One of the greatest things about traveling is not just the unique and cool places you get to see, but even better than that its the people you meet. This has been specially true during this trip. Our lives have been enriched by the people we have met and gotten to know. What a privilege it has been to meet such gracious people. People full of life and dreams and visions for their future and the future of their children.

Meet Becky and Kyle. The story of how they came together is nothing short of incredible. Becky is from central Pennsylvania and in 2004 came to India to volunteer in a children’s home in the foothills of the Himalayas. She fell in love with the people, the mountains, the culture and came back in 2007 to work as a missionary there. A month after she got to India the second time Kyle was born. His birth mother was unable to keep him and rather than abandon him she handed him to Becky. Becky saw this as a decision between taking this baby as her own and give him a chance to live or say no and leave the child with no one to care for and probably to be left to die. She said she had so much peace about it and decided to keep Kyle as her own. It took a while to finalize all the paperwork but after months of working with courts in India the adoption was finalized and recognized in both India and the US. Now they are waiting for Immigration to process his Visa so they can go back to the US where she hopes to raise him with the love and support of her family. Becky told me that she really wants Kyle to always have an appreciation for his heritage and they will be making trips back to visit. It has been an arduous process with all the legalities and paperwork and it has taken close to 4 years since Kyle was born to process this (as of february 2012 the visa is still not approved and supposedly in the works). Here’s a recent article that expands on her story even more.

We got the chance to spend some time with both of them and of course I could not resist the desire to do a small photo session. Graciously they both agreed and we went to the incredible ruins of Qutub Minar in Delhi to do our photo shoot (I will post more on this and other incredible sites we visited in India soon). Kyle is full of amazing energy and so full of life! We started our session running and did not stop until Kyle himself said so. It was so much fun seeing him running around and exploring this place with his mom.

Becky and Kyle, we loved getting to know you both and are inspired by your story and the courage you have. We wish you an amazing life together and may you have all the wisdom, grace and love that you need to guide Mr. Kyle into the wonderful man I know he will become!

During our time in India it’s been a privilege to be able to spend so much time with the wonderful people at the Asha House. I’ve spent a good bit of time documenting what life is like inside this home. Victor and Simini are a wonderful Indian couple that have given their lives to parent, lead and more than anything love the children here. Here’s the first of several posts looking at life inside the Asha House.

The Asha House started in 2007 in a small home in the town of Bahadurgarh about 45 minutes west of Delhi. This past december they moved to a new and much larger home due to their rapidly growing family and the financial difficulties they encountered at the previous home. The new home is located in the same town and is adjacent to the kids school. Best of all to the kids, it gives them access to the school yard in the back after school is out where the kids can play during their play time. Asha means ‘Hope’ in Hindi and why you see the sign as ‘House of Hope’.

This is ‘Roger’. He’s the guard dog and pet to the kids.

This is the boys room. There are 10 boys that sleep in the bunk beds. The little ones sleep in the bottom bunks and sleep 2-3 in a bed during winter, partly due to lack of more beds and partly due to the cold winter nights.

This is the girls room. There are 17 girls plus 3 babies. The older girls sleep here while the babies sleep with the staff in their rooms. Like the boys, the small girls often sleep 2-3 per bed.

There is a posted schedule that everyone follows throughout each day. Victor said to me that he wants to keep them busy and focused, so as to keep the kids out of trouble and teach them discipline.

Simini is a wonderful woman and mother to all the children here. The newest addition to the home is Leah (3 weeks old). She was born 3 weeks ago and is one of 3 babies that live here now. Simini loves taking care of her.

This is Lincy who is one of the staff and caretakers here. She’s cutting the nails of baby Abigail (10 mths).

During the morning while the older kids are in school some of the kids alternate days to help care for the babies. This is Rinky (9) holding baby Abigail, while baby Akhsa in red (11 mths) and Millant (3) play.

The older kids come home from school around 2pm. One of the benefits of this new home is that it is located next to the kids school, so they can walk home.

Victor often prepares meals for all the kids. Prakash (14) helps and learns in order that one day he may be able to help with the cooking.

