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

September 28, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Beautiful Redemption {Idyllwild Family Photographer}

There is so much beauty to be seen in life.  Yet I truly believe the deepest beauty here on earth often comes through the other side of great challenges and pain, when God recycles the bad things and turns them out for His glory and our good, when He makes “beauty from ashes”.

This family has a beauty from ashes story, one in which God has worked wonders and redeemed their relationships – that is the business He’s in after all, redemption!  And so, it was with great honor that I tried humbly to capture their beauty – God’s beauty, so clearly in their lives.

Chris is leaving in a few short days to begin his journey as a Marine.  I’m so glad they’ll have these memories to share of their times together as this chapter closes and a new one opens.

Brother and Sister – they don’t love each other or anything… ;)

The light was so pretty up in Idyllwild; I think this stream was meant just for them!

In these next two sets, they were each sharing their favorite memory of time spent together – it was sweet to see all the smiling and laughing involved :) .

Katie recounting a story…

I know a touch of that adoring look Cynthia has on the right – a beautiful thing for a mother to feel toward her children.

I totally love these next family shots!! :)

We then moved on to a different part of the stream where the beautiful light illuminated the greenery.

In this next one, I asked each person to tell the others one thing they appreciate about them.  Once it was Chris’ turn to listen to what his mom and sister appreciate about him, he said, “Oh yeah, keep it coming!” lol

Mom held it together until the end, and then the emotion of it all came; she was so sweet.

Thank you, God, for making this family and covering them with Your Redeeming Grace – it’s something only You can do.

Cynthia, Chris, and Katie, thank you so much for opening yourselves and your lives to me – I was so blessed by this time with you!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

Then“Then”, a 1990 single from The Charlatans, featured on Some Friendly album

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

June 21, 2012

When Time Stood Still: Newborn Bundle of Sweetness {Hemet/San Jacinto Newborn Photographer}

So, I know it may seem as though I gush about EVERY client on the blog, but in all honesty, God does such amazing things when He creates people.  Whether they see it or not, I have yet to find one client who does not radiate the image of God in some way – His character, His creativity, His intensity, His beauty…  I feel truly blessed to meet all my new friends and see Him in them.

That being said, God really outdid Himself when He made this precious little newborn.  As I complimented Baby Cole’s sweet, tiny, six-day-old features, his grandfather said something like, “I’m sure you say that about all the babies!”  And I do, because it’s so true!!  Isn’t he just perfect?!

A little angel, really.

Cole’s Mommy and I worked together to soothe him to sleep for this first set of images; he was such a little doll.  It’s so important to me to work on baby’s schedule when creating newborn portraits – and our patience paid off :) .

Though we’ve just met, the impression I get is that Baby Cole is entering such a peaceful family – full of gentle patience and overflowing with strong love.

Adding more feet to the family! :)

It’s so clear that big brother Caleb adores his baby too!

The connection between a mother and her baby is always beautiful.

Love those wrinkly toes!!

While Mommy fed baby, Daddy and big brother played baseball.

It was adorable, and I hope these portraits help you as parents remember the roundness of his little face at this stage of toddlerhood, his inquisitive eyes, those cute little jeans he’ll be grown out of soon, and how the special relationship you share now will only grow more precious from here on out.

Thank you so much for the privilege of creating with your beautiful family, Trujillos.  Can’t wait to show you the rest of your portraits!

Cherish, Love, Remember Always,

Andrea

June 6, 2012

When Time Stood Still: I Heart Faces – All Boy Series {Inland Empire Children’s Photographer}

I have never doubted that our boys are “all boy,” even when, for a short period of time when he was two, Micah said his favorite color was pink  ;) .

They are double-trouble, double-energy, double-sweetness, double-fun!!

All of these are totally candid images.  I call this one “Teeth and Guns”:

“Exploring”

“Caught in the Act”

“A Boy and His Dog”

“Only They Can Make Each Other Laugh Like This”

So many adorable entries for this week’s theme… Check them out!

