I was elated when I ran in to my old college friend a couple of months ago.  I met Sarah ten-ish years ago, and she was pretty much the coolest, sweetest, most genuine person I knew at school.  She’s one of those people that you just feel good around because she’s so down to earth, easy-going, and she’s just always laughing.  Her and Dan have been together forever… I mean like, they met in elementary school, at band practice!!!  How sweet is that?!!  They were my saving grace years ago when I was between apartments, and they let me crash at their place.

We had sooooo much fun at their session, to the point of getting stomach stitches from laughing.  Seriously.  Thanks to them, I know my real age…  I was content thinking I was a year younger.  Thanks guys for that.  Thanks…a lot!

I love this.  She looks sooooo happy!

Just beautiful.

love the tippy toes…

something a little different…

one more i just have to share…

BTW, Sarah is also a wonderful photographer! You can check out her work here.

Without further ado, meet the second completely adorable family that was nominated for our Giving is Awesome portrait giveaway.  These girls were just amazing….full of life, and spunky too!

I have soooo many favorites from this session, but I’m loving these ones of the girls in front of the red door!  ….sigh….  They weren’t sure about getting so close, but I told them they are going to love having these images when they grow up!

Beautiful family….

so sweet….

Are they not the cutest couple, I mean like ever???

sweet snuggles….

It was truly a blessing to meet each one of you and to spend time with your sweet sweet family.  Your love for one another is so evident, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to capture a small bit of this moment in your lives.  

xoxo
dana 

P.S.  PLEASE VOTE for the Giving is Awesome Tour. It’s a chance to sponsor 12 photographers to travel the country in a tour bus and give the gift of portraits to families with children struggling with childhood cancer. It’s a great cause. PLEASE take a moment to REGISTER AND VOTE, and ask your friends and family to do the same. GO HERE TO VOTE.

During the holidays, I participated in a portrait giveaway with Giving is Awesome. Though I had planned on choosing only one family to win a custom portrait session, I was so touched by the nominations, that I ended up choosing two.

Before I share the images, I wanted to share their nomination.

“Jonathan and his beautiful wife Jazmin have two wonderful girls, and a little baby boy on the way. They have always inspired those around them with their perseverance, determination, and most of all, their kindness.

Shortly after September 11th 2001, Jonathan was called into active duty with the Army for a tour in Iraq. At that time, Jazmin was about to finish her degree in Education and had just found out she was expecting her second child.

Although Jonathan was gone for over a year, she persevered in her studies, finished her degree, and purchased a home all the while with a toddler in tow and another one on the way. During this time although she was bombarded with emotion, she was always there with a smile, a kind word and a helping hand. Jonathan finally returned home to meet his daughter when she was about 6 months old.

All the years since, they have always worked hard together to provide a better life for their family. Recently, Jonathan has been out of work and their car was stolen. Jazmin was in the process of completing her Principal Certification.

I know things have been really tough for them but I don’t think they quite realize that through their diligence, they inspire others to keep going towards their goals no matter what the circumstances are. I just feel that anything that would brighten their Christmas is worth taking the time for. A gift of a family portrait will last a lifetime, a beautiful memory they can cherish forever. Thank you for your consideration and God bless.”

Just sharing one image that I love since every post needs an image!  I’ll be sharing images from their session tomorrow…