One of the neat things I saw throughout my time here is that everyone plays a part and everyone helps. This is Tabitha (4) helping Mannu (18 mths) make her way to the lunch room.

The children are all expected to put away their shoes before they go into any room. They use their shoes and sandals until they are basically ready to be tossed. They each have one pair of shoes or sandals until they are ready for a new one.

Before every meal there is a prayer of thanksgiving led by one of the children. This is Nazma (8) being watched by Mannu.

Marry (8) helps Mannu during mealtime. The older kids will help the younger ones eat before they themselves get to eat.

Prakash and Esther (13)

Pinky (14) washes her own plate after lunch time. Every child is expected to wash their own dish and cup and put them away after each meal.

Afternoon nap. This is Harsh (6) and Sandeep (4).

After lunch the children do their chores. Every child is given a  different weekly chore. From left to right this is Sonu (10), Ranjeet (12) and Heena (11) carrying down clothes from the wash.

Shanu (7) and Suraj (7) washing their clothes.

Esther

The two oldest girls Pinky (14) and Manisha (13) set the clothes out to dry in the field next to the home. In order to have all the clothes dry at once they hang them up on the roof and also use the school’s field.

Prakash sweeps and washes the entrance to the Asha House.

After the children complete their chores its time to play! From left to right Baghwan (6), Harsh, Shonu, Jyoti (6), Sonu, Sandeep, and Tabitha enjoy a game of jenga.

The older boys left to right Sonu, Emmanuel (9), Suraj, Prakash and Brij (17), love playing soccer. This is especially great for them since they did not have the open playing field at the old Asha House.

Malathi (6), Harsh and Rekah (6) enjoy passing the ball outside during their play time.

Spending time with Victor really gives me a sense of how proud he is of all his children.

Victor spends some time feeding his pigeons which he purchased as an investment for about 250 rupees ($5). He breeds them, raises them and trains them, letting them out every other day to fly. After a few months he is ready to sell some of them. The small ones he sells for 100 rupees ($2), some middle sized ones for 250 rupees ($5) and the large ones for up to 1,000 rupees ($20).

Saniya (6), Baghwan and Rukhsana (5) studying their english words during their study time.  The children’s study subjects are typically english, math, science, history, general knowledge, computer, and hindi.

Brij is the oldest of the children, he finds himself a quiet spot outside to focus on his homework.

On our way home Victor took us to the area where he and Simini dream of one day having their own land and having their own building. It is beautiful land only about 20 minutes from where they currently rent. You can see in their eyes the hope, excitement and certainty that they will one day be able to do this.

If you wish to help you may donate here. The sponsoring organization for the Asha House in the US is called Back to the Roots. They oversee and coordinate the fundraising in the US. Thank you so much for checking out the work at the Asha House and be sure to come back again for more posts.

We’ve had the privilege of traveling to India and as much as it is rest for us it is also an opportunity to connect with a very special place to Kim and I and document their lives. Kim lived in India a few years ago and spent some time living with the kids at the Asha House Children’s Home in the town of Bahadurgarh (west of Delhi). We decided to go back this year (first time for me) and reconnect with not only the kids there but the parents and leaders of the home Victor and Simini. We will have plenty of posts coming soon about the kids and life in the Asha House (they have a new place they recently moved to). We’ve been spending a lot of time documenting life here and are so excited to show you. For now here’s a glimpse into what our days and lives have been like this last week and half and a glimpse into this part of India. Enjoy!

Our day starts early and one of the things Kim enjoys is washing our clothes by hand and letting dry on the roof of our home here. They stay up there until we return in the evening and we pick them up nice and dry (although many of them fall to the ground cause we don’t have pins to hold them up).

We typically walk down our road to where our driver picks us up. Kim has been loving carrying Ana Sofia everywhere in our baby carrier.

This is a look down the road where our temporary home is in the town of Pochanpur.

Ana Sofia has been loving car rides. She gets to sit car seat free in the back or riding shotgun, and our driver Yogi even lets her drive a bit!

