Magic in a Cup

On my regular trip for my morning "wake me up" I went to the Starbucks right by Tommy's apartment. As I am waiting in line, I was thinking about what I wanted. First choice would be a brewed coffe that I like, and if they didn't have that, I would go to my second option a Carmel Machiatto.

So as I wait in line I gander around the store. Thinking my eyes are deceiving me, I gaze upon the chalkboard up above. I look away and back again and realize it is true! The Pumpkin Spice latte is back. I am sure by now, you might think I am ridiculous...hahahaha.

The Pumpkin Spice latte is not just another fun drink thought up by the Starbucks geniuses... it is the mark of Fall.

The very thing that makes me think of family. It makes me think of when I met and starting dating Tommy. I think of Maya. I think of holding that cup in my cool fingerless gloves I picked up in Amsterdam. Sipping slowly and with purpose. I concentrate on every moment like it could be my last latte.

When I take my first sip, other memories come to me...like my dad and I going every year at 3am to go wait in line the day after Thanksgiving. I loved that my dad would do this with me. The Starbucks was never open at 3am so unfortunately with our thermos of coffee from home we would wait until 5am and then promptly get our warm Pumpkin Spice before continuing on with our shopping fun.

Last year I drug Tommy with me and I realized as he was freezing and in line with all the other crazy ladies that I loved him so much for putting up with me and that he must really love me.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte, to me, is like the smell of leaves for some. Or the joy of decorating your house or yard for others. It may be baking or sweaters. For me those things are nice but Pumpkin Spices...those are the best.
People have said maybe they should have it all year around since it is so fabulous and people really love them.

I think although my love for the Pumpkin Spice latte is deep it would not be so if it were available all the time. Just as absence makes the heart grow fonder...well such is the same for me and the Pumpkin Spice.

Try it...you won't be sorry...

- Jennifer

P.S.

Just a little disclaimer...I am in no way affiliated with Starbucks, nor did I get money or free drinks for writing this...but...free drinks sounds good...Starbucks?

Shellee celebrates pregnancy #3!

I had such a great time at this photoshoot. Shellee makes for a beautiful pregnant mother and her kids are so adorable!

I met Shellee and her family last week. She has two beautiful daughters, Kennedi and Brooklyn. Since they were there for their moms maternity session, I wondered if I would have to entice them to get their photographs done as well....I should have known better...these two little ladies wanted to be in all the photographs! They were so good and cooperative and loved being right next to their parents for all the pics.

Her girls are going to make such excellent big sisters. They were so sweet and fun for the photo session. You can tell by the way they interact with one another and with their pregnant mom.

All for of them were just wonderful to work with...and so polite!

Here is a sneak peak into some photographs from this shoot...

Enjoy!

- Jennifer

Oh Canada! Oh Canada!

Back in high school, I had a real close-knit group of friends. We affectionately referred to ourselves as "the GP." We were from all different races and backgrounds. Our personalities as diverse as our appearances and personalities. That is what made it such wonderful and interesting friendship in my eyes.

Something I probably never imagined would happened, happened just this past week. We had a "GP" reunion...with the exception of our dear friend Hannah who couldn't make it...and she was so very missed.

We all met in Chicago. Kristi traveled days to get here...literally!! She lives in Canada and it is a 24 hour road trip...but with kids and sleep needs...its a 3-day travel fest. Alecia traveled quite a distance as well...all the way from Fargo, ND!. The remainder of us had a short trek from Indy.

But Kristi and her family who traveled the furthest, gave me the pleasure of letting me take their photographs. I was so honored when she asked me to do a photo shoot with their cute family of four. We had Mya, who is smarter then most, completely aware of the camera and quickly on to all of my antics to entice any smiles. Then Grady who I hear can be slightly fussy, was actually quite smiley, happy, and just a doll.

Andrew and Kristi are the most amazing parents, truly they are. They are compassionate and patient. They are good friends and amazing partners to one another. I did some photographs of just the two of them alone as well. I did not need to pose them...they naturally want to be close. The love is so big between them...it's contagious. I love how sweetly they fit into one another's arms for these photo's.

Enjoy all the photographs. I can't wait to come to Moncton sometime soon to see you!

- Jennifer

New Beginnings

In my life, I have always hoped to be able to, one day, work fully for myself doing what I love best. But, I have always felt that the uncertainty of that idea was a bit scary. I have never been able to make the "jump", so to speak. I could not do what I needed to do in order to get my business, my passion, established and running like it is now.

Since Tommy has come into my life he has given to me, not only his love and understanding, but has also given my business a complete face lift.

Together I think we make an amazing team. With his support he encouraged me to move to the next phase of my life. He instilled the confidence in me to come to the conclusion that now was the time to take a leap and try Baby Grace Photography full time.

