Last weekend Charlotte & her daddy had a very special date :)  He asked her to be his princess for the evening at the Princess Ball at our church.  We’ve been talking about it a lot with her the last few weeks, so the anticipation had been building for quite awhile :)  She was so excited for this evening, and I loved helping her get ready for her prince :)  I’m so glad they had this special time together creating memories that will be dear to both their hearts. 

A few weeks before, I told Charlotte she would need to earn the chance to get her hair professionally done the day of the ball.  She was such a good girl, and definitely worked hard to earn that privilege!  My long-time stylist (& friend) Jenn Mauer of TM Hair Design did an updo for Charlotte, which she absolutely LOVED!  She was so cute and giggly - yet sat so still for Jenn. 

Then it was time for Charlotte to meet her prince :)  We painted nails, put on some makeup (such a treat - she was so excited!), and walked down the stairs to see her date waiting for her with a corsage that perfectly matched her dress :)  I snapped some pics before they left in his truck (she made it known ahead of time that she wanted him to drive them to the ball in his big white truck - maybe it’s the modern day version of big white horse?).  I sent the camera with Matt & gave specific instructions to take lots and lots of pictures :)  It was hard not going with them (I SO wanted to be a fly on the wall) - yet I loved knowing they were making memories between the two of them that only they would remember. 

Once she got home she was a chatterbox sharing all the evening held. A scavenger hunt through an Enchanted Forest, a princess cake in the middle of each table, goodie bags, a castle to get pictures in front of, etc etc…she could’t stop jabbering away :)  They had a wonderful time and I’m so thankful for a husband that makes ocassions like this important for our little girl.

…Ok, so maybe not *forever*…but seriously, if you don’t book your mini session soon, there won’t be any left for Spring!  I’ve still got a few spots for May 29th open, and I just opened up a couple extra slots for THIS Saturday.  Send me an email asap if you’re interested - May is a crazy busy month for us, so I’ve only got one weekend (the 29th) for mini sessions - but - if you’re wanting a deluxe session, I can definitely squeeze you in somewhere! :) 

I am loving this Spring weather…are you?  Lots of bike riding, puddle jumping, buggy pushing going on around here…

Hmmm….I think I sense an idea for a fun mini-session :)  If you want to get in on a Sweet & Simple session, bring your rain boots, bike, or anything else that spells S P R I N G - these are the moments that we don’t ever want to forget!

Just one week until our next Sweet & Simple Mini Sessions!  There are just a couple spots left, so if you’re wanting to  book, email me this weekend!  We’re going to be shooting in a gorgeous outdoor location…I’m so excited!  Questions?  Go here!

It should be BEAUTIFUL weather for our mini sessions…just like it was the other night when I took my little ones outside for a few shots

Last year I had the privilege of photographing the very talented Sara of Sarah & Abraham.  Her session was tons of fun and I was SO honored to photograph a celebrity in the world of handmade goodies :)  This girl is SO sweet, creative, and crazy talented.  She has just launched a new website called Oh My Handmade! in addition to her Sara & Abraham site.  This website is a collaboration of designers and is going to rock. your. socks. off!  To celebrate the launch, she’s hosting an incredible giveaway - go see for yourself!  There’s some fabulous goodies up for grabs! 

Oh My Handmade

The fact that they are all sitting together for a picture and noone is whining is a miracle in and of itself.  Add on the fact that I didn’t even have to bribe them with candy, ice cream, or a trip to Disney World is just a bonus

Disclaimer: Noone was harmed in the making of this photograph - and for those who don’t know, that’s (left to right)  my sweet nephew, my baby girl, and my little buddy

Little man was snoozing on the couch today when I heard some stirring.  I walked in the room to see this:

Seriously.  Makes me want a whole litter of ‘em.

This post has been a long time coming.  Last September, I hired an assistant to help me with some behind-the-scenes-work…and let me tell you - this girl is awesome.  Katie has recently started doing my Ordering Sessions, and is now a much more visible part of my business.  I am so thankful for her contribution to SKP and honestly - I don’t know how I did it before without her :)  Thanks to her, I’ve been able to wittle down my work-from-home hours to closer to 20-30/week as opposed to 40 (yikes!!).  She also is constantly looking for ways to help SKP grow and thrive, and has a great eye for detail.  Basically, she makes me look good ;)  I should also say that she’s a wonderful person inside & out - and I consider her a friend.

Many of you will be meeting her soon when it comes time for your Ordering Session, and I know you will love her too :) 

Katie - can you believe it’s been a year since you joined me on this crazy ride?  Thanks for EVERYthing you do - none of it goes unnoticed!  You rock

Photographs are such a wonderful thing.  You can relive a single day - a moment even - over and over. 

Like this day - my two babies, lounging around.  Just being themselves, loving on each other and loving life.

Seriously - these kids run my life.  And I love it

The most common question I get asked by clients is “What should we wear?”  You may remember when I introduced the What to Wear Guide last year.  One of my favorite clothing companies is Mini Boden, so I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces from their fall line.  These are just to give you some fun ideas for your session - you might even be able to find similar pieces locally!   Many of you have fall sessions coming up, so these ideas are just for you :)  {Don’t worry, if you don’t see your little one’s size…just keep scrolling :)}

Here are my top picks!  First up, girls size 1 1/2yr - 12 yr:

Love this Pretty Party Dress - and it would look perfect paired with this sweet cardigan and these leggings.  Can’t you just see little ballet flats, too?

I LOVE the movement of this Gypsy Skirt .  It’s feminine and playful - perfect for twirling :).  To keep her little legs warm at your fall session, try adding these adorable tights.

On a more causual side, these heart patch trousers are so fun!    These would add a great punch of color to your photos, while keeping your little girl comfy at the same time.  Best of all is the adjustable waistband - so she can continue to wear them all winter long

 Ok, mamas of boys…your turn:  (If you have a baby, keep scrolling)

Boden has some of my favorite tees for boys - check these out:

Rock T-shirt

Road Trip T-shirt

If you don’t want to go the t-shirt route…

The Vintage Layered Polo - not as causual as a tee, but with the scruffed up edges, it’s still boyish and fun :)  I’m lovin the red, but all three colors are great!

Ok, I saved the best for last….babies :)  It was SO difficult to narrow down my fave Boden picks for babies - it’s all SO cute! 

For girls only…

 This Pretty Pinafore is a modern spin on the traditional pinafore dress.  I am loving the gold, but the vibrant red is gorgeous as well.  Very fallish and perfect for Christmas card photos!  The layered look pictured is super cute, and is perfect for chilly fall mornings.

You really can’t find anything sweeter than a baby in a one-peice romper… 

Velour Romper (in boy & girl prints)

Applique Romper - how cute is that dragon? (adorable girl print available as well here)

Knitted Romper - sweet little buttons and super soft cashmere blend make this romper dressy enough for any occasion.  See detail here.

Last but not least…accessories go a long way!  Your little one could be wearing a potato sack, but throw on this hat = instant adorableness.  (Yes, I just made up that word.) 

find it here.

Those are my top picks from Boden - have fun browsing their site, and I hope this gives you some fun, vibrant ideas for your session this fall!

 xo,

S

Warning - snapshot alert! Charlotte got a pool for her birthday, so yesterday we christened it - a morning swim with her cousin and BFF Drew. They were having so much fun and being so cute, I just had to snap some shots of them.