9.18.07 : : Walking the Strip

Vegas is a town where you want to take it all in at once. To be a part of all of the excitement the city has to offer. Today, Jason and I tried to take in as much as we could, doing a lot of walking, a lot of shopping, much gelato-tasting and my realization that high-heels are not always the most practical form of footware. And no matter how close everything looks, it's further than you think.

The Fashion Show Mall. Fabulous.
My good friend Elton John

My good friend Mufasa
My good friend Jason. Sporting his new shades (this man has a sunglass obsession not unlike women with new shoes).
This one's for you Angie

Only one day left!

9.17.07 : : Just Relaxing By the Pool

Chilling and relaxing is not something that Jason and I do well. But today, we threw on our suits, grabbed some magazines, and sat by the pool soaking up the rays and doing our best to not twitch at the thought of being unproductive all afternoon.

Heineken's most loyal customer

9.16.07 : : Like a Kid in a Candy Store

As this is my first trip to Vegas, I envisioned in my head lots of gambling, Vegas-style shows and Elvis impersonators.

My husband came out here a few months ago for his first trip to Vegas for his cousin's wedding and fell in love with the town. He said I would love the shopping and that everything was just over the top and I had to see it for myself. Who was I to argue? Any trip away sounded like a treat to me! And yesterday I got to experience the shopping first hand and it is fabulous out here! I didn't take too many pictures yesterday, mostly because as the day went on, more shopping bags needed to be carried and that made it hard to take pictures.

While we are not gamblers, we did take in a Cirque du Soleil performance that was incredible. And I have yet to see an Elvis impersonator.

What Jason lusted over (and made me take a picture of):

And an actual candy store...yum!

Thanks for everyone's well-wishes for our trip! I'll try to keep up with my POTDs as best I can while we're out here.

9.15.07 : : Viva Las Vegas!

That's right...I'm on a real vacation! With my husband! After an extremely busy summer between the two of us, we thought we should get out of town for a few days and enjoy some much-needed time together.

We got in late tonight so I haven't had many picture-taking opportunities just yet. This is the view when we step out of our room. Any Vegas-savvy people know what hotel and casino this is?

And those who are fans of the show The Hills would be excited to know that Heidi Montag is downstairs at the newly opened LAX club right now! I'm thinking I need to get into my party clothes and hit the scene.

Because I really have no idea how to have a vacation, I also thought I would fit in a family photo session this morning before flying out. Here are just a few pictures I had time to upload before jetting off to the desert.

9.14.07 : : Congrats to Cherry and Marcus! Again!

Cherry and Marcus made a beautiful bride and groom, although they didn't get married today.

The happy couple were actually married this past spring and after being disappointed with their wedding photographer, called to ask if I would be willing to do a session with them, all dressed up, in their wedding attire. Of course I was game and had a very fun time working with not only Cherry and Marcus, but Cherry's dad and sister who came along as well.

I hope that I have been able to capture two people in love, and even though it wasn't the actual day, I hope they look back at their pictures with fond memories. Congratulations you two! Again!

9.13.07 : : Sugar Rush

Today Ethan turned a year old! Ethan is the son of my friend Karin and today they came into the studio for his one year session.

Even though he has just started walking and is pretty happy with his new-found freedom from crawling, he did great and sat while we got some shots of his adorable face. And at the end of his session, we let him go crazy with his own birthday cupcake. There is nothing more fun than making a mess!

It all started out innocently enough.

9.12.07 : : From Belly to Baby

Just a little over a year ago I did a maternity shoot with Mya's mom Courtney. Today, I photographed little Mya as a walking, talking toddler for her one-year session. I always think it's so amazing to see that transformation, from excited and expecting parents-to-be and then a year later to see this amazing little person, so much a part of their lives. And soon, they will be adding another addition to their beautiful family!

9.11.07 : : Mother Nature Strikes Again

Tonight I had an engagement session with Heather and Tom, half of the session being in the downtown area of Holland and the other half at the beach. But once again, Mother Nature had different plans in store.

After our time in the downtown area, we packed up and headed out to Holland beach. But upon arrival, we found that the wind was completely crazy and the sand was blowing so hard that it was hard to keep our eyes open. So the beach portion needed to be rescheduled but I still couldn't leave the beach without taking some pictures of the beautiful colors, waves, and water.

This is Tom and Heather. I had so much fun with them during their session!

9.10.07 : : Rain, Rain Go Away

I had two different sessions scheduled for this evening...both being interupted by this evening's rain.

Erika was really wanting her senior session done at the beach, but with so much rain we decided to move it to my studio indoors, with the hopes of schedule a beach session at a later date.

Erika was too cute though, and we rocked out a fun session anyway!

9.9.07 : : Biking the Windy City

I have been to Chicago many a time, but one thing I hadn't done is bike along the lakeshore. Until today!

Jason and I headed to Chicago this morning with friends to do some biking on the trail along the lakeshore in Chicago. While I have traveled thre to shop, see shows, and enjoy the many sights and sounds this big city offers, this was a very different way to appreciate the city. To take in the sights, sound and excitement one might otherwise miss.

We biked the better part of the afternoon and took a stop at the famed Navy Pier to enjoy some drinks and live music. It was the perfect way to spend the day.

I wish my legs were this long! There were fun house mirrors set up along the walkway.

Mojitos! As this is a summer drink, we have to enjoy them while we can.