We are slowly getting to know each other, each time I see them I learn more about them and am affirmed that we are meant to connect.
First I met Eileen, and was smitten with her warm smile, approachability and smarts.
Then I met Zoe, and I fell hard, she is so poised and yet playful.
Next came Doug, who has that kind of laid back charisma, the cool cat vibe that I will never have.
Together they are absolute magic.
Enjoy the photos you three - when I look at them I feel happy
These photos were from just a week ago but it seems like a month.
I had quite the weekend, 13 amazing women came into the studio friday night for a Bella Party, Saturday Christine and I rolled our tired selves to the Bellies, Birth and Baby Fair - despite a serious lack of sleep we picked right up when we got there and truly enjoyed ourselves. We met tons of new people and were thrilled with all our clients who came by to say hello (especially the ones that shared news of a new pregnancy, twins and a big shout out to Karina who actually was in pre-labour.) We were very impressed with the whole event, the Comox Valley Doulas, who put it all together could definitely start a side endeavour organizing trade shows - well done and thank you.
So, last week, when the sun shone hard I was out enjoying every bit of it and joining me was Sophie, Olivia and Frank.
If you know this family, you know what I mean when I say they make me happy. The smiles you see in the photo are real, this is a crew that oozes goodness and a love of life. It was a joy to photograph them - and I am loving getting to know them.
Karen - these pictures look fabulous! We had lots of fun hanging out at the beach with you - definitely warmer than our first attempt! The girls kept talking about how much fun the shoot was - your fun and relaxed nature brought out the best in us! Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures!
(PS - thanks for help with the birthday surprise... full service photography, taxi, and more!!)
(05.31.10 @ 12:53 PM)Beautiful...wonderful photos, Karen Juli
(05.31.10 @ 05:33 PM)These photos bring a tear to my eye. Not only are they a lovely family but Frank and my son, Lee, have been friends since their school days. Seeing these photos reminds one that they really are grown men now!
(08.20.10 @ 08:31 AM)These photos bring a tear to my eye. Not only are they a lovely family but Frank and my son, Lee, have been friends since their school days. Seeing these photos reminds one that they really are grown men now!
(08.20.10 @ 08:36 AM)Thanks Carol for your comment
(08.20.10 @ 04:12 PM)There is much goodness happening this weekend.
Today
13 of the most fabulous women are coming into my studio for a Bella Party tonight. Each year at the YANA auction I like to donate something big, the last few years it has been to "own me for a day" this year a group of my gals bid on me for a Bella Party. I am so excited, these women are smart, very witty, kind, real, funny and so much more. I can't wait to show them how beautiful they are. Chrystal from Roots the Salon will be on site doing her make-up magic and the evening is being catered by Brambles Market.
I am excited, and nervous. These woman mean a lot to me. They have all been so supportive, personally and professionally. Even though I often only see them once a month, it is so empowering and meaningful to know that a group of women has each other's back. I plan on growing old, meeting them once a month to talk books, food and everything else.
Tomorrow
Christine and I will be at the Bellies, Birth and Babies fair from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Filberg Centre. We have been incredibly impressed with how well organized this event, hosted by the Comox Valley Doulas, has been, so please tell your friend and come down and say hello.
The event is free, and there will be workshops throughout the day.
Afterwards, I am off to an evening of beer tasting at Surgenor's Brewery with my Roller Derby team. Yes, I am on a Roller Derby team, but that deserves a future post of it's own.
Sunday
Chilling and computer work because......
Monday
Off on holiday for a week to Tofino (Christine will be holding the fort down here if you need anything.)
Looking for a little awesomeness in your morning. Check out one of my favorite blogs (reading the headline is usually all I need to get a little smile - 1000 Awesome Things
http://1000awesomethings.com/
Tara and Warren said their "i do's" in Jamaica late last year, and followed it up with a May reception in Campbell River.
