Posted on June 7, 2009
Today was a special day. My nephew Slava was marrying the love of his love. Initially I thought I was going to be just one of the guests. However, my brother, who was going to shoot the wedding, had called me up and asked me to shoot the ceremony. Since it was not an all day commitment I happily agreed. And I am glad that I did. They were absolutely beautiful. But I will let you be the judge of that for yourself.
A couple of detail shots first…
Love the look on Slava’s face… It was right before the bride came in… So much expectation.
My brother Peter ushered my Mom in. Slava and Mom are the best of friends.
Then came in my sister and brother-in-law.
Yelena’s mother could not make it to the wedding–she is expecting and is due any day, so her aunt Nadia was there to take her place. She was ushered in by my brother Vladimir.
Time seemed to have stood still as Slava looked forward to seeing his bride.
Yelena was absolutely radiant.
Oksana, second from the left, is Slava’s eldest sister. I just love the look on her face.
The ring bearer is my nephew Robert.
How lucky was I to catch the two lovebirds glancing at each other this way?!
No… Oksana was not posing for this shot 
I think she was daydreaming during the ceremony but so gorgeous…
I got this gorgeous shot during the prayer.
As I mentioned before, Slave and my Mom are very close. I love the way he respects and honors her. She was in the receiving line giving him advice when he reached over and gave her a tight-tight squeeze.
Right after the ceremony there was a free-for-all time, as I glanced over and saw my niece, the flower girl, looking up to my brother and nephew having a conversation. I thought the moment was PRICELESS!
Slavs and Yelena, I wish you all the best! May God be your guide and be each others shelter from the storm.
Posted on June 1, 2009
Over the weekend our family got together to celebrate all of the May birthdays. And let me tell you—there are a lot of them. I found out about the party only the night before, but luckily my preparation can always be resolved very quickly—with a camera. I did drag my Vita-Mix and mid about three containers of green smoothies. Outside of that I strutted around with my Canon sneaking shots of my unsuspecting family.
I have not had too much time to process images from the weekend, but I had to put up at least a few of the most adorable kids in the world on my blog today. We have 3 little ones in the family, these two little rascals are very close in age, and the third one is barely a couple of months old.
Baby M and Baby T look like they could be twins (age-wise), however they are a couple of months apart and the way they are related to each other is quite interesting and humorous. But… things as such happen in large family. Our little Prince M is actually a cousin to Baby T’s father. Quite interesting, isn’t it?!
The two were so adorable in their bright close. Between M’s cheeks and T’s tight rolls I thought I was in heaven. We placed them next to each other on a blanket and watched them interact. It was a photographer’s heaven! We created an impromptu session. With aunts and uncles and the parents ooo-ing and ah-ing over my shoulder I was clicking away. The stars of the show did not mind me at all. Baby T was fascinated with Baby M and constantly tried to wrestle her to the ground, gnawing on her shoulder with his toothless mouth (I will post a few of those pictures soon as well). Baby M took it like a lady every time—very calmly. I feel that I could write a comics book with the images I got. Here are a few of my favorites.
I am just imagining what Mr. T is thinking: “Oooh, look, she has more hair than I do. Let me touch it and see if how far I can pull it…”
M. realizing what’s about to happen turns around and says: “Man, what do you think you are doing? Watch those hands! Or I am going to call my Daddy!” “Ok, toots! Calm down!” Mr T. replies.
Then the two get distracted by the host of adoring aunts and uncles and give them a few smiles so they can get back to their conversation. 
Meanwhile, one of the aunts sneaks up from behind and places a hat on Baby M. Mr. T was not happy! He wanted it off! “This is redicilous!” he says, “It has to come off NOW!” “Hey, man, I told you to keep your hands to yourself! Didn’t I?! I am a lady!”
But… Mr. T got his way and the hat came off. To keep peace he placed his hand on little M’s should and said: “See, I told you you would look better without it.”
After I was done with the babies (you can get only so many baby pictures in one given time) it was time to move on to the rest of my family. Did I ever mention that I am surrounded by gorgeous people? Well, I am! I am adding a couple of images of my nieces. The first one—Luba, is really model material. Just look at her smile! Nike should be knocking on her door asking to use this picture for their ads!
This gorgeous young lady and my niece as well. And, yes, she is related to the beauty in the picture above–they are sisters. 
Would you ever believe that Vera is almost 5 months pregnant? (I think that is how far along she is…) Such a cute belly!
With everything cluttering our time and space I can tell you that there is still nothing like a great family. I am so blessed that I was born into one.
Have you enjoyed the images? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
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