The Redding Family

Meet the Redding Family!!!  They are a family of 5 and boy do they pack a punch!  

We began the photo shoot in the backyard of their new home and made our way through Christmas tree lots, sidewalks, alleys, and ended in the middle of Glendora Blvd.  Harmonie you are radiant and you simply do not have a bad smile.  Girl, you are gorgeous and your love for your family and excitement for all things, bubbles over right onto those around you.  What a gift, what a blessing to receive.  

Most men are a little wary of having their family photos taken (esp their own photos taken), but Eric you brought your "A" game.  I appreciated your interaction with your kiddos and your tickling efforts to get especially sweet Jannelle to be comfortable.  It shows great love for a man to spend the day honoring their wife in front of my camera, and it doesn't go unnoticed. 

As a photographer I love, love , love to join families and blend in as if I were a part of them for the 2 hours we are together, and Redding family I am so thankful you let me join your family for the afternoon.  At first your kids probably thought I was a little weird, but after chasing them down in the Christmas tree lot, there was no going back.  We were gonna be friends, me and them :)  Your children are each so unique, but each with a personality so memorable and vivacious.  Be proud because they reflect the two of you, Eric and Harmonie, just beautifully.  

Thank you again for inviting me to tag along for the afternoon.  I loved every moment of your sweet & playful family. My heart grows so big when I look through your images and am reminded of all the fun & precious moments the afternoon brought!  

Merry Christmas Eric, Harmonie, Tyson, Preston, and dear Jannelle!

The Redding Family: sneak peek

Meet Preston.  

He rocks, as you can see.  

Just wait until you meet the rest of his family....  

You will have to wait until tomorrow :)

Julie: class of 2011

Julie graduates this week from APU.  Julie has lived in several states, so when it came to her graduation photos she chose one of her favorite places to be in California-the beach!  I was so excited to break loose a bit and head to somewhere new.  We drove down together and had such a great time.  Julie I loved to hear your heart for your family, your future plans of ministry and of course your Red Wings.

I loved being down at the beach and enjoyed every minute-from people in alleys, to bike riders, to having freezing toes.  It was memorable and so much fun! 

Simply put, you are beautiful inside & out.

You are probably studying hard this week.  Enjoy all the pomp and circumstance on Saturday.

May God continue to light your path. 

Congratulations Julie!

The Sacchieri Family

The last time I saw Shannon, she was wearing a navy blue polo shirt and tan khaki's, after all, that was the attire for the private school where I worked and where she was a student.  That was almost 13 years ago.  So much has changed.  For starters, she no longer wears polos everyday :)  She is married to an Army Airborne Ranger and together they have the most darling 4 month old son.  They are stationed up in Alaska, but were going to be in town to see family, so she sent me an email.  It was so wonderful to hear from her and even more wonderful to get reunited with her and her growing family.  

What a special afternoon for me, Shannon.  

I hope your images make your heart surge with love and pride always.  

You are so dear, strong, and kind hearted.  

What a true blessing for me to see what God has done in your life and 

what He is doing through your life.   

Thank you again for asking me to take your family photos.  The privilege was all mine!

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Willmer :)

The Sacchieri Family: sneek peek

More of this little man and his mom & dad to come soon!!!

The Cushman Family

This family is special to my family.  Julia is my friend.  Courtney is one of our babysitters.  Sarah is my oldest daughters friend.  Grant is buddies with my son.  Scott loves to play in my backyard.  It is so special to have a family that meshes perfectly with your own and this is the blessing my family shares with the Cushman family. 

We had such a wonderful afternoon together.  They followed my lead and I found a location that suited them perfectly.  Beauty truly comes from the inside, and what is beautiful inside, always shines through to the outside-through smiles, sparkling eyes, hugs, kisses, and laughter.  The Cushman family has this kind of beauty.  Cushman family, you are one of the single most generous and kind family we, Willmers, have been blessed to know.  We count you and your friendship as one of God's special gifts to us :)

Sneak Peek: The Cushman Family

More of this 1st grader and his dear-to-me family to come....

Always on the go

I have been out looking for new locations for Christmas family portraits.  

The twins go with me where ever I go. 

This was our first hike together: me, my camera, and two almost 2 years olds going in different directions.

They don't pose too well for portrait shots, because they don't sit still. 

It is a beautiful spot though, and 2 very happy kiddos doing what they do best: smiling and running.  

I'm just glad they are running towards me :)  The photos would have a whole different sense of urgency had they been taken running away from me!  

This location is perfect for a family on the run :)