Camden | A Gold Hope Project Fighter Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Photographer

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by The Gold Hope Project, asking if I could photograph a "fighter session" for a local family.  When I saw the email come through, I was simultaneously excited and saddened.  I knew this email meant that I had the chance to use my photography to help someone in need, but at the same time I knew that it meant that a local family had a child who was fighting cancer.  I'm always looking for ways to use my passion to bring joy to others, so I instantly agreed to take on the session.  The Gold Hope Project quickly responded with the family's contact information and a brief synopsis of their fighter's story.

Camden is a 22-month old boy who is fighting Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma.  Camden has been a fighter his entire life.  He was born in November 2015 with a condition known as Gastroschisis, which is when there is a hole in the abdomen that gives space for the intestines to be outside of the body.  After being treated for that condition immediately after his birth, he was finally able to go home to be with his family.  However, he started getting very sick, requiring additional hospital stays.  In November 2016, he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma.  Since then, this amazing little boy has undergone chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation. He has been living in the hospital on and off for the past 10 months, and his mom has not been able to work since he was diagnosed, so that she is able to care for him and drive him back and forth from CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) on a regular basis.

After reading about Camden's story in The Gold Hope Project email and on Camden's Facebook page, I wasn't sure what to expect at our photoshoot.  I wasn't sure how long his energy would hold out during our photoshoot, or what type of mood he would be in.  I decided to show up without a plan, and to let Camden run the show.

When I arrived, all of my worries were instantly put to ease.  Camden is one of the happiest almost-2-year-olds I have ever met in my life.  His smile and curiosity are contagious, and I could barely keep up with him!  He loved exploring the Reading Museum grounds during our photoshoot, and I loved following him around with my camera.  Camden's mom, dad, brother, and sister joined the photoshoot as well, and we were able to get a bunch of great family photos during our time together.  My favorite part was just hanging back and capturing Camden interacting with his family members, playing with the signs his mom made for the photoshoot, and waving sticks around.  He acts like any other toddler, and just by looking at him and playing with him you would never know the battle that he and his family are currently fighting.  This little boy is so full of life, and his light was shining very brightly during our brief time together.

I would like to thank The Gold Hope Project for giving me this opportunity to help a local family in need.  Most of all, I would like to thank Camden and his family for allowing me into their lives, and for reminding me of what is truly important - family and love and hope.

For more information on Camden's journey, click here.

There is a GoFundMe campaign set up for Camden here.

For The Gold Hope Project's website, click here.

For The Gold Hope Project's Facebook page, click here.

The Nelson Family | 10-Year Anniversary Session (With MUD!!) | West Chester Pennsylvania Wedding and Family Photographer

Last week, I met up with the Nelson Family to help them celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary.  Due to some unfortunate circumstances beyond their control, their wedding photographer never delivered their finished wedding gallery.  So, they decided to celebrate this milestone anniversary by dressing up and recreating some of their wedding day portraits.  This time around, however, their wedding party included their two amazing little boys!

We started off with some formal portraits in the church where they exchanged their wedding vows, and finished at the beautiful Oakbourne Mansion.  Mother Nature threw a wrench in our plans, however, and it poured during their entire photoshoot.  We exchanged a few texts and phone calls earlier in the day about whether or not we should cancel, but the Nelsons assured me they were up for anything and didn't mind the rain one bit.  As you will soon see in the photos, they weren't kidding!!  This is hands down one of my favorite photo sessions ever.

This photoshoot with the Nelson Family reminded me of a few important things.  First, a little rain (or a lot of rain) is only a problem if you allow it to be a problem.  The best thing to do when a hurdle suddenly appears in your path is to problem solve, roll with it, and stop stressing about things that we cannot control.  Second, my favorite families to photograph are the ones who allow their kids to just be kids.  Mud is temporary, but these memories will last forever.  I can still hear the laughter from this session, and I can still feel the joy in my heart.

If rain on a wedding day is lucky, rain on a 10-year anniversary recreation of your wedding day has to be even luckier! Congratulations, Alicia and Jeremy!  I hope you had a nice dinner after you dried off and warmed up from our photoshoot, and I'm guessing the boys slept very well that evening. ;)

Thank you so much for this opportunity. I had so much fun chasing your boys around and capturing these moments for you.

(Big thanks to my daughter Mika for assisting me with my lighting, for keeping my gear dry in the rain, and for scouting out the perfect water and mud puddles for us!)

