Little Luca - One Year Later

July 11, 2020… this is a big day. A weird day. For the last four and a half months, I have been stagnant. Stuck in a whirlwind of various obstacles, as I am sure many of you can relate to. February 23rd was the last day I shot for my business. Fast forward about three weeks, things completely changed. Our nation was faced with a pandemic - something none of us have ever dealt with - and it turned our worlds upside-down. I was in my final semester of nursing school and had been looking forward to the final month, during which I had hoped to gain some independence and confidence in completing the skills I had spent 1.5 years honing. Those final hours were instead spent preparing for my nursing board exam, which while disappointed to lose those precious hours one-on-one with a nurse, I was also gracious for simply having the opportunity to finish school. Not only that, but I also had to tackle this challenge while entertaining a five-year-old all day every day, in addition to moving our family from one town to another. Oh, and attempt to transition my business to a new locale. AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF CHANGE.

Fast forward to today, and we have made it through all of those obstacles. I have begun a new labor and delivery nursing role, for which I interviewed via video conference. We have completed our move and finalized the majority of work we wanted to accomplish on our new home. We found a new daycare for our son. And now today. Today is the day I step back into my photographer shoes and spend time doing something I so very much enjoy. I will be traveling back to the Lehigh Valley to capture two beautiful families. And I couldn’t be more excited to kick off my day reuniting with a family I met one year ago!

Last July, I was invited into Anita and Nick’s home to capture photos of their newborn and boy was it a beautiful session. These two have the sweetest demeanors and I could tell they were going to be wonderful parents to little Luca. As I sat down today to pick a photo to share, I realized that I never posted their session to my blog (and had every intention of doing so!)! So instead, today we will reminisce on Luca’s newborn session in celebration of his FIRST BIRTHDAY! Give this little man (and his parents) some love! If you’re anything like me, you know how big this milestone is - keeping your first born alive for a whole year is monumental! =P

I just LOVE the black and one shot above of Anita adoring her little boy… so much pride in that expression!

Congratulations Anita & NIck! You made it through one year of ups and downs with a newborn! Cheers to many more memorable years as you continue to let your love grow together! <3

Welcome Rylee A.

Precious, right? Little miss was super DUPER cooperative during our in-home lifestyle newborn session late last year. Welcomed by mom, dad and big bro Caleb, Rylee is surrounded by SO MUCH LOVE. She no doubt completes their perfect little family.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rylee’s family through our neighbors. Rylee’s aunt and uncle, and two cousins, live just down the street and have become good friends of our little guy. We have gotten to know Kevin, Elissa and Caleb over birthday celebrations, Nintendo Switch tournaments and late-night backyard old-school dance parties (sorry Elissa, I think you headed home by that point!).

Once the dust had settled following Rylee’s arrival, Elissa contacted me to set up a session. And might I add - I am SO glad she did! During these in-home sessions, I take a look around your home to find an area that will work well to document your session. It’s typically the most well-lit room, and this just happened to be their spare room / kids’ playroom. And you know what? It was PERFECT! The lighting was soft and beautiful and the room provided a simple backdrop allowing this family of four to be the main focus.

Future Eagles fan? I’m sure dad hopes so!

Rylee, you have brought so much joy to your family’s lives. Mom and dad speak SO highly of you and I know your brother Caleb is proud to call you his little sister. <3

The Messicks {Vow Renewal}

Gosh, I am not quite sure where to begin… I first met these two last spring, as their little guy was about to turn one. Since then, we’ve stayed in close contact and have met up for a few other events and sessions. While I typically shoot families, children and newborns, I was honored when Nicole reached out requesting photo coverage for their intimate vow renewal. I am so glad she thought to ask, and how could I say no? It has been a pleasure watching her family’s journey, and it was an honor to be a part of such a beautiful evening!

Nicole and Daulton planned an intimate vow renewal on the property belonging to Daulton’s parents. From the lights to the furnishings to the energy in the air, it was a perfect evening for these two to say “I Do” again, as witnessed by some of their closest friends, including Walker, their two-year-old son. Did you notice him with Nicole’s bouquet above? How stinkin’ adorable is he?!

If I had to come up with a caption for this photo, it would likely go something like this… “Guys, as soon as you’re done, I’ll be right over here waiting for my diaper change.” Oh my… when I saw this image, I literally laughed out loud! You know how kids have those ‘comfort’ things? My little guy sucked his two middle fingers. Well, Walker likes to put one hand down his pants and he sucks his fingers on his other hand (never the same hand, I promise! HA!). It is the cutest, silliest thing I’ve ever seen! :-D

The ceremony was so “Messick.” These two can be serious, but they also know how to laugh, kick back, roll with the punches and have a good time. And their ceremony was nothing short of just that. There were plenty of laughs - between Walker following me around (and nearly tripping over him), Walker tossing his toy bowl onto the carpet next to mom and dad, and Daulton trying to pull a fast one on his cousin Amanda, the officiant, hoping she’d read the word “fart” out loud - it really was a memorable event to witness these two renew their vows to one another. And I must say, they make a F-I-N-E-E-E-E-E-E-E pair! Wouldn’t you agree? Their love is on F-I-R-E-E-E-E-E-E-E!

^^ Did I mention he (the little guy) is adorable? He totally tried to steal the show during mommy and daddy’s ceremony.

Nicole and Daulton, I hope you continue dancing like nobody’s watching. I hope that Walker continues to follow in your footsteps. And I pray I’m there to document it every step of the way. Okay, maybe not every step… ;-) Wishing you many more years of craziness together! ;-)

Are you planning an intimate backyard wedding or vow renewal? Or maybe you’re simply looking to celebrate your love with an anniversary session? Well, no matter what you’re planning, I’d love to document it! Couples sessions are some of my most favorite. So if you’re up for having some fun, let’s chat! Send me a note at Krysti@KrystiGundrumPhotography.com to learn more.