I have photographed this families children as family sessions..... engagement sessions.... graduation sessions...and here is the last boy! he was a doll.... full of life, totally comfortable in who he is.... rocked every outfit he changed into and was willing to re enact one of his broadway routines for me...leaps and all!

How fun!  Photography affords so many new opportunities to meet people and learn new things....like the fact that Mrs. Zimmerman is Miss Joanie's mother??!!  Who knew!  Love documenting multi generational families.... better do a good job.... Mrs. Zimmerman is an assistant to our kiddos in their classrooms at times! 

I am always surprised at what happens when a teen gets in front of the lens...any of my assumptions about what i'll see when we start is always always proven false....and pleasantly so.  Congrats Leo!  Trumpet player.... clearly photogenic and wonderfully gifted.... 

 

I hadn't worked with this family before...they were a referral from a gal I worked with previously.... a family of 5 and a slight modification.... a beautiful young lady that needed a bit of help with her wheel chair for the shoot... at first I panicked as we were doing a desert shoot....but wow, her confidence and demeanor took all that worry away...she owned this session to say the least! 

Watching these little grow up..... and how they adore their daddy.... quiet special....This was our first session however where he was in uniform.... celebrating a promotion and how thankful we are to all our men and women in uniform....thank you and congratulations! 

Maybe it was the song I played "take my breath away" by Berlin....or the frills of fun dresses....no clue but this session was a lot of fun with kiddos willing to be silly and adults willing to be intimate and close....it was the song.  I know it was the song.....  

SO FAR BEHIND!!! yup, haven't shared in a while.... a few of my favorite over fall and spring.....love working with families.....watching them grow..... capturing the subtle changes.....year after year...

 

 

I have had the great opportunity to have a hair stylist that has remained consistent in my cuts and colors..... always up to date on new options with hair design and color.... always fashionable and friendly and went to great lengths to help me out when I desperately needed a cut and color....this lady is a gem and when I offered to trade a photo session for a color and cut she was game.  Well I finally got to return the favor and her little family....adorable!  Not to mention how super fab she turned out in her playful dress and perfect smiles.... this was one of my favorites for sure and looking forward to my next salon trip now that she is back at work!  If you want the best:  Salon Estique (602) 248-0077, ask for Desiree.  

It has been quite a treat to photograph this young man since he was just a wee little boy..... he has grown, and grown, and grown...taller and taller and taller....still a sweet young man....and so much fun to photograph!  Congratulations on the graduation Marquan! 

They said it is a "2nd Gen"... i said "a what?".... they said "rooftop, lots of space" and I said.... absolutely!  Love how this kiddo loves his vintage Z28.... a great friend of my niece and graduating soon.... Congrats Martin! 

 

 

Yes she is quite the lady..... not the average girl, doesn't like frilly dresses.... tons of makeup..... fancy shoes.....and diamonds/jewelry and how much that makes her who she is....unique and down to earth.  Sassy at times...but what girl isn't?  Love this girl.... and proud of her.... 16 and fantastic!

Laid back..... no worries.... lets all just get along.... and breastfeed as needed.   Yup, this super star family of 5 was a treasure to work with.... even when little James face planted in the dirt on the way down the hill... finished the session like a super hero.  And mom fed baby as needed... taking care of her baby on a rock in the shade.... no worries...no troubles.... love this family.  

Well this wonderful family has blessed us and added humor and light hearted chatter to our Bible study and fellowship at church...coming just under a year or so ago from Isreal...and now they will return to Isreal!  Blessed to have been able to capture their sweet family....and of course I asked Tikva to speak Hebrew.... it is such a beautiful language.  She speaks Dutch too! 

This little family of ladies are such a sweet bunch....and we have been blessed to have met them.... only took a year or so of shared preschool and kinder classes....and the littlest of them all brought us all together... Amielle and Violet becoming best buds.... Miss Chelsea and her other daughter Vera... her and Stevie play great and Miss Chelsea is a gem!  Pretty outside and inside too... such a sweet bunch.  

