Rachel | Newport Maternity Session

My beautiful sister came to visit me in June so naturally we had to take some photos do document her fifth pregnancy.  Yes, that is right, FIFTH pregnancy.  After blessing our family with four handsome boys she is finally getting a baby girl.  Cameron, Kaden, Brennan and Grayson are the lights of my life and I cannot wait to go home in September to see the birth of my new niece. I admire my sister so much for being so young and able to work as a Respiratory Therapist and take care of 4 boys, a husband and two dogs.  I would need about 5 naps a day if I were her! I am so blessed to have her as an older sister and I am so happy that in age we have grown so close. I value the advice she gives me so much and I cannot wait to have children of my own to add to the bunch....well I can wait but ya know. Miss you and I love you Rachel!

Nathan | Thomas Rudd

Last week I once again had the pleasure of photographing my favorite Elvis look alike in a bow tie made by my new favorite store in Newport, Thomas Rudd. You'll get the full story on them after I do a much anticipated photoshoot with them in the next couple of weeks. Tom and his wife Michelle have an extremely well designed storefront in Bowens Wharf full of classic american treasures with a nautical twist for the true American Gentleman. Michelle makes the bow ties and they can do everything custom including: monograming, custom cigar boxes, flasks, the coolest bottle openers ever, vintage prints, throw blankets, coasters, sunglasses and more. They are basically a goldmine if you are looking for gifts for your man, your dad, your groomsmen or any other men in your life. They do have some girly stuff too though!  Their dog Peter hanging out in the front is just the icing on the cake too. It is an extremely handsome store that truly matches their products. I'm so pumped to have the opportunity to photograph for them.

With these photos I will leave you my favorite quote about what in my opinion is a true american gentleman:

"The real power of a man is in the size of the smile of the woman sitting next to him."

You can contact them at: info@thosrudd.com or visit them online at www.thosrudd.com

Nina | Second Beach

I photographed Nina at the same time as my previous post, Kara.  She is a foreign exchange student living in Rhode Island from Germany.  When I first met her I knew I had to photograph her. When you see the shade of blue her eyes are, you will understand.  I was so impressed with how mature, calm and collected she is.  Nina returns to her home in Germany soon but I know the impact she has made on her friends here is one not to be forgotten. On a side note, I read this quote in an old issue of Real Simple magazine the other day and water to share:

"There seems to be a kind of order in the universe, in the movement of the stars and the turning of the Earth and the changing of the seasons, and even in the cycle of human life.  But human life itself is almost pure chaos." Katherine Anne Porter - Paris Review 1963

Kara | Second Beach

I recently photographed this bright young girl on Second Beach in Middletown, Rhode Island.  She was a fantastic model and I was itching to do some personal work after the start of wedding season.  Her wisdom exceeds her age and her beauty radiates through her eyes and smile.  Kara is wearing Free People and make-up by Urban Decay.

Oceanside Easter

This year for Easter Sunday I couldn't be with my family in Michigan so a friend and I hiked Black Point in Narragansett, RI with a picnic and our puppy, Leah. I couldn't have a more relaxing afternoon filled with meaningful conversation, great food, pie and a warm ocean breeze. The ocean and the natural beauty of Rhode Island has always made me feel closer to God. The creation he has placed here has brought me so much peace in dark times. Though I did not spend Easter traditionally this year, the calm of the ocean reminded me of  the grace and forgiveness Jesus has for us..something I have asked for a lot. I feel so blessed to have such a strong support system in God, through friends and family in Michigan and in Rhode Island. On the menu:

Caprese Salad Arugula and tri-colored pasta tossed with sun dried tomatoes, capers, feta cheese, olive oil and reduced balsamic vinegar My favorite Strawberry pie (my mother's recipe) Righteous Ale by Sixpoint Brewery Founders KBS

December Morning

 

On this December morning,

I roll to my side

my foot peeks out from underneath the blanket

as the cold bites my toes.

Retracting from the chill

your warm sigh

breathes out comfort onto my neck.

I feel the bristle of your beard

brush against my neck

as you pull me in to soak up my warmth.

My eyes open with a glimpse of light

as I stare out the window

watching the elegance of each snowflake

flutter to the white blanket that lies on the ground.

They see you lying so still

on this cold December morning.

The light wakes you,

your tired blue eyes

stare back at my tousled hair and pale skin

and they smile

on this cold Decmber morning.

This moment is quiet and still

like the waves frozen on the shore.

The curl of your lips meet mine

on this perfect December morning.