 

                      

As much as I'm a sucker for traditional American weddings, I have to say that there is something big worth taking from the pre-ceremony festivities I've seen at Indian weddings.  The tradition of a procession of wedding guests filled with music, dancing, and confetti, leading the groom to the alter... is genius.   

The ceremony was beautiful.  There were friends, and priests and families involved.  A true blending of cultures, where tradition did its dance back and forth between the two backgrounds, until it finally found middle ground in the final "I do". 

The details of the day were thought out and intentional- and like the general theme of the day, beautiful.

After the ceremony, as guests made there way to a cocktail hour, the bride made the change from traditional Indian wear, to a country-chic inspired wedding gown. 

If there was one thing for certain on that day, it was that those who gathered were proud, supportive, and joyful about being a part of Seema and Andy's big day.  It was written all over their faces.  

There was so much fun had at that wedding.  2 families, 2 cultures, and 2 people who met via an unlikely turn of events.  So much worth celebrating.  It was such a gift to be able to photograph this important and special day for these two.

Special thanks to Sarah and David Reeves of SD Reeves Photography for second shooting with me that day!  They are such a talented duo, and I couldn't have captured the day the same without them!