Kailey + Kyle | The Barn at Silverstone Rustic Outdoor Lancaster Wedding | Berks County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

A few weeks ago, Kailey and Kyle got married and I was lucky enough to be there to document it all!  As soon as I met them at their consultation, I instantly realized how deeply in love they are, and I knew that their wedding day was going to be fabulous.  I have been looking forward to this day for almost a year - since way before their amazing engagement session that took place in Berks County at the Wyomissing Park last fall.

Kailey and Kyle's wedding and reception both took place at the Barn at Silverstone, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  (All of the amazing vendors that worked together to make this day a success are listed at the bottom of this blog post!)  Their details and decorations were rustic, romantic, and simply beautiful.  Kailey and Kyle decided against having a first look, opting for the more traditional choice of waiting to see each other until Kailey was walking down the aisle.  I always love watching the groom's reaction as he sees his bride for the first time, and Kyle's reaction had me in tears.  He absolutely glowed when he set his eyes upon Kailey in her wedding dress, as she was escorted down the aisle by her proud father.  Their obvious love for each other had many of us in tears that afternoon.

Kyle's brother officiated the wedding ceremony, and immediately after their romantic bubble exit, we gathered around the stunning stone fireplace for family portraits.  I noticed that a few guests kept checking their phones and watches, and I quickly discovered the reason why - there was a storm approaching, and we were on borrowed time to finish up our outdoor photographs!

It turned out that luck was on our side that evening, and we finished all of the formal portraits just minutes before the sky opened up and gifted us a lucky wedding day downpour.  The rain didn't last long, and we made it back outside for a few more photographs right as the sun was setting.  It was a beautiful day all around, and the lucky thunderstorm just made it even more perfect.

Kailey and Kyle, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.  I can't thank you enough for trusting me to capture your Day #1 for you and your loved ones.

Wedding coordinator:  Katie Slauch, Stylish Occasions

Florist:  Amy Stein, Steins Flowers

Cake artist:  Ady Cakes

DJ:  Kevin High, The Party Express DJs

Hair artist:  Paulene Stromberg, Elle Hair Design

Makeup artist:  Belinda Carrol

Bride's and bridesmaids' dresses:  Darianna Bridal

Groom's and groomsmen's suits:  Jos. A. Bank

Bride's rings:  Neil Lane

Bride's shoes:  Michael Kors

Wedding and reception venue:  The Barn at Silverstone

Officiant:  Kyle's brother

Photography:  Carrie Kizuka Photography, LLC

Big thanks to Emilly Ziegler for second shooting with me for part of the day!

The Mest Family | Sunflower Children's Mini Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Family Photographer

A few weeks ago, I met up with these adorable kiddos at a sunflower field near Blue Marsh Lake.  They wanted to surprise their daddy with some updated photos on his birthday, so I've been sitting on these for a little while so I wouldn't ruin the surprise.  I received permission to post these now, and I'm so happy that I can finally share their smiles and personalities on my blog!

I have photographed the Mest Family a few times now, and I have loved every single session. This family is so much fun and is so loving and positive.  And, let me tell you about this brother and sister duo - they are so full of spunk and energy, and they love hugging each other (even if just for a few seconds)!  It's really a pleasure to be around them.

Thank you for driving out to see me, Mest Family!  I hope your daddy loved his birthday surprise.

Steph + Al | Joanna Furnace Rustic Summer Wedding | Berks County Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of documenting Steph and Al's Day #1 as husband and wife!  I have been looking forward to this day since long before I photographed their engagement session at Wyebrook Farm last fall.

The weather was absolutely fantastic on their wedding day!  The sun was shining, the temperature was perfect, and there wasn't a rain cloud in sight.  We couldn't have asked for a nicer day, or better people to celebrate with.

I met up with Steph and the rest of the girls while they were finishing up getting ready at It's All About You salon.  Then, we headed to the huge sunflower field that is planted each year by the owners of Please Wash Me Carwash in Elverson.  The owners of the field and car wash are friends of Steph and Al, and it was so sweet of them to offer us the space for a few quick bridal party portraits!

Then, we arrived at the Plow Church for final preparations and the ceremony.  Steph and Al chose not to have a first look, opting for the more traditional moment that they would see each other for the first time as she was walking toward him down the church aisle.  You could see the anticipation and excitement during that moment on both of their faces, and it had me in tears!  (I'm lucky I get to hide my running-mascara-face on the other side of the camera!)

Steph and Al were surprised when they walked out of the church and found a huge tractor waiting for them, ready to take them to Joanna Furnace for their reception!  This had all been arranged by friends ahead of time, behind the scenes.  After a few photos on the Plow Church baseball field (baseball is a shared passion of theirs!), we left for Joanna Furnace and finished up our portraits there.

