The Crow Family - Indianapolis Family Portraits

I haven't seen Lindsey in quite some time as she has lived in a different time zone for a number of years now. I knew that her family lives out in California and when they said that they are in the southern part of the state I got a little jealous knowing that in a week or so they would be returning to 70 degree weather. John, Lindsey, and little Andrew were great to photograph and although we were hoping for some snow it didn't come until a day or so later.

Slideshow Song: Dave Matthews Band- My Baby Blue

Celebrating Christmas

My aunt is a teacher at one of the IPS schools where a majority of the kids don't have a whole lot. So a few years ago she had the idea of the family pitching in so that each kid in her class can have a bag with some gifts for Christmas. This is the first year I have gone to watch the kids unwrap everything and at the moment when they are given the go ahead to open everything, part of the real reason for Christmas comes to light. With all the hustle, bustle, and mayhem that Christmas has become, it was refreshing to see pure joy on a child's face and hear them say things like "best day ever" for receiving something that most would baulk at.

Jessica + Jeremy : Indianapolis Engagement Session

We knew that going into this engagement shoot that there was going to be a lot of laughs. We started out downtown on Mass Ave which was pretty vibrant with the weather being unusually warm. Stopped for some coffee and a little home shopping on the side as well. It was then off to Broad Ripple to wrap up. The four of us essentially just hung out and took some pictures along the way.

Having know Jeremy for so long, we could not be happier that Jessica has come along. They get each other, it works without effort and that is when you know something special has come along. Steph and I are so happy for these two and had a blast shooting their engagement session and can not wait for the wedding. 

Slideshow Song: Colin Hay - Wating For My Real Life To Begin

Sayla + John: Indianapolis Wedding Photography

Words to describe Sayla and John, hmm, sweet, kind, generous... the list really could go on and on. It was so great getting to know these two and being there for them on their very special day. The details were beautiful and hearing the story of the Peacock from the minister during the ceremony really made it all the more meaningful. The wedding was at The Benton House in the Irvington area of Indianapolis which provides a great backdrop for a wedding. These two have a genuine, shared love that is obvious to all around them. Congratulations to them both on their new lives!

The Groove List: Vol. 2

Florence + The Machine may not be new to some of you. I only recently heard the new song "Shake It Out" by this awesome group and had to download it almost immediately. Florence has an incredible voice and uses every bit of it in this song. The video is pretty conceptual but more times than not these are the videos actually worth watching as it is a visual interpretation of what the song writer was thinking during the writing process. Favorite line in the song "It's hard to dance with the devil on your back".  Cheers!

Thankfulness

Man, have we been lucky. Stephanie and I both have great families that regardless if we are hosting family gatherings or going to them, it is something we look forward to. Everyone pitches in and often times with more than one food dish, serving plate, or whatever else it may be that will make for a great family time. In life, your family is so much of who you are and to know that their is a support system on both sides of the aisle is rare.

What is also important on this Thanksgiving is to never forget that there are people less fortunate. Untold millions don't know where they are going to sleep or get their next meal. Donating money is important but being able to spend your time helping others, where the person affected sees your face, is where putting others first is in it's most true form. Not for recognition, but to let a stranger know that there are still people who care.

Always be thankful for what you have.

The Groove List: Vol. 1

One thing about me is that I absolutely love discovering new musicians/bands. Music really does have the ability to change the mood of anyone listening to it. This is why some people either can't get enough of or simply cannot listen to a particular song due to the feelings that are conjured up. One song that I can't get enough of is Halocene from Bon Iver . The video (below) was shot in Iceland which is a place on my bucket list and it just sucks you in. Pretty much every song put out by these guys is amazing. Put their music on shuffle and just relax.