When dad said of his graduate...."she wants to do some photos in her point shoes... she is in a creative class" I said, well sure.  What are point shoes and what is a creative class?  IT IS A FULL BLOWN BALLERINA and HER SHOES is what it is!  What a joy it was to take these photos.... leaps, twirls, and a girl full of confidence in stride.... loved this session.  Congrats on the graduation Miss Jessica! 

Yes, that’s right.  One gorgeous cop marries a handsome cop....Kevlar vests.....a gun cake..... with a donut bar and all.  What a treat it was!  This cute couple made it official and words cannot express how magical the two, when together, were.  Her face lit up with a smile unmatchable and his charm did not disappoint.  A few bumps in the road but between these two public servants everything worked out and was an exciting event... meaningful, unforgettable, and blessed to have been able to help document it with photography.  Congratulations Randy and Mandy! 

 

Love events like this..... Celebrating a sweet young ladies 16th birthday and welcoming her into continued maturity....to womanhood...  having family and friends honor her and love on her.... and getting to capture it all behind the lens.  Proud of this young lady and what a pleasure it was to hear all the kind words spoken about her...... May God bless her and continue to guide her as she continues her journey.  Congrats Alisha!!  

 

Impressed and excited....2 words that come to mind when thinking about Ian.  Following in the footsteps of his late grandfather Jerome, this fine young man not only rocked the camera but is selflessly signing up to serve our country.... enlisting with the Marines!  Very Very Proud of this young man and excited for his future....blessed to know him..... Congrats Ian!!!

Spoiled.  Yes I know.  Most of my clients are in the west valley or at the farthest, central Phoenix.  So when I receive a request to shoot at a location over 40 miles away..... anxiety sets in.  Knowing how unlikely it would be for me to scope the location prior to our shoot date just added to the typical prep anxiety for any shoot.... Despite the nerves the location was a blessing... easy to navigate and locations were abundant.  Surely my other east valley families will benefit from this new location to my shot list....  Thank you Carrie for challenging me to this site!  Congratulations on Hunters graduation..... stay well and continue to take good care of your boys! 

Joseph is a name of strength....a name that is fun to say and it was absolutely fun to capture the personality behind the name.... this little one showed us all just how strong he is with his determination to eat, eat, and eat some more!  Following after a strong mama it makes perfect sense....this adorable little was a joy to photograph....Congratulations Lora!  

Married once in the 70's, and then again in the 80's, and finally now in 2017 you would think this makes for one heck of a country love son!  Aside from the 40+ years of time that has passed, their devotion to one another proves time just can't keep them apart.  It was my pleasure to capture this reunion... re marriage... final marriage!  Congratulations Tom and Joni! 

I believe we would all say (my family that is) that having a wedding in grandpa's backyard is a GREAT idea!  We all grew up playing up and down the patio, swimming in the super deep diving pool (even jumping off the roof in secret), eating macaroni and cheese than grandma whipped up (while she fed steak to Daisy the dog! Ha!)....  it was a true honor and blessing to be able to capture my cousin Michelle and her husband Ron's wedding this past saturday....  Not sure if i've ever seen my cousin so happy.... and beautiful... truly stunning... Congratulations to you two and your kiddos!

 

Adorable Lorenzo has already made his mark on this world.... handsome boy born to some stellar parents...  He will likely play for either the Vikings and follow in his uncle Adam's footsteps or play for his daddy's beloved Cowboys... either way this little one will go far... Congratulations Angela and Luis... sweet sweet family.

 

 

How awesome to have been able to capture this intimate ceremony between friends... the 3rd marital harmony to come out of a set of good friends... so cute and so happy for them both... to have found each other... and to have such a supportive and caring group of fellow believers to share each others milestones with... Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Drewitz!

a soft and quiet beauty.... graceful and patient...  is what this bride screamed at me through the lens...surely w/o even trying as she just is, just that... totally gorgeous and such a joy to photograph... her husband Chris was just as gentle and tender in caring for her, in their photos, their special gifts, their first look... the details were darling...  love love love capturing such wonderful love for this cute cute couple... blessings and many years of happiness Monique and Chris!

