New Jersey First Communion in Madison

Meeting Kerry at the Red Oak Weddings styled shoot is such a highlight from the past few months. You know those people you just "click" with? (No photography pun intended!) Well, she's one of them. I'm so blessed to have met her and have enjoyed getting to know her and her adorable family. When she asked if she could hire me to take some photos at her son's first communion, I was so honored! Not only would I get to capture some great memories for her, but I would also get to meet her family! 

The day was perfect. The sun was shining and the temperature was spot on. Paul and I headed to the GORGEOUS church and waited outside until the ceremony was over. All the kids poured outside and we did some photos of adorable Ashwin outside and with mom and dad before heading back to their house for some family photos.  

Paul and I both loved spending a little bit of the afternoon with everyone and we were so blessed to be a part of it! Thank you to Pratt, Kerry and congratulations to Ashwin on your first communion! 

SPARK cherry blossom shootout in New York City

Paul and I were reflecting the other day on how crazy it is that it's creeping up on a year that we have been in New Jersey. Even as I type that it seems unreal. The past ten months have been a whirlwind of exploring the area, meeting new people and trying to figure out our "place" in this new environment. 

I've been extremely blessed in many areas of my life since moving here and one that I absolutely wasn't expecting was to meet a group of women who were not only photographers but also passionate for Jesus as well. Every week when we meet on Wednesdays, I'm reminded of God's kindness to have given me something so wonderful to be a part of right smack dab in the middle of New Jersey. 

Last Wednesday, we departed from our usual afternoon time of study to gather together in New York City, have some lunch while enjoying the sun and then taking pictures of each other with the beautiful cherry blossoms that are finally bloomed. 

I took the train in and discovered my friend Debbie ended up on the same train so we navigated through Penn Station, caught the subway uptown and met up with all the other gals at 72nd and Central Park West. 

We walked to our lunch destination Le Pain Quotidien and sat in the sunshine and enjoyed conversation. We then hiked over to a park that had a beautiful grove of trees that were just screaming to be photographed. We all took turns just taking photos of each other and getting to know each other better. I experimented a little bit with a double exposure and am officially hooked and can't wait to do another one. Amy even brought her sweet little Audrey and proceeded to photograph with her strapped right on her body. So impressive!

A husband and a boyfriend showed up later in the day so we even had the opportunity to do a few couples photos as well (always my favorite!) 

We ended the afternoon making our way back down to Penn Station and taking the train home. 

I got home around nine with tired feet but a full heart!