It seems like yesterday that I photographed J & I’s wedding in Puerto Rico back in 2010. They are the one of most adventurous and wonderful friends I have. Being able to witness their two major life-changing events means a lot to me as well. I couldn’t be happier for them.

Loving the beauty within the freshness of wrinkles…

Tummy painting -oh so colorful… da best way to celebrate sisterhood!

Time and distance could not stop them. Here they are, back on campus, happily married.

The sky opened up just for them that day and showered them with warmth and beautiful colors.

Glad to have captured tons of sweetness, laughter and joyful tears throughout the day. Enjoy!

Their reception was held at Gatherings, a home that was built in the Victorian era. It’s a perfect boutique-type venue offering exceptional food and service that makes everyone feel at home.

God must have thought Stephen and Stella make wonderful parents to give them three babies at one time. In fact, it’s true. They are such naturals when it comes to setting up routines and house rules for these curious little minds. The triplets are so well-behaved and adorable in three different ways!

Photographing them was a very good training for me as well. I did my usual photographer job and let them freely express themselves via play. It’s heartwarming to see them enjoy life so much.

Growing up in Monticello,  Don & Jackie were high school sweethearts. Life circumstances brought Jackie to Connecticut while Don remained in his hometown. They subsequently found their partners and built their own families. 60 years later they found each other again at their high school reunion, and after their spouses’ passing, they decided they’re quite meant for each other still. The proposal was romantically put together at their historic high school, and they just celebrated their 2-year wedding anniversary last month.

Don has been raising durocs for decades and his business has brought him countless awards from state fairs and national events. What an awesome experience it was for me to learn so much about raising pigs while staying at their farm house with abundant cuteness (see below)!

Here’s my very first experience of getting an up-close encounter with cattle. Thanks to the Korniak family, I was allowed to be on the other side of the fence and immersed in the cattle world for one afternoon in the heart of the rural Indiana.

Cows are one of the animals that have earned my full respect just by being themselves. They are gentle and full of humanity. I would never forget a true story I heard when I was a child, that a cow literally shed tears right before she was being slaughtered. The butcher’s heart was touched, and the cow’s life was saved.

It took a while for these cows to get used to my presence. Some were cautious, others were intimidated. I quickly learned to be quiet and slow with my movement to make them feel at ease.

At the end of the day, I had come to know them based on their numbers pierced on their ears. No.5 and no. 33 were the most curious one who at times would come up to me and give me a long stare filled with wonder.

These are cows that are healthy, balanced and enjoy being part of this family. Being a vegatarian though, I’m saddened to know they will eventually be sold and reappear in package form in the market. They are what the label says,  marbled angus beef.

If these peaceful images have a chance to touch your heart, please let it happen.