I am a control freak, with a creative flair: My new love of textiles

When I was pregnant with Isabella my Mom really wanted to make her a quilt. I guess she wanted to practice doing “Grandma-like” things. Although my Mom had no idea how to sew, she thought there is no better time to learn than the present. So I bought her a sewing machine for Christmas and shortly after, we went shopping for fabrics to make baby Isabella a quilt. Moments into our shopping excursion, I realized a number of things - some that were new to me and some that I had known but had somehow overlooked:
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1. My mom and I have VERY different tastes… in Everything!
2. I can sometimes be a wee bit controlling
3. I am intrigued by new things that I know nothing about
4. “Simple”  “plain” and  “easy” are not my favorite words
5. Ok fine, I admit it - I am a perfectionist… with control freak tendencies
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So here’s how this quilt extravaganza all got started… (Remember my mom and I know nothing about fabrics, sewing or sewing machines.)
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Once inside the fabric store, we split up so we could cover more ground. I am the type of person who went prepared to spend all day scouring the rows and rows of fabrics looking for precisely the perfect one to match her newly designed bedroom. My mom on the other hand – two minutes in and she holds up a bolt of fuzzy, flannelette, covered with pastel bunnies and bears in yellow, purple and brown. 
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My heart sank. 

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That was the moment when my mom’s new quilt project became MY new quilt project. That was also the moment when I was reminded that we haven’t agreed on anything since the mid-1980’s – when I was 4 years old! I know it sounds extreme to commandeer your mother’s new quilting hobby - what kind of person does that?
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(Me.) 
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What is the big deal if Isabella’s quilt is covered in pastel flannel bunnies and bears? All I can say is that I wish I had a photo of the fabric to prove my point – it was hideous. On top of that, her idea of “quilting” was to buy one large piece of fabric and sew up the sides – plain, simple and easy.
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I had a different vision of what Isabella’s quilt should look like, so I made my way around the store gathering a variety of fabrics, threads, lace and ribbons – all in various textures and shades of pink and white. I didn’t have a plan in mind or any idea how to put all of these things together, but I figure if I just buy what I am inspired by, I can sort out the rest of the details later. Here is the recipe that I have come up with so far…
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+

+

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???
I love a good challenge.


Jaxon ~ Newborn Portrait Session ~ Airdrie, Alberta.

Jaxon surprised his parents by arriving three weeks early! We were scheduled to do a maternity session with his Mom Jennifer when he decided that it was his time to make his entrance into the world. So our pregnancy photo session soon became a newborn photo session.
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Jaxon is so precious and incredibly adorable. I had a wonderful time getting to know him.
Here are a few of my favorites from our newborn portrait session.

Jaxon was just over 6 pounds when he was born and now at 7 weeks, he weighs in at over 10lbs! 
He is definitely a content and thriving baby boy. 

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Danielle ~ Sweet 16 ~ Portrait Photography Session in Calgary, AB

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Danielle received a gift certificate for a portrait session with me for her 16th birthday, so we celebrated with a fashion inspired session outdoors. 
Meet Danielle...

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Danielle has the most gorgeous, piercing, blue eyes.

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Danielle is a fantastic model, I thoroughly enjoyed photographing her. Her versatility and and eagerness to experiment with me allowed me to capture all sides of her brilliant personality. This image is so genuine and it really captures the beautiful person that she is, inside and out.

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This is the last image I shot and it could possibly be my favorite photograph from our session. The feeling is so sexy and it speaks volumes in such a subtle manner.

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Crystal, Justin and Jake - Family Portrait Photography Session in Calgary, Alberta


Family Portrait Photography Session 
~ Part 2 ~
You might remember Jake and family from their first portrait session with me. 
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Here are some images from a session that we did in the Fall that haven't been posted yet. Enjoy!

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Usually Jake is all smiles, but he was SO sad when the photo session ended.

Jake recently welcomed a new little brother, Luke Kenneth, into the family. Hopefully I will have the pleasure of photographing the newly expanded Gelsinger family in the near future!
Congratulations Crystal and Justin!

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The Dusessoy Family ~ Family Portrait Photography Session






Fall is one of my favorite times of the year for photography. The colors and textures are incredible and almost anywhere you look is a perfect backdrop for a portrait. Here are some photographs from a portrait session that I did with the Dusessoy family in Calgary, AB. I just adore the brilliant colors.




Sharron and Chuck are two of my favorite people and their love story is inspiring. They were high school sweethearts who fell in love, married and had two handsome sons... well three if you count Max, their beloved dog. Sharron and Chuck live life to the fullest and truly enjoy every moment. 
They are still head over heels in love with each other. Just look at this image and you will see the love and passion they share for one another.