Christmas Gifts for YOU! [2011 Mini Calendar]

I have wanted to do something for y’all for weeks now. To thank you. For coming. For reading. For being friends. Through everything. All year long.

After a bit of thought, I have a few surprises up my sleeve for these last few days of 2010, but to start off, I created a mini 2011 calendar with some of my favorite photographs for you to download. Like I said, it’s miniature–the perfect size for a quick glance reference on your fridge, bulletin board, desk, or pocketbook.

I hope you like. And merry merry Christmas.

xo

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD your FREE 2011 Mini Calendar by Island Belle Photography

To leave a thought or comment, or to thank me for being so kind, simply scroll down.

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#reverb10: party

Day 9 of #Reverb10 // Shauna Reid asks // What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.

Oh I do love me a good shindig! I think one of my finest talents is finding a reason to throw a party.

A couple of events that I particularly enjoyed this year were a) the CD release concert I produced in August [click here to see] and b) the “Farewell to Summer” dinner Frit and I hostessed [click here to see] in September. But since I’ve already shared those gatherings with you, I’ll indulge in sharing one I haven’t mentioned yet.

Last month I went to Arizona to produce another concert–same singer as before–except this time I also took photos at the show. So. You can see–for yourself–the people, clothes, and shenanigans. And as for the music, you can listen to it here. As for my own thoughts about the night … Mindy’s music is magical to me and the concerts are a dreamland of escape. That is, of course, after all the work is done and I can just sit in the back and reap the reward.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the night (I took these!) …

To leave a comment, simply scroll down. To read more #reverb10 posts, click here.

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Family Photo Shoot: West Bountiful, UT [Morley Family]

I love where I live. I love my cozy home. I love that people ride horses down the street and that sometimes I have to watch out for chickens crossing the road (seriously). I love the way the sun comes up over the mountains and goes down over the lake. I love the kids who ride bikes all over the neighborhood and zoom their scooters down our driveway. And I love my really nice neighbors.

When we moved to the “west side” four years ago, I don’t think Frit or I had any idea how much we would fall in love with the people here. They’re just. good. people.

They drop warm muffins off when they find out you’re sick. They send their husband over to shovel the “single girls’” driveway after a snowfall. They take you to run errands when your car breaks down. They invite you and a slew of other darling gals over to watch the Bachelor (once the children and menfolk are in bed of course). They drop you off at the airport. They wave when you drive by.

Yeah. They’re just. good. people.

So when Laura, from around the corner, called to hire me to take her family pictures, I was thrilled to do something for one of those good persons Frit and I adore so much. Thanks Laura for asking. Your family is so beautiful. Just. So. Beautiful.

To see more of the Morley family’s photo session, visit the Facebook album here. And if you’d like to have me take professional pictures of your family too, please email me. I’d really love to do so.

Family Photos: Salt Lake City, UT [Haymore Family]

I don’t want to jinx anything, but right now the weather in Utah is glorious and it’s making for the most wonderful photo shoots. Last week I met up with the Haymore family in Salt Lake City for a family photo session at Liberty Park.

Not too hot, not too cold, delicious light, and a beautiful family with lots of love = a happy photographer, a.k.a. me.

The Haymores are about to begin the adoption process again and I was thrilled to help them update their family photos. All I can say is that the baby who gets this family is one lucky little one.

Thanks Haymores! It was so fun to meet you and spend a sunny afternoon together in the park. You’re a wonderful family and I am grateful to know you now.

As a side note: It’s family picture time! Christmas cards season is fast approaching and all photo sessions scheduled in October will be 20% off. Schedule yours today. Email me here and we’ll take care of everything!

[View more of the Haymore's photo session in the Facebook album here. And while you're there, feel free to leave a note or click "Like"! I always love to hear from you.]

Don’t Forget: All photo sessions scheduled in October are 20% off. Email me here

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Family Photos: Bountiful, UT [The Howells]

Because summer is my favorite season and because I especially love the light during these steamy months, I’ve decided to offer 20% off all photo sessions booked between now and July 3. That doesn’t mean you have to do your session before July 3rd, just that you need to schedule it before then.

