The Other Woman...... {Bridal Photography-Dana Stone}

At weddings, the bride is The Star of the Show.   Even if she isn't a bridezilla, it really is all about her, isn't it?
The Dress.
The Shoes.
The Man.
The Perfect Location.
and on and and on and on.....

There are shows dedicated to planning weddings, picking the dress and yes, mocking the bridezillas.  This is not one of those situations though.

In this case, the Bride was definetely not freaking out about her dress....or her shoes....or the cake....and she knew that her dreamboat would be standing with her and saying yes, kissing her and sweeping her off into the sunset....

But she was freaking out a little bit.

She HATES having her picture taken.   As a bridal photographer, that is NEVER a good sign.   I knew I would have at most 10 minutes with her at any given moment before she freaked out and walked away.  (It was closer to 5 most of the time!)  But since she is beautiful, I wasn't too worried about that part.

Unfortunately, the weather for this outdoor wedding was not cooperating.   The Mother of the Groom consoled her.   The sister of the bride reassured her.  The fiancee' promised it would be fine.   The Grandmother of the Groom lovingly stressed out away from the bride-to-be and just said it would be fine when she was anywhere near the bride. The photographer (That would be me) tried not to panic about the alternative indoor location and the lighting situation and did I bring enough flash units.....until...suddenly...

The Bride was putting on her dress.  The mother of the bride was watching her daughter and granddaughter get ready. The sky grew even darker and then the best man walked in and announced that the tornado sirens had started to go off.    The hail started pelting the beautiful flowers lining the isle and the DJ finished packing up all of his equipment.

NOW was time to freak out.   The hyperventilating was not making lacing the dress up any easier.   I'm imagining the entire wedding in a dimly lit basement, pool table and bar in the background....but there we were, underground,  just in case.   All of the immediate family and wedding party are filing into the basement and the Bride was panicked because Mr Right couldn't see her yet, but she really didn't want him to die in a tornado outside either! And she wasn't looking forward to finding out if  200 guests could fit in the basement for a wedding.  (Although I must admit that it looked like a really fun place to hang out and relax....at a less formal occasion!)

I confess....I was REALLY stressed at this point and started to silently pray.  "Please let the rain stop.   Don't let everything end up in Oz.  Don't let all my camera rental gear that is still upstairs blow away because I can't afford to replace it.  Let the guests arrive safely...and don't let anyone have a nervous breakdown!"

Everyone tried to be calm so we didn't spook the Bride any more than she already was.   And then the Star of the Moment ....the wonderful, amazing Maid of Honor started cracking jokes.   She opened the champagne.  She distracted the bride (with the help of the awesome, fantastic Mother of the Groom-but she deserves her own blog post!) till the worst was over.

And wouldn't you know it?    The chairs didn't blow away.   The groomsmen dried everything off with pool towels and the DJ reset and the sun peeked out and the guests watched two people in love say "I Do." And they lived happily ever after!

Most of the guests had no idea just how much the Maid of Honor did to save the day...and then it rained, but not one person even cared! Dancing in the rain is okay....just not saying your vows!

So this post is for all of the Maids of Honor out there. Those are the girls that run around, making last minute saves, reassuring the bride, rescuing the day, and doing all the things to help the day run smoothly...but THIS ONE couldn't keep a straight face for 10 seconds!

(Don't you love the bride's amused smirk? I was counting on that face, but I didn't realize Erin would collapse in laughter quite that fast!)


I really enjoyed watching Erin laugh in Julia's face when she stressed out about pictures, dance to Sinatra, and just make everyone be happy just because she was there!   Thanks for the fun!  (and yes, the bride is in here too......isn't she georg?)

And just so you know, THIS Maid of Honor was thanked, loved and appreciated....a lot!

Twins! {Dana Stone- Sierra Vista Newborn Photographer}

I have wanted to play with some twins for a while now and I finally met these two sweet little girls!   My heart melted.   How could I possibly decide which one to snuggle with first?  

We had a very wiggly set of girls and only got a few pictures, but I got a call later that beautiful Ms. H was STILL asleep 5 hours later.  I guess I wore her out!   So we will have another playdate soon....after they have played and exhausted themselves!

But my favorite picture from the morning was this one...taken with my iphone....but only because I got to hug both of them at the same time!

True Love Army Style-Photos of the Heart {Military photographer}

This couple was so sweet.  She came across the country to see him graduate from XXXXXXX Army School.   (Yeah, you didn't really think I was going to share that, did you?)