Photographing a wedding is a lot of hard work, and I am exhausted by the end of the night - but I typically don't notice that until after I pack up my gear and am driving home.  The days fly by so quickly, and I get such an adrenaline rush and full heart from being surrounded by so much love, laughter, happy tears, and celebrating.  I really love what I do, and I'm so thankful for my couples - like Steph and Al!!

If I had to describe their wedding and reception in just a few words, I would choose rustic, casual, country, and SO MUCH FUN!

Congratulations, Steph and Al!!!  Thank you again for trusting me to capture these moments for you and your loved ones.

Big thanks to the following vendors for helping make this day a success:

Hair and Make-Up:  It's All About You Salon and Spa, Reading, PA

Flowers:  Flowers by Jena Paige

DJ:  Rick Bean of B&B Light and Sound

Bride's dress:  Forever Formals in Kennett Square, PA

Groom's suit:  Men's Wearhouse in Wyomissing, PA

Tent/chair rental:  Knights Rental in Leesport, PA

Church:  Plowville Lutheran Church (Robeson Evangelical Lutheran) in Mohnton, PA

Reception:  Joanna Furnace - Hay Creek Valley Historical Association in Morgantown, PA

Huge thanks to Jane Ammon for second shooting with me for a portion of the day!

The Miller Family | Sunflower Field Family Photoshoot | Berks County Portrait Photographer

A few weeks ago, I met up with the Miller Family at a sunflower field near Blue Marsh Lake to create their family portraits.  The weather was on the warmer side that evening, but the light was incredible, we had blue skies and puffy clouds, and we had the entire place to ourselves!  I love when that happens during my photoshoots!

This family was one of my first clients when I went into business, and it was truly an honor and pleasure to photograph them again a few years later.  They are so fun and kind, and I smiled during their entire session.  They have so much love for each other, and are so full of positive energy.  It's always a pleasure to be in their presence.

Thank you again for this opportunity to create portraits for you, Miller Family!  I had a blast reconnecting with you, and am thrilled to share a few of my favorite photos from our time together.

Noah | Camp Hill High School Class of 2018 | Harrisburg Senior Portrait Photographer

I was recently in Camp Hill creating Noah's senior portraits.  Noah is a member of Camp Hill High School's Class of 2018!  I've known Noah and his family for a few years now, because he raced on the same snowboard team as my daughters (Ski Roundtop Race Club).  He recently left the snowboard team to focus more on baseball, but I've been able to keep in touch with his family and was honored when they reached out and asked me to capture his senior portraits for them.

We started our session at Willow Park, then headed over to the West Shore Country Club for the second half of our photoshoot.  The weather and light were perfect for us!  I have really lucked out this past month and had amazing weather for my photoshoots.  I don't want to jinx it, but I've been so fortunate lately!  (The beginning of the summer was a completely different story, so I'm glad Mother Nature decided to reward me with some decent photoshoot weather now!)

Here are a few photos from our session.  Best wishes for a successful and memorable senior year, Noah!  Thank you again for this opportunity.

The Moczydlowski Family | Wyomissing Park Family Photoshoot | Berks County Pennsylvania Portrait Photographer

A few weeks ago, I met up with the Moczydlowski Family at the Wyomissing Park to capture their family portraits.  We were fortunate to have incredible golden hour light and perfect weather for their photoshoot!

This was my first time creating photographs for this family, and I'm so honored that they asked me to be their photographer.  They are such kind, loving, and patient parents - and their children are adorable and are so much fun to be around!!  I love photographing kids - their smiles and energy and curiosity are always contagious!  I leave my photoshoots completely exhausted, but completely refilled at the same time - and this session was no different!

Thank you, Moczydlowski Family, for giving me this opportunity.  I had a great time creating these photographs for you.  (Also, big thanks for the care package that you left on my doorstep afterwards!!)

It was difficult to choose just a few portraits to share with everyone here (because I love them all so much), but this is what I came up with.  Enjoy!

Connor | A Mansion Boudoir Session | Berks County Pennsylvania Boudoir Portrait Photographer

 

“What you do, the way you think, makes you beautiful.” ~Scott Westerfield

This summer, I received numerous requests from female friends of mine to start offering boudoir photoshoots again.  I have photographed boudoir in the past, but back then I was still teaching full time and had to be very careful about what types of photography I advertised or shared on my website and on social media outlets.  Let me make something crystal clear - I think there is absolutely nothing wrong or dirty or perverted about boudoir photography!!  I think it is an art form that is incredibly beautiful and empowering, and I personally feel that all women should experience a boudoir session at least once (if not multiple times) in their lives.  However, for whatever reasons, society doesn't necessarily feel the same way - especially when it comes to school boards and school administrators.  So, even though I greatly enjoyed creating boudoir and glamour art, I kept those sessions under wraps for the time being.

