[events: Suzanne's Bridal Shower.]

This weekend, we're adding a member to the family.

My hubby's bro is getting married to the lovely Suzanne and this past Sunday all of us "sisters" threw her a bridal shower.  You may remember this couple from THIS shoot and THIS one too ... 

My sis-in-laws are incredible.  Both are extremely talented and have such a vision for details.  I, on the other hand, simply like to take the images of all their hard work *grin* ... 

It was held at my mom-in-law's home ... and, in true Italian fashion, there was a lot of food.  Skewers of bocconicini, grape tomatoes and a basil leaf, cups of fresh cut veggies with dip at the bottom ... there was cannelloni, marinated pork tenderloin, salad and yummy treats of home-baked cupcakes, meringues with cream and raspberries and a table full of bakery delights.

It wasn't a surprise ...

My one sis, Silvia, owns a party store called "Party On" ... she is dang good at what she does - and if you ever need any party supplies or help ... she's the one to call.

It was an afternoon of both sides getting to know each other, and celebrating the joy of having Suzanne in our family ... 

We had a sit down lunch ... no body wanted to mess the table up, though *grin*.

My mom-in-law ... isn't she the cutest??  You'd never make another lasagna again if you tried hers.  I've been married for 13 years and have NEVER made one.  Why would I?  She'll make us hers, any time.  And it's perfection *grin*.

There were gifts ... lovely gifts.

Suzanne and her girls had gone to the gun range ... those things in this special box?  The bullet casings *grin*.

... the perfect apron.

And slippers that dust hardwood floors *laughing* ...

I actually didn't get to stay for the entire thing *blush*.  I had another appointment I needed to be at that evening, so I missed out on some of the fun ... boo.  But I know that every girl there had a wonderful time, left well fed and had sore cheeks from smiling so much *grin*.

And I for one am REALLY excited about the wedding on Saturday.  I will be photographing the civil ceremony - a small, intimate gathering.  And then I get to party it up for their reception downtown, and be a "guest" ... 

Joele.  Suzanne.  You've chosen well ... and I can't WAIT for you two to make the cutest Italian/Chinese babies EVER *grin*.

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch."  Thanks!

[events: Noah's First Birthday.]

"Yo ho ho ho, a pirate's life for me ... "  Oh, come on.  Can't you just hear it?  *grin*

What better theme for a one-year-old's first birthday?  Little Noah didn't even realize the party was for him ... and his Mama had thought of everything.  Including a photographer for the event *wink*.

I love photographing events.  It means that the host/hostess doesn't have to think about anything other than just visiting with their guests and celebrating alongside them.  Moms can tend to panic about missing moments with their cameras - so having someone do it for them is just one less thing for them to have to worry about *grin*.

From the perfect pirate cake (it was almost a crime to have to cut into it ...), to the "pirate" names given to the guests ... the pirate theme was all around.  I think I was "Tania Red Beard ...".  Not quite sure how to take that *grin*.  It was close to "redhanded" ... but not quite *wink*.

The guests simply enjoyed the sunshine, and having their kids run around the backyard.  A first birthday is always about freedom and playing.  There was no agenda - other than the whacking of a pinata, and the munching of birthday cake.  

Noah's the youngest of three.  THREE.  I can hardly believe that Henri and Cara have three *grin*.  They are so blessed ... two daughters and a son.  And they are packing up their family in the next number of weeks and heading back to Corsica, France to pick up where they left off.  Both girls were born in Corsica, but Noah was born here ... and now that his first year has passed, Henri and Cara are ready to get back to their adventure in Europe.

I so admire them.  Moving 15 minutes from my parent's house is a big deal around here *grin*.

So, it was a first birthday - for sure - but it had the overtone of a "good bye" as well.  Henri and Cara had their "village" represented - and I wanted to capture as much of those moments as possible ...

I've known Henri since kindergarten.  In fact, his mom was my kindergarten teacher.  Seeing him with his family ... there really are no words.  Life long friends are a real gift ... 

And of the 160+ images that I completed and edited for Henri and Cara, this final one is my favourite of a series of photos taken during these few moments.  It wasn't exactly staged - but Cara's mother-in-law simply wanted a photo with Cara.  And as the photo was being taken, she started telling Cara how much she was loved, and how proud she was of the woman she had become ... my shutter kept going - and I think it's obvious to see that this is a very, very special family ... 

Henri, Cara ... first off - congratulations on making it through the first year with three kiddies *grin*.  And secondly, I wish you every blessing, every happiness, as you head back to the place that you feel called to.  I pray the transition is uncomplicated and that you continue to have a peace about the choices you make for your incredible little family ... it's gonna be great for you guys!

Thanks for the invite with my camera ... it's always a pleasure to have my lens included *grin*.

For all enquiries, please contact me by heading to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch."  Thanks!