I was asked to take pictures at Alpine Christian Academy's annual Field Day on Monday. What fun! Debbie Alcorta had a wonderfully organized event for the first through eighth graders. She had a shoe kick, three-legged race, sprint, softball throw, frisbee throw and gunny sack race. What a hoot! The afternoon ended with an all-school relay race. It was a gorgeous afternoon, and all of the students, teachers and parent-volunteers enjoyed one last beautiful day before the snow flies.

Gina and Richard

These guys were the best! We did Gina and Richard's engagement session a few weeks ago (we've been so busy, we just finished editing them!), and we all had a blast! We met in Carbondale with plans of having Mt. Sopris in the background for a few shots. Well, it was drizzling rain when we met. We decided to wait it out for a few minutes. Did that ever pay off. It turned out to be the most magical evening with spectacular light. And I think we hit one of the most beautiful days for fall colors.

These two are so much fun! They are gettin' hitched May 3rd up at the Dallenbach's place above Basalt. We can't wait! The chemistry between these two is so sweet and tender yet playfull at the same time. Photographer's LOVE shooting couples like this, and we are honored to be shooting their wedding.

Uhh, are these guys cute, or what?

WOW - long time, no blog! I don't think I've ever gone this long without posting something! So, I've got some catchin' up to do. Wanted to post some family stuff from our lone camping trip this summer. We went up to Deep Lake for a couple of nights just before school started. It was so nice to get away for a few days. It was quite chilly and rained about half the time. Oh well. We had a great time.

Lucas and I went fishing one afternoon in Deep Creek. I have fly fished in that creek for years, but never with a two year old. It is very brushy around the creek, and we had to bush-wack our way from hole to hole. Lucas kept getting impatient when we were walking around trying to get to the next fishing spot. He kept saying, "Mama, are we gonna fish?".

Nicholas doing a little whittling

And the boys warming up by our early morning fire

Melanie Hayden Zeller

God's precious creation. That is what I was honored to be a part of early Sunday morning. I had the privilege to witness and photograph the birth of a sweet baby girl named Melanie. Her parents, John and Joy, are very special people and I know I will feel a deep connection to them for some time. There is something unexplainable about being invited to take part in someone else's delivery and birth. It's a trust and closeness that doesn't happen with very many things in life.

Joy went into labor late Saturday night ~ labored a little, slept a little, and labored some more. After a valiant effort by her Mommy (and Daddy!), little Melanie began her new life in this world at 7:24am on August 12, 2007. Her Mommy worked so hard and was such a trooper.

John and Joy hadn't quite decided on a name for their baby which they knew was a girl. They wanted to see her and then decide. Little Melanie takes the name of her Aunt Melanie, who was Joy's sister. Melanie and her two brothers were lost in an accident before Joy was born. What a tribute to someone whom Joy never even met. Her grandfather must be overjoyed and touched and looking forward to making new memories of his new little Melanie.

Thanks for changing all of our lives, little one.

See their slideshow here!

We had the best time photographing Hayley and Ty's wedding last Saturday! They were so much fun, and up for anything. Their wedding at Crossroads Church in Aspen was absolutely beautiful. Hayley was one of the most gorgeous brides I've ever seen! She and Ty have the sweetest personalities - they just go with whatever happens. Hayley's uncle Neil officiated the ceremony, which included several songs, readings, and the entire church singing Amazing Grace. It was a very special ceremony that touched many of the family members and guests.



Then the wedding party met us at the fountains in Aspen for some fun group shots. The boys decided to run through the fountains - they were soaking wet! But they were having so much fun and we got some great shots of them. Then off to the reception at the Dallenbach's property in Basalt. They had a beautiful tent set up with twinkling lights and fabric hung on the ceiling. Everyone had so much fun dancing - they were great! Dancing pictures can get a little boring, but these guys gave us tons of great stuff. What a great end to a spectacular day. Here are a few favs ~

See Hayley and Ty's slideshow...