maternity: times three

Last week I took the bus over to Hampstead to meet a friend and two of her friends for a mini maternity shoot. I had such a great time exploring Hampstead and getting to know two new people.

Here's a peek at what we did...

Look at those adorable bumps!

I asked the girls to relax and chat about mom stuff. They had no problem at all! You can tell they are so excited to meet the little ones they have been carrying around for the past several months.

I just LOVE black and white photos.

Girls, thank you for braving the chilly autumn air and letting me take your pictures!

maternity: eve part 2

You wouldn't know it by looking at the pictures, but this session was taken less than two weeks after the first session.  These turned out decidedly more autumn-like.

I love the aubergine-red color of these vine leaves! 

seasons: autumnal weather

After a brief interlude with an indian summer, London weather has returned to its normal self. On Saturday, we broke out our jackets and cozy sweaters and ventured out into the autumnal air for a little food and antique shopping.

We stopped by my favorite produce stand where I found these gigantic apples. Crunchy, sweet - fall perfection.

Fall apples are the best. 

As much as I wanted to hold onto the summer, I have to admit - I'm enjoying the jewel-toned trees, the smell of dry leaves on the ground, and wrapping up in warm sweaters.   There's something about a temperature shift that makes everything seem a little more magical.  

family: my parents

Don't they make a great couple?

This is my dad and step-mom Jocelyn. They recently visited London for the first time and we made a side trip to Scotland as well. They had a great time exploring the UK.

maternity: eve & eric

During a gorgeous summer encore last weekend, a few friends and I decided to picnic in Hyde Park. One thing led to another, and I ended up taking a few shots of Eve (it's about time). She is due at the end of October and looks beautiful!

the charm shop

I've been asked, why "the charm shop"?

My grandmother was a strong woman. Newly married with children and living in a small town in the 50s and 60s, she didn't want to conform to the quintessential housewife role. Her first business venture was a dress shop in her basement. She would travel to New York City, buy dresses, and sell them from her basement dress shop to all the local ladies. She's always had an eye for fashion.

But it wasn't until she moved out on her own with her two children that she started The Charm Shop. She had just finished beauty school, and wanted to work for herself. She didn't have much experience in the beauty business. Still, she moved into a tiny apartment, and somehow convinced the landlord to let her rent the apartment next door and turn it into a beauty shop - which, of course, she named "The Charm Shop."

Recently my dad told all about her life. She hasn't been herself for several years now, but if she was I'd tell her how inspired I am by her life. I had always known her as the grandmother that took me shopping every year for school, baked me cookies every year for Christmas, travelled all over the world, and always had a bowl of fruit salad in the fridge (my favorite). And although she wasn't perfect, her story has taught me to go after what you want and never be afraid.