Blossom time

Holy Springtime Batman!!! 

This girl has been crazy busy this month- I can't believe that May is just around the corner....  Big Bertha (my pet name for my camera) and I have been putting on some serious miles traveling to new places, meeting some really cool people and visiting with old friends...  and I love every second of it!

I am ridiculously tardy in posting from this shoot... but better late than never, right??????????

Miss O is getting SO big girl- can't believe how much she has changed since October!  I met with her and her super cool parents at the

UW Quad in the middle of the awesomeness of all the cherry trees in bloom- it's a  glorious sight for sure!

 Unfortunately for us- there was about 500 other photographers all doing the same thing on that cold grey morning... so we were playing dodge the tri-pod....  (you find the perfect spot but have to wait for someone else to vacate while staying out of someone else's shot  and Miss O is very busy- she had much ground to explore here....) but we still had some great laughs and some sweet shots.

Our kids are only this little for such a short time- capture it now because you'll blink and they'll be grow-ups before you know it!  xoxo Didi V.

The Sun and the Moon...

When I was a little girl (and for always I guess) ...She used to sing that I was her sunshine.... and it donned on me today- she was my moon.  The moon is what helps to keeps us balanced on this planet- the push and pull of the ocean tides, weather and gravity, etc. 

She was my gravity... she kept me centered in the face of life's biggest storms. She was my safe harbor, my protector,  and she taught me everything I needed to know about life and how to be a good person.  She made me work hard, sing loud and laugh even louder.

Today my beautiful momma would have been 58.  Happy birthday mom... I love and miss you so much....  Thanks for being my moon. xoxo Doo-Anne

*I'm so glad that she let me catch a few shots of her- it was rare.  I ran across these the other day and it made me smile to see her smiling back at me.  Please don't put off having photos taken of yourself- you never know how much of a gift you are leaving behind!*

Move over Martha...

That's right- I said it.... Move over Martha. 

Ok- I'm not really that crafty anymore- altho- I did turn out some pretty darned cute hair pretties for some darling girls for portrait sessions this spring, and I cooked up a storm this weekend...and not just my easy go to basics... I actually- wait for it...... used a recipe this weekend!  I know,... I know- my family was stunned... and rewarded... the braised beef short ribs in a garlic-red wine-balsamic reduction over heavily garlic-buttered smashed potatoes was dare I say- criminal... it was ridiculously good.

Tonight I turned out stuffed pork chops and pan fried zucchini w/ buttered bread crumbs, sprinkled w/ parm s&p, and a dollop of ranch sour cream dip... comfort food to the inth degree on this cold cruddy wet day.

I spent some needed down-time resting and relaxing with my family this weekend- we were sad that Oni's basketball tourney was canceled for her age bracket but happy to have some rest.  We've snuggled, laughed, watched movies, hung out with friends and took a deep breath.. and it was a very good thing.*wink*

And this photo montage- really is my house- inside and out- if you've missed it somewhere in all of my ramblings... I L.O.V.E to decorate for the holidays.....ALL of them actually....  My friend Alicia laughed at me yesterday on a quick visit and told me that she no longer needs to buy a calendar- she just needs to drive past my house to tell what month it is... (I think this is a good thing...)

Anyhoo........I hope you take a big breath and hang out with your family- really listen to your kids and kiss your spouses this week. Keep checking back- I promise to be bringing you all sorts of new photos to oogle and hopefully write something that will make you smile.  Till next time Cio! xoox Didi V.

Michael & Brayden

Happy Spring everyone!!!!  I know- it's been a whole month since I've checked in- and I have had so much to blog about and do- and not enough time to do it in!  So I am playing catch-up- and rather backwards I might add......  so stay tuned- spring is booked extremely full- so lots of photos will be coming your way soon!

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I had a change in my schedule this weekend (no basketball tournament after all) so I had some time open up to grab some shots of a couple of my favorite boys....and even tho the weather wasn't the greatest...  we still had a ball!  I showed Michael some cool parts of town and he showed me some mad skills on his long board. 

Baby brother Brayden was chillin' (aka napping) through his big brother's exhibition- but he woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed for a few shots with one of his favorite people. 

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Spring is filling up fast so call and catch your spot for Spring and Summer sessions...  The baby chix session next weekend is FULL, and I will be putting on a few more themed sessions for the little ones as the summer progresses.... garden fairies and teddy bear tea party will be amongst them as well as a trip to the Jetty again (back by very popular demand!!!).