Anyway, due to the crazy forest fires here, we had to nix some of my favorite spots for couples.  But they rocked it anyway!     

It was fun to see them relax and enjoy a moment together....with no kids!  :)  

Seriously, don't you just love them?

10 on 10 March

First off, I can count.  I'm just ignoring the ten part of the 10 on 10 and posting what I want.  After all, usually I forget to even do this project!


We are dealing with Connor's tooth neglect.  It's driving me crazy, so Matt has taken to the supervision of boy and his dental hygiene.  One more reason that I am grateful for my wonderful, patient husband.




I picked Maddy up from school on Friday and she forgot the homework sheet again on Monday.  To my surprise, she was supposed to make a Leprechaun Trap for class.  Tuesday, the note was shoved to the bottom of her backpack and I missed it till Wed morning.  It was due on Thursday.  Sigh.  Fortuantely, she is very creative and came up with this great idea.  She managed to do almost everything by herself with a liberal amount of duct tape and scotch tape.  I helped hold pieces in place while she taped.  Pretty cute though!

Apparently Leprechauns like to cause mischief and do not obey signs....and they like glitter.


Maddy added duct tape to keep them from escaping....later she added a thimble of water and a marshmallow for a snack.  She can't have a hungry leprechaun!




This is what I planned to do today....



but I ended up sitting here and discussing camera purchases, portrait orders and yoga schedules with all of the people who called all day!


And then I watched a photoshop video training and learned a few new tips....that I probably won't use since I don't have Lightroom and that was today's lesson.  Notice my really yummy sandwich on my knees?  yum!



The other reason I stayed home all day.....I was waiting for the dishwasher repairman.  I was so frustrated because maintenance lost my work-order!   Fortunately, the people who run things are fantastic and had the GE guy out to repair it in 24 hours.....sometime between 8 am and 5 pm.  He was fast and HORRAY!  I have a dishwasher again!  I am SOOO Happy.  There are just no words.



so I finally pulled out the pattern that I wanted to try....and had to decide....clean up my craft area first or sew?  (Sewing won out.  I'll clean after it's done)




It was also playdate day at my house.  Thursdays are early release, so we like to have friends over.  Connor invited Cameden and Richard.....they attacked me with airplanes when I walked in.


The girls were supposed to make these rainbow cookies, but the dough had not set, so this is a "bonus" picture from Friday.  They made them at Hannah's house on the Friday playdate.  They look great but actually taste like playdough.   ugh.  All the kids thought they were awesome, but I couldn't' finish one.



And these all count as one, right?  Matt talking to Julia on the phone as he explains that I am the bestest wife in the entire world....ever.



A 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan custom....almost all blacked out with some grey accents...



Yeah, he likes it almost as much as his GTO.   However, he only has 27 more days to find it a new home.  My minivan has been outside for years and I finally got a spot in the garage.  I'll be darned if I lose my parking spot inside for another toy.  So Matt has to clean out the garage to make room for his toys on HIS half.

Bisbee Arizona Photographer-Photos of the Heart

Tiny little babies ~Photos of the Heart Newborn Photography

I had two fun baby experiences today.... one of my darling Maddy's friends at school is finally a big sister!   The weather was nice and mom introduced me to her extremely tiny, sleepy sister!  Oh, newborn babies are heaven!   I love holding them and smelling their tiny little heads.    

happy sigh.

And THEN.....another happy surprise.....

THIS fantastic couple announced that they are expecting!   You know what that means!  

(More cute babies!!!)

And since I have babies on the brain, I decided to post another picture from a recent newborn shoot! 

(See?  Babies are adorable!)

Blossoming Beauty {Sierra Vista Child Photographer-Dana Stone}

I love Valentine's Mini Sessions!   I had a great time at the park with Ms. L and her brother.   I'll gush about this sweetheart for just a minute....

Do you see this smile?   What a fantastic grin!  She is genuinely sweet and happy, not to mention brilliant.   Yup.  A completely fun package.  Not to mention that she is a tomboy.   I  have a special place in my heart for tomboys....because I am a tomboy!  This tomboy was willing to dress "cute" for her mom, but she is a rough and tumble, jumping on a trampoline and having fun kind of girl.  I love that!  She had no fear when I suggested that she climb to the top of the playset to sit with her brother....fantastic!

A few other shots, vintage and casual.....still a lot of fun.   When I look at these, I can see the teen that is on her way.....only a few more years!  Hopefully, she will still be a little bit of a tomboy as a teen!

