I’ve had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Lillian as well.  During the past couple of years, we jetted back and forth to Vancouver with regularity, being with Sherman’s dad as his health declined.  Amid these often tough times, Lillian would call us up, take us out, shower love on our kiddos, and make us feel happy.  We were thrilled when she introduced us to Ken.  Theirs is a true love story–they met while Ken was vacationing in Vancouver from his home in the U.K.  Despite the long-distance, they were determined to be together.  And now they are!

They had the best kind of wedding.  A beautiful setting.  An intimate group of dear friends.  An emotional ceremony.  Heartfelt, hilarious toasts.  Yummy cake.  Children passing out next to the dance floor.  Delightful!

I’ve been to a couple of Canadian weddings now, and they have two great traditions that I think we Americans should adopt.  First, they sign the marriage certificate during the ceremony.  Second, they insist upon a “midnight snack” toward the end of the reception (cupcakes, in this case).  Awesome ideas, eh?!

As both the photographer and a guest at this wedding, I relied greatly on my talented second photographer, Niki Flynn.  I met Niki over the internet via a lucky but unlikely set of someone-I-know-knows-someone-you-know connections.  It was an awesome fit.  All of the fantastic details shots (other than the first two) are hers.  I especially love the image she made of the bouquet and of the lodge at dusk.  She also covered the groom’s preparations and most of the dancing (as you’ll see, I’m even in the background swirling the kiddos).  Aren’t her images of the father of the groom and the couple’s first dance especially striking?  Niki is delightful to work with and we quickly felt like we went way back–despite meeting each other the day before the wedding.  (And for my family and friends, this means you can catch a rare glimpse of the Zemler Wu’s in this gallery!)

Congratulations, Lil and Ken.  I’m honored to be part of your lives.

The kids and I made a trip to my hometown last week, Sauk Centre, Minnesota.  For those unfamiliar, we boast the “Original Main Street,” as author Sinclair Lewis–hometown boy and first American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature–wrote his winning novel Main Street about our small town.  While the prize-winning author did not give rural life a glowing review, I can assure you that Ryah did.  Her week in Minnesota will stand as a highlight of her life thus far (okay, it’s only been three years, but the girl loved it)!

Minnesota blogging will have to come forth in a few additions (stay tuned), but the most important must go first.  Ryah went fishing.  She sat on the back of a pickup truck, screamed at the sight of a worm, headed out onto the dock, and held her pink pole and bobber tightly.  And she caught a fish.  Twice, actually.  When questioned, Grandpa informed her it was not the same fish, but instead the twin sister of the first fish.  She believed him, but at least she was watching closely enough to ask!

What a joy to see a proud Grandpa and an even prouder little lady show off the BIG CATCH.  Here’s my documentary of the momentous event, starring Ryah, her Grandpa, and our neighbor-turned-family-member, Anna:

And, since the Zemler Wu household was (okay, is still…) officially in newborn mode, our family and friends all rallied to bring brunch fixing over to our place.  We didn’t cook or fix a darn thing.  How great is that?!  We did make special arrangements with the Easter Bunny for an egg hiding/hunt for all of the kids.  We had five kiddos, all under age three.  We’ve been fortunate to celebrate Easter over the past couple of years with the same set of friends, and this was the first time that the kids were REALLY into the search.  Each had a different technique.  Ryah was so excited, she just ran from room to room–occasionally picking up an egg, but mostly just bouncing around.  Jay opened each egg to see if the loot was good before adding it to the basket.  Mia claimed a small corner and rapidly collected more eggs than the rest.  Sonia, a brand-new walker, got one egg open and wandered around feeling very pleased about the whole thing.  As for Elliot, he just chilled out in the baby swing.  Next year, little buddy, next year!

With springtime wishes to all,  Marie

Here are a few of the first photos of Elliot, from his birthday last Wednesday and his first full day at home on Thursday.  He’s “scheduled” with me for his first real photo session later today…  so more photos to come later this week!

And for my wonderful clients, I must report that being on the other side of the camera gave me new insight!  Our household was filled with more than the usual dosage of nuttiness the morning that Kam was coming over (picking clothes, tidying up, keeping Ryah chilled out).  Thanks to all of you, for embracing the craziness that is family portraiture and welcoming me to your homes.  Life with kids is always an adventure, and I feel so lucky that my job is to join families on that adventure from time to time!

P.S. A few of these are courtesy the other Zemler Wu photographer… Sherman’s pretty good, isn’t he?!  I love the creative shot of Ryah’s face framed by my pregnant tummy!

Our dearest Ryah, was born in the Year of the Pig, like her NaiNai (grandmother, Sherman’s mom).  But she did play the part of a tiger for Halloween earlier this year.  Since I was woefully remiss in sharing her photos last year, I’m going to take the excuse to post these (slightly outdated) now!