There was a time when I didn't know Kasey with Bliss Wedding and Event Design...but it's hard to imagine now.  In the three delightful years of our friendship, we have grown our businesses, worked together on countless gorgeous weddings, staged magazine photo shoots, rented a downtown studio, attended fabulous networking parties, and shared lots of laughs and long chats over lots of meals, coffee and cocktails. 

During these few short years we have become something that more closely resembles family than friends.  And it's because of our deeply rooted friendship that I find it hard to fully express how very much her family means to me.  Knowing Kasey and Shawn as friends, and also watching them grow effortlessly into their role as parents of these two sweet boys...I am touched by the comfort of family, love and loyalty.  It is such a pleasure to have their family in my life, to watch the boys grow from joyful babies into bright, sensitive, funny toddlers.  The peace and happiness within their family is a tangible thing that brightens my world...and I am so very grateful they are a part of my life and that I was able to document their joy.

P.S. The adorable little green chair was from the lovely Market at Serendip in Dublin.  Too cute, right?!

G was wonderfully aware that he was the star of this show.  LOVE!!!

When Josh's parents told him he could either have a huge Saturday evening Bar Mitzvah party with all of his friends or he could take a trip with his parents anywhere in the world...he chose the trip.  As soon as his mom shared that story with me, I knew I was about to be introduced to a beautiful old soul.  I soon learned that Josh is a curious, creative and wise young man who loves to read and draw.  In so many ways, Josh reminds me of my own twelve year old self; reading under the covers by the pale light of my flashlight, filling endless journals with poems, stories and tiny sketches, quietly absorbing the fascinating conversation and vocabulary at the adult table during every family gathering.  After learning about Josh's love of reading and drawing, it was short leap to dream up this special portrait session at Whetstone Park of Roses to celebrate his life and the things he loves.  It meant the world to me that several times throughout his session, he told me how much fun he was having.  An old soul indeed.  I'm so very excited to document Josh's Bar Mitzvah in just a few short months, and am thrilled that I get to spend even more time with Josh and his adoring family.

Toward the end of Josh's session, I asked his lovely sister Rachel if she would like to sit in for a moment. And I'm so very glad she did!
 

An amazing portrait session with a young old soul...more to come tomorrow!