Smithville Mansion Children's Photographer: Blake is one!

Blake is turning one today, and to document this special time, we met at Smithville Mansion in Mount Holly to get some great shots of him and his awesome mommy and daddy. We had a great time exploring and finding fun spots to entertain a one-year-old. Blake is a totally happy, smiley guy- which makes my job easier! To make him the happiest little guy ever- we ended with a cake smash! Didn't his mommy do an awesome job coordinating his outfit and this adorable cake?! Happy Birthday, Blake! Keep smiling :)

Smithville Mansion Wedding: Jessica & Tom

Well... not quite a wedding- more of an anniversary shoot. Jessica and Tom were married five years ago. They decided to commemorate their perfect day by putting on the clothes that they wore that day (props to all gals who can fit into their dress five years and one kid later!) and heading out for a photo shoot. Did I mention who did Jessica's hair and makeup? The wonderful Kate Spencer provided the romantic updo, and Paula Miller with the flawless makeup. I'm pretty sure that these two practiced their poses and faces before they came- they seriously brought it on. Models! I had such a great time celebrating five wonderful years with them. You two are amazing! <3

Ocean City, New Jersey Beach Engagement- Jess and Justin

On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in June, I met up with Jess and Justin in Ocean City, New Jersey <- the best beach in the NJ! I may be partial to OC because that's where Mike and I were married- so naturally love is in the air there. Jess and Justin are getting married next summer on the beach, so this was the perfect time to invite sand in their toes and the salt water air to celebrate their love. We started off on the boardwalk and ended up on the beach. Here are the results!

Katelyn is One!

You may have seen Katelyn on the blog before... I photographed her about a year ago when she was just born (and just a teenie little babe) and also this summer in LBI. With Christmas was upon us, we got some shots of Katelyn in her Christmas pjs near the tree. Then we ventured outside for sunlight and playtime. There was a gorgeous blueberry farm behind us and her favorite two pups running around us. It was the perfect backdrop! Enjoy!

Five tips for amazing Christmas photographs

Let's face it, the holiday season is hands down, the best ever! So we've gotta capture it! Read below for five tips for amazing Christmas photographs.

1- Choose a versatile location.. This season I chose to hold holiday mini sessions at Smithville Mansion. There are so many different textures and backgrounds, I could shoot there all day!

2. BYOF (bring your own flair) We came prepared with tinsel, ornaments, and Christmas lights.

3. Get sweet. It's cold outside! If you have a cutie in need of some bribing- a candy cane always helps ;)

4. Santa hats. It's okay to get silly for a couple of shots in a santa hat!

5. Sneak in a couple of non-holiday pictures. So the shots you took in your Santa hats probably won't make the cut for a canvas on the wall. Make sure you get a couple of shots sans decorations.