Sincerely, Cassandra

a great friend of mine just welcomed their 3rd child... a handsome and energetic baby boy, Ethan.... a blessing to be able to watch and take part of capturing life's most special moments... just under 2 weeks old at the time of these photos... and has already made a lifetime impact on all around him...  congrats to my friends Kiah and Jordan...

well this little guy made a fast entrance in under 45 minutes or so.... a story always to be remembered and despite the sudden and alarming way he came... the story was heart warming and unforgettable.  Congrats to Kristi and James and their new baby boy....  

Great weather, Great hair, Great wardrobe, Great makeup and Great smiles....  what else could a photog ask for... sure had fun on this one.... camera just couldn't keep up....

Love when I can capture a reunification of commitment to one another.... time may have passed and separation may have been evident... but today is what matters... "What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate."  Enough said.   Blessings!  -Cassandra   

 

While we did have to be quite creative in our shooting considering little Enzo just loveeeed his mommy and daddy so much... just wouldn't let go!  Not to worry... a little 'play catch' with grape fruits makes all the difference....  and she just happens to give a great cut (if your in the need for a hair stylist).  

I set out to document a party of 19...and half of those were under age 18...and lets just say, "fun creative and a lot of energy" are the appropriate words to describe the day...we were successful in capturing all we set out to do.... and felt mighty proud we did it all under 2 hours.  Whoo Hoo!  Rink Family Fun!

I have been photographing this family for several years and have watched as they have transitioned from a family of 2 to now a family of 4.  Being a mommy myself I can fully appreciate the demands of motherhood and the changes ones body undergoes.  Despite baby weight gain this mommy, Erica, has been fully committed to reclaiming her health and physique with her method using Shakeology....and it has worked!  Was a wonderful treat to photograph One Fit Mommy....and her husband and beautiful daughters.... A Calderon Christmas.... thanks ya'll...exited to see what 2016 has in store for you!  

-Cassandra

Between these 5 wonderful people there were smiles a plenty....contagious smiles actually.... no need to "work" at getting these folks to have a good time....they came prepared and was easy to capture!  Love to watch these kiddos grow....Congrats on a beautiful family!

-Cassandra

Returning to the place where it all began....  helped these two love birds document their engagement photos at this location only to return to document how beautiful their family has grown and continues to grow!  Pregnant mommies are the most beautiful.... congratulations again James and Kristi.... and to big sister Shae... enjoy!

 

Seems like only a while ago that we were taking photos of these two lovelies...mama and daughter... Mama still beautiful as always and lil E just the same....  happy Mama and Daughter to you both!  

 

UPDATE... all edited and ready to view....  somehow bubbles just brings out the best in everyone....  blessed to have been able to document this family several times over... thanks again Cahill Family!

It was a welcomed return to Saguaro Ranch for this family.... 8 year ago this family started at their wedding ceremony.... and we captured their first addition Kiera shortly after.... several years later, we returned there for family photos.... weather cleared up perfectly and gave us a wonderful backdrop.... the kids were great, excited, and full of spirit... and parents the same...  truly a treasure to document families from their earliest stages and beyond...  congrats!   (more to come... only got to the solo shots first!)

-Cassandra

Yes...this team rocks...all the way back to 1980...fun times taking these pics and special thanks to those that allowed me to snag a few solo's for some rad fun...

Only little ones this cute would make it worth being out in 110 degree + humidity....snapped a few family and a cake smash for our friends Matt and Jackie....being able to capture such a cute little family totally bypassed the uncomfortable weather....  looking forward to documenting more of these cuties as they grow up into big people...

