next door.

It's wedding week next door. Their yard looks spectacular, the girls are all home, family has arrived from all over the country, and the weather is being quite agreeable. I wandered over to Jay and Cindy's this week to capture some family pictures as they gathered in anticipation of this weekend's wedding. They are wonderful neighbors, and it was fun to meet their extended family. Blessings to you, Elisabeth and Christian as you begin married life!

Cummins cousins were having trouble with Liz trading in the Cummins name...

but quickly got over it!

And now, for some really cute kids...

Congratulations, neighbors!

introducing the littlest moore.

Real deal: love at first sight. From the time they opened their front door, I melted at the sight of Pete and Janet's precious little angels. Big sister Ruby will be two in September, and Charlotte Wilahmine was just ten days old when we took these pictures. Ruby is so gentle and sweet with baby Charley, showering her sister with kisses, smiles, giggles, singing, and lots of love! Charley is a picture perfect newborn...soft skin, bright eyes, and content in every way. I am so happy to join Pete, Janet, and Ruby in introducing the littlest Moore: Charley.

Ruby has lots of smooches for little Charley.

Beautiful, beautiful Ruby.

Ruby took a turn behind the camera. I think she did a pretty good job!

(Good job posing, Mom and Dad!)

The Moores

Gazing into Daddy's eyes.

She is simply breathtaking.

And finally...

Cookie Monster, Ruby Monster, and Elmo!

edits.

I have so much to learn, but here are new edits on some recent pictures.

I've been informed that Drake and Elly's marriage plans have been arranged for them. I have to say, their children would have some amazing blue eyes!
Joy and Matt made their own marriage arrangements.

Pretty sure Matt is happier about it than this picture shows.

drake.

I attended a 5K race this weekend called the "Freedom Fest." Notice I said "attended" and not "ran in?" I do have an explanation involving surgery on my knee and doctor's orders (which, for the record, is true), but the fact is, I'm not much of a runner. I do love to exercise...just not run. Anyhow, this has become an annual event with my family and friends, and I won't miss it! I captured all kinds of "snapshots" of the day, but wanted to post a couple pictures of Drake. His mom caught my attention as she watched him from a distance playing all by himself. "Please go take his picture. I forgot my camera." Even if she had hers, I would've taken his picture any day! He was a bit reluctant, at first, but I was patient. Worth the wait, I think!

This is a picture I caught of Drake, his brother Griffin, and their three aunts.

Awesome family!

joyful (and matt) part 2.

I'm almost done editing Joy and Matt's pictures and decided to post a few more.

I love each of these for different reasons... Quietness of the moment.

Joy's beauty (inside and out).

Matt's expression. Priceless.

Love.

joy and matt.

"I like him." That's the message I sent Joy after shooting their engagement pictures. I've known Joy for a long time. She and Natalie were classmates from elementary school through high school, so I've watched her grow up. But Matt I didn't know. After chatting and tromping around Miller Park and lovely downtown Bloomington, Matt invited John and me for ice cream. We chatted more over butter pecan (for the girls, at least) and got to know him. He's a gem, Joy...God has blessed you! Oh...and you're both very pretty! Check out this sneak peek...

nice catch!