The rain had been coming down for days, that is, until the evening before Tara & Warren's wedding.We met at a beautiful spot, that celebrated so much of what the island has to offer, we photographed and listened to their stories of their Jamaican celebration then we headed into town where we were met with some beautiful light.
There were many stories shared about how when Tara first met Warren, she couldn't stand him - it seems things have changed! Throughout there photo session they couldn't stop chatting and laughing with each other. I don't know what Warren was whispering but Tara always seemed to be blushing slightly - she was radiant!
It was a beautiful relaxed day and thank you Tara and Warren for having me as part of it. Have a fantastic time on your honeymoon. With two weddings and a honeymoon, you sure have the right idea how to live life to it's fullest and I am sure this will carry you very far as you embark on your journey together.
Please note that these photos may take a moment to load
Awesome shots Karen! You definitely have a gift and we are fortunate enough to have found you! Looking forward to seeing the rest of them!!!
(05.27.10 @ 03:02 PM)And the parents..... they feel like the blessed ones.
Sarah is going to lead an interesting life, that is something I think she can bank into. Her parents are intelligent, interested, creative, athletic people - yes, and they are incredibly nice and yes, they are the whole package. And as someone put in the comments of a previous post, they will "rock the parenting universe."
Karen, Stefan, thank you for making me part of your parenting journey. You are both so fun and easy to connect with. Huge congratulations.
Are you on our facebook page - you can read the blog and comments there as well.
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much for the awesome experience the other day and for creating such beautiful images that will last a lifetime. Reading your blog brought us to tears and re-enforced how much joy our little bundle has brought already and how fortunate we are.
Talk to you soon,
Karen and Stefan
(05.28.10 @ 07:30 PM)Once again the photos are stunning Karen!!! Congrats to Karen and Stefan on beautiful little Sarah! Wow look at all that hair!!! Love it!!!
(05.29.10 @ 10:01 AM)Ah! This is a picture perfect little girl. We are falling in love with her already. God Bless!
(05.30.10 @ 07:13 AM)Dear Karen and Stephan,
Congratulations! How wonderful for both of you (and all of us) to be blessed with such a healthy, truly beautiful child. As has been stated in other messages, your daughter is also blessed in having two such outstanding people for parents. Although we are a few days late, please wish Sarah Sophia a Happy Birthday/Mnohaya Lita from Vuyko John and me. Teta Orysia
Oh my goodness, she is beautiful! These pictures a just priceless!
They brought tears to my eyes....Congratulations to my beautiful sister, her amazing husband and WELCOME BABY SARAH SOPHIA! You are loved more than you will ever know....
Dear Karen & Stefan,
Vitayemo- beautiflul little Sarah Sophia! Congratulations from the Michalchyshyns in Winnipeg.
Can't wait to meet her.
Marta & Iyvan
Wow....what beautiful photos of an amazingly beautiful baby girl!!! I cannot wait to meet her!!! I especially love the one where Staff and Karen are holding her, such a wonderful memory for her to have!! Just love them!! xoxoxo
(05.30.10 @ 09:58 PM)
oh, these are so great! one of my fave families...... beautiful!
(05.31.10 @ 03:37 PM)Thank you for your kind words and the beautiful photos! I can't wait to see them all! These photos make me happy too:-)
(05.31.10 @ 07:31 PM)Ooooooh, can't wait to see all of them, E & D! These are beautiful, Karen...
(06.01.10 @ 05:48 AM)These photos are so nicely done. Karen had great material to work with. Such a cute family!!!
(06.01.10 @ 11:21 AM)oh my word these take my breath away...you have captured the true spirit of this family
(06.01.10 @ 02:41 PM)thanks everyone, they are the ultimate, don't need to try and be cool, but are super cool family
(06.09.10 @ 09:27 PM)Eileen, these are great photos of you guys. Zoe is such a little ham! Nice job, Karen!
(06.24.10 @ 01:17 PM)