Photo Challenge Submission

November 11, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Sweet Family, Sweet Memories {Oak Glen Family Photographer}

The leaves were vibrant and the air crisp… We weren’t exactly prepared for it to be quite THAT crisp, with a dusting of snow over everything and drips of freezing rain falling on us from the dewy leaves above.

Our time was filled trying to stay busy and distracted from the cold, but when you look back on this stage in your family’s life, Michael and Rebekah, I hope these images help you remember how precious it is…

The scrunching of little noses, gentle touches from pudgy fingers, tiny arms that wrap you up in bear-hug squeezes, love and laughter, even distracted glances from eyes eager to take every bit of world in… Memories buried deep in the soul.

Your sweet family is just beautiful – I always enjoy shooting with you. Thank you for the privilege.

Bekah, your laughter is such a gift.  Never stop :) .

May the  two of you be blessed with decades upon decades of enduring love, held strong by the One who loved us first!!

And may your daughters always bubble over with His joy.

Thank you, friends, for allowing me to play a part in helping you remember these treasures.

With sincere gratitude,

Andrea

PS – Oh, and a sneak peek of the way I can show you your portraits up on your wall to scale: (Don’t forget to bring to your View & Order Session pictures of the spaces you’ll want to put pictures up in your home!)

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 11, 2011

When Time Stood Still: Irresistable Sweetness {San Jacinto Newborn Photographer}

Little Miss Kendall was just 11 days old when we met at her beautiful home to capture her tiny newborn features.  Her Mommy and Daddy are so proud of this bundle of sweetness;

love for her just seems to radiate right out of them.

 

There’s nothing like being held by Mommy and Daddy.  It’s amazing to me how babies relax in their parents’ arms.

Okay, see what I mean about the irresistable sweetness?

This is one of Mommy and Daddy’s favorite outfits for K – we thought she looked so cute, like a little beach girl from the 1920′s :) .

Kendall was so cuddly, all curled up, sticking her little fingers and thumb in her mouth, hand to her face… drifting off to sleepyland.

Her room was the sweetest cherry blossom pink, the room Mommy wished she would’ve had growing up.  (I think any girl would love it!)

That’s Kendall, tiny little thing, sleeping there on the closet shelf. I had Mommy right beside Kendall, barely outside the frame with arms ready, for safety of course! (Safety is of the utmost importance to me – I’d never knowingly sacrifice a newborn’s safety just for the cuteness of a shot.)

Thank you so very much, Colin and Breanna, for the opportunity to meet you and capture memories with your sweet little girl.  She will grow and change so fast – you’re going to LOVE watching it all transpire before your very eyes!  Cherish this time, and know you’ll be blessed even more by her life in the months and years to come.

~ Andrea

April 5, 2011

When Time Stood Still: All Things Bright and Beautiful {Sacramento Family Portraits}

Phillip and Chelsey have such a fun little family – I could tell this right off the bat when Chelsey told me she’d have their girls in bright pink and orange pettiskirts for our shoot.  Though the skies were cold and gray, there wasn’t much that could hide the sunshine they share.  We had a sweet, memorable time in downtown Folsom together, and I’m so honored to have been given the opportunity to capture this precious time in their lives.

 

When I look through my camera at scenes like this, I can’t help but feel a tug at my own heart for the sweet tenderness the Lord gives parents of little ones.  What a blessing parenthood is!

Chloe had so much fun keeping warm by running with Daddy!  The fluffing of her pettiskirt as her little legs ran was ADORABLE.

 

 

Here’s a grouping of images that would look beautiful together up on the wall, set in a champagne frame with a dark brown and taupe mat.

This family is so affectionate – I was blessed by their love for one another.

 


I love the way they looked at each other throughout our shoot – amidst the activity of two little cutie pie girls running around, the weather trying to freeze us out, and the mindful eye of a camera lens, they seemed to share such a peaceful understanding, a quiet love that believes and cherishes deeply.

 

And, of course, who could even THINK about resisting the cuteness of these two??!!

 

Thank you so very much for the privilege of joining you for the afternoon of memories (and chocolates!) :) .

It’s always so impossible for me to whittle the images down to just a few for the sneak peek…  Until our View & Order Session when you’ll get to see the rest, enjoy!

 

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