My apologies for being SO late in posting this!  I know you were all on the edge of your seats waiting for it! ;) The Christmas season ended up being SO busy for me, (like whoa – I love you guys!!) that afterwards, I think I just sort of ‘shut off’ for a little bit.  However, I’m back, I’ve missed you all, and I’m ready for a fantastic Twenty Twelve!

But wait!

First, let’s take a peek back on 2011 and remember all the good times we had!

The year started off at Children’s Hospital, with the LaFountain family of Caring Crowns, visiting little Miss Chloe.

Little Chloe, at just four months old, was diagnosed with  Acute  Lymphatic Leukemia. She was the first princess  sponsored by  Caring Crowns, and it was such a joy to have had  the  opportunity to meet her and her family.  These days,  Princess  Chloe is home  and doing well, and her friends and  family  couldn’t be happier  about it!   Visit here for more  updates on this little fighter.

Next there was the Crowns For a Cure (now Caring Crowns)  Pageant.

There were so many contestants and vendors, and TONS of people showed up to have some fun, cheer everyone on, and of course, to raise money for such a wonderful cause!

I can’t wait to see the turnout for this year!  The date is set for February 18th! Go here to get your registration forms printed!

Have you signed up yet? I’d love to see some of my favorites there!!

(who am I kidding – you’re ALL my favorites !!  Seeing you all there would be pretty amazing, y’know…. winkwink-hinthint!)

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Next up is family, sibling,  newborn, maternity, children, birthday, and ‘just because’ portrait sessions.

I had originally wanted to share an individual image  or two from each and tell you a little something special about the session…. then I realized I wanted to get this done sometime this year! So, I made up some collages of some of my favorite images of 2011.

I had so much fun this year with all of you!  It’s fun to watch the little ones grow up, families expand, and to meet new friends and family through your referrals.  Looking back on all your smiling faces (and laughing through some ‘bloopers’) I’m just completely overwhelmed and grateful that you’ve not only let me capture your family’s story, but that you’ve let me become a small part of it.

There I go, getting all sappy…

Seriously though, you guys are awesome.

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Next up is the UR Brand photoshoot!

 UR Brand just released a clothing line called “PopUlaR”

The clothing is designed to make a statement. U R Polular – meaning everyone is popular.  The line was created to promote positive self-esteem, spread awareness, and stand up against bullying.

The photoshoot was a lot of fun, and so many great models came out to help promote UR Brand.  A launch party is scheduled on February 25th. Check here for details on how to purchase tickets

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Last, but certainly not least,

my 2011

Bride & Grooms!! 

♥ ♥ ♥

First up,

Mr & Mrs Craaybeek

Family helped in planning this day from start to finish.  Married in the church she grew up in, and just eager to say “I do”, Kristilyn had nerves of steel.  Todd, however…. well, his nerves may have been lacking some steel! ;)

I hear the Craaybeek family is expected to expand in about 3-4ish months (I think)…. with a little girl!! ♥

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Next we have

Mr & Mrs Moriarty

There’s something about 2011 that made for calm and collected brides, and nervous and fidgety grooms!

(Or maybe us woman can just hide it better!)

Jen and Dan both wrote their own vows, and it was difficult not to tear up, listening to their heartfelt words to eachother. They then went from a sentimental ceremony, to a par-tayyyyyy of a reception!  Friends and family filled the dance floor all night long. Jen even decided to end the night by singing for everyone! It was a great day!

The Moriarty family is also preparing to expand!  Pink or Blue?  No news yet!

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Next up;

Mr & Mrs Donovan

This wedding was also a lot of fun!  Melissa and Sean have such a caring, fun-loving, and just plain fantastic group of friends and family!  There was non-stop laughter and smiles throughout the whole day!  Everyone played a part in helping the day to go smoothly, and then making sure that dance floor was never bare!  I’ll always remember watching the Limo just bouncing like crazy to the beat at the stop light on the way to the reception!

So much fun!

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Next we have

Mr & Mrs Jesse

Nicole made for such a beautiful bride, and when I was done sobbing over her, I noticed that Ben made a very handsome groom as well!

Their group was also ready to par-taayyyy!!  They braved a very chilly beach, with plenty of smiles and silliness to go around, hammed it up at the PhotoBooth, and danced and sang the night away!

We should do it again…. say, next week?  ;)

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And my last 2011 Bride & Groom;

Mr & Mrs Conzelman

I didn’t have as much time to get to know these two, but from our first meeting it was clear that they were very much in love.

Their friends had such wonderful things to say about them in their toasts, and they were all hilarious coming up with poses during our time for “formals”.  The dance with the groom and bride’s brother was….. well, pretty epic.  I’ve never used that word before, haha!!  I’m just not sure what else i could say!

Such a fun group and a beautiful wedding!

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Well, that sums up 2011!

It was a lot of fun.

I was so fortunate and blessed to have met so many new faces this past year, and they were all sent to me by familiar ones.  How great is that?

I can’t wait to see what 2012 brings!

♥ Thank you guys so much for your continued business, friendship and support! ♥