Houston... we have landed....

Well folks... I think we're finally there..... the brand spanking new website is up and running! 

A small fragment of my portfolio from roughly the last 18 months and a beautiful new logo to help me create my own brand- created by my super talented friend Nick. AND gorgeous- original music courtesy of my sweet friend Amy Janelle http://www.amypiano.com/  go check her out- her album is available on Amazon.com!!!!  (Always a good thing to have lots of really great creative folks in your camp- I'm crazy blessed with all the artsy folks I know!)

I will be creating an offshoot website from my main sight that will house only the boudoir & pin-ups- so stay tuned for that as well!

I couldn't have done this without the support of my family & close friends, who all think that I may be going over the deep end this month because the only thing I can converse or think about has been this web venture... and all of you who follow my silliness and keep calling me to chronicle your lives... I love you guys!

So go and check it out- and let me know what you think!

http://naturalapproachphoto.com/

Country Girls

With all this sunshine over the last week- I've been running like crazy (and fighting a gnarly cold) so I'm trying to play catch up. (hence why I'm behind in sharing this set)... 

I was so fun to see my girl Bobbi last week when she was in town.  She's an Idaho County girl like me.  And she is the embodiment of simple, un-fussed with beauty.  Amazing hair, flawless skin, Jade green eyes, freckles (I heart freckles) and the sweetest smile..... the girl has got it goin' on!

Every woman should have beautiful photos of herself... mark these times in your life- don't wait to have  a photo-journal of who you are.  Embrace all that is perfect and unique about you......Your family will thank you....

xoxo Didi V.

Boudoir Beauty

I know I've said this before- but I just love shooting boudoir sessions! 

There is something so darned fun about playing grown-up dress up- and helping to channel someone's inner siren.  I have women who come to me wanting to look a certain way- but really unsure of how to achieve that look..... and after we're done- they just walk different- taller- with more confidence- all because I've been able to show them- on camera- what the rest of the world sees- and it's absolutely gorgeous!!!

This beauty chooses to remain anonymous... so I can only share a peek... but be assured- the rest are stunning! 

Thanks for choosing me- and for driving  such a long distance to come and play with me Miss Thing- you are simply gorgeous!!!

Birthday Baby

This has been a whirl-wind year already- and I can't believe that it's also birthday time for my youngest! 

Nine years ago today, I was up at 4 am doing my hair and make-up and getting ready for my scheduled C-section.  It was finally here- the end of the longest 9 months of trouble and anxiety ridden pregnancy and time of my life and the beginning of life with a newborn and a toddler.... and about to be some of the longest days of my existence.

 I was up that early because this time around- I wanted my first photos with baby to not look quite so horrible as I did when Onika finally came into this world...  I wanted to look alive- and perky... (of course after surgery and massive weight gain.... there was no pretty- or perky- just saying...)

Gabrielle came into this world with some pulling and prodding and a few surprises. She was supposed to be small- a low birth weight baby due to what all ultrasounds had said was a two vessel cord baby... there were also the partial placental abruptions and then low amniotic fluid.  We had been hanging by a thread for months of bed rest- praying that she would be ok.  The final scan had placed her at 6 pounds- with there being the possibility of a pound in either direction... small- but do-able.

After a not so pleasant 5 attempts to get my spinal going (thanks Everett General @ Providence).... we were finally down to business.. only she wouldn't fit through the incision..  all I heard was, "uhm... need a little help here...."  and of course I panic (in between puking every few minutes... anesthesia- not very nice to me).  Turns out she was not small, low birth weight- or a 2 vessel cord baby... she was an 8 lb 4 oz, 21.5 inch cruise missile who came out screaming loud and proud!  Our prayers had been answered- she was not only fine- she was perfect!  And so began life with Gabrielle.... our youngest has been determined to survive from the very get go- and that tenacity- is the very core of her personality!

She is not only one sharp cookie- but one of the naturally most gifted athletes we've seen.   She had figured out how to scale the kitchen cabinets before she could walk independently- and was single handedly the reason that our homes had to be baby proofed with locking cabinets and chimes on the doors. (Oni- never pushed that envelope- Gabbi- every danged day).  In fact we called her Houdini for the longest time- clothes, socks, shoes, hair pretties, strollers, crib,car seats... you name it- she could escape it!

