Announcing the “Giving is Awesome” Portrait Session Give-Away Recipients…
My sincere gratitude to the many individuals who sent in nominations of deserving families for the Giving is Awesome Give-Away this Christmas season. This campaign was born a few years ago by Philadelphia photographer Kristen Kalp who simply mentioned her idea to donate a portrait session and prints to a deserving family on her photography blog. Her generosity spread like a brushfire and within a week, over 100 photographers had pledged to do the same. This year, 357 photographers signed on and $400,000 in custom photography will be donated to deserving families. Families who have experienced a tragedy, who are struggling to stay afloat…families who are raising children while holding down more than one job.
The stories I received in my e-mail inbox were both heartbreaking and inspirational. It is my hope to participate in this campaign every year in December, as just one way to recognize and support families in need. I asked my family to select this year’s recipients of the give-away, as I had seven of them here in my home this holiday season! Two nominations particularly touched them, so I am giving away TWO full sessions this year in addition to two mini-sessions for the individuals who nominated these incredible families.
Carly and Mike Kilbourne and family, nominated by Stacy Delisle
Carly and her husband Mike lost their first son, Will, after Carly delivered him around 26 weeks in January of 2008 due to a severe onset of preclampsia. Will survived in the NICU for five days, but ended up passing away due to an infection he just couldn’t fight.
Carly got pregnant again last fall, only to miscarry right before Christmas.
In early November of this year, Carly delivered their second born son, Finn, at 32 weeks, again due to an onset of severe preclampsia. However, Finn did great in the NICU, and after spending between 4-5 weeks there, he came home with Carly and Mike the night before Thanksgiving. They’d be a great choice for your give-away, as I know that they’d cherish getting to have pictures taken with Finn.
Carly has maintained a blog documenting her family’s struggles and celebrations over the last two years. You can read it here. The nominator, Stacy Delisle, also maintains a popular blog, He Will Carry Me, chronicling her journey of grief and joy as a mother. Stacy’s son Isaac was born on October 7, 2008, and lived for 16 precious minutes after his birth. Stacy is expecting a baby girl in March. You can follow her blog by clicking here.
Carrie Legge and Family, nominated by Heather Estridge
Six weeks ago a young mom and her mother walked into a Bible study for the very first time. The young woman appeared to be in her early 30s, wearing a scarf over her head and carrying a cup of coffee. That’s when I met Carrie Legge and her story touched me. She is a wife and mother of four children, the youngest is 2 years old (my daughter’s age). About a year ago she was diagnosed with cancer. She spent nine whole months in Johns Hopkins hospital and went through a blood transfusion (and I’m sure more that I’m unaware of). Carrie’s husband would go up to the hospital and care for her while her mother would care for the four children. One evening her youngest child visited her in the hospital after Carrie had lost all of her hair and said she wanted to shave her head like Mommy’s. Carrie is trying to get back in the swing of things but is still pretty weak. In January, she is supposed to return to work but is a bit weary of it. She is a kindergarten teacher, a job requiring a lot of energy. Although I don’t know Carrie very well, I imagined walking in her shoes and being away from my children for nine months i the hospital and the emotional strain. It broke my heart. She has a sweet spirit about her and I think this photo shoot with her family would be a special milestone to mark a new beginning after such a difficult year.
I will keep you posted on these photo sessions, as I’m sure you’re every bit as excited to meet these incredible families as I am.
Peace and blessings to you in 2010.
Crissie
Wedding in Gettysburg :: Frederick, Maryland Wedding Photographer
December weddings are beautiful…especially when the season’s first snowfall arrives on yours! Brooke and Dave tied the knot at the gorgeous Links at Gettysburg on the 5th of December. There were so many wonderful details that I loved at their wedding, especially the place card jewels, the snowflake-adorned cake, and her Dallas Cowboys garter. To symbolize the blending of their families, Brooke, Dave, and their children participated in a unique sand ceremony during the service.
It was hard to pick just a few images for this sneak peek, so here are a few collages capturing moments of their wedding day. Congratulations, Brooke and Dave! Thank you for inviting me to capture this incredibly special day in your lives.
Starring Baby G! :: Washington, D.C. Newborn Photographer
Remember Buck and Mary? Their precious baby BOY Gibson has arrived and he is gorgeous! I couldn’t get over how alert and curious he was for just nine days old; already exploring everything around him. Gibson is going to be on the road with Mom and Dad as Buck continues traveling the country with the 1st National Touring Company of the “Jersey Boys”. I am so blessed to have met this amazing couple during such a beautiful chapter of their lives. Lots of love to you both!
P.S. The last image is one of two we took at their maternity session…they waited until baby’s Birthday to find out if Mary was carrying a boy or girl.