So if you’ve been wanting to get some current family portraits, or have some really cute pictures taken of your really cute kids, or if you’ve got a wedding or other special event coming up this year, or maybe you just need an updated portrait of yourself, give me a jingle! Well, actually just email me here. And let’s get you on the books! I’m affordable, professional and fun (really I am!). And I’d love nothing more than to help you capture your memories, love and gorgeous mug.

And speaking of family portraits and really cute kids, the Howell family recently hired me to take their pictures. Here are a few of my faves:

Thank you Howells! I had a blast spending the afternoon with you. Good luck in Oregon!

Again, if you’re interested in saving 20% … email me here!

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The Day I Turned the Camera Around

Because I think it’s important to look ourselves in the eye and make sure we’re being who we want to be.

Because I’m learning so much about myself these days.

Because I liked the way I looked today.

Because I wanted to try some new settings on my camera.

Because I’ve taken up the practice of photographing myself every few months to see how I change.

Because the light in my room was dreamy.

Because sometimes I pretend I’m famous and well … photoshoots are a necessary and essential part of one’s life of course. And you never know when you’ll need a photo for an album cover right? (I also practice answering interview questions and sing into a hairbrush in front of the mirror. You know, in case I’m ever on Oprah. But let’s just keep that between you and me.)

Because it’s Friday and I don’t want to work anymore and Frit’s not home yet so I’m trying to find something to do to occupy myself, other than eat all the candy in the candy dish.

Happy Weekending!

(Take some pictures of yourself. It’s pretty fun!)

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Ella’s Baptism Dress: Part 2…The Girl

To see Part 1 … the sketch and the sewing of the dress, click here.

So on Monday night, Frit and I joined Ella and her family on Temple Square in Salt Lake City so I could take pictures of her in her new dress. There aren’t many things more lovely than the Spring flowers on Temple Square. It’s really one of my favorite places. And just before sunset? Be still my heart.

Isn’t she positively lovely?

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Provo Wedding: Leah + Bryon

He got a little choked up when he began talking about how much he loved her. She stood quietly by his side, holding his hand, watching him intently, and smiling. Always smiling. If there’s one thing Leah and Bryon know how to do, it’s smile. And laugh. And play.

I’m certain that their forever, which began Friday night, will be full of happiness. Congratulations you two. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful day.

Leah, you’re breathtaking.

They opted to see each other before the ceremony (love it!). It always gives me chills to watch a groom see his bride for the first time.

Some of my favorite photos are always the ones where the bride and groom are looking at each other and you can tell that, for them, there’s no one else around.

Leah. Seriously. You’re gorgeous!

I also made all the bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages for the day.

To see more photos from the wedding day, visit the album on Facebook and become a friend of Island Belle while you’re there!

Take a peek at Leah and Bryon’s engagement photos here.

To schedule your own family, wedding, engagement, or bridal photo session, please email me.

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Enagement Photos: Provo, UT [Leah & Bryan]

I love love. I believe in it. I pray for it. I hope for it. I love how it feels when you wear it. I love to see other people in love and I especially love capturing that love so that they’ll always remember.

This week I was able to photograph a very lovely Leah and a very dapper Bryan in Provo, UT. To say they fit perfectly is an understatement.

Leah and Bryan: Thank you for asking me to take your pictures. I can’t wait for the wedding day!

To see more photos from this shoot, visit the Facebook album (and become a fan of Island Belle!)

To schedule your own photo shoot, please email me or call 801.360.1235.

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Little Miss Lola: Part 2 [Infant Photography Session, Bountiful, UT]

Yesterday I had the pleasure of doing an infant photo shoot of little miss Lola. She’s 3 1/2 months now and has quite the hilarious personality. And oh does she pull some faces! Here are some of my favorite shots of the day.

And speaking of “pulling faces” … check out the family resemblance in these photos! # 1 is Lola on her blessing day. # 2 is Frit (Lola’s auntie) on the same day, not having seen Lola’s face earlier. I always make Frit “stand in” so I can check the lighting before I begin shooting. It’s like her favorite thing to do. Ever. Can’t you tell?

#1

#2