My bestie, Meagan.  She’s that beautiful glowing, joyful girl who every one loves.  When we first met I kept telling her that she was so young, like, young like my younger brother, and there was no way I’d be friends with my little brother’s friends.  And here we are, years later, bffs, with baby number two on the way. Mason is actually due end of June on Mr. Wonderful’s birthday!

Mr. Wonderful and I headed to Buckeye, and we photographed Andrew, Meagan and Anderson on their field, where soon, their custom home will be built.  The floor plans are in the works, and the dreams are to the sky, it will be a lovely vision.  Mr. Wonderful and Andrew get along perfectly, like best buds, which makes it very easy for MK and I.  Andrew loves classic cars, and so he brought along another family car for this perfect maternity session.

Part of this session reminded me of The Notebook, the suspenders and the water.  Congratulations Meagan and Andrew, love you both!

Diana Elizabeth is teaching Marketing Momentum next month for 4 weeks online.  It’s a class for those who want to set up their photography business! 

Portraits

Who didn’t want to be Miss America as a little girl?  If you ever wanted to be, well, we’d probably be fast friends.  The dream is lovely and the journey there is fun, no matter how far you get.  Miss Jennifer Sedler, the current Miss Arizona impressed Miss America judges so much that she was the 3rd runner up to Miss America!  What a beautiful, talented and well spoken young lady.

We headed to The Felch House Inn in downtown Phoenix with floral headbands in hand created by Designs by E.

I’ve said it more than once and I’ll say it again.  I love pageant girls.  It’s the ambition, community service driven, talent, and beauty that is just in the air when I’m around one. And some of my closest friends I’ve met through pageants.  Jennifer was not only easy to shoot, but she was fun.  We probably could have shot together for a few more hours if the sun didn’t disappear behind the clouds!

I love the Miss Arizona Organization, having been a local titleholder and semi-finalist in my early 20′s. I have received lots of scholarship money for school because of the organization. If you are interested in entering, visit the Miss America Organization website to get information.  Entering a local level Miss America pageant is free, and yes, a talent is required.  You must win at a local level before you can compete for a state title such as Miss Arizona.  Then if you win, off to Miss America, baby!    The Miss America Organization is open for young women ages 17 to 24.

If you are 18 to 26, you can compete in the Miss Universe Organization (Trump’s company), which is what Miss USA is a part of.  There is no talent required, just an entrance fee and you can complete straight for a state title.  I also participated in this system, placing as a semi-finalist and had an amazing experience.

Diana Elizabeth says to get over stage fright, to speak eloquently, to be community service oriented, try entering a pageant.  You’ll find the experience rewarding no matter what the outcome.

Portraits

Cutie pie Owen is three.  What a big boy!

Diana Elizabeth would like to share that according to Owen, Mr. Wonderful’s name is BenGERMAN.  Adorable.

Portraits

Every one has a story.  A story that is worth sharing, a story that forever changes their life, heart, and perspective.

My long time friend Nicole and I were on the Fiesta Bowl Queen and Court as Fiesta Bowl Princesses while we were juniors in college.  Nicole was at ASU and I represented UofA and we clicked almost instantly.  She was my bestest princess buddy and because of her company and her incredible family, the college football season was a blast and what I consider to be one of the most rewarding times in my pageantry career (even though technically it’s not a pageant).  Post college we kept in touch as I moved back to California to Los Angeles and then somehow found myself returning to the state of Arizona.  It was wonderful to spend time with my Nicole.

Today, Nicole and her twin sister Tonia with their sweet mom Diane own the popular and posh bridal and prom gown boutique, Uptown Bridal & Boutique in the old historic part of Chandler, Ariz.   The store is darling.  The dresses are gorgeous, the experience is one of a kind and many of my brides have purchased their gown there.  I love that we’re in the same business now!

I am honored and excited to share the story of Nicole and Graham, and their little princess Charlotte, their first daughter of two.  Charlotte was born with a cleft lip.  She is beautiful, well spoken, divalicious, and an utter and complete doll as you can see during the times she’s stepped in front of my lens.  Nicole started Million Dollar $mile Celebrations which is not a business but a way for her to create awareness and raise funds through celebrating.  Charlotte doesn’t get birthday gift for herself, even though it’s her birthday.  Instead, she requests gifts and donations that will be given to other children, just like her, to raise awareness, and to remember all the other people who helped her.

A little Q&A session with Nicole to educate you about this birth defect and how common it is.

What was your first initial reaction when you found out Charlotte was going to have a cleft lip?

The moment that I saw the black and white screen displaying my baby’s face, I instantly knew something wasn’t right. My heart sank, the room grew quiet, my dreams seemed to crumble, the ultrasound technician tried to get a better image, the room grew colder, and I looked into the teary eyes of my husband, as my sister asked, “What’s on the baby’s lip?” I didn’t need to hear the answer. I already knew; a cleft lip. As the ultrasound technician began to explain, the information entered my head, but didn’t settle upon my heart. I didn’t cry. Graham on the other hand shattered. He went into the attached bathroom and I could hear him sobbing. My mother and sister cried silent, helpless tears. Steadily, I listened to the diagnosis with such bravery that I even surprised myself; a unilateral cleft lip with suspected cleft palate. We left in shock with the printed images of our daughter.

What was the most challenging part as a parent having a child with a cleft lip?

Later that night we found out Charlotte was going to have a cleft lip, Graham and I crawled into bed, cried together, and spent the day mourning the loss of our “perfect” baby girl.

“I thought she’d be beautiful?” my husband would cry.
“She’ll be beautiful to us.” I’d reply.

