Photography by May Arason-Li

The sweetest thing

admin — Thu, 09 May 2013 02:21:49 +0000

Blue-eyed boy meets a brown-eyed girl…

And the rest is history. Fast forward to just two months ago when Paul and Kathy, the wonderful couple I met, received perhaps the most important call of their lives – a call about a baby girl that was born and was ready to be adopted. Victoria (Tori) clearly could not wait to meet her new parents and had to arrive early – she was a wee three and half pounds when she was born. Tori had already doubled her weight by the time I met her at 5+ weeks. While I know the first weeks were tough for Paul and Kathy, being thrown into the fire as new parents; however, when I met them, they appeared to be doing fantastic and Paul was mixing formula like it was nobody’s business. After all, babies don’t come with manuals and no two are the same so you have to rely on a lot of trial and error (and survive on very little sleep). Tori was indeed the sweetest thing, with her tiny fingers and delicate features – she reminded me of a perfect little doll. She is very lucky to have such loving parents and to be a part of a big, wonderful extended family. Even mini schnauzer Jasper is smitten with his baby “sister”. Welcome Tori and congratulations Paul and Kathy!

There’s something about you, baby

admin — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:40:51 +0000

Last month, Lori and Ryan welcomed baby girl number 3 into their lives – sweet little Hanna. Lucky her, she gets to looks up to her big sisters Ella and Sadie (and wear all their pink hand-me-downs, hee hee). I met Lori when we were both on the Board of the Manitoba Marathon; however, our time together on the Board was short as I found out I was expecting twins and decided it was a good time to step down. It was great to find out Lori and her family had grown so much over the last few years and to have a bit of a catch-up during our shoot. These little girls, Ella, Sadie and Hanna are all so lovely – I’m really looking forward to everyone again soon! Congratulations Lori and Ryan!

And she will be loved

admin — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 03:02:12 +0000

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a really nice family with two sweet girls, Elena and her brand new baby sister Sara. I wasn’t sure what Elena would think of me being only two years old and meeting me for the first time in her home. I have to say we hit it off – she was all of giggles and silliness from the get go. She wasn’t terribly interested in having her photos taken but she wasn’t afraid to give me a hug and kiss at the end. Sara was a bundle of newborn goodness and I was happy to have a wee bit of baby holding time. Well, here is she – say hello to Sara and her family!

When I’m happy, colour me a rainbow.

admin — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:43:27 +0000

I can’t believe a year ago, this sweet little gal was in front of my camera and now she’s one. It was so great to see you again, Kinley (and Sara and Tyler)! Even though we shot this session is the middle of winter, we found a colourful, super fun backdrop that suited Kinley’s personality. I don’t know which colour suited her the best – they all did. I especially loved how she got so excited and started bopping up and down when it was snack time. Too cute. Happy first birthday, Kinley – I can’t wait to see what you will do next.

You got to know when to hold ‘em

admin — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:57:06 +0000

I met Karyn and Kasey last summer when I photographed Karyn’s family and her extended family. A couple of months ago, they welcomed baby Kaden into the family. Okay, I have to admit, Kaden is one gorgeous baby – just look at those blue eyes and don’t tell me you’re not melting. I love how at this age, babies are so alert and they recognize your face, your voice and react to what they hear, see and smell instantly. This little guy couldn’t help smiling when his dad started crooning The Gambler – forget Twinkle Twinkle, this tune is so much cooler. I mean, who doesn’t love a little Kenny, right? Thanks for a great morning, Karyn and Kasey – it was so wonderful to meet Kaden. He is an absolute sweetheart.

Don’t go breaking my heart

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:51:01 +0000

Oh my goodness, where did the year go? My super sweet niece Victoria is already one! What a little peanut she is. And a little beauty too – she’s going to break her daddy’s heart one day. I’m excited to see what she will do next. What words she will say first and when her hair will get long! What a fun year it will be for my sister and her family. We love you, Victoria! Happy birthday!

When you wish upon a star

admin — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 03:48:23 +0000

Kim, Craig and big brother Carson welcomed Vivianna Rose Denise a mere week before Christmas – she was truly the sweetest and most perfect gift that anyone in the family could ask for. I got to meet her on Christmas Eve, much to my delight. I don’t know why but I suspected Kim was having a girl; however, one can always be wrong. I’m no doctor after all. She is a beautiful little girl, which comes as no surprise. I am looking forward to watching this little darling grow as well and see how she and Carson get along as siblings – I’m sure it will be very cute. Thanks for the snuggles, Vivanna. You are one lucky girl!

The end means a new beginning

admin — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 04:27:30 +0000

So this is the end of the year – wow, it went by so fast. 2012 was a great year with many personal achievements and many wonderful firsts for our family. I have a loving, supportive husband and three happy, healthy kids and I am lucky to be able to do the things I love.

I would like to take this time to thank everyone for their support and appreciation of my work. I have loved meeting each and every one of you and being able to photograph your families this past year. I had a great year – I met new families, shot in new locations, did some second shooting for another photog, shot a couple in the beautiful Whiteshell, and much more. I hope 2013 is full of many new opportunites and exciting new ideas and I hope to share them with you. This year, we have shared many smiles, laughs and even tears – and it was tons of fun. I look forward to seeing you again (and again). I wish you all a happy and healthy new year and hope to see you again soon.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

admin — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 22:49:32 +0000

If you were to ask me what one of my favourite things about winter was, it would be the few times a year that we experience the magic of hoar frost. Hoar frost refers to the white ice crystals, loosely deposited on the ground or exposed objects, that form on cold clear nights when heat losses into the open skies cause objects to become colder than the surrounding air. In other words, magic. I have noticed that hoar frost happens when we have a great amount of fog the night before – precisely what we had last night. Fog so thick you could cut it with a knife. We have had more “hoar-y” days, as I like to call it, in past years but whenever I have a chance to go out with the camera when there is hoar frost, I have to grab the opportunity before the frost melts away. Happy winter!

Every little thing she does is magic

admin — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 14:56:26 +0000

The last time I had the chance to photograph Kevin and Renée was for their engagement over six years ago. And only less than two months ago, they welcomed beautiful baby Maya into their lives. I was so thrilled and honoured to be able photograph baby Maya. I always get excited for newborn shoots because I can get my baby fix. Because having twins simply wasn’t enough, right? But then I meet a new, sweet smelling, snoozy baby and I think, aww, babies are sooo nice. Babies will do that to you once you’ve become a mom. Baby Maya was definitely one of those sweet babies and she is a lucky girl to have such wonderful parents. Kevin and Renée are going to be amazing parents – they already are. Félicitations!!!