The first few days Ana Sofia was so intrigued by everything she saw on our car rides. So much to see going on in the passing streets.

This is the view from our car as we drive through Dwarka making our way to the Asha House which is about a 45 minute ride.

On our way there we have seen amazing things on the side of the road. One of my favorites is this man’s barber shop. He’s there every time we drive by and he seems to always have customers.

I love the opportunity to show Ana Sofia so many interesting and new things in such a unique country.

Anyone who has been to India will know just how crowded the streets are. You have people, rickshaw bicycles, cars, motor bikes and an occasional dog and cow at any given time going in 2 or 3 general directions!

Of course the most fascinating thing we see are the people. So intriguing to see the uniqueness of their dress and way of life.

As we pass through the town of Najafgarh we always pass by this open market area where the colors from the vegetables and fruit just pop out. It’s fascinating to see 95% men working and shopping there.

Once we make it to the Asha House the kids are so excited to see us and spend time with us. Kim loves to play with the kids during their play time and teach them new games. Here she is playing with Sandeep and Bagwhan.

I often take a break from documenting to interact with the kids. Many of them need to just be held and talked to one on one as with any children’s home its not always possible. Here I am having a chat with Millant.

As soon as we arrive the kids are so excited to see Ana Sofia. Sandra has become Ana Sofia’s main caretaker. She takes care of her pretty much the whole time we are at the house and just loves her so much.

Akhsa is one of the youngest babies at the Asha House. She’s such a sweetie and Kim just loves holding her.

Ana Sofia has really enjoyed her time here and when she’s ready for a nap she just falls asleep on the spot. Here it is Simini’s turn to hold her through her nap time.

I have really loved spending time with the boys. It’s amazing to see how much they long for affection and a simple high five or even a tap on the shoulder seems to be so encouraging to them. Here I am hanging with Sandeep and Shanu.

One of Kim’s favorite things to do with all the kids is to read them stories. They love books and are fascinated by the pictures and stories we tell them. Here Kim does a pretty good imitation of a bird or something for Tabitha, Hersh, Sandeep and Millant.

One of my favorite things to do is to spend time with Ana Sofia and the other kids. I have dreamed of being able to show my children the world and specially show Ana Sofia how beautiful and similar children can be anywhere we go. Here she is playing with Tabitha.

Victor is the father and leader of the home. He is an amazing example of a humble and strong man who has given his life to protecting and fathering these children. Ana Sofia loves Victor Sir (as he is respectfully referred to).

My soccer skills have faded over the years but I still got a move or two on these kids! They loved playing and kicking about.

On our way home at the end of a long day Ana Sofia usually takes her afternoon nap, exhausted but content.

At the end of the day Kim gives Ana Sofia her bucket baths, which she absolutely loves! She is clean, cozy and ready for a good nights sleep!

More posts coming from life at the Asha House. Stay tuned and thanks so much for checking us out!

We’re closing out our 2011 with a wonderful engagement session with our friends Lindsey and Phil! They got engaged last year right under the Rockefeller tree in NYC and so we had to do their engagement photos in and around the area right during Christmastime. These guys are as sweet as can be and some of my favorite people. Lindsey is a phenomenal make up artist and Phil is in law enforcement. Together they make one cute couple and wonderful people to be around. They’re one example of the beautiful couples we’ll get to spend time with and get to know next year and we’re absolutely excited!

Lindsey and Phil- thank you for inviting us to your lives and to document your love. We love spending time with you both and are excited for your wedding! Bring on 2012!!

The power of encouraging words is something that must never be underestimated. It can carry us and propel us forward in a way that few other things can. When I met Mary Kay 5 years ago I was just starting to get back into photography and looking to shoot some more weddings. But of course few people were giving a start up dude with a camera a chance. Mary Kay however took that chance. Not only that but even after her wedding she continued to send people my way and always had encouraging and positive things to say about me and my photography. When there are lots of voices out there, these are the ones we need to listen to, take hold and move forward with.

