When Time Stood Still: Photography by Andrea Bernard

November 2, 2012

When Time Stood Still: I am the Vine {Quail Lake Vow Renewal in Central CA}

When Abel and Lindsey were first married in a small courthouse ceremony ten years ago, they couldn’t have known the challenges the next decade would hold. All they knew was that they were  committing to weather life together.

From three beautiful children joining them in succession, to taking care of their ailing grandmother, through all the uncertainties and ups and downs, the Lord held them. When it seemed like they would never have time to just breathe, God gave them the selflessness and strength to get through.

And now, He has graciously given them a new season – He has blessed their obedience, drawn them together, and even created a bit of “breathing room” in their lives.  What a reason to celebrate!!  October was the perfect month for it too – the warmth of autumn colors, the harvest, the reaping of good things that have involved LOTS of hard work…

Lindsey’s dress was just perfect – elegant, intricate, warm.

She was a radiant bride, even while just getting ready!  Her “something blue” was a beautiful ring given to her by her grandmother.

Abel was stunning in his fall-colored suit, taking in the significance of this special day.

I can tell he is so proud of their kids, as they are of him!

Abel and Lindsey chose to have a “first look” before the ceremony.  They were so sweet.  I always think this is such a special choice – the emotions and memories of sharing this amazing time together last for a lifetime!

It was super cute to see how excited the kids were to see their parents all dressed up and loving on each other.  After Abel & Lindsey had a few moments to themselves, the kids RAN to them and engulfed them in hugs!

What a beautiful family.   (Love little sister’s curtsy!)

And I mean, really, how can anyone resist kiddos this adorable?!

I have to admit, I have a very hard time holding back from capturing portraits of tiny people who are SO stinkin’ cute.

We also captured some portraits for Lindsey’s brother and sister-in-law and their sweet family.  This one would make a super-cute Christmas card!

But I’m kind of partial to this one ;) .

And here is the full extended family portrait for Lindsey’s side…

The celebration was touching and beautiful, with the kids as the wedding party, Lindsey’s parents officiating, and guests who’ve loved and supported Abel and Lindsey through it all.

Surrounded by loving support…

After the ceremony, we created some golden sunset memories near all the beautiful fall trees at Quail Lake.

I love the peaceful way they hold each other close – it’s like they know they will make each other stronger.

At the reception, they had a really cute photo board showing special memories from the last ten years of marriage – what a great idea for a Vow Renewal!

Here is Abel’s extended family portrait:

And a fun one of Lindsey and her dear friends!

The dancing after dinner was so much fun!  The kids especially know how to get DOWN!! :)   I think little Mr. was just overcome by all the sweet emotion of the evening.  He had me wiping away happy tears behind the camera!

What a precious thing to see the love they have for each other, and the joy and fun they share.  Abel was even serenading his lovely bride in that middle shot… :)

As the evening wound down, the lake and the stars and the spinning world just became more beautiful.

Abel and Lindsey, may the Lord richly bless you in the decades to come with deep love and unity.  Continue to be a blessing to each other! And “may our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!” (Romans 15:5-6 MSG)

Thank you so much for the opportunity to take part in your amazing day, this testimony of God’s faithfulness to you and your growing commitment to Him and each other!  I can’t wait to show you the rest of your images once your Web Gallery is ready!

Continue to cling to the Vine!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

October 19, 2012

When Time Stood Still: The Beauty of Relationships {Soboba Springs Country Club Photographer}

When Roxanne first contacted me from Texas about taking pictures of her parents’ 60th Wedding Anniversary Party at Soboba Springs Country Club, I could tell by the adoration in her voice that this would be a cherished time.  I wouldn’t just be ”taking pictures” of the family – it would be my goal to capture the beauty of the memories and special relationships they share (yes, all 29 of them!).

I hope these images do just that for you, Rohrbacher Family, for generations to come.

The always-lovely Country Club was a great backdrop for this special event.


The closeness of husband and wife, and the affection of sister and brother…

The joy a mother finds in her toddler son…

The admiration future generations have for grandparents of integrity…

The unique bonds of a mother to her daughter…

The connection that binds them all: family, whether loved by blood or loved by invitation.

The years of childhood memories shared…

The respect sons have for a mother who has more-than-earned it…

The love daughters have for a mother who always set an example…

The miracle of shared life and memories that hold strong even when the miles separate…

And the lasting legacy of love and commitment that endured through joys and challenges, 60 years strong… and counting…

All beautiful, all unique, all reflections of the gifts God gives when everything that threatens to break and tear relationships down is instead met with steadfast love.

Thank you for inviting me in to your story and your lives, Rohrbacher Family!  I look forward to finishing your Web Gallery so you can view the rest of your images and think back on this amazing time together.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

August 26, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Enduring Love {Hemet Anniversary Pictures}

Quite often in my life, I am amazed. Amazed by blessings so undeserved, by breathtaking beauty in nature, by ways my children grow up just a little bit more every moment. And then, there are times I am amazed by people like Bill and Rose Marie, whose love has defied all odds and endured the joys and struggles, blessings and challenges, of 60 years.

What a privilege to spend moments today with this sweet couple, learning bits and pieces of what it takes to always choose love… not the gushy, here-one-minute-gone-the-next type, but the strong, selfless love that never forsakes no matter the circumstances.

In this next set Bill was telling Rose Marie the exact outfit she was wearing when he traveled to West Virginia to sweep her off her feet :) .  He said, “You were the most beautiful girl I had ever laid my eyes on.”  She told me earlier, “He was completely different from anybody I had ever known.” They went on to get married and have seven children. :)

I love the way they look at each other with such admiration.

