Sitting here on the couch with my computer on my lap, kleenex stacked next to me while sneezing and blowing my nose, I realize just how badly mommies need “sick days” too! Lol. With 2 young kiddos it is very impossible to get the rest your body needs while you are sick! Fortunately, My Mother-in-law and husband were lifesavers this afternoon! She surprised me after apparently getting a call from my husband to pick-up the kids so I could rest. Then my amazing hubby stopped to pick-up a new supply of Day and Night-quil! So here is a post dedicated to my oh-so-awesome… and very-good-looking hubby! I know he probably won’t be a big fan of the attention, but he’s my better half so he has to put up with it!

Below are photos from a Commercial Session I did for my husband at our family Greenhouse, Platinum Produce, and an international seed company, Rijk Zwaan. Tim worked together with them last season on a variety of Bell Pepper called, Redwing. So this only seemed like a fitting concept to incorporate hockey! I was honored to have the photos posted in their North America 2012 Seed & Services publication!

Enjoy!

Yes, he shot a pepper at me!

Because we can’t do a post without a photo.. or 2, here are a few photos of my 2 little loves starting this season off right! Just adore them!!

This little guy proved to be quite the handful (in the cutest, squishiest way possible! Hehe!). My trip out was set for 2-weeks after her due date to ensure he had arrived by the time of my visit. It was a short trip planned, arrive on a Friday and fly home on Tuesday. Well this little guy decided to come 13-days post-term on the Friday I arrived at 11:30 in the evening. So this little man now gets the new title of “Youngest Baby I Have Photographed” at merely 2 1/2 days old! Thanks to Jenice and her AMAZING wrap techniques we were able to capture some amazing shots of this cute little man.

Congratulations again Amy and thank you so much Jenice for another amazing experience! Can’t wait to do it again!!

Check out the ADORABLE little ruffle bloomers and ballet slippers Madeline is wearing below! And yes, her headband matches! Of course, big brother Rowen wanted to play as well so we can’t leave him out!

Jade, keep up the amazing work!!!

Thank you to Zekveld’s Garden Market in Wyoming, Ontario for letting us use their GORGEOUS apple orchard. Check them out!

p.s. My baby girl is getting so big! She wasn’t even a year old in these photos and now she is almost 17-months!! Hug and kiss your babies as they grow up soooo fast!

Over the next few weeks we talked and I expressed that I would LOVE to just shadow her and be an assistant for her during a newborn session. Now let me tell you, that is normally a very touchy topic between photographers as each of us work sooo hard to perfect our craft. Do we really want to just give away our little tricks and secrets? I thought long and hard before asking but figured that since I live in Canada where my clientele is then I really didn’t see it as a threat. Jenice was amazing! She said if the opportunity arose she would be more than willing to let me tag along.

I was so excited when I got a text from her after being in town for just a few days that she had a newborn session on the books. When she asked if I wanted to come along I was beyond thrilled! The day of the session we met at Starbucks before hand and let me just tell you, she is as sweet in person and GORGEOUS! We chatted a bit and headed over for our session. About an hour in she looked at me and told me to “grab my camera”. It was the last thing I expected! Not only did she let me shoot with her,  but she took a few shots of me “in the moment” as well permission to use the photos for my website and portfolio. How amazing is she!?!

A HUGE thank you to Jenice Ray Photography for letting me be a part of something that meant the world to me!!! If you live in the Central Valley and are in need of High School Senior Photos or a Newborn Photographer… this is your lady!!!

I now introduce you to the beautiful Miss Daniella! LOVE her pouty little lips! Thank you to Mommy and Daddy as well for letting me take part in your session.

Amy thank you so much for being so supportive of my work. I cannot wait to meet your little man! You are going to be an amazing mommy and I know that God will continue to fill your lives with his grace and presence. Xoxo!

Wow, the time is finally here!!!

It felt like just yesterday I was publishing my first post on this website, anxiously submitting an email for my first client gallery, feverishly buying my first props for newborn sessions (which quickly turned into an addiction! Lol). Yet here we are 1,000 Fans and 1-year later! 2011 was an amazing, and bit chaotic year for me. As much as I am a photographer I am also a devoted wife, a loving mother to two beautiful “babies” (Rowen will be 3 in April and Madeline is 15-months) and a traveler to visit my family and friends in California. I found that in 2011 I had a hard time maintaining “balance”. My husband works a minimum of 5-days-per-week an hour away which made the task of being a stay-at-home-mom while starting a business very stressful. I learned a lot this last year through the help of others as well as some much needed and even appreciated mistakes along the way. I can honestly say that those mistakes are helping to make me the photographer I want to be!

