Just the Way You Are | John + Britney {Sneak Peek!}

One of my fave shots (more to come!) of the newly engaged couple, John and Britney! I am looking forward to shooting their wedding come December . . . I've heard some of the Bride's ideas, and it is going to be FABULOUS to say the very least!  :D xoxo Summer

"Oh her eyes, her eyes
Make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her trying

She's so beautiful
And I tell her every day
 Yeah I know, I know
When I compliment her
She wont believe me
And its so, its so
Sad to think she don't see what I see

But every time she asks me do I look okay
I say
 When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are. . ."

-Bruno Mars

Clair de Lune (an early morning lullaby)

I think I heard this song playing in my heart early this morning when my kids came in for some snuggle time. 


Just had to share a little continuation of my previous summertime vacation post A Good Day.


Good Morning to you. . . 

As far as you went from the door, which was not far; But you had awakened under the morning star The first song-bird that awakened all the rest. . . You had begun it, and if there needed proof-- I was asleep still under the dripping roof, My window curtain hung over the sill to wet; But I should awake to confirm your story yet; I should be willing to say and help you say That once you had opened the valley's singing day. . ." -Robert Frost

A Good Day (Morning Song)

morning
sunrise
open my eyes

and i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day

did you sleep well?
did you dream at all?
can you tell me the time?
on the alarm clock

i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day

but you can sleep in
you just keep dreamin
for us

i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day 

-Priscilla Ahn

Sometimes, the lyrics speak for themselves; in the simplest and most true way. When I get so lucky as to get away from 'it all' with my little family, this song is pretty much how I feel. Smiles come easy. Laughs come easy. I'm walkin' on sunshine even if its storming outside - you know what I mean? Now don't get me wrong; all is not calm serenity and bliss when you have two little ones who need your help with everything all the time ;D We've got some crazy in us too! But, you know, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Here are just a few pics from some of our summertime adventures (thus far) with our family and some of our best friends as well. I have to say, as a little aside, that one is truly blessed when one of your girlfriend besties is married to one of your husband's guy besties (do guys say that? that would be a "no".) and they have kids and their kids are also some of your kiddos' besties. Ok, enough with the word 'bestie'. You get the idea. Much to be grateful for! Treasure your true friends. The ones who stick with you through 'it all'. And make you laugh till your sides hurt :D When you're with the ones you love, "its gonna be a good day".

Three Little Birds

"Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ('This is my message to you-ou-ou:')

Singin': 'Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.'
Singin': 'Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!' "

-Bob Marley

I rocked out to sang this in the car with my kiddos today ;) One of the best songs ever, right? I think it really does lower your blood pressure and calm your nerves at the first sound of those. . .what are they called. . . steel drums! Cue sunshine, the sweet smell of a salty beach breeze, warm sand on my toes, and a pina colada in hand and I'm SO THERE!

Ok, so you can pretend with me . . .  ;D

But while you're at it, check out these Three Little Birds and their fun parents! The Whiten clan kept me on my toes and kept me laughing, too. I love the spontaneity and wild abandon that kids have in front of the camera. They give their whole little heart to whomever they are engaging with, and the love is evident. (And the silliness is too! ;D )

bye bye munchkin. . . .

God Only Knows

 ". . . But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I'll make you so sure about it
God only knows what I'd be without you . . ."
 -Beach Boys 


I keep thinking of the opening and closing scenes in Love Actually (one of my all time fave flicks). You know, the hugging families and loved ones "montage" with this song playing in the background that makes you want to sigh, cry,  jump out of your seat and dance in the middle of the theatre and smile all at the same time?! Yeah,  you know what I'm talking about ;)

"General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around."

Camisha and Matt have such a lovely family, and Savannah, their 2 year old princess, also happens to be my new best friend ;) She and I bonded. So much so that she was crying when the photo shoot was over and we had to say goodbye! Total heart-string-puller, that one is! ;) And she is such a sweet and gentle big sister to her new baby bro. I loved watching her interact with him.

In these photos, you can see and really feel the special memories being created, and the love (actually) . . . such a special thing.

xoxo
Summer

God Only Knows . . .

The Odd Life of Timothy Green (thats a movie title, folks)

So I know that I always do a song dedication for my clients, but this one's a little different ;)

This cute guy, Patrick Brouder,  is starring in the upcoming Walt Disney feature film The Odd Life of Timothy Green with Jennifer Garner and Ron Livingston.

The film is an enchanting fantasy tale about a childless couple who bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears . . .

Patrick plays the role of Dash Best, a musically -gifted wiz kid. Truth be told however, Patrick is himself a musically-gifted kid! He plays the cello and guitar, and loves anything having to do with music. It was so cool to hear this soon-to-be tween heartthrob (!) talk about his role in the film, what it was like to be on set, as well as what kind of music he is into playing. He even played me a Beatles song on his guitar, and instantly became my 7 year old son's newest hero ;)

So since his upcoming film is all about the magic and mystery that grows out of the Green's backyard, it made sense to do his photo shoot "in the green" as well. ( a.k.a. We played outside!!)

Congrats on your success, Patrick! I'm sure there is so much good in store for you. I had so much fun hanging out with you - You are definitely one cool kid. ;-)

-Summer