Celebrating One Year With Ashi!

 

It’s already been one year since our little buddy Ashenafi joined us from Ethiopia! His mama Erin asked Asher and I to join her, Christian and Ashi  for a little celebration of his special  anniversary with some yummy treats at Mallard Ice Cream. Of course we obliged…you’ll never catch us turning down an invite for Mallard’s cool creamy goodness! Never mind the fact that we both absolutely adore Ashi and would never miss an opportunity to celebrate his presence in our lives : )

  

  

  

I just looked through the first photos I took of Ashi last April and I cannot believe how much he has grown since he arrived! I get such a kick out of hearing his developing language skills and his emerging personality. He’s quite entertaining : )

Big brother Christian shows us his mad cone-eating skills

   Biggest brother Asher gets some love from Ashi : )

 

Asher had instructed me to keep him out of the pictures (hence the faux scowl) but I’m glad I didn’t oblige him because I love this picture of him and his monkey-on-the-back little bro : )

 

  

So close this time!

LOTS of love for Mama from her boys!

Congratulations on one year together… what a happy little family : )

Ivan & Jen Celebrate Their Fourth Anniversary!

As a photographer, it’s easy to forget how it feels to be on the other side of the camera, so I believe it’s important now and then for photographers to spend a little time there to keep their empathy with clients in tact. With this in mind, my friend Jen of Jen Martin Studios and I regularly lend each other a hand when we’d like some nice photographs of our own. Most recently, Jen and her husband Ivan took their turn as models as a way of celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary!

Jen really loved the idea of doing a trash-the-dress session but upon trying on hers she discovered it  no longer fit the way it once did! So at the last minute, she hit the thrift stores in search of something fun and came up with this lace covered vintage gown. Paired with her beloved black & white striped socks and a single red rose, it makes for a frivolously fun outfit- perfect with Ivan’s classic button-down vest and a great contrast for Bellingham’s gritty alleys.

I  made them work for this shot… getting that tiny space between the lips is key! They really didn’t seem to mind the assignment : )

       

This picture took several attempts… I really wanted to capture Jen & Ivan’s reflection in the mirror but several cars parked in the alley were ruining the shot. I was thrilled when all three of them left simultaneously, leaving the focus on Jen & Ivan!

This smashed in window was just waiting for this shot! I love Jen’s “wicked” expression : )

So cute! Happy anniversary, you two! It was fun celebrating with you : )