Well, I am no longer a public school teacher, and I now have much more flexibility in what I feel I can share with the public and offer my clients.  For that reason, I decided to appease my friends' requests and recently began advertising and photographing boudoir photoshoots again.  This summer, I was fortunate enough to photograph a number of fabulous, kick-ass women.  My clients have a variety of ages and backgrounds and life stories - and every one of them is beautiful inside and out.  I often hear women say how empowering boudoir photoshoots can be, and I agree wholeheartedly!  Every one of my clients absolutely glowed during their entire session.  Some arrived more nervous than others, but once we got started, every woman found her comfort zone and connected with me and my camera.  (Sometimes a little bubbly helped this happen a bit faster - but that's not a bad thing, and that's why I offer it at my sessions!)  These sessions are not only empowering for my clients, but also for me as a photographer.  I feel so fortunate being trusted by my clients enough for them to allow themselves to be completely vulnerable in front of me.

"I am a woman with thoughts and questions and shit to say. I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story – I will." ~Amy Schumer

People often ask me what I enjoy photographing the most.  That's a difficult question to answer, because I love celebrating all stages and phases of life and of love.  However, there is something a bit different about boudoir photography that just pulls me in.  I love being able to help my clients realize just how beautiful they are, while being able to use light and shadows and textures to create stunning portraits that we are both proud of.

While I love every single boudoir session that I have photographed, I'm not always able to share portraits from these photoshoots in order to honor and respect my clients' privacy.  As much as I love these images and would love to share them all with the world, many of my clients choose to keep them private, because of their careers or for a number of other reasons.  And, that is completely fine with me!  My priority is creating art for my clients (and sometimes their partners) to celebrate their beauty - receiving permission to share the images is just an added bonus sometimes.

"The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence." ~Blake Lively

Connor is one of my recent clients who gave me the freedom to share her images.  I was fortunate enough to meet Connor a few years ago while I was being tattooed at Lucky 13 Tattoos & Body Piercings in Kutztown, PA.  Connor has tattooed me multiple times since then, and I have referred a number of friends to her.  We have benefitted from each others' artistic talents over the years - I have photographed Connor and her adorable daughter, and Connor has created tattoos and paintings for me.  She is not only a gifted artist, but is also one of the sweetest, kindest, and real women you will ever meet.  And she's a hell of a lot of fun to hang out with, too!!

Before I share a few images from our recent boudoir session, I'm going to take a moment to plug Connor.  If you're looking for a tattoo artist, check out her work.  She's leaving Lucky 13 in October and will be joining White Oak Tattoo Co. in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  Look her up, and if you love her style, get in touch with her!  (http://www.whiteoaktattooco.com/contact.html)

“We are all born sexual creatures,thank God, but it's a pity so many people despise and crush this natural gift.” ~Marilyn Monroe

If anyone wants to join my Ladies Only Boudoir VIP Group, or wants to set up a session of your own, get in touch with me!  You can also follow me on Instagram here.

Without any further ado, here is Connor, in all of her beautiful, vulnerable glory.  Our photoshoot took place at the incredible Stirling Mansion in Reading, PA.  Thank you, my friend, for allowing me to create these portraits for you. And, thank you for allowing me to share them with the world.  We really need to do this again soon!

 

“As if you were on fire from within.  The moon lives in the lining of your skin.” ~Pablo Neruda
 

Niva | Spring-Ford High School Class of 2018 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Portrait Photographer

Earlier this week, I had the honor of meeting up with Niva and her mom, to capture Niva's senior portraits.  Niva is a member of Spring-Ford High School's Class of 2018, and will be going back to school to begin her senior year next week!  I have had the privilege of photographing this incredible family on a number of occasions, including family photoshoots, seasonal mini-sessions, and Niva's Sweet 16 party a few years ago.  They are such a joy to be around, and there is never a shortage of authentic smiles when they are near.

We decided to meet up at the Royersford Historical Mural, and then moved on to a few different parks in the same area.  The light was gorgeous and the weather was perfect... and the mosquitoes were out in full force!!  I got a record number of mosquito bites that afternoon, but Niva was such a great sport about it all!

Niva is so incredibly kind and talented, and I know that she's going to accomplish some pretty amazing things over her lifetime.  I'm so thankful for having another opportunity to photograph this family, and I'm looking forward to many more in the future.

Congratulations, Niva!  Best wishes for a fabulous senior year!