Monthly Archives: April 2009

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Kimberly + Evan {4.25.09 engagements}

April 28, 2009 – 4:14 pm

They met years ago in high school and knew who each other was but didn’t really ‘hang out.’
They graduated and went to different colleges and were back in town at a mutual friends house when all the stars came together and something clicked. Timing is crucial for any relationship and it was definately on their side.
Evan reminds me of Clark Kent and Kimberly is the perfect damsel for him to sweep off her feet. They are perfect together and I am so excited to be a part of their wedding in June. They have been through a lot in the planning of their wedding, from being called by the church to say they made a mistake and double booked their wedding date, to the next reception site burning to the ground. You can’t stop love, though, and they have persevered through it all.

We met at Hand in Hand and ended up at Callenwalde a few hours later.  They have great chemistry and are just a joy to be around.  I can’t wait to see what their babies look like.  oh wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m so happy for the two of you and I look forward to seeing you again in a few months.  Love, Shawna

By Shawna | Posted in engagements | Comments (2)

Easter shoot in Utah

April 21, 2009 – 3:21 pm

Zoe and I went home to Utah for Easter, it’s where every single family member of mine lives and grows. Like many families, mine is made up of old and new marriages and as such, it is very extended and sometimes I am meeting people in my own family for the first time. Sometimes I haven’t seen them for 10+ years. This is my dad and his wife, Chris, and one of her four daughters (large) family. We got together at their house for an Easter barbeque and a photo session. Lots of relationships and different dynamics but it’s all family in the end and that’s what counts. I’m glad I got to spend some time with everyone. I hope it’s not another 10 years before it happens again.

By Shawna | Posted in family, family portraits | Comments (0)

Brock Family {04.sixteen.09}

April 20, 2009 – 7:57 pm

Andrea heard about my photo shoot offer in exchange for wedding dresses and she jumped on it. She even threw in 2 bridesmaids dresses. Her and her husband Rob, and sons Landon, Corbin and Grayson went on an adventure in search of trains, roosters and bubbles.  Can you say “Treasure?”

Thank you, Andrea, I had a blast with you and your family. God bless you guys.

By Shawna | Posted in family portraits | Comments (2)

Tifiny + Telly {04.four.09}

April 20, 2009 – 12:30 pm

Tifiny Johnson, daughter of Bishop Flynn Johnson and Lady Carolyn entered into a convenant of marriage to her knight in shining armour, Telly Harris at the W Hotel in Midtown and it was the first ceremony I have shot where I cried so hard that I couldn’t shoot becuase I couldn’t see. For real.
There were emotions before it began because I love this family and being able to rejoice with someone you love is one step up from celebrating with an aquaintance. The Johnson’s pastor one of the most amazing churches I have ever been a part of and so I knew more than the fair amount of people who were involved.


The theme was all about the heart, as it should be. Larry from Fox Gloves and Ivy and Greg Brown AIFD created a super unique bridal boquet for Tifiny. I’ve never seen anything like it and I don’t think anyone else had either.


The bride and groom met through a friend who had challenged Tifiny to get his phone number. Telly knew after their first conversation that she could be the one. 


The ceremony was very powerful.  Bishop Johnson, father and officiant, has a way with words for sure but when Helena Barrington, a friend to all, spoke her blessing over them, she hit the mark of every woman’s heart in the room.  “You can breathe now, you can rest now, he is here to carry the load that has been on your shoulders. You have carried it for long enough,” she said.  Of course there was so much more but even Telly was humbled by the weight of her words and as he layed his head in her hands and wept, time stood still for a few moments as a transition took place from two to one.


The new Mr. and Mrs. Harris.  Congratulations!

Bishop Flynn and Lady Carolyn are a wonderful exampl of marriage and commitment. I love this picture of them

Thank you for letting me be a part of such a wonderful day. Best Wishes to you both.
{{{{{{{{{{CLICK HERE FOR YOUR SLIDESHOW}}}}}}}}}}}

By Shawna | Posted in wedding | Tagged , | Comments (16)

Micaela’s Bat Mitzvah Party {04.05.09}

April 17, 2009 – 2:22 am

Talk about a party! Micaela’s Bat Mitzvah celebration was held at 12 Atlantic Station and boy was it cool. I mean, I don’t even remember my 12th birthday party but I know that it wasn’t on the same level as this one. The food was AH-MAZINGLY created by Added Touch Catering, the music and dancers were provided by Vibe Entertainment and they were very good at what they do. Not only did they play great music but they had incredible dancers there to encourage the kids to get on the dance floor and bust a move.  They also had a TON of fun props that were continually handed out to keep things interesting.

This is sweet Micaela as she turns 12.  Happy Birthday!


The ballroom was very hip in purple with a cereal bar, pancake station, and a desert bar that was to die for.


Micaela has a huge family and this is one of her beautiful grandmothers.

Ok, so all of the kids were invited into the ballroom for about 45 minutes…without the parents! They all had to stay out in the foyer area while the kids ran the show themselves. How cool is that? There was a wax dipping station on the patio where everyone had a chance to make a mold of their hand. I thought that was such a cool idea.


I love Jewish events because you can always count on everybody dancing at one point. Micaela and her family are in the middle with friends and family surrounding them. I love the symbolism of that.


Did I mention that there was a magician that continually entertained anyone who stood near him? Howie Marmer is VERY GOOD at what he does.  I was thinking that I could catch a secret with the camera or discover some inside scoop but not a chance.  From cards and burning wallets, doves appearing out of nowhere and parrot that was as good as he is, Howie was a total hit.

I have to give the most credit to the fabulous Terry Saxe and her assistant Nadia. She is an incredible wedding/event coordinator.  I love working with her.  She has a wonderful personality and I’ve never seen her miss a beat. 

I had a blast and thank you to Dean Ruiz who came along to shoot with me.  It’a always a joy to work with him. 

Check out the slideshow {{{{{{{{HERE}}}}}}}}}}

By Shawna | Posted in Seniors, Uncategorized | Comments (3)