I saw Isabella when she just arrived home from the hospital.  She was tiny, bundled up, and just beginning her very first days in this world.  And as time went by, I saw her truly grow and experience the things around her – Isabella’s first Halloween, her Christmas photos, learning to walk with her toy and then taking steps all on her own, pointing and giggling with delight, and looking more and more like Melissa and Jason.  And just like that, a year passed.  Now she is running around, starting to form words, and even grabbing and putting on her own clothes.  It is amazing how quickly time passes, but at the same time, how each moment and each milestone creates a lasting memory.

We headed off to Huntington Library to take some one year photos of Isabella.  The problem was, it was the hottest day ever this particular Saturday morning.  There was sweat, perhaps a bit of discomfort, and the beautiful polka dot dress was just not cutting it for Isabella.  Cute and stylish, yes.  Warm weather friendly?  No.  I was able to capture a handful, but what really made the day was when Isabella was able to get out of her dress and change into something much more fitting of Spring and play in the water park.  That was when the laughs and excitement of splashing in the fountain came out.

Sometimes photo sessions work.  Sometimes they don’t.  For the most part, I spent a nice afternoon with Melissa and Jason and hanging out with Isabella.  And in the end, that was what mattered.  Luckily, as well, we don’t live far from each other so we’re just going to take photos in the near future at the park  and hopefully, it will be a cooler morning.  However, as for now, Yay! to turning one, Isabella.  I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the years to come.

After shooting the lovely ladies of Smoke and Mirrors Fitness, Stacey and Christina, I had the pleasure of attending and photographing their open house.  They opened their doors and offered attendees a preview of what pole fitness is all about, showcasing different levels of their classes in a wonderfully choreographed and put together routine.  There was definitely a lot of excitement in the studio – plenty of clapping, oohs and ahhs at the different moves, pointing at the sheer amazement of the strength of the ladies who performed, and support from classmates and those who attended.  In addition, there was an array of food, drinks – martinis served with dry ice! – and vendors showcasing jewelry and shoes.  The open house allowed for people to socialize and have fun, but also see how much fun and hard work pole fitness can be.

Congratulations on a successful open house, Stacey and Christina!  The turnout was great and I wish the two of you a long and successful business venture together!

It is really amazing how a chance encounter with someone can turn into something so much more long term. This is how I would describe the relationship that has formed with Stacey. One of my best friend’s friend owns a hair salon and she did my hair for my wedding. When I asked for a recommendation for a make-up artist, she immediately mentioned Stacey’s name. So I quickly decided Stacey was the one and she truly made me feel beautiful on my wedding day. And since then, we have kept in touch here and there – I recommend everyone I know to her because Stacey truly is easy to work with. So when I received an email that Stacey was opening up a studio with Christina, Smoke and Mirrors Fitness, I was thrilled and excited for her – and glad I was able to provide her with my services by taking photos of them!

It was a lovely day spent with the ladies of Smoke and Mirrors Fitness.  It wasn’t just about capturing the different moves, which frankly take a lot of strength and stamina, but also about capturing the dynamic and friendship of Stacey and Christina.  There were a lot of laughs, smiles, and a genuine passion for what they do.  If you haven’t checked out pole fitness before, I would highly recommend their studio; both Stacey and Christina are great teachers and the decor of the place is beautiful!

Congratulations on opening the studio, Stacey and Christina!  I wish the two of you success and cannot wait to share the photos from the open house!