a totally different kind of blue..

A couple weeks ago, Ryan and I went on a fantastic cruise to the Bahamas where I shot a wedding (more on that great occasion to come!). Being my first cruise, I had some anxiety going into it. I am a humungous baby when it comes to nausea, and it was difficult to accept the notion that I'd have zero control if the seas got rough, so I was nervous about any slight possibility of something going wrong while on ship.

I am eternally grateful for Ryan bringing dramamine, because the first night was a DOOZIE! Unless you've experienced this for yourself, it's difficult to properly explain the feeling of sitting down and finding your upper body being slowly and uncontrollably pulled to the left, and then to the right, and then... well I'll leave the rest to your imagination. Anti-emetic absorbed, all I could do was enjoy the ride.

Thankfully, the rest of the trip was smooth sailing (I've never been able to use that as a pun before! Ha!), and we enjoyed lots of karaoke, a fabulously accommodating family (like I said, more to come on that topic soon!), hundreds of spring breakers, and the most beautiful water I've ever seen. Our first stop was Freeport. Ryan and I took a taxi to the beach, walked way, way, WAY beyond where the college crowd gathered, and found ourselves climbing across some large rocks to a more secluded area where the water shone crystal clear and a totally different kind of blue. It was truly turquoise. And as we looked around at the coral hugging the rocks in the shallows, we saw brightly colored fishies swimming all around. I have never seen salt water aquarium fish in the wild before! It was like Diet Discovery Channel.

I mean really. Look at this place.

I really, really, really want to travel. It's time to start saving my pennies!

World, say hello to...

Natalie :]

..so itty bitty, and utterly perfect.

dad's expression makes my heart melt..

as a side note, this session literally brought tears to my eyes. seeing mom and dad so proud and excited, capturing the expressions on natalie's face.. being there with my camera felt like an absolute privilege.. and i loved every second of it.

p.s. thank you, monica, for all your love and support. you are the best sister ever. period.

my boys.

I compiled a few of my favorite snapshots of three boys who make my life oh so bright. Elliot, Bobby, and Ryan- this is your tribute :]

Awww, Elliot.

SUCH a ham.

Bobby. Part time trouble maker, full time adventurer.

We are so thankful we got an apartment with a fireplace. We have used it so much more than we thought possible (ah, the frigid Florida 60's!), and the kitties love to sit and enjoy the warmth.

Caught Ryan in a nap :]

...gosh, is he handsome.

Ryan enjoying my favorite view of Tampa.

I am so lucky to share every day with these boys. <3

This is my Florida.

After a delicious brunch (it was really breakfast, but it makes me feel better to say "brunch" because we ate at noon), Ryan and I noted how gorgeous the weather was. That was it. We took off for a bicycle adventure. I had never brought my camera with me on a bike ride, but I am so glad I did today. Balancing the whole steering/shooting/staying-out-of-oncoming-traffic thing took a few minutes, but when I got myself on track, I was ecstatic to be out and about with my boyfriend and my Nikon.

We rode to Ballast Point Park, got some ice cream, and walked down the pier. Ryan chose Moose Tracks in a cone, but I went with Mint Chip (my favorite!!) in a cup :]

Then, we did something I've never done before. We fed the squirrels! And by hand!! These little guys are so used to people giving handouts that they had no qualms about running up and taking peanuts straight from our fingers. It was hysterical. And gossshhhh were they FAT!

Then, we took some silly/romantic/fun photos by the water. We really don't have many pictures of us together. I guess that's what happens when I constantly hide my face BEHIND the camera. I like these snapshots, though. In part because you really can't see my face, but also because they're just wonderful.. I like them a lot- can you tell?

And then we got to use my new Fujifilm Instax Mini polaroid-type camera (which I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, by the way) that Ryan got me for my birthday. If you haven't heard of this gadget, then look it up immediately. It's great!

...and then we rode home. What a fabulous afternoon!!! :]

my large second family

What a fun afternoon this was! Photographing five kiddos of varying ages is tough when you're on your own, so I was super lucky to have Ryan and his entire family behind me (literally!) the whole time. They were so patient and helpful, and Ryan's niece and nephews couldn't be cuter.

Christmas update!

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays!! I can't believe it's almost another new year already..

It has been a very interesting month. I have completed my final college exams, and I am now an official graduate! It's difficult to describe my post-school feelings, but relief and confusion are the two most prominent. Seventeen years of hard work (and sometimes not so hard work) have brought me to this great new chapter of my life, and as excited as I am, it's somewhat scary to face the world without the structure that school always provided. So... what now? I suppose only time will tell. As long as I can continue to do what I love, the rest will fall into place... I hope! :]

Speaking of doing what I love, my mom asked me to take some Christmas photos of my niece. We had a great time running around the back yard!

...and then we had some more fun running around the front yard. Look how proud her grandma is!

..and finally, after an hour of cardio, we went back inside where Nina showed off her drumming abilities. What a star!

dirty feet! :]

There is something so special about family sessions. And let me tell you, the little ones make certain you are never standing still! With only a second and a half allowed per pose, I feel the smallest people give me the greatest challenge and yet the most wonderful reward.