Motherhood and Daughters.

It has been said,

“Need goals?

Imagine who you want your kids to become.

Be that.”

Sometimes I am blessed to know some amazing and wonderful mothers....the kind of patient and loving women who are raising lovely daughters who understand what is really important. Smart, brilliant, beautiful girls with so much potential. Daughters and grand-daughters that exemplify the best things in life. These mothers and daughters have a bond, love that will outlast teenage angst and broken hearts, that will grow every year.

"For Attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others."

— Audrey Hepburn

There are several people who I think really "had a clue" and understood what makes a woman special. It's not the bling or the hair, it's not the clothes or the car.....it's who she is at heart that makes her beautiful.

One of those women was Audrey Hepburn. I always loved the quotes that were attributed to her. I don't know if she really said these things, but from what I know of her, I wouldn't be surprised.

Which one is your favorite?

"I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it."
— Audrey Hepburn

"If I’m honest I have to tell you I still read fairy-tales and I like them best of all."
— Audrey Hepburn

"I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles"
— Audrey Hepburn

"I believe in colors. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."
— Audrey Hepburn

Princess Leah~Photos of the Heart, Newborn Photographer for Huachuca City, Az

I posted this picture already, but since Ms. Leah is so cute, I thought I would share it again.

And I suppose I could share a few more pictures too. She is so tiny and sweet! I love it. I've wanted to find a sleepy baby to test out this doll bed and she was a perfect fit! Seriously, can you get cuter than this?

Since it is almost Valentine's Day, I wanted to play with a fun background....won't this be a sweet valentine?

I do love the details of her tiny face.....puckered baby lips, tiny lashes and cuddly little self....oh, now I need to go visit so I can squish her some more!

And a vintage version just for the fun of it!

Tiny Pink Sneak Peek! {Dana Stone-Newborn Photographer, Sierra Vista AZ}

I love Christmas but the moment the tree is down, I have the urge to start spring cleaning.   Spring is the time of year when I feel like celebrating new growth and my favorite, new babies!

Leah Nicole is the perfect baby!  She was snuggly and soft and warm and sleepy!  She was so much fun to play with this week!  I'm really glad that she finally arrived.  Her mom has been waiting for her and it's nice to see her oohing and ahhing over such a cute little doll.

This little girl is about to be spoiled beyond all belief!  Do you see her gorgeous hair?  Her tiny lashes?  Her kissable cheeks?  I don't know if anyone will be able to resist her charms.  Rumor has it that Daddy is wrapped around her little finger already.  Good luck Dad.  You have a cute daughter!

Black and White Photography~Portraits by Photos of the Heart {Sierra Vista AZ}

I was looking through some pictures and got into a black and white mood.  Normally, I'm a bright and colorful type person.  I love shoots with vibrant outfits and fun accessories and happy people laughing and playing.  But something about these sweet little girls inspired me to bring out the vintage, moody feel.

Their simple, classic look didn't need anything extra.  They are perfect exactly as they are. I don't need to  add a pop of color or cute hats.  I am happy just watching them be themselves.

I may not always be a black and white kind of girl, but sometimes it's exactly what I need.

Basically the equivalent of throwing a dart......Colorado Springs Child photographer-Photos of the Heart

Sometimes as I look through pictures for the sneak peek picture, I can't choose!  I usually pick the amazing shots of cute faces or families that are loving and kind.

This time, I just closed my eyes and picked one.  Okay, not really, but there were a lot to choose from.  I actually picked this because I know how much J. (the dad) loved this spot and because I loved how Little Miss Rose was giving me a tiny glare as she protectively helped Tiny Little Hazel to navigate the leaves and sticks.

She was not the most enthusiastic child to start with, but after a while we decided to get along and there are some happy pictures too.  But that's not what I want to shoot all of the time.

Don't get me wrong, I love to capture happy, giggling babies and loving families.  There is a magic moment where everything comes together and the perfect image comes together.  I've learned over the years, that sometimes it's the quiet or grumpy pictures that are the most accurate.  Most kids don't look or act like the models on tv commercials.  Most kids have a personality that can be better described as stubborn, cranky or impish.

AND THAT'S OKAY.

As a mother, I can honestly say that pretty pictures are great, but 50 years from now, I would love to look back and remember how my child was antisocial sometimes, but fiercely protective and loving with her baby sister.

I would hope that these girls are still as close 10 years from now....and 20 years from now.

So this is my picture of the day.  Two sisters.  Curious.  Grumpy.  Loving.