Breakfast with Santa

Yesterday, Dec 22nd was Breafast with Santa day at Saint Benedict the Abbot Church. So I headed out early to photograph kids with Santa.... it was so much fun! The excitement was contagious. It was a wonderful celebration and we all had a fantastic time. I want to thank Saint Benedict for giving me the opprtunity to give back to my community. God bless!

So here is Santa carrying LOTS of presents! Many children enjoyed sitting on Santa's lap for a picture and to discuss their wish list! Here is my son and daughter followed by some more kids! Want extra images of your children? Give us a call, we will be happy to help you! 724-745-4405

Thanks!

Busy busy busy....

So with all the x-mas cards and the Christmas craziness around the studio.... what did I not do yet until 2 days ago? Get a Christmas tree with my family! They were starting to wonder if we were ever going to get out there and do it. My husband suggested, that since things are so insane, that maybe this year, the best thing we could do is just buy one that is already "cut down" trees - NO NO NO!!! Tradition is tradition, come rain, come shine, come earthquake..... we always have to cut down our own Christmas Tree at the same Christmas tree farm..... every year and I wasn't about to compromise THAT! So..... Sunday we head out..... after a great breafast we headed to Candle Tree Farm in Taylorstown. It's beautiful there but what is more fantastic than that are the memories we have...they are priceless. So......... as we are driving there it starts to snow... HARD. Hummmmm........... (I hate the cold) Tradition I said. It's a beautiful thing. So we went. . .

Arriving at the farm we parked. It's been not so cold, back and forth and so it was VERY muddy. No big deal. Then the wind started and it was CCCOOOLLLLLDDD!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhh! TRADITION! So my kids start to run toward the trees to "pick" and the same ol' discussion begins..... to big, to small, it's got a gap, it's a Charlie Brown Tree, it's not the kind we like, too prickly and It goes on...... my son says, "let's just pick one already" and my daughter is frozen. They point, "it's that one" - ok my husband says, No hesitation!!! Out comes the saw....

He pretends to not be able to do it..... the kids are helping. They are falling on the floor, they are under the tree..... we are all trying sooooo hard! :-) After a lot of commotion, it's done, the tree is on the floor and all the mud that WAS around it on the ground is now wearing beautifully on our clothing. Get in the truck!!!! We are all frozen!

Arriving at home is always as crazy..... bring it in, set it up, take the net off, put water in it..... lights, garland, ornaments EVERYWHERE.
You know... I am a great photographer but this whole Holiday, go shopping, decorate and stuff.... It's hard for me. I just don't know how Santa does it. The elves must keep Santa organized. Wonder If I could borrow a few elves..... hum. . . now there's a thought!

It's up. Finally! Wash your shoes, do the laundry, clean up the boxes.... get a bath, go to bed! It's a school night. . . so we wake up Monday morning and THE TREE FELL OVER!!!!! OK. . . . I have NEVER had this happen to me..... so what did we do Monday? Decorate the tree ALL OVER AGAIN! Hope it's still up when we get home today..... yikes!


Wishing all of you a fantastic holiday season. May you enjoy your families, your little ones, parents and even that one family member that drives you crazy!!! :-) A family is a beautiful thing. Embrace it, love it and hold onto it. And lastly, thank you, all of you who have shared your lives with us at Studio M. We feel blessed to know so many fantastic people!

Merry Christmas!

Maria, Kari, Pamm and Lori (here at Studio M!)
and my family Christina, Dylan and Sean :-)

It's been a while...

. . . since I have posted. It's amazing how fast time goes. I mean.... it's almost Christmas . . . we are half way through December and we have been crazy busy at the studio with beautiful kids, babies and families . . . it's been wonderful! While organizing the computer files not long ago I ran accross images I had done at the beach this summer in August.... I am always so busy doing portraits for everyone that I forgot about my own!!! So.... just thought I would share. This is my 5 year old daughter Christina . . . she enjoys being photographed and spontaneously hugged herself while I photographed her that day . . . When I saw this image It made me think about how important it is to love yourself . . . thanks for checking out the blog!!!
Maria

NICOLE

Nicole, a soon to be 2008 graduate, came into the studio this weekend for some senior portraits. Not only is his girl beautiful, she is also a load of fun. Thanks Nicole for giving me the opportunity to photograph you...... not only did you make my job easy you made it a great day to have some fun too!!!
See you next week!
Maria

Sara & Matt

A beautiful and brisk fall day, the colors could not have been more spectacular! See for yourself! Sara and Matt had a BEAUTIFUL wedding with the most amazing ceremony ever. Not only was it beautiful, but these two kept all smiling through their vows. Congratulations guys! Sorry for the delay in posting this, we had some technical issues. Check back in a few weeks to view ALL of Sara and Matt's wedding images under the "view my wedding images" section of our website.

Congrats again!
Maria

Chelsey and Jack tied the knot!

Chelsey and Jack could not have picked a more BEAUTIFUL day for their wedding! It was GORGEOUS and not too hot or too cold.... it was just right!!!! Saturday, Oct 20th, 2007 is a date they will remember forever.... congratulations! Chelsey & Jack..... cannot wait until you come in and see the rest! Beautiful ceremony, awesome families and lots of fun!!! Want to see more? Visit our website in 2 - 3 weeks and click on "see my wedding photographs" - they will all be there!!!

Jessica & Ryan

Jessica & Ryan were married on Friday Oct 19, 2007 at Heinz Chapel in Pittsburgh. . . and what a beautiful ceremony... this couple drove in from the south to be married near their family and it was fantastic! The reception followed at the Pittsburgh Grand Hall at the Priory and it was absolutely GORGEOUS! Right now they are probably already in Italy and I am so happy for them.....(wish I was there too!) Want to see more? Visit our website and click on See my wedding photographs in about 2 -3 weeks and they will ALL be there!
Congrats Jessica and Ryan!
Maria

SADDLE UP!!!

This beautiful little young rider came to us a few days ago for a newborn session, but look how alert she is! Gabriela, at only 6 days behaved extremely well and she was very attentive too! This is why I am a photographer. There are no words that can describe how I feel about this image or the love that these parents have for this little miracle that God sent them. The portrait says it all. Thank you to all my clients for giving me the opportunity and the honor of experiencing THIS! Life is grand!

With allmy love,

Maria

Mindy & Zach

On Saturday Oct 13th, 2007 Mindy and Zach tied the knot! This adorable couple has been together for a long time and now have made it "official"

As you can see, not only did they look GREAT but the wedding was awesome! This wild couple kept me very very busy ALL day! Congrats Mindy and Zach.... may the love you share today grow deeper and more wonderful ...

Thank you for letting me be a part of your day. It was very cool!

Maria