Happy Holidays

I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours! Here are my dogs - Oliver, the pug, and Zeppie, the pit bull. We have had some snow recently and they have really enjoyed it! I took the opportunity to video them playing in it and I took their portraits. The holidays are not what they once were for me since I lost both of my parents and most of my family. I try and tell people to treasure the people around them and to take lots of photos. You will be so thankful that you did later on in life. That's why I love what I do - taking photos that families can treasure of special moments and of the special people in their lives. That is truly what life is all about. Try and find the true meaning of the season and forget about the hustle and bustle of having to do presents and of getting so busy you don't get to just enjoy being with the ones you love. This year no one is doing presents, we have just enjoyed baking, cooking, watching holiday movies, listening to Christmas music, going to church and singing. It's been much more enjoyable, let me tell you! This year was filled with many personal hardships and I know I am looking forward to a fresh start in the new year. I hope that for everyone! God Bless, Lizzie

Purple Light Harrisburg - Charity Photography

On Sunday, October 27th, I went to be the official photographer for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's Purple Light event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on the steps of the state capitol building. I had recently had surgery and was not able to do much of what I normally would do but I had people  drive me to and from the event and someone was my assistant, carrying all my gear and setting up my camera onto a tripod since I was not able to hold it up at the time. I donated my photography to the cause which is near and dear to my heart after I lost my emergency room physician father because of pancreatic cancer in January 2006 (when he was just 57 and I was just 24). This was my third event to photograph and be a part of for the organization - I photographed a walk in Philadelphia in November 2012 (I was living there during the week while working as a photographer on a military base) and then meeting on Capital Hill in Washington, D.C. (in June 2012) to tell the story of the death of both of my parents to my senators and congressional representatives asking for more pancreatic cancer research funding. Purple Light was a gathering of loved ones who all light an actual purple light in honor of their loved ones who either have beaten or passed away from fighting pancreatic cancer. It was so moving for all of us to be standing there, listening to all of our loved ones names being read and lighting the lights. The first two photos are of the  beautiful Capitol building. I love Pennsylvania's Capitol. I have seen more than a dozen state capitol buildings but Pennsylvania's is my favorite because of the lime green tiled rotunda. It's so unique!

 The next photos are of the sign in table.

The night's organizers - who also have lost 

loved ones to the disease.

This little girl was there to honor her grandmother who 

passed away from the disease.

 It was so nice to make new friends and share the stories of 

our loved ones with so many who all truly understand

what we have all been through collectively.

 One of the main speakers telling the story of her loved one.

 Reading the names of all those who have

 fought pancreatic cancer.

 Just some of those on the steps of the 

Capitol holding their purple lights.

I hope that one day we will find a cure for cancer. I have had 3 loved ones fight cancer - my father and two of his younger siblings. My Uncle Mike passed away from kidney cancer in 2006 and my Aunt Debbie is currently fighting Stage IV breast cancer. All 7 of my paternal cousins know what it is like to have a parent with cancer.

Ferretti (April and Chris) Family Portraits

In November 2011, I had the great pleasure of photographing April and Chris' wedding (you can check out their wedding photographs here: April and Chris Get Married!). Well fast forward almost 2 years and they now have a new little baby to join with their two older boys. They are one, big happy family - though a little sleep deprived! I went out to visit them near their home where I took their family portraits to mark the special occasion of the arrival of their newest addition. Congratulations April and Chris and thank you for continuing to allow me to mark all of your most special occasions! It means so much for me to get to continue to photograph your love story and journey together!

Twin Newborn Portraits

I grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia until I was 10 years old (and that is when my family moved to Huntsville, Alabama where my father was from). I lived down the street from J. and his parents (who became my parents best friends). So I was just thrilled to learn that my dear friend, J., and his wife were expecting, but it wasn't just one baby but rather the unexpected joy of twins! I can't imagine the roller coaster ride that they have been riding since the birth of the boys in July, but the boys and their parents are all doing great! Congratulations to my dear friend J! You've always been like an big brother to me and my sister. I just wish my mom and dad where alive to be in on the joy for you and your wife and that their best friends, who are now grandparents!

One of my favorites photo of the day!

My other favorite of the day! Just beautiful!

One proud papa with arms full of love!

My parents graduated from the University of Alabama

and they passed their love of the Crimson Tide on

to J. and his family. I just love how the next two 

turned out. Roll Tide Roll!

I just love black and white photographs.

I think this photo turned out so beautifully!

Dianne & Julio Get Married (Part 2 of 2)

The ceremony took place outdoors but with a vaulted roof overhead in the tabernacle. Then the couple rode in a horse-drawn carriage to the Timbers Restaurant for their reception (we also stopped at a lake for portraits with just the happy couple). Here are the rest of my favorites from Dianne and Julio's wedding photographs.

Their minister before the ceremony started.

Exchanging vows

 Exchanging rings

 Blessing the marriage before saying "I do."

 Portraits in the carriage ride

 This photo, I took while actually trying to drive behind

their horse-drawn carriage. I was going slow and had

my camera beside me in the passenger's seat when I saw

this shot and had to try and take it. I am so glad it turned

out well!

The first dance

 Toasting the best man's speech

 Cutting the cake

Congratulations Dianne and Julio. Thank you for allowing me to document your most special of day's. You are both incredible and I wish you all the best for the happiest future together!