So with 2011 behind us and the first-year under my belt I have made it a goal to be true to myself, learn to say no, be a bit more adventuress, step outside my comfort zone, try even harder to balance work with my family life, enjoy the laughs/ tickles/ giggles every chance I get, continue to focus on my passion for those cute and squishy newborns and learn to walk away from the computer!!! Most of the time work can wait, it’s time to enjoy life and have some fun…

I hope you enjoy the giveaway being brought to you by some pretty darn-amazing vendors!!! I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of them! Please take some time to peek through each of their pages and show them all some love (regardless of whether you are local or not) and PLEASE read the rules at the bottom of the post! I would hate to disqualify a winner!

Bonnie V Photography A 16×20 Gallery Wrapped Canvas!

Website: www.BonnieVPhotography.com

My Simply Sweet Boutique $20 Gift Certificate

My Simply Sweet: Big Cartel Shop *Ashlie is the maker of my baby chic, reindeer, lion, giraffe, garden gnome hats, etc

It’s A Preemie Thing $25 Gift Certificate to It’s a Preemie Thing OR Togs N Things (listed next)

Website: www.itsapreemiething.com

Togs N Things $25 Gift Certificate to It’s a Preemie Thing (listed above) OR Togs N Things

Website: www.togsnthings.com for amazing custom onesies for gifts or Photographers!!

Peanut Baby Designs Custom Birthday Outfit: Onesie, Tutu and Headband ($25 value) *local pick-up only or winner pays shipping

Note: Thank You Janice for the adorable onesie and headband for Madeline’s Cake Smash… Tutu will be included for the winner!

Kelly Lumley Photography Free Photography Session   *local winner

Website: www.KellyLumleyPhotography.com

Belly Babe Maternity Boutique $50 Gift Certificate   *local winner

Website: BellyBabeBoutique.ca Located in Sarnia and providing beautiful new and now gently used clothing!

Tracy Sutherland, Independent Scentsy Consultant Plug-In Warmer and Bar of Wax!

Website: TracySutherland.scentsy.ca She’s the reason my house smells so yummy for my sessions!

Carrie’s Cake Shoppe $20-Off a Cake Purchase    *local winner

Note: Carrie made the cake in the Peanut Baby Designs photo above for Madeline’s 1st Birthday!

Studio Baby Studio Baby- Travel Poser

Website: www.studiobabys.com A “must-have” for newborn photogs!

**Cathy is offering all participants in the giveaway a 3pc Positioner Combo FREE with ANY size poser ordered. Please Contact her at cdbishop@hotmail.com to place your order. STUDIO BABY Positioners are for use along with the STUDIO BABY poser, adding more positioning/posing options for BABY. Positioners are used to prop-up or position baby’s head and/or arms as well as placed behind baby’s back for posing support. Made of a high quality durable faux leather/vinyl fabric. Strong velcro closure.
3pc Combo
4″, 6″ Round Positioners
10″ x 6″  Rectangle Positioner

Toni’s Cute Kids $50 Shopping Spree at the store   *local winner

Website: www.toniscutekids.ca/store

Sew Whimsey $25 Gift Certificate

Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/patriciamueller

Matheson Chiropractic Complimentary Initial Visit! ($60 Value) + 25% off initial intensive treatment for all participants!

Website: www.djmatheson.com/    Complete neurological & orthopaedic exam plus Xrays if necessary Visit their website to sign-up for their monthly “health tips” newsletter! **I took Madeline to see Dr. David when she was only a few months old after she kinked her neck in her crib… AMAZING results!! He is brilliant for both adults and children!

Lauris Creations New Golden Love Feather Headband

Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/LaurisCreations

The Hummingbird Press $50 Gift Certificate to their Etsy Store; Choose from Birth Announcement Templates to Save The Date and More

**All participant in the Giveaway will receive 25% off of their Etsy store purchases by using the discount: BVP0212

Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/TheHummingbirdPress

Kelly Lumley Photography Purple Hydrangea  Hair Clip

Website: www.KellyLumleyPhotography.com

Crochet By Alexis Stretch Wrap  *winner splits shipping cost

Ellie Bellie Designs Custom Crochet Hat (up to $25 in value)   *local winner

Website: elliebelliedesign.weebly.com

Itty Bitty Bands Red Flower Headband

Website: Itty Bitty Bands

Crafty Girly Wife  1 headband of the winners choice + 25% OFF for all Giveaway participants!

Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyGirlyWife

Zekveld’s Garden Market $25 Gift Certificate

Sells fresh produce and pick-your-own fruits and veggies during the season! Class trips, Apple Fundraisers and more!

Chic Baby Rose Newborn Petti Romper – Made in the USA!

Website: www.chicbabyrose.com

Cathy Kingma RMT 1 Hour Massage   *local winner

Located at Matheson Chiropractic in Sarnia

Julie Eves Woodworking  Canada themed Birdhouse Trailor   *local winner

**Julie is offering a $5 discount to participants who place an order the week of the Giveaway. Just let her know that Bonnie sent you!

Stitch Craft Photo Props Love Bug Hat, Newborn size

Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/Heather810

Karly’s Kloset $25 Gift Certificate

Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/karlyskloset

Photo Prop Floors and Backdrops $25 Gift Certificate for their Poly Paper or Vinyl Backdrops/ Floor Drops

Big Cartel Storefront for faux fur, fabric, rubber backed floors, baseboards and props

Lil Miss Vintage Vintage Inspired Headband   *local winner

Carrie Wilson Photography 1 Action and 1 Texture Set

Website for Actions & Textures: carriewilsonphotography.blogspot.com/p/actions.html

Bean Sprouts Upcycled Sweater Elf Hat   *Non-local winner pays $10 shipping

Happy Hair Creations $20 Gift Certificate

Website: www.wix.com/happyhaircreations/happy-hair

TAGS Creations 1 Newborn Prop Outfit (rose hat, petal dress and shoes)

Lil’ Bo Peep & Lamb Boutique $20 Shop Credit

Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/LionandLambPhotos

Doddie’s Steeped Tea  Kiddy Berry Kit

Website: www.mysteepedtea.com/teabiscut/

Lindsay Ryan, Arbonne Independent Consultant Arbonne Baby Set

…

IS THAT EXCITING OR WHAT?!!!!!

HERE ARE THE RULES ON HOW TO ENTER THIS AMAZING GIVEAWAY:

First things, first. The 1K/ 1-Year-Birthday Giveaway starts today and will end on February 9th at midnight (EASTERN). ONE WINNER will be selected by random  number generator and announced here on my website with a link to Facebook on February 16th . The winner will have 48 hours to claim their winnings or another winner will be selected. **If the winner is not local, ONE ADDITIONAL WINNER will be selected for the local prizes!

Please leave ONE comment below this blog post stating that you completed steps 1 and 2 below (leave only one comment please). That ONE comment will serve as your giveaway entry.

1. Visit Bonnie V Photography on Facebook and “LIKE” our page.

2. Visit each of the vendor pages and “LIKE” their page! NOTE: You MUST “like” ALL the pages listed below. Also, take your time “liking” all the vendors. Facebook is picky about too many likes all at one time.

My Simply Sweet Boutique

It’s A Preemie Thing

Togs N Things

Peanut Baby Designs

Kelly Lumley Photography

Belly Babe Maternity Boutique

Tracy Sutherland, Independent Scentsy Consultant (Request to join group)

Carrie’s Cake Shoppe

Studio Baby

Toni’s Cute Kids

Sew Whimsey

Matheson Chiropractic (Send Friend Request)

Lauris Creations

The Hummingbird Press

Crochet by Alexis

Ellie Bellie Designs

Itty Bitty Bands

Crafty Girly Wife

Zekveld’s Garden Market

Chic Baby Rose

Cathy Kingma RMT

Julie Eves Woodworking

Stitch Craft Photo Props

Karly’s Kloset

Photo Prop Floors and Backdrops

Lil Miss Vintage

Carrie Wilson Photography

Bean Sprouts

Happy Hair Creations

TAGS Creations

Lil’ Bo Peep & Lamb Boutique

Doddies Steeped Tea

Lindsay Ryan, Arbonne Independent Consultant

…

BONUS ENTRIES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ENTER.

1. Share a link to this blog post on your favorite Forum or Twitter. If using twitter, follow BonnieVPhoto and tweet “@BonnieVPhoto is hosting her HUGE 1K/ 1-Year-Birthday Giveaway at www.BonnieVPhotography.com Check it out!”    Be sure to type the @ symbol to tag our twitter page!

Then come back and tell us you did by leaving a link and a separate (second) comment in the comments section below.

2. Make this your  status: “Go check out Bonnie V Photography at www.BonnieVPhotography.com to enter to win her HUGE 1K/ 1-YEAR-BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!”

Be sure to type the @ symbol before Bonnie V Photography to tag our page.

