Anticipating the arrival of Christopher...

Dawn and Chris are expecting their precious baby boy, Christopher, this July. I had a great time spending the afternoon with them capturing some maternity moments. I am so excited for you two. Congratulations Dawn and Chris!

Click here for the slideshow!

Kevin So and Waiting for the plane...

Last week, my friend Kevin So was in town on tour. He was here a year ago and sang at the same local fun spot, The WhistleStop in Safety Harbor, FL. My good friend Emily has become my annual Kevin So Live date. Last year Emily was pregnant with little Levi and this year Levi came with us. Kevin is so talented! Check out his website and music at KevinSo.com. I always enjoy hearing him perform live. We met when I lived in Chicago and since then our paths have been fortunate enough to cross again. The third song on my website is a Kevin So original. Check out the slideshow I put together from his visit last year.

On another note... Just an interesting observation. Do you see all the people lined up? To get on the plane that is NOT at the gate? :) I found it hilarious... as I'm also waiting in the line for the plane that hasn't arrived yet. But hey, I saved on my ticket by flying Southwest.

And the winner is...

After reading through the entries for the Most Deserving Mother Mother's Day Contest, here is the winner. This is what her husband, Barry had to say about his wife, most deserving mom, Tracy...

"I think that my wife Tracy is the most deserving mom that I know. I know - every husband will be biased here, but I think that Tracy truly fits the title. See, she hasn't only been a terrific mom to our 4 growing sons (ages 19, 15, 12, and 9), she has also played surrogate mom to literally hundreds of teens over the years. We have been pastors for almost 17 years now, with most of that being with youth. I can't tell you how many times she opened our home, cupboards, and heart to teen after teen who needed to know that someone cared. Even years later, as these young people have grown, they still keep coming or calling. As a matter of fact, we had one of these wayward ones sleeping on our couch last night -- of course, only after she went to the store, whipped up a dinner and her famous salsa -- all after 9pm at night. I can't count how many of these young people call her either "Madre" or "MaMa", and comfortably call our house their home away from home.

Of course, she is primarily the mom to four terrific sons. She has survived enough of the typicals with four boys growing up, and even some of the tough -- as our now 12 year old had drowned at the age of 3. She was the one to pull him out of the pool, to start the CPR, and to immediately start praying as she passed him on to those who would help -- and help they did. It was three days later, on her birthday no less, that he walked away from ICU a true miracle.

Over the years she has done all that a mom should do... bandaged the boo-boo's, cut their hair, instilled in them a love for God, homeschooled the oldest through middle and high school, and taught two of them how to play the guitar. Add to that being a pastor's wife, church administrator, and our main worship leader... and that is a pretty busy life!

Tracy truly deserves this honor... now I hope you can see why."

I agree that Tracy is quite deserving and I am looking forward to our life portrait session together. Congratulations Tracy and Happy Mother's Day!

Who is the Most Deserving Mom out there?

MOTHER'S DAY CONTEST...

My mom is an amazing woman whom I know that no matter how much I try and how much I give, I will never be able to repay her for all that she has done in my life. She is an outstanding example of what a best friend truly is. She is the biggest giver I know and doesn't expect anything in return. She is my biggest fan and is the one who pushed me to pursue art in college, knowing it truly was my passion all along. She has gone through a lot in her life and yet remains the most positive person I know. I believe that I have the best mom in the world and she is the most deserving mom ever. However, I know that I am not the only one that feels this way...

I've decided to find a way to bless another deserving mom, so please, tell me about the most deserving mom you know. It can be your mom, your daughter, your wife, your sister, a co-worker or a friend. Tell me why they are the most deserving mother. Be sure and include your name, who you are nominating, how you know them, your email, and a phone number for the mom so that I may contact the winner. The winning nomination will be posted on my blog. Email your entry to me at amy@amydeyoung.com and put "Most Deserving Mom" in the subject line. The most deserving mom will receive a free life portrait session (a $250 value) along with a $100 print credit. The session will be personalized to the mom and her family. I know this is last minute, so get your entries to me right away. I will be notifying the winner Monday, May 14th. I can't wait to hear about all of the other fabulous moms out there!

And, yes the image above is me and my mom.

04.28.07 ~ Leslie & David, Captiva Island, FL

Leslie and David had an absolutely breathtaking wedding on the beaches of Captiva. The weekend was kicked off by the rehearsal dinner Friday night at the Captiva Yacht Club with the cocktail hour on the beach during sunset. Their ceremony took place at 6pm on Saturday followed by their reception. The party was coordinated by Ellie and her girls at Island Celebrations... beautiful job! Leslie and David invited their closest family and friends to help them celebrate. Everyone had a blast! Following their amazing reception, they had an after party back at the house that went until early hours in the morning. Paul and I ducked out about 1am and they were just getting started. Sunday morning was a delicious brunch on the lawn at the South Seas Resort. What a weekend!!

You may remember their e-session as it was also on Captiva Island. If you're ever in San Francisco, check out their restaurant Mixt Greens. I've heard only raves about the place and can't wait to be out that way to check it out myself.

Congratulations Leslie and David! Thank you to Leslie, David and family and friends for making us feel so welcome and honored to be a part of your wedding weekend.

Click here for the slideshow!