So it's a really good thing she was graced with those huge copper colored eyes, and a smile and dimples that go to the moon and back- it's the only thing that has saved her some days!

We are so proud of the person she is- inside and out!  Happy Birthday to our "Hula-Hula" girl!  xoxo

Brayden's back!

oh!  Just look at those eyes!!!  My little buddy Brayden and his pretty momma come by for his Valentine's/ 7mo sitting on Tuesday.  I can't believe how much he's changed in the last 6 weeks!!!  He's all big boy- crawling and sitting up by himself... and personality.... oh!  I just love him!    Love me some baby snuggles!

Slow Burn.....

I absolutely love helping women find their own brand of beautiful!   And every women deserves photos that make her look and feel like a million bucks!

Gwen has said that she was always told she was "cute" or "sweet".. but what she was looking for was "smokin' hot!".... well honey.... I believe we have found your inner siren.... enjoy! {cause girl- you are smoldering and a  slow burn!!!!!}

Your Husband won't even know what hit him for Valentine's day! xoxo Didi V.



Happy Birthday!

I am sitting here in awe of the fact- that at this time- eleven years ago today.... I was being whisked down the halls of Everett General for an emergency C-section after 4 days of inducement (and they were the absolute longest of my life). 

My heart was racing- I was scared to death- and my heart was broken.  I was ready- I was going to push this baby out- natural with little or no pain meds..... I had take all of the classes- read all the books, had a Douala and my husband....

ME:    "Wait!  Where the hell is my husband????"

As we race down the hallway, she's up on the table with my gown ripped back and rubbing iodine all over my enormously pregnant belly....

NURSE:    "He'll be right here ma'am... he's still changing into sterile surgical scrubs."

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Meanwhile.. back in my hospital room.... Ron emerges from the restroom to find the room empty, me and the bed GONE... he freaks- grabs the first orderly he can find...... by the collar and in a rather uncharacteristic moment  screams:

RON:     "Where the hell is my wife??????"

ORDERLY:  "Sir, if you'll just put me down.. I'd be happy to take you to her..."

RON:     "OH! Uhm, thank you"...

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Clearly not some of our finest moments- and yet- they were- They had my strapped down and cut open in record time and with some pulling and prodding- they pulled out the most amazing perfect, little beautiful baby girl out of my abdomen. (I'd be remiss if I didn't say that I had a fleeting moment when I felt like Sigourney Weaver in Alien(s)... but it was the single most amazing and exhausting experience of my 28 years to date, on this planet.

Little did I know THEN  that labor and delivery was absolutely the easiest part about having children!!!!!  And yet- we choose to do this all over again two years later with Gabrielle... so clearly we were brain damaged from lack of sleep- or.... it really is as cool as we think!

Through the months and months that turned into years, with no sleep, teething, potty training and enough laundry to  wrap the entire planet in... we have survived.  We've survived the arrival of Onika M. Miles- (and Gabrielle L.) and their non-stop energy and talking, endless streams of homework, projects and sports practices... and we're only halfway done.....  We still have homework, and more homework.....more endless sports practices and games, driver's ed and more sleepless nights ahead when they begins dating and we'll long for the days that we could hold them in one hand and be the center of their universe.

I am so incredibly, ridiculously proud- and in love with my kids!  Happy birthday to my brilliant, beautiful and crazy talented Onika.  You make my heart soar! xoxo ~ Momma

A day with my girls

Today- was a good day.

We as a family run pretty crazy busy all the time around here at Che' Miles.... so it was a bit of a shock- and a welcome respit- that today- there was not a single thing on the calendar. 

The weather wasn't half bad-{it wasn't that great either tho...} but we braved the chilly air and the promise of a slice of sunshine.  Since the girls' birthdays are coming up... I decided it was time to go and update the snaps of my beautiful girls.  The large scale images of them, that don my walls... are roughly 5 years old!

2005

2006

It took some bribery... a trip to Bite Me Cupcakes was one of our stops, and a cruise through Faded Elegance on First in Snohomish. {we love Miss Kim and her absolutely fabulous shop!}  We got to play dress-up, giggle and just spend some time together.   And it was good.....

