Baby Danica and Her Big Sister Joee`

Danica and Joee` are almost exactly one year apart. Their mom (and friend of mine) Christie was kind enough to invite me into her home to let me take pictures only 10 days after Danica was born! With the help of my sister Danielle, I would say the session was a success. Danica, aka superbaby, not only was awake the majority of the session, but at one point hoisted herself up with her arms, raising her head high to see what in the world that crazy lady with the camera was up to. If you are thinking this baby looks familiar, it's because she is featured in the header at the top of my blog!!!

Meet Baby Danica.

Joee` is just as adorable and just as happy!!! She is a little over one now, and Christie is teaching her sign language. I got to see first hand how she asked her mamma for food and milk while I was at their house. Danielle was able to get BIG smiles such as this one out of Joee!

Her eyes are soooo blue and soooo pretty!










Thank you to Danielle for coming along and for all of your help! Thank you to Joee` and Danica for being so darn cute! And thank you to Christie for letting me invade your home and hang out with you and your girls all afternoon! Congrats on baby number 2!

All Things Kiley Bella♥

Playing catch up means looong post, therefore I will keep my words to a minimum because my niece is far too cute to fill this post with words rather than pictures. Kiley just turned 2 years old in July. OH HOW TIME FLIES!!! I vividly remember driving to St. Louis from Rolla in the middle of the night because we thought you were coming....we waited and waited, but you were not yet ready. I remember the second time I took the near 2 hour drive, so anxious to meet you! I remember the first time I held you at the hospital! And the first time I made you laugh! I remember when your vocabulary consisted of two words, "hi" and "ball." I remember the first time I babysat you and we boogied to the Black Eyed Peas. I remember how amazed I was to find out you knew each letter of the alphabet and its corresponding sound. I remember when you thought I was HILARIOUS....and I'm waiting for the day that amusement returns. Now, dear Kbell, you are two years old. Could you please stop growing? Pretty Please?

Seriously...how cute can she be?

Happy Birthday Kiley Bella!

Love,

Auntie Shelly

A Traditional Indian Wedding: Bryan and Shefy

Since the day Shefy and Bryan announced their engagement everyone knew theirs would be a wedding to remember, a cultural awakening, a blending of traditions, and something like we have never experienced. From the moment it started, this wedding was nothing short of a great experience. You know the routine when you enter a weddding: arrive at the location 15 minutes early, receive your program, choose a side, find a seat, catch up with friends around you while Canon in D plays softly in the background, and wait for the wedding to begin.
Au Contraire! As we show up at the Rennaissance we are directed outside where all of the wedding guests have come to congregate. The sound of the setar traveling for miles, the brilliant colors of saris filling the crowded street, and then it all begins....the dancing. Bryan is quickly surrounded by friends and family, singing and dancing in the streets. Shefy had a multitude of family members fly over from India to watch her marry her best friend. I was like a tourist in another country. The paparazzi in Hollywood. Like a crazy person, I could not stop taking pictures!





So, after 45 minutes of dancing, singing, and rituals it was time for Shefy and Bryan to see one another for the first time. Shefy's face is priceless





And then some more tradition....I have no clue what is going on really, but it was still cool!






Next, Shefy and Bryan went their separate ways as all of the guests filed into their seats. It was time for the ceremony, which by the way, was sung...yes sung, by a priest in their native language. There was fruit, there was water, there was fire, there was scooping of rice, there were their own unique vows, there were bare feet, and most importantly there was a bond. Shefy and Bryan were now united as one. Husband and Wife.





And then...Party time...and boy did this bride know how to get down!



Shefy later told me that during their first dance she kept telling Bryan to pinch her because she didn't believe any of the day was actually happening!

A shout out to Amy for letting me use her lens for these pictures!

A traditional dance performed for the Bride and Groom



The fine details







Sraight from the Wedding Party



While I wasn't the photographer for the wedding it was a blast pretending to be!! (Sorry Kelly, I hope I didn't annoy you too much!) Thank you Bryan and Shefy for such a FUN and unique day!! Congratulations to you both!!

I'm headed to the lake for a week! Upon my return, I'll introduce you all to my precious KBell!