I couldn’t have been more excited to meet Miss Isabel in the studio last week. From her parents’ engagement to their wedding to a whole bunch of other family events, I have been photographing Isabel’s family for a few years now….and there is no doubt that this little girl has more love surrounding her than she could ever know.

Weighing just a little more than five pounds and with a head full of hair, Isabel is a perfect little peanut. And while it may have taken a few hours of patience, we were bound to prove that she likes her photo taken at least a teensy bit more than her daddy does

As a girl whose husband works in another state for two weeks at a time, I can totally relate to everything my grandmother writes this week. While it’s hard to figure out and make big decisions without your love, it is even harder to keep a “normal household” running for your children while he is away. My heart aches right along with hers <3

(from Sis to Bud) Feb 3, 1944

My darling husband,

I am waiting for you to call, but it doesn’t look as if you will. Pee Wee called tonight & said you’d call around 8 or 8:30.

I got a letter from you today. It was written Monday, postmarked the 1^st. It took 2 days to get here. Maybe I’ll get two tomorrow.

I cleaned most of the house today – all except the bathroom. I cleaned our windows upstairs today. I want to clean them downstairs tomorrow.

Butch gained 9oz. since last Thursday. He weighed 13-9 today. Getting’ fat, isn’t he?

I’m so glad you got your homework done all right. I was a little worried.

Pee-Wee & I walked up to town again today. Gee, it was a beautiful day. Lyn walked most of the way home. She loves to walk. She got spanked twice today, Daddy. She mess in her panties twice. Wasn’t she naughty?

Fred & Eleanor are over. They brought ice cream with them. You know me with ice cream.

Well, sweetheart, it’s 9:40 and you haven’t called yet so I guess you won’t. I hope nothing serious has happened. I hope everything’s O.K. for this weekend.

Darling I am stumped as to what to say. Again, all I can think of is how much I love you. You’re so wonderful. I’m so glad you were in pretty good shape when you got back. I guess you can take it. We sure covered a lot of territory in one and one-half days. We’re pretty good. I adore you so. Please come home Saturday.

Goodnight my own, my love, my darling, my sweetheart, my honey, my beloved.

Mommy

(from Sis to Bud) Monday Eve. 9:30

My dearest, darling sweetheart,

Is it only this morning you left? Oh darling, it seems like days all ready and to have been disappointed the night before makes it seem longer still. I’m such a bad girl. I love you so much more than I can ever tell you. I have a huge lump in my throat while I’m writing this. I got it bad, but it’s good.

Our daughter didn’t budge ‘till 8:30 this morning. I was all dressed. Our sonny boy woke at 6:30 and had to be waked for his orange juice. They’re such good kids, aren’t they?

Sweet, next time you come home, I’m going to lock all doors & windows and keep you to myself. My heart is so full of you right this minute, I even can feel tears in my eyes. Isn’t it awful, I love you so much it hurts.

I called Jim & Marge today about the house. They are going to think it over. I asked $40 a month rent. Do you think that’s O.K.? I’d probably ask a stranger more. You hardly mentioned the matter when you were home and it’s your house too you know and I’m yours. Please enlighten me on the subject.

As soon as our dog decides to come in, I’m going to hit the hay & dream of my daddy. He’s so very wonderful.

How are you making out on your studies? You work hard now for your family. I know you will.

Lyn pointed to your ‘jamas in the bathroom this morning & said “Da dee?” I said Daddy’s all gone. She didn’t ask again. She was a perfect angel today. No mess or anything. Butch, of course, had to do his grunting when Jim & Marge were here. He’s an imp.

Goodnight my own darling husband. I love you and think about you all the time. You’re all I want in this world – and my babies. I’m so terribly happy with the 3 of you. You hurry up & get rid of your cold now so you’ll be O.K. when you get liberty next. I need you.

All the love in the world,

Mommy

(from Sis to Bud) February 8. Tuesday to you.

My own heart,

Darling, I don’t know what’s the matter with me today. I’ve had you on my mind all day, missing you so very much and also renting our home. Darling, it’s like parting with someone I love very much, but I know it’s the right thing to do.

Peggy Barnes told Mom that Ellie & Mrs. [Tinkbaum] were looking for a small house. Maybe they’d be interested if Jim & Marge can’t take the house.

I’ve had my shower & am sitting alone on our love seat listening to Duffy’s Tavern. I’m nice and warm and comfy & lonely for you – or should I say lonesome?

We went to Freeport today to buy wedding presents for Betty. I bought a glass plate, which can be used for many things, inlaid with sterling – $7.50. It’s very pretty. We couldn’t have the gifts sent – Mom bought candle stick holders to match – so we’ll leave them at the house before the wedding.

I weighed our sonny boy today and he’s gained a half pound since last Thurs. He weighs 14-1. I was going to take Lyn to be vaccinated today but he couldn’t take her. I’m taking her Monday.

Honey, how are you feeling now? Darling, I’m quite worried about you. Please let me know all about yourself. I love you, honey.

Freddy is going to get our license plate tomorrow. I think the car will come in some handy.

Are you coming home the weekend after next? If so, are you coming Friday or Sat.? It seems like weeks since I last saw you.

Sweetheart I wish you were sitting next to me now. I’d love to love you. You mean all the world to me. Please write soon and tell me you love me. Darling, I miss you like hell in plain English. Please come home soon.

Goodnight my sweet, I hope you feel better. Please write soon. I love you so very much. Lyn & Butch send their love to their Daddy too.