This hummingbird had perfect timing, flitting in just as they were gazing out the window together…

I am so thrilled to be capturing moments and relationship portraits at their 60th Anniversary Party at Soboba Springs Country Club in October.  All seven children and most of their families will be there!  What a treasure to be able to spend such a special time with their family, complete.

Thank you, Bill and Rose Marie, for allowing me this glimpse into your beautiful lives, and for allowing me to capture the love you share for generations to come.

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

September 10, 2011

When Time Stood Still: All Because Two People Chose to Love {Hemet Family Photographer}

It was a beautiful, breezy afternoon when the line of cars full of family pulled up.
Each had come from different distances – as close as a couple of miles, as far as thousands -
to celebrate Chuck and Lenie’s first 50 years of devotion to Christ and one another.

Their children had purchased a WTSS Portrait Session as an Anniversary gift for them.
During our Consultation weeks ago, I was told this was a momentous occasion, the sort of gathering of extended family
that might only happen once in a lifetime…
and I was so honored to be there to capture it.

First we gathered the grand-kids…

Then we went for some individual family shots.

There were some very sweet moments of reuniting…

But on the whole, the little boys made most of our time together super fun like THIS:

I LOVED IT!  Seriously!

We can’t forget about these sweetie-pie girls, though.  Even jet-lagged and surrounded by a crowd, they were adorable.

Thankfully, once it was time for the huge group shot, I had a little help directing the show and getting everyone into place :) .

And we came up with a perfect memory of a treasured time:

This next shot was specifically requested, as Chuck & Lenie have one just like it from their wedding day, 50 years ago! 
It’s so wonderful to see them even more glowing with love than they were on that special day. 
I know they would say that Christ has held them strong and grown their love through it all.

Chuck & Lenie, congratulations on this momentous occasion, and thank you so much for instilling in your children and grandchildren a love for the Lord!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea Bernard
http://www.WhenTimeStoodStillPhotography.com

August 6, 2010

When Time Stood Still: Through the Years {San Jacinto Anniversary Portraiture}

Filed under: Anniversaries — Andrea Bernard @ 2:06 pm
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My time with Glen and Christine was so very sweet.  Glen originally called me asking to set up some portraits of himself and his wife to celebrate their 55th (yes, 55th!!) Anniversary, and to give some special images to their family.  It was wonderful to hear their story – how their lives have been so intertwined all these years, their decades of teaching, the blessings of their children, and their future plans.  Thank you, Glen & Chris, for allowing me to see this window into your lives and your love.  I can’t wait to show you the rest of your portraits!

July 26, 2010

Genuine, Easy-going Love {San Jacinto Anniversary Photography}

Have you ever met a couple who just seems to be so at ease with one another that they just exude love?  The last few couples I’ve worked with have been just that way.  It was so lovely to meet with Jim and Darlene.  They are celebrating their 10th year of marriage (Congratulations again!!), and I just love to see such a natural affection between two people.  We walked and talked, got to know each other a bit, stopped here and there for nice lighting and pretty backgrounds… and Jim and Darlene just talked easily with one another through it all, enjoying each other’s company.  People like you two are a blessing to me as I seek to share the beauty I see in life.  Thank you.

One of the things I enjoy most about the way I shoot is getting to know my clients; I have yet to meet one who doesn’t have the stamp of God’s handiwork somehow shining through.  Seeing things from this perspective makes capturing moments shared, spontaneous laughter, and love so easy.  I truly hope each of my clients comes away with an impression of this beauty as well.

Thanks so much to you both for allowing me to capture this special time in your lives.  May the Lord bless your marriage with even more love and joy in the years to come!

May 27, 2010

Puppy Love that Lasts… {San Jacinto Anniversary Mini-Session}

Filed under: Anniversaries,Uncategorized — Andrea Bernard @ 6:54 pm
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A couple of weeks ago Nick and Kaleigh joined me in studio for a Mini-Session to commemorate their 1-yr Wedding Anniversary – Congratulations again you two!  They were both really sweet as they explained how they met so young – just like my husband and I did.  What a beautiful couple and a beautiful road you have ahead of you!

 

Doesn’t that color green just look gorgeous on them?!

And this… is N&K’s Rugby.  Part of the family, of course!

Don’t let his adorable face fool you – he’s actually a wild beast!  hehe

Not really.  He’s just as cute and cuddly as he looks.

Thank you both for the privilege of capturing this precious time in your lives and marriage.  I’ll be in touch to schedule your View & Order Session and show you the rest.  May the Lord bless you as you seek Him together in the years to come!!

June 5, 2009

A Lifelong Love…

Filed under: Anniversaries,Events — Andrea Bernard @ 11:16 pm
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Last weekend Teresa gave me the privilege of capturing love shared between a special couple, Al and Carol, who are celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary!  What a beautiful time to gather extended family and celebrate!  Here’s a sneak peek of the lovebirds and their lovely decor:

Web - Hershey Anniversary Collage - 5-30-09

Isn’t that a fun cake?  It has extra special significance because of their last name.  :)

It was so very nice to meet you all.  I look forward to sharing the rest of your family images in both your View & Order Session and your Web Gallery.  Take care, and again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!  May God give you many more years together as you honor your commitments to one another!

December 1, 2008

The Gift of Custom Portraiture

 

WTSS Family Gift Card front

A Gift Card by When Time Stood Still is a unique way to give someone special the timeless gift of memories.  Available in any amount to be put toward any Photo Shoot or Photo Keepsake type, Gift Cards are perfect for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, or just because.

To order a WTSS Gift Card, contact Andrea at 503-891-0805 or visit www.whentimestoodstillphotography.com.

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