You have THREE chances to win! Good Luck!

LEGAL STUFF: This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You will NOT be notified publicly via Facebook if you are a winner. You MUST be 18 to participate. Open to participants in the U.S or Canada Only. By entering this giveaway, you are providing information to Bonnie V Photography Photography and NOT to Facebook.  Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items.

On Sunday, November 20th I received a call that people dread. My mother in California was bawling hysterically as she told me that my step-dad, Bob and my step-sister Nicole hit some black ice driving home from a day fishing trip, spun out and hit a car head-on. My sister was taken by ambulance to a local hospital with some minor injuries while my dad was medevaced to a specialty trauma hospital a 24 minute flight away. Over the next few days I received some updates and decided I needed to be out their to provide my support to my mom and family. Over the next 8 days I was in California my dad continued to make huge improvements after initially suffering from a collapsed lung, broken ribs, shattered nose and orbital bones as well as a traumatic brain injury. My sister was extremely fortunate to have only suffered from a broken wrist and some pretty severe bruising, as it could have been MUCH worse! The day before I left, I was given the best birthday present possible, after 9 days in ICU he was transferred to the Rehabilitation Institute on sight to get some cognitive and neuro-therapy.

I am so happy to report that today he will be released and heading home! It is so hard to imagine where he was just 16 days ago but being the God-loving person I am, I know it was made possible by the big guy upstairs! So I would like to give a very loud and proud Thank You to all of those who have prayed for my family during this time. Yours prayers have been heard and are definitely working! Your support and kind spoken words have truly meant a lot to all of us… so Thank You!

Lord Heavenly Father, I want to take a moment to Thank You out loud for all of the blessings you have brought my family. I know that it is your healing hand and comforting grace that has, and will continue to help us get through this. I ask Lord God that you continue to touch my step-dad and help guide him through each stage of his amazing recovery. The glory of this is because of you and I Thank You again for your presence in my life… the source of my understanding and strength! Amen!

~            ~           ~

So it is safe to say that “I’m back” at work. I have been working at a feverish pace to get caught up all while squeezing in some newborn yummy goodness along the way. Lol. So of course, over the next few weeks you will get to see some of the work I have done over the last few months as I get caught up on my blog posts. Here is your first one… Madeline’s 1-year shoot!I just love my baby girl… and her little cheeky grin. Makes me smile every time I see it!!

I would like to thank Zekveld’s Garden Market on London Line here in Wyoming. Check out their amazing “Pick-Your-Own” fruits and veggies as well as yummy baked goods. They even make amazing fruit baskets for the Holidays!!!

It is hard to believe that it has been almost a year since I began my business, Bonnie V Photography. I never would have imagined when my friends and family urged me to follow my passion, that I would have garnered such success in such a short amount of time. I am so truly blessed and grateful to everyone who had such faith in my abilities and has allowed me to capture such special times in their lives.

Starting out I have photographed high school seniors, families (big and small), grandparents, couples/ engagements, weddings, children, maternity and newborns. I have gotten my business to the point now where I would love to focus on what I have the greatest passion for which is my maternity and newborn clients. There is nothing more amazing to me than the glow on an expectant mothers face, the look in a daddy’s eyes when he rubs the belly of his unborn child, the innocence and mere miracle of a newborn baby with their teeny tiny fingers and toes… it touches me so deeply every time!

So beginning in 2012 I will only be booking 2-3 sessions per month with priority given to Maternity and Newborn sessions. As many of you know I have a daughter who just turned 1 in October and my son will be 3 in April. My family is so dearly important to me that I am making it a priority to balance my work and family life. We all know that can be tricky so it can be a challenge. I am seeing how fast my babies are growing up and really don’t want to look back knowing I missed such a precious time in their lives.

I will do periodic specials (Spring, Fall, etc.) for children, and will of course photograph the babies I have been with since day one! And of course, for my California friends and family I will have a few limited spots available during trips out.

So if you are expecting please contact me to reserve your spot! I am already working on bookings for January, one in March and 2 in June!!! With limited spaces available it is never to early to secure your spot!

I also provide gift certificates if you would like to give someone the gift of photos that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Thank you so much again for a HUGE success in 2011 and I can’t wait to see where the next year will take us!

Here are some photos from her cake smash with photos from her outdoor session at Zekveld’s will follow shortly!

Cake is courtesy of Carrie’s Cake Shoppe in Petrolia. Madeline’s cute “1″ onesie and beautiful headband are from Janice at Peanut Baby Designs. Thank you so much ladies for sharing your talents with me on such a special occasion.