I have been working at the Community Hospitals for the past 6 years. I was the main newborn photographer there. I have come to know the staff at the hospitals so well and really love to see them and be a part of their hospital family. They were there for me during my time of need, when Maya died, and I will never forget them for that.

But now it was time to go in another direction and challenge myself in new and exciting ways. I am so delighted to be able to focus on our business now with all of my heart and soul.

This has given us the opportunity to be able to open our schedule up fully. We are now able to make appointments for virtually any day of the week and anytime...assuming the weather is cooperating. :-)

So anyone that would like to throw maybe a Mom's day out with kids and set up a portrait party or anyone that would like to schedule a session during the day just give me a ring or send me an email I would be happy to set that up!

Have a fabulous day and wish me luck in this wonderful and exciting new endeavor!

- Jennifer

Zoey Love

Zoey has been my little friend since the day she was born.

She is so full of life and reminds me very much of my daughter, Maya. Her energy, sense of humor and her seemingly old soul makes taking her photographs so much fun.

During the last half an hour of her shoot last month, she insisted on taking my photograph and her moms. Quick on the trigger we got many amazing shots of our shoes, and the tops of our heads!

Here are some photographs of Zoe and some of her amazing parents as well. They also happen to be dear friends of Tommy and I.

You can see how much they love each other!

- Jennifer

Olivia Grace's big day in the park

Olivia has the face of a Gap model. At 10 months old she stole the show at the IMA.
Her mom made sure she had several adorable outfits for her session.

My favorite being a little pink tutu.

I can so remember buying cute hats, tutu's and adorable little outfits just so I could take some photos of my Maya Grace in these cute little items. So, naturally, I thought it was great that Kara, Olivia's mom brought such fun stuff for her to wear. Olivia's Grandma also made the day special by making the sweet hat that she has on in a couple of these photographs.

Thanks guys for letting me do your photographs it was truly a pleasure!

- Jennifer

Here is a peak into the session...

Our First Portrait Parties!

So Tommy and I wanted to try out the idea of a Portrait Party. The concept being similar to a Tupperware party. A host provides the people. We photograph mini sessions at no charge then we post the images for them to see. It was exciting and fun to be able to try this out first with some of our friends in Evansville.

The first night we photographed Tommy's good friend from college Jordan & his family. And also Jordan's brother, Jeremy's, family. We did the photographs at his families house which was beautiful and fun to visit and had some great scenery. We also went down the street to a beautiful open field do some photographs.

The next day, we photographed another of Tommy's college buddies, Andy & his wife Tarrah. They did a great job organizing and had a nice-sized get together at Garvin Park in Evansville. I believe we photographed 9 different families! It was such a great turnout!

Both parties went off without a hitch and we got some great pictures of everyone.

If you want to have your own portrait party email me for more details!

- Jennifer
jennifer@babygracephotography.com

I ♥ Tierneys

Kevin and Katie's wedding was perfect! From start to finish. Tommy and I left and talked about how much fun it was. We usually don't have weddings where the whole bridal party are so relatable and understanding. Everyone really had a "go-with-the-flow" attitude. We truly enjoyed hanging out with all of them!

The wedding was at a quaint place up in Michigan, Walden Woods, and the day had absolutely beautiful weather. The images have turned out great so far. I took thousands of images! And am not even near finished editing them. But thought that everyone deserved a little peak before I get all done.

Kevin & Katie, thank you so much for making us a part of your day. You could not of asked for a better day. It all went without a hitch.

I will be in touch soon with all the pics for you to enjoy and for now have fun checking out these few images!

- Jennifer

We've been nominated for Best Photographer in Indy!

Can you believe it!? We have exciting news...we have been nominated for the Best Photographer in Indianapolis! We are flattered and would love to see if we will even come close. We are asking our friends, family, and clients to give us a vote if you think it to be true. It would be great to even just end up in the top 10. To vote for us, all you have to do is click this link. WRTV6/theINDYhannel.com are putting on this contest. They do this every year and it is called "The INDYChannel.com A-List". Feel free to write a review as well if you are so inlined. Thanks so much for your support! HURRY...VOTING ENDS AUGUST 18TH!!!

- Tommy

Tiny Dancer

So we have had the busiest week we have ever had so far for our business! We are very excited about the direction we are headed.

However...all of this shooting has left me feeling deep in thought of where Maya would of been in the midst of all of this. I can only imagine her attempting to hold the reflector or at the very least blowing bubbles for our little clients.

She would have enjoyed meeting all the wonderful new people Tommy and I have had the opportunity to meet. Also all of the new friends and family I have gained in the past years.

She was a great model. Completely aware of me and my camera always lurking close by...wanting to take pictures of me and loving me taking pictures of her.

Here are some of my favorite photographs of her. I miss you Maya. I wish you could of been here to experience the love that has come into my life and do all the things in life you deserved.
Not a minute goes by and I don't think of you. xoxo

- Jennifer