-Sincerely,

Cassandra

 

 

What a day.....you'd never guess there was so much work in just getting here to look cute for the camera.... broken keys, car won't start, a little rain....  and whalaa... a quick mini session capturing baby Max's wonderful 4 month self....so adorable... a little Sun Devil in the making... even tried to do the pitch fork... love it.  Was a bit toasty out and humid as all get out.... sweated like pigs....but totally worth it....  Happy 4 months baby boy....  can't wait to see you for the next one!

-Cassandra

Love when I get to share my love for photography with family....  and what a blessing to not only witness the reunification of a mom and son but the transformation of a life....  Miss Angelique has, with the help of God, turned her situation around and is enjoying all the special moments mothers do when they spend their life loving and raising their children....  We had a lot of fun and miss ya'll already.

love,

Cassandra

 

What a joy to watch two little people take part in their first Communion....where they took of the bread and drank the wine symbolizing Jesus's body and blood for our salvation.  Such a pleasure to watch little people love a big God and remember Him in this Holy Communion....

You'd never have thought this was baby girls GRANDMA! or what they call her "MiMi" being so youthful and fun...but this photo session was just that, dedicated to baby girl and her MiMi.... its so wonderful to see the little ones have fun and express our truest emotions of joy, happiness, and excitement... the love between a grandma and her grand daughter...priceless.  

4 teams down....2 to go!  More wonderful people allowed for me to document their bight and shining faces for our SWO Welcome Wall....  Thank you all for participating...... and finally got to capture my bestie (yes I work with my bestie....and yes, its awesome) Alyson...  she has been a sleuth ninja these past few weeks....  despite the wait, she never dissapoints...  more teams up next!

Surprise birthday party....lip sync battle.....pizza, cake, and bike rides?  Certainly!  There should have been a cover charge for this hilarious party as I haven't laughed that hard in a long long time!  Great job to Johnny and family for putting together a Sweet party for Miss Criselda... 30 years young.  Happy Birthday!

-Cassandra

Considering this wonderful woman, Tara, has been there to help document my most prized, special, and signficant moments.... I was totally blessed to be able to help her with the exact same task.... Zach and Tara welcomed their little girl, Evelyn Grace, into their world, our world, just a few short days ago... a total doll.  Watching her mother her little lady was refreshing and an answer to prayer... congratulations Zach and Tara and to little Evelyn Grace... you are deeply loved and forever wanted... your parents rock!

-Cassandra

One will head out to Grand Canyon University to pursue PreMed...the other will test the waters at PVCC to find what sparks an interest...and the one thing fully in common...is there connection to one another...these two sweethearts are off to conquer the world one semester at a time....congratulations on graduation Miss Shelby and Mr Timothy... may you find navigating college easy and rewarding!

Sincerely,

Cassandra

Always a good time shooting this wonderful family...  from the very start with maternity... to now all 3 generations enjoying family... both sides of their families were present for this one... and mama Erica is as fit as can be...  only 1 year out of having her 2nd child and looking fantastic!  ...making me think a bit about those cookies I ate while editing their photos.... hmmmmmmmm....add a serving police officer for a dad and whalaa! Awesome family status!

Enjoy and very thankful you gave me the opportunity, again, to photograph you wonderful and growing family!

-Sincerely,

Cassandra

I would be fooling myself if I underestimated the impact 3 weddings in 8 days has had on me...my family...my sinuses... well, everything really...  a challenge certainly... but such a blessing at the same time... love weddings.... love documenting weddings... and the first wedding only fueled more motivation and excitement for the next one following... so the sore hands arms and neck, mosquito bitten legs and arms, gazillion bruises and massive loss of sleep was all worth it...  perhaps some of my best work yet...  loving it... now excited for fall 2015!   here were a few of my favorites...  one wedding is marked private so did not include... but these two were begging to be shared!

Only the talented Miss April Coleman could pull off a fantastic wedding such as this one in just under 3 months....  everything was beautifully designed and the bride... well, lets just say drop dead gorgeous.... both bride and groom were stunning in their own right... considering these factors... this was practically a wedding photographers dream!  Congrats again to you both... and credit to April Coleman for putting together such a great event... 