The girls have changed soooo much since I originally shot  their now famous "African Queen" shots 6 years ago and so has my ability as a total novice photographer!  Our overall looks have grown up- gotten a bit more beautiful and sophisticated.... and I couldn't have achieved that without them!  They are now, always have been and will likely always will be.......my muses- the ultimate inspiration.  And now that they are getting older- they are my assistants and my color commentators and consultants. {they were two of the four people who's opinions on style I especially value- and consulted when choosing the look for the new website that we'll be launching this spring!!!}

I pulled out this amazing dress from Africa and the beads that I received with it- figuring the girls were old enough to try it on.  I've had this dress in my possession for at least 30 years.  The original owner was a little old lady from back home- who had traveled the world over and had artifacts and curiosities in every little nook and cranny of her amazing home.  I remember commenting that I thought it was the most amazing dress I had ever seen... and she pulled off the display and gave it to me!  And I am still enamoured with it... and I'm so glad I've had an opportunity to utilize it today.... because it was perfect!

Never pass up the chance to spend some time with a good girlfriend or two- and never miss the chance to have a beautiful photo of your self taken.  Every woman- regardless of age- deserves beautiful photos of herself.  Learn to see yourself through someone else's eyes.... You'll be amazed at the beauty THEY see- that perhaps you missed before. 

Better weather is headed our way.... book now for your beauty session! xoxo Didi V.

Camo-Moose

Nothing says baby shower like camouflage, right????

Leave it to my girl Dr. Nicky to turn a VERY unique request into something absolutely adorable!  And this was produced a mere few hours after stepping off of the red-eye back from a business trip... A-MAZING!

Room Re-do

You know- there are some days when I question my sanity...ok- let's be honest- there are a LOT of days when I question my sanity.... 

But when I tackle a monster painting project...  and wonder somewhere in the 9th or 10 hour "Who the hell was I kidding -'it'll be quick'...?????"

I totally want to kick my own arse for taking it on- but once involved.. you can't just stop either... so I then push myself to the verge of physical  illness and and a nervous breakdown! (I keep the makers of Advil and my favorite chiropractors in business... so really- I look at my redecorating spells as economic stimulus!) 

All joking aside tho- there is something so liberating and comforting about completing a room re-do.... for the cost of a couple of gallons of paint, and maybe some new linens you can totally transform your space- and the overall feel of your home.

I'm sure there is some deep seeded emotional need for change and fresh starts this year... but I'm just going to go with- 'because I felt like it'...

I tackled our master suite last Friday- and took a warm & cozy (albeit tired) olive and caramel colored Asian/Balinese inspired space to something that feels like I threw some French Country and Montego Bay/Carribean in a blender!  It works tho-  We have heavy black furniture, and a pretty big master suite- so I decided to go with something bright and fun- and how can you go wrong with a box from Tiffany & Co? right????  I shopped around the house and pulled old artwork and books, etc out of retirement and made a space that feels like a vacation.  With the breeze fluttering through the new sheers and a little bit of sunlight- it's so cool and refreshing.  I crave being in there now.

Change can be a very good thing... go outside your comfort zone today... you might be brilliantly rewarded!

xoxo Didi V.

Gabriel

He's here!  He's here!!!!!  He's finally here!!!!!!!

We've all been waiting on pins &and needles waiting for him to arrive.  We were SOOOO excited to finally meet baby Gabe on Sunday!!!!  And we're over the moon happy for our friends Sussy & Chester.

Congrats guys- he's beautiful!  You do good work folks! xoxo Didi V. {and the rest of the gaggle at Che Miles...}

teddybear hat and coocoon by Fifi @ Daydream Believer

http://ibelieveindaydreams.blogspot.com/

Gorgeous Gwen

Happy New Year! 

Heck it's almost Happy Valentine's...... and speaking of Valentine's....  this is going to be on heck of a gift....

I was SO excited to get to work (it was a whole lot of laughing and playing.. hard to call it work...) with Gwen again yesterday!!!    I met her and her hubby last summer for their "We-Did" session at Edmonds Beach.

We decided to road test my newly redecorated boudoir/master suite that I spent all day painting on Friday and added the finishing touches  to after work on Saturday.. we rather liked it- it's sort of Paris meets Montego Bay... it's fresh and feels like a vacation.  And of course with smokin' hot looks and legs like Gwen's... it was sure to be a hit!  We got some very saucy shots.... I'm pretty sure her hubby may have to receive medical attention when he receives these for Valentine's day.... so ssshhhhhhhh!  Keep it on the DL!