What's your story?

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and of course, my amazing assistant & great friend Catherine!

When Banner was 5 years old, her family was stationed at an Air Force base in northern Italy, in a small town near Lake Garda.  They lived in the same apartment complex as the owner of a restaurant, and once a week, her family and a group of friends would meet at the restaurant to have dinner.  She has childhood photos standing in the old buildings (built in the 1500's) amongst wine barrels and cows on the farm.  The restaurant, Mirrabello, and the family that owns it are still near & dear to her heart.

The first time she met Harry, she was bussing tables at Mirrabello during a visit back to Desenzano.  One of the owner's daughters, and whom Banner used to play with as a young child, asked her to bring drinks to Harry's table because they were English speaking (he is from the UK).  There were about 10 people there with him, but Chiara pointed her in Harry's direction because she knew that they both enjoy rock climbing.  She was right, and they hit it off immediately.  But that was that.   She returned to her life in the U.S.

A year later, Banner returned.  Traveling to Italy this time was for a much needed break, an escape.  A time start a new, fresh chapter in her life.  One night, Harry and a friend came into Mirrabella after a snowboarding trip for a late dinner.

(insert falling in love here...)

True story.

Driving by this historic train station in Salt Lake City this summer, I thought of my own honeymoon, where we spent 4 weeks traveling by train in Italy.  There is something romantic and quaintly old fashioned about train travel...  It made me think of Harry and Banner's story, and I knew they were the perfect couple for this location.  Their session was really fun because of the energy they brought to it.  They were incredibly relaxed and natural in front of the camera, and what I really loved was that you could really see how they feel about each other every time their eyes met.  

I want to thank a couple of good friends of mine that assisted with this photo shoot...

Hair and Makeup  :  Brooke Cousino at Studio 13, Salt Lake City, UT   801.712.9763

Brooke specializes in color, cuts, styling and makeup artistry. She has a very outgoing and fun personality, and you will walk out of her studio feeling and looking fabulous!

Sunglasses provided by  :  Abundo Eye Care, Salt Lake City, UT  801.255.8500 www.abundoeyecare.com  Roland Abundo and his team provide a warm and welcome atmosphere in their office, and pride themselves on the personal relationships they build with their clients.  They have an incredible selection of the latest frames available.  Roland is the doc that I trust with my own eyes.

and of course, my amazing assistant Catherine!  

Part 2 coming soon!  A few outfit changes and more fun locations from the photo shoot...

Thank you Krista, Ben & Megan for a fun session & fantastic dinner afterward!  I think my family was a bit jealous that I got to hang out with you all night!  :)

Everyone worries about having their family picture taken when they have children.  Myself included... I have 3 rambunctious boys, and you never know what is going to happen when you ask them to sit still and behave.

So how do you get a nice family picture where your children aren't flying past you as you wearily smile at the camera?  Well, you have your assistant bounce a soccer ball on your head right before you take the picture!  

Thanks Kay & Leo for a fun session with your adorable boys!

Today my twins, Nate & Hayden turn 4.

Two brothers, born 4 minutes apart... 

Nate was born first.  He had set himself in that position early in the pregnancy, and was not going to give it up.  Hayden flipped around my ribs for nine months, earning the middle name Jett.  Nate still has a small stubborn streak, and Hayden sometimes runs so fast it is questionable if his feet are touching the ground.

Nate is... silly, loves to belly laugh & goof off.  He is athletic and adventurous, and loves to hike, run & ride his bike... fast!

the giggler, he has a laugh that will make you want to join him.  He loves to build with legos, and eat cheese (his Wisconsin roots?).  He doesn't like peanut butter.  He is ready to start playing T-ball, he can't wait to get out on the field and play baseball like his big brother!

Sometime's he is a bit shy.

He is a sweet charmer with a killer smile, and has a great imagination.  

I love these little guys!