Sincerely, 

Cassandra 

Love helping out a friend/colleague of mine who just happens to cut my son's hair.... do my makeup and hair occasionally.... and offer a great opportunity to participate in decorating her new salon opening within the next few weeks.... Miss Juanita took care of styling, hair, and makeup for this session..... and considering the diversity of the models, what a treat for me to get the chance to capture their unique beauty....  can't wait to see some of these on her walls....

love taking pictures of beautiful women....

 

I remember when i first met her.... she was an intern at the intensive outpatient substance abuse program...I still work at, and now she does too... she was funky, fun, laid back and easy to relate to... we quickly found out we shared an interest in photography and became good friends...and still are!  also, we were both trying to get pregnant...  we worked together for nearly a year, I ended up having my first and then back to back my 2nd.... and she was still playing around with the idea of having a baby.... and then it happened!  Surely it is all in Gods timing.... and I am so happy for her and Zack to be welcoming in their little baby C in just a few short weeks...  loved the shower, awesome theme w/all the books and wonderful family and friends... another laid back, "Tara" style event...   can't wait to hear her birth story and snap away at that little adorable baby growing in her belly... Enjoy!

ps. considering how much she has helped with both my maternity and newborn sessions...and mommy and me...and family... I will owe her many many sessions in the future... i planted the seed for a wild flower mommy and me just yesterday...  gonna love it!

Here is the link to the entire gallery for downloading and prints...   http://poeticip.zenfolio.com/p1068155250

A quick Mommy and Me session in the beauty God has created... yellows, oranges, purples....  absolutely beautiful...and having a family of lovely ladies to photograph.... makes it serene...  this season of wild flowers only comes once a year and the last time I was at this particular spot was when my baby girl was only 6 months old.... so blessed to be able to freeze in time the joy of motherhood for years to enjoy ahead... for myself, and other lovely mothers...

A Pastor flying in from California...a grand mother flying in from Ecuador...a hyped up bridal party... several dozen friends and family joining in to celebrate and love love love... the best combination for these two love birds to make that final commitment... a sacred commitment to one another... the heavy winds allowed for some fun shots and nicely settled right before ceremony time...  overall beautiful wedding and am feeling honored to have been there to witness and capture it behind the lens....  congrats Paul and Nicole.... may you celebrate many many anniversaries for years to come... 

to see the full gallery:  http://poeticip.zenfolio.com/p304713197

-Sincerely,

Cassandra Barry

Nerves.... racing thoughts.... can't wait.... anxious to use the light and get the best shots.... all my thoughts as I prepare for these two weddings... back to back... praying i don't catch my kids colds!  serenity now!  

time is ticking!!! countdown has begun...  these two couples, both unique and equally exciting... looking forward to this weekend!

 

Pleasantly surprised was my first experience upon arriving at Margaret T Hance Park.... considering the last time I visited this park was in search for homeless mentally ill people... oh the joys of SMI case management... but not this day!  Had a great time and enjoyed taking in the wonderful tree and lush foliage and the grass... the grass!!!  Green and fluffy grass!  Totally cool that the city seeded it to keep it nice and green...  We had Big fun with this Big Family... that happens to be my extended family as well... on my Tata's side.. Miss Tia Ruth is my Tata's sister...  and being able to capture their gift to her... a family photo and preparation for her big party was an honor... good job guys and Feliz Cumpleanos Tia! next up...party time!

One more team down....several yet to go.  Sat in on a team meeting different than my own... was a nice treat. This team is made up of nearly all seasoned case managers...  strong team... straight forward to the point... just how i like it! and the fresh baked goodies weren't bad either!  few more teams to capture and we'll add to our SWO Welcome wall... saving lives people... one case manager at a time!

Leave it to a photographer to find a way to take photos professionally (duh) and photos at her work....that is work that is NOT photography related...  welcome to the 'welcome wall'.... part 1 successfully completed...  more photos to come... get ready office people... the camera is coming your way....