Love & Kisses

Mommy

If you have been following my blog for any sort of time, you just might recognize Miss Amanda and her two little guys, Cody and Eli. But exciting things are happening in this sweet girl’s world and she deserves every bit of this happiness that Stefen has brightened her skies with. Stefen is the perfect match to Amanda’s easy going personality and from watching him with the boys, it is clear he loves them just as much as their momma does.

We had an amazing morning first capturing some family photos with the boys and then played in some beautiful light for a few engagement shots.  I have always loved this family and there is no doubt in my mind that Stefen perfectly completes them. Make sure to check back in September for images from their wedding!

This past Saturday was a long time coming for Laura & Lauren….and it all started with a blind date eleven years ago. And then came the proposal six years ago, and finally our wonderful state finally decided that love is love <3

Laura & Lauren tied the knot in their very own backyard surround by one hundred or so of their closest family and friends.

The ceremony flowed seamlessly into a garden party atmosphere of old friends and distant relatives mingling, delicious hors d’oeuvres, flowers girls running about, little ones foraging for blackberries, guest experimenting with a pretty awesome photobox, a couple amazing toasts, a few tears of joy and a proper display of Mrs and Mrs shucking:)

Laura & Lauren, it was honor to photograph your wedding. You are both so beautiful and I wish you a lifetime of happiness <3

(from Sis to Bud) February 1, 1944

My darling husband,

Well, the shortbread & sewing kit were mailed this morning. I hope you have them by now. I’ll bet it was some windy at the island today.  I had an awful time hanging out the clothes.

Honey, you’ll probably get this letter the 3^rd. It happens to be your mother’s birthday, remember? Maybe you ought to call her. I think she’d like it _2194J.

Fred & Eleanor are here again tonight doing homework. They’re working for a change.

I was at mother’s most of the day helping her clean for the Mary P. Myton meeting tomorrow. Lyn helped. Buddy was a big help too by only sleeping about 1 ½ hours all day.

Duffy’s Tavern is on now.

How did you sleep Monday night? Did you miss your honey? Or were you glad to sleep alone? I’ll bet. I know I missed you. The bed was awful cold last night.

I was thinking today of renting the house & going to live at Mom’s. I don’t know what to do. What would you like me to do, dear? I like to be home here when you get home, that’s the only thing and I’d miss my own home something fierce.

Honey, on your way home Saturday, how about stopping in Penn. Sta. at the drug store and get me a box of those things we were talking about . Mom said Dad always gets hers.

Four more nights alone then I’ll have my angel. Oh darling, isn’t our love wonderful? Tomorrow morning I should get a letter from my beloved. Darling I love you so deeply and with all my heart.Will you be [passionate] when you come home this weekend? That would be so nice. I think you’re wonderful.

Goodnight my own, my sweet daddy; my angel, my honey, my pet, my sweetheart, my lover.

Mommy

(from Sis to Bud) 2/2/44

Sweetest,

Just a note to tell you I got the check from Brewster this A.M.

Also, don’t phone your mother tomorrow on her birthday as she’s not home. She’s visiting Hazel. Hazel, Ken & she will be home this weekend.

Love & Kisses

Mommy

(from Sis to Bud) Feb. 2, 1944

My darling sweetheart,

Joan, Eleanor, Snook & Fred just left, I’m sitting here all alone missing you very much. It’s 10:15. I suppose you’re sound asleep. I wish I was.

Your father is not going to Maine. He left for Cape May, N.J. yesterday. He drove your mother to Hazel’s. She’s coming home Sat. night with Hazel & Ken. Your father will be at Cape May for 2 or 3 weeks Pee Wee says.

Pee Wee & I walked to town this afternoon. I paid our oil & electric bill, mailed 2 letters and bought your mother a present.

I was so surprised to see the check from Brewster in the mail box. It’s for $58 and something. As long as you’ll be home Saturday, I thought I’d let you endorse it then.

No letter from you this morning, honey. I missed it. I don’t know whether you still love me or not. I’m worried. Oh darling, I love you so very much. I need you so badly.

Our babies were good as usual. Butch had the rosiest cheeks when he went to bed tonight. He was out all day. Lyn had a lot of color too. She threw her underwear at Buddy tonight and hit him on the head. What a monkey! Buddy turned around and looked at her.

Snooky is going to see “Ziegfeld Follies” Saturday. She asked me to go but I told her you’d be home. Darling, just think, you’ll get this letter Friday and then be home the next day. I’d like to sit and make love to you the whole time. How did you like Lyn’s note to you?

Goodnight my adorable husband. Take care of you for me. I love you. I love you. I love you.

Mommy

See a full playbill of Ziegfeld Follies here: http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/Whos_who/11607/43940/Ziegfeld-Follies-of-1943

Whenever I post a sneak peek of a wedding, I like to share a few tidbits about how the couple met and how amazing it has been to photograph their engagement session and now their wedding. Well, Chris and Brooke are a little different. This adorable couple lives in Colorado and Brooke is a cousin of past bride, Hilary. We literally had one short Skype meeting (complete with a miscommunication of our three hour time difference!), and bam..I was driving a couple hours north to her aunt’s gorgeous home nestled in the mountains and not just meeting Brooke in person for the first time…but meeting Chris for the first time ever! The entire drive I worried that we just wouldn’t click and the whole day would be completely awkward. But Chris and Brooke are super sweet and laid back and no matter what little hiccups their day had, they were just so happy to be together that it didn’t seem like anything else really mattered.

Congratulations Brooke and Chris!  It was an honor to capture your day for you. ..hope you love your sneak peek;)