Happy 24th of July!

In Utah, we celebrate the 24th of July as "Utah's birthday" or more so about when the pioneer's came into Utah. I did have some of my ancestors travel with the pioneers, but many others came to Utah in different ways. I have thought a lot this week about them, and the struggles they had in rooting their lives here in Utah. I love where we live. I love waking up and be surrounded by mountains. I love being able to drive 20 minutes for a hike in the fall leaves. I love taking pictures here in the spring. I love it here, and I am so grateful for my heritage here.
On the 4th of July my mom had these wonderful outfits made for the kids. I don't think they could be any cuter! M, thank you again for your works of art. They are so wonderful, and it was so appropriate to be thinking about peace on the 4th of July. Really, if anyone wants the best tie dye ever go to www.englishphoto.typepad.com/peacefulones
I hope everyone has a wonderful July. I hope we all can keeping praying for a generation of peace!

Rodeo

I can't believe how quickly the summer has gone! I was hoping I would have had more time to keep everyone posted on all the great sessions I have had, but none the less time seems to be slipping through my fingers. For everyone who has wanted a sneak peak at their stuff, just be patient with me, and I will try to get caught up as soon as I can! Quite a few weeks ago my family and I went to the Riverton Rodeo. It was fun to take some action shots. My favorite ones ended up being the hyde racing, but that is probably because I was the closest to the action on those. I kept thinking about my High School Days when I could listen to nothing but Garth Brooks songs, "It's boots and chaps, it's cowboy hats, it's spurs and latigo, it's the ropes and the reins, and the joy and the pain, and they call the thing rodeo"

Weather or Not...

The weather in Utah has been CRAZY lately. A couple weeks ago I did a family sitting in Springville, Utah, and the weather was everywhere. In the afternoon my family and I were at the carnival and we had to leave because of the down pouring of rain. A couple hours later, when I did this sitting the sun was out and there wasn't even a hint of an overcast day. Then before the evening ended, it was pouring again. With all of the crazy weather I am so glad we went through with the session. The garden location was beautiful, and the family was delightful to work with. I have never seen people cooperate with me so well. Each kid (and adult) did exactly what they were asked. I have a special thanks to E for pulling off the best GQ look! The picture wouldnn't have looked as sharp without it! It was a pleasure to meet everyone in the S family. I look forward to taken the family again, hopefully when it has doubled in size!

PINKALICIOUS

I can't believe my daughter just turned 5! When we talked about her birthday party we came up with the idea to make it based on the book Pinkalicious written by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann. Her birthday was a huge success. We played pin the cherry on the cupcake (we made a poster size of the second picture), the cottonball game, and each kid designed their own Pink bag. (the boys had white). For her family party that night we made a cupcake cake, and it was awesome. Here is my reget... I forgot to take pictures of it! If anybody knows me they know that pink IS NOT my favorite color. I would prefer to see things in blue. So, in ode to my girly girl who loves everything PINK, PINK, PINK, I thought I would change some colors on the blog. I am so proud of my Emilee, and the amazing girl she is. She is the best daughter I could have ever asked for. I feel blessed everday to have her in my life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PINKALICIOUS!

The Super Posh

Sometimes it is so great how everything comes together. The bride's brother was leaving on a two year mission for his church, and wasn't going to be at his sister's wedding. The one thing T wanted was to be able to have a family picture as though he was there, instead of having a life size picture made up of her brother. I was so excited to take the pictures, and the way everything came together I know T's mom is going to be so thrilled to have all her children "at the wedding." It will be a great surprise! We had such a fun time at the session. Little C kept all of us entertained! My favorite moment was when some onlookers told T how beautiful she looked, and little C says, "What about me?" Between designing his own shots and looking super GQ there was a lot of smiles and giggles from the rest of us. Thanks W family! It was a lot of fun to be with you. T, you are absolutely beautiful! I know M must be so proud and honored to be your soon-to-be hubby!

Growing Up

If someone had told me eight years ago what an amazing man this boy would become, I would believe them, but it is nice to witness first hand how amazing he really is! I have known the C family for quite awhile, and I have allows had a special place in my heart for P, who helped me on many days take of my first born girl. During the session I turned to P and said when did you get so good looking, and his response to me was "Heather, I have always been good looking!" His quick wit and spontaneous personality brought so much fun to the session. P challenged me for new things, and I always appreciate that. I am so thrilled for how the pictures turned out! And C family I hope not to go so long between getting together. It really was a joy to see you.

The Art Ball

My Congratulations goes out to the first couple who celebrated their 40th anniversary at the Art Ball in Springville Utah. What a wonderful evening. I really enjoyed playing around with each of the different couples. Plus everyone loves to sneak into a romantic corner at a ball, I just feel lucky enough to capture those moments! Thanks everyone for the mini photo shoots! It was a lot of fun to capture all of your expressions of love!

Surprises

I have been so excited about these photos, but I couldn't post them until today because of the surprise present they were being made for. When B called me and asked me to take pictures of her for her 40th anniversary I was very honored. I hope one day to be celebrating 40 years with Adam. I can't imagine anything better than being with your best friend for that long. During the session I was reminded about how much expression is done with our eyes, and not our smiles. I turned to B during the session and asked her to think of why she loved D and all the tender feelings she had for him. I wanted to cry as I took the pictures, because that love was just radiating out from her. Congratulations you two! It is a privilege to have you be apart of my life.

Apple Orchards

A couple of weeks ago my family had our picture taken by English Photography. We went up to this beautiful site in Layton with farm lands and apple orchards. If you would like to check out our family picture go to www.englishphoto.com. Thank you so much A! We had such a great time! (Even Adam) Since the children were all dressed up I took their picture in the apple orchard. I can not believe how romantic these fields are. These pictures turned out so much better than I anticipated. I really love how the kids are coming into their own. They are getting into a routine when I say it is picture time. Thanks again for the opportunity A. What a fun place to take pictures!

Trendy Baby Photo Contest Winner!

I am so thrilled to have photographed this baby girl! When I had my daughter four years ago the last thing I would have ever done is put her in a big bow. I have come to find you can never say never. A while ago my son kept asking me for Spiderman light up shoes. How he even knew there was such a thing I will never know. I told him "no" over and over again. I didn't want my kids in licensed clothing, let alone Spiderman light up shoes! But, if any of you know Mac, his smile is hard to resist. We are now the proud owners of Spiderman light up shoes. You really never can say never. So, if I am lucky enough to have another girl, I am sure she will also wear big bows. W family, thank you so much for participating in my contest. S is adorable and perfect. She was a real trooper for the entire session. Her eyes and hair against the green of the leaves amazes me. It is always fun to see who children look like, and there is no doubt that she is her Father's child! Little S's mom means the world to me. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body, and is one of the truest friends I have ever had. Thank you W's! It was a wonderful session, and a fabulous evening to be with you!