Christmas time is special for families because there are lots of wonderful traditions to be passed down. And I love these traditions and enjoy documenting them so that I can look back on them with with happy tears when my sons are grown. Each year I think to myself, “it’d be great to create a whole album of photos telling the story of our Christmas traditions.” And then I remember that I have two-years worth of photos to print (that’s my New Years resolution). So maybe next year I can get around to making a Christmas album? But for now, I’d like to share some of the traditions we’ve documented this year.

Our traditions start right after Thanksgiving with the search for the perfect tree, which in our family, is one that’s not too wide or tall. Something like this:

This is the first year we cut our own tree and I’m so glad my husband suggested it, because my boys loved watching their daddy “chop down the tree.”

It is so sweet to see my boys want to help their dad.

Then comes the family portrait. You might think this is a breeze for me being a photographer, but I have to be honest—self portraits with my family generally make me grumble under my breath. I set the camera on a tripod and use a remote shutter. The running back and forth to check my settings and forced smiles alternated by frantically coaxing our children to look at the camera, should be enough for me to plan ahead and hire a photographer next year before the busy season kicks in. After all of my grunting and fussing, I’m glad to have this shot. And I’m totally fine with the smirk on my youngest. His day was not going the way he wanted it.

Now that my oldest is learning to write, I will definitely be taking annual photos of letters to Santa. I’m so proud of his new skills and someday I will love looking back on what he was requesting.

We are very blessed to have Santa visit our new neighborhood and I prefer this image over a photo with Santa at the mall any day. What a sweet moment!

And when you’re the mom and photographer, sometimes your camera gets messy. With our cookie baking tradition, my camera had a light dusting with flour…

I love this shot of me with my son. I handed my husband the camera and he captured this sweet moment and I don’t mind if its a little out of focus.

These cookies still aren’t iced as I type this post, but that’s ok, we’ll get to it tomorrow.

Wishing those who celebrate a very merry Christmas!

Yukiko and Brian were married at The Hyeholde Restaurant in Moon Township. Their ceremony was held outside in a secluded lawn that is surrounded by a garden and trees. Yukiko got ready in the dressing room there and this portrait by Alex Jones happens to be one of my favorites of her.

Yukiko had everything together and was ready well before her ceremony so that we had plenty of time to photograph her inside and outside.

This is another favorite of mine. It was so much fun to work with her.

Here’s Brian as his bride was walking down the aisle. He’s so proud.

The ceremony was short and sweet. Yukiko’s maid of honor read a Japanese poem and Brian’s sister-in-law read it’s translation in English. The couple met while teaching in South Korea. Brian taught English and Yukiko taught Japanese. Now they’re getting ready to plant some roots in the States.

They held hands whenever possible and that just makes me smile.

They’re both so elegant and reserved, that it was fun to see them be silly with one another.

giggles

Here are two more favorites. The first is by Alex. I think this is a great example of what you can expect with two photographers. It’s the same moment, but there’s a lot more variety when designing an album this way.

Yukiko brought some great wedding favors from Japan. The “beckoning cat” is a common Japanese figure believed to bring good luck.

These beautifully wrapped packages contained green tea cookies. Thanks to Alex for capturing these details!

Here’s a view of the Round Room at The Hyeholde.

Yukiko and Brian were very sweet when it came to cutting the cake. No cake smashing here!

I heard the baker mention the cake was made with Scharffen Berger chocolate and raspberry ganache and judging by Yukiko’s reaction, it must have been good. The Hyeholde is great place for smaller weddings. Their food is delicious and the intimate setting is very romantic. It’s tucked into a residential neighborhood, but that is quickly forgotten after winding through the long drive to the main building. And it’s a photographer’s delight with stunning scenery.

Yukiko and Brian, thanks for a wonderful day and many blessings to you and your marriage!

Tag Archive for: traditions

Merry Christmas from the Millers: Lifestyle Photography for Holiday Traditions

Wedding at The Hyeholde in Moon Township

Recent Posts

Planning & Pricing Guide

Subscribe