Ari's "Peter Rabbit" Themed Birthday Party

Ari's 1st Birthday - "Peter Rabbit" Themed

Where do I even begin with how amazing and sweet this wonderful family is? I don't normally photograph birthday parties, but this particular one pulled at my heart strings a little too much and after hearing Ari's backstory, the theme of "Peter Rabbit" and that the family was flying in from California, I was too excited myself to celebrate with Ari and his family.  Ari's 1st birthday was a big deal due to some heart conditions that were discovered early on in his little life. He underwent heart surgery at just 8 months old but since then he has been thriving! Full of smiles, laughter and curiousity, Ari was such a joy to be around! 

His 1st birthday was "Peter Rabbit" themed and every part of it was so incredibly sweet and beautiful. Mom did an incredible job on every detail of the day, from the "Tale of Ari Ross" stickers on the cups, to the carrot-shaped snacks and the raddish cake pops. Ari's talented Aunt even hand-painted the standup bunny board! Nothing Budnt Cakes budnt cakes were a specialty as well and oh-so-delicious! The Peter Rabbit cake topper was custom made for Ari as well from Something Blue Bakery  and let me tell you the amazing surprise that was discovered with that... 

As I had mentioned, Ari underwent heart surgery and has a scar in the middle of his chest. Well, while I was editing the images I noticed something really crazy...The custom, fondant rabbit ALSO had a scar in the middle of it's chest. I was moved and thought how sweet it was that the baker created it that way after hearing Ari's story. When I visited Ari and his family for their ordering session I mentioned to them how sweet it was for the baker to add the little scar on the bunny and they looked at me surprised. Apparently, they never told the baker Ari's story and the scar on the bunny was not on purpose. So what a sweet, god-given surprise it was that the custom bunny had the same scar as sweet Ari. 

Ari, you are so so loved by so many wonderful people and I'm so excited to keep in touch with you all and watch you grow and thrive. Happy Birthday sweet boy! 

Together, Ari's family & I sat down and created a sweet little 6"x6" handcrafted, leather album to remember his big day by.    

Gideon's Adoption/Fresh 48 - House Of Hopes

A few weeks ago I was contacted by House of Hopes asking if I would donate and volunteer my time photographing a very special adoption. I was overjoyed and saw this as an amazing opportunity to serve God and to share my talents to give an amazing gift to this sweet family. 

The Terry's, unfortunately, had already been familiar with this great organization because of their daughter, Charlotte, who had been diagnosed with cancer and had passed away before she reached her first birthday. You can read their previous story here: https://www.facebook.com/HouseofHopes.org/posts/866492266752389:0
Deeply moved by their heartbreaking loss I of course said yes to this opportunity. 

On October 12, 2017, I met the Terry's at the hospital as we all awaited the arrival of their new son.  Mom and I waited in the recovery room while dad was able to be in the operating room to cut the cord and bring him to us when the nurses "ok'd" him. I still remember the excitement and tears that welled up in everyone's eyes as dad carried him down the hallway and mom knew he was coming. It was an amazing thing to capture, this new life and adventure for this family. I'm humbled and blessed to have gotten to be apart of this and can't wait for more opportunities like this one. None of this would have been possible without the House of Hopes organization. Please check them out as they offer amazing photo opportunities to many life events! 
Here is their website: http://houseofhopes.org