New York City

I'm having some big city withdraws, so I decided to run through the hundreds of photos that I took in New York City last summer. I found some treasures that I hadn't even paid attention to before. I'm hoping to visit a beautiful, big city sometime this fall. Until then, I'll just look at these and pretend I'm there.

 If you look closely, you can see a distant plane.

 I can't wait to visit again.

Ava Turns One!

Just try and resist this adorable cutie! Ava turns ONE on Sunday!

I went to high school with Ava's momma. It was so great to be able to catch up for a little bit while photographing little Ava. 

 

 Check out those cute ruffles!

Ava's mommy, Stacie created that tutu!

Happy Birthday, sweet Ava!

Remembering 9/11

I was in History class when I heard about the horrific events that were occurring in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. All of the TV's were tuned into the news, as we watched the beautifully, grand Twin Towers rapidly fall to the ground. Because of my young age, I couldn't grasp the meaning and consequences that this disturbing occurrence would have on our nation immediately; it took time for me to understand how great of an impact this had on our present and our future. We would never be the same.

Less than a year later, my family visited New York City and we were able to see the dark, gaping hole in the middle of this exciting, bright city. It was then that I truly realized how many people were effected by this tragedy. There were memorials at every corner telling thousands of stories. I will never forget that day, walking past dusty photos of the faces of people that were lost. There were flowers, stuffed animals, wreaths, newspaper clippings, notes from loved ones, even notes from those that didn't directly know someone that passed, but were still greatly impacted. We were all impacted that day.
(On this trip, I bought a large book of beautiful photographs from New York City, the World Trade Center being one of the first places mentioned. I believe this book had a large influence on my love and passion for photographing beautiful buildings and lines - I only wish I could photograph these more often.)

Last July, my husband and I vacationed in NYC and were able to visit the (almost opened) Freedom Tower and memorial. The Tribute in Lights would make their first grand appearance less than two months after our visit. Walking around the area that the World Trade Center once stood and seeing memorials almost 10 years old (at that time) was a great reminder of our countless freedoms and blessings.

Below are photos of our visit in 2011:

St. Paul's Chapel: a safe haven for many in a great time of need

 

"The most important thing was being able to smile and talk and hold a hand, give a hug, or just sit with one of the relief workers. That became a very addictive force."

 "They were so tired and they had so much on their minds that we had to think of every last need that they had and offer it to them before they realized they needed it." - Volunteer

 These are Japanese peace cranes, which represent a fraction of the thousands of gifts from children in Japan, some from the survivors of the W.W. II bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

 This fireman's empty jacket speaks volumes. We are so very thankful for the brave souls that serve this country.

May we never forget.

Class of 2013!

Calling all Seniors!

For every parent that has had a senior in high school, you know what a special season your child is in and what great adventures lie ahead. 

For a short time, Class of 2013 shoots are being run at a discounted price. You don't want to miss it!

Contact me at LoveTree.Photography@live.com OR

on the LoveTree facebook, here. 

"You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world."  

-Tom Brokaw