We’re now in 2011 and Mary Kay and Luke are expecting their first born baby boy! Nothing could be more exciting for them and I’m lucky to be able to spend time with them during this season of their lives. We met up with them in Boston and walked around Boston Commons, the Gardens and then finished our tie together in old town on Charles Street.

Mary Kay and Luke- We’re so happy for you and are grateful for your lives. We know how excited you are for the arrival of your baby boy and wish you nothing but an amazing pregnancy and excitement and joy on the arrival of the little man!

Our last wedding of the year took us to the always pristine and elegant Bernards Inn. It was the perfect location for Laura and Justin’s classic and intimate wedding. Laura’s dress was absolutely gorgeous and Justin didn’t look so bad himself! It’s fun shooting in a familiar location as it gives me an opportunity to look at the place with new eyes each time. We did some photos in and around the town but also did some photos indoors near the beautiful and warm fireplace. This was a perfect wedding to end the year with. Cozy, intimate and lots of love.

Laura and Justin- thank you so much for inviting me to celebrate this day with you. I loved experiencing your wedding through my camera and I wish you nothing but years and years of happiness together!

Erin and Drew are two of the sweetest people you’re likely to meet. We hit it off so well and just really enjoyed talking with them and finding out all about their journey to each other and now together. We decided to head down to one our favorite New York City spots, the west village. Full of quaint streets, neighborhoods, shops and restaurants It’s one of Kimberly and I’s favorite places to go. The setting was just perfect for Erin and Drew to be relaxed and spend some time walking the quieter streets of New York City. Of course while down there we had to go to a slightly busier area on the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge is another favorite spot of ours to hit specially at sunset. Large crowds aside it’s one of the more unique NYC spots you can find. It was a lovely way to finish our photo session.

Erin and Drew- we’re so glad you have spent time with you two. You are both so sweet with each other and the excitement for your wedding and more than anything for each other is palpable. We’re super excited for your day!

We’re always impressed by the care and thought that brides put into each and every detail of their wedding day.  Viviana was exceptionally gifted in putting together so many small personal touches from the monogram pillows to the guest signed anniversary wine bottles. She thought of everything!  But the thoughtfulness and care of the day went far beyond just details, as we saw in just how much that Viviana and Tim deeply care for each other.

Tim and Viviana- thank you for inviting us to your beautiful wedding celebration. We enjoyed getting to know you both this past year and count it a privilege to have been able to spend time with you and document this special time in your lives.

Meet Luis, Melissa, their beautiful dog April and of course the new baby bump! These guys met up with me in Central Park in what we expected to be a cold december day, but instead got a beautiful fall day, leaves and all still around! I’m always enamored by the tenderness that couples have with each other when they come out for these maternity sessions. There is something very touching about that season in couple’s lives and I am always honored when asked to document this for them. To me its not necessarily about the baby bump but more about the love and commitment that exists between the couple and the deep connection they have with each other and as a result with the life being created inside. That’s what I love documenting when I do these sessions and that’s what I loved about Luis and Melissa.

Luis and Melissa- you guys are adorable together and I know you are bursting with excitement for your little man to get here. I’m very excited for you 4 (didn’t forget april!) and can’t wait to meet the baby boy!

As we’re approaching the end of the year we’re still amazed at the beautiful weddings we get to be a part of. But it’s not just the beautiful weddings themselves that get us excited. I mean we do like a beautiful dress, funky shoes, gorgeous flowers, etc, but what really gets us excited for each and every wedding is the beautiful people we get to spend time with. Jenn and Dillan are a wonderful couple whom we have really enjoyed getting to know over the last year. They are perfect for each other. they both love adventure and have a passion for life and people that is admirable. Their wedding was perfectly chosen to be on 11.11.11. Beautiful day, but incredible amounts of wind! You can see it in Jenn’s veil and the ladies’ dresses. They did such an awesome job at hiding how cold they were! We came away from that day feeling so fortunate to be able to work with these guys and what an honor it was for us to be witnesses of their marriage.

Jenn and Dillan, we loved your wedding, but more so we’re excited about the marriage you guys have entered into now. We wish you many, many years of love, laughter and adventure!