They came.

At first, just a few. 

Then a few more. And a few more.

 Until all of downtown Silver Spring was inundated. 

The undead growled and hissed as they searched in a never-ending quest for brains...

And movies and popcorn.

Though we had never before been, friends and I had a delightful time at the 2013 Silver Spring Zombie Walk. The creativity that surrounds us never ceases to amaze me.

I want to give an especially big thank you to the public service professionals who made this night safe and enjoyable for people of all ages.

No matter how you celebrate, have a happy and safe Halloween!

It isn't every day that you get to experience the kind of love Anna and Sergio feel for each other, but on October 19, I got to see firsthand what true love really is. Anna and Sergio have both endured great struggles in life and are living proof that love is patient, kind, and endures all things. Their wedding was truly a celebration of two hearts and two families becoming one.

What made this wedding so special was the fact that the entire community came together to help Anna and Sergio celebrate their special day. Both the bride and groom have ties to the Polynesian culture, so when they announced their marriage, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase what the aloha spirit is all about. Trippi Penland of the Hawai'i State Society of Washington, D.C. graciously offered her lake-side home as a venue and the local 'ukulele club provided entertainment. The bride even surprised her new groom with a beautiful hula.

Anna and Sergio, I wish you only the best as you begin this new chapter in life. Malama pono.

Not long ago I had the privilege of photographing some expectant mothers who posed as models for a new, online maternity clothing boutique. During the session, I got to meet and work with Sabrina, her wonderful husband, Ruben, and their two adorable children.

I always enjoy meeting new people, but I never knew how much fun it could be to meet new kids until I worked with Shaun and Gabriella. At 4 and 2, respectively, these kiddos are full of energy and fun. Their silly antics kept everyone laughing, and Shaun even contributed some of his own ideas to the shoot.

By contrast, the first time I met Sabrina, I was struck by her grace and beauty. Being the mother of two small children isn’t always easy, but Sabrina carries herself with a peaceful sophistication that seems to resonate through all those with whom she comes in contact—myself included.

The five—soon to be six—of us spent the afternoon at a small park in Bethesda, enjoying the change in seasons and contemplating the future. It’s exciting any time a family welcomes a new life. But for the Garcia Santos family, the addition of a baby seems especially joyful.

Love is at the center of this family. I smile knowing how lucky the new baby will be to have such caring parents and energetic, cheerful siblings.  

As a new photographer, you're always nervous, always wondering what if? What if I say something stupid in front of new friends and clients? What if I manage to grab only a few good photos? What if my vision for the session doesn't match what my clients are looking for?

First-time expectant parents Christine (Chrissy) and Avery helped me get over those new-photographer jitters. I met them a few weekends ago through a rather unique project -- the start-up of an online maternity boutique. Chrissy modeled some of the store's merchandise for brand imaging and I got to spend time with her and her husband during a private maternity session.

We spent the afternoon walking around a neighborhood park in Bethesda, talking babies, names and football. This incredibly sweet, incredibly cheerful couple was a delight to work with. One can feel the love they share for each other just by watching them, and I tried to capture that special bond in these photographs.

Chrissy and Avery are excited about their future, and they have every right to be. A new baby brings joys and challenges, but I have every confidence that they will make wonderful and caring parents.