I dragged myself out of bed and onto the World Wide Web. BIG mistake. I had yet to discover the helpful “cleft” websites and instead found myself viewing scary images and terrifying information. Then I found cleftline.org. I stayed up all night long, watching the clock, waiting for morning to call the Cleft Palate Foundation’s Cleftline. I was the first call of the day and received the comfort and information that my hurting heart needed so badly. After two more ultrasounds, a neonatologist visit, two meetings with surgeons, and an amniocentesis later, Graham and I were ready to meet Charlotte.

The delivery on March 24, 2008 was picture perfect. She was placed on my chest not facing me so I asked her to be turned around that I could see her face. What I saw made me cry harder than ever before, “She’s beautiful!” Graham and I put our heads together, took turns kissing each other and our new baby, releasing “happy” tears along with five months of tense thoughts and unknown fears. Our daughter was here, just as gorgeous as we had ever imagined, and we were instantly in love.

What did you and your husband do over the first year to fix Charlotte’s cleft lip?

Charlotte lived up to her name. She was strong, enduring a NAM device, daily taping, and her lip revision at three months and three days. Along the way, she won the love of all those she met; our little Miss Congeniality. Looking back, I am saddened that we expected more than a healthy baby. We craved “The World’s Most Beautiful Baby,” and I thank God that Charlotte was born with a cleft to teach me a little something about true beauty.

What are the causes of a cleft lip and palate?

Cleft lip & palate is the most common birth defect in the United States.  Approximately 1 in 600 babies are affected.  Although genetics and environment can be a cause, I have come to believe that our ’birth defect’ was something bigger than myself… a blessing!  Since Charlotte’s first birthday celebration in 2009, we have gathered donations from friends and family members at each and every birthday for local, national, and international Cleft lip & palate charities and foundations.  I have spoke intimately with other “expecting” and new families and publicly at national conferences. I’ve found myself becoming a Pathfinder, mentor, and advocate for others like myself.

What would you say to parents who might experience what you and your husband went through?

Congratulations on the birth of your new baby.  The birth of a child is a special time bringing a full spectrum of emotions; joy, fear, excitement and anxiety.  The birth of a child with a cleft lip and/or palate can cause many more feelings and questions.  I know this from experience.  My daughter was born in March 2008 with a cleft lip and palate.  I remember the exact moments of discovering my daughter’s cleft during an ultrasound, looking at her face for the first time, and seeing her smile after her first lip surgery.  Please believe me when I say that I wouldn’t change a single one of these moments if I could.  I have attached my daughter’s full story if you wish to read about my family’s experience. If you are a parent that will be born with a cleft lip & palate, click here to read Nicole’s letter to you.

What do you hope to accomplish through all of your roles?

Me as a mom: We don’t know why or what caused Charlotte’s clefts.  She had two mandatory surgeries in her first year… the first was the hardest.  she was 3 months and just barely 10 pounds.  she’ll have two more to improve the overall esthetics.  I had/have a 1/25 chance of having another baby with a cleft (ps. we’re done)  but my second daughter was born unaffected. My daughters will both have a higher risk of having a baby with a cleft.

Me as a mentor: I have been trained with both a local and national foundation to give advice and support others in a similar situation.  But, every single family that I have had the pleasure and privilege of lending an ear to or offering my advice came into my life from a friend or a friend of a friend… it’s a huge planet, but a small World. 1 in 600 babies are affected

Me as a party gal: In my lifetime, I hope I can raise $1,000,000.    At the current age of 3, Charlotte is already aware and excited that her birthday is a day of celebrating and giving to others. With countless parties ahead to plan, we set our eyes on the BIG money… a million.  I know an annual party alone won’t raise a million but it’s a start.

How you can help: “Like” Million Dollar $mile Celebrations on Facebook during the month of March (this month!) and for every new fan, $1 will be donated to a cleft organization. It’s as easy as that!

More information: Million Dollar $mile Celebrations Blog / Million Dollar $mile Celebrations on Facebook

Read more of Charlotte’s story and journey here and here.

Diana Elizabeth says there is nothing like growing old with friends, to have been at Nicole and Graham’s wedding, seeing two little girls added to the family.  Life is so amazing the older you get with the company you have to surround you.

Portraits

I didn’t turn 16 until I was three months into my junior year.  I also refused to get my license until much later, but then I couldn’t ride the school bus because the consensus was, if you were a junior or senior riding the bus you were not cool.  And so, Carrie backtracked from her house to mine to get me every morning before school.  It was a pretty good deal since we were both on our high school’s dance team – Carrie being one of the co-captains, so she’d drop me off after dance practice.

We had this little group in high school, we were named the Mod Squad by a teacher and it stuck.  We wore oversized big black glasses before they became popular again.  We even spent a Valentine’s Day one year together going through wedding magazines and over dosing on candy as we watched My Best Friend’s Wedding.  Almost two years ago, our little Mod Squad group met up in Kona, HI where Carrie now lives with her husband.  Becky flew in from Sacramento, April from San Francisco, and myself from Phoenix.  It was like old times, which we still debate if that’s a good or bad thing considering it’s 10+ years since high school.

Carrie is one of those friends I can say anything to. She won’t judge me, I am pretty sure she still laughs at me.  She just gets me having known me since junior high, and if anyone is my friend for that long, that says quite a lot.  On our honeymoon, Mr. Wonderful and I caught up with Carrie and Eric and walked along the Kukio Beach, an incredibly gorgeous white sandy beach, a private yet public beach in Kailua-Kona.

Congratulations Eric and Carrie!  Benjamin and I had a great time and thanks for the amazing dinner, we had a blast!  Can’t wait to do it again in Phoenix when you bring the little guy!

Diana Elizabeth kept saying out the window, “I want to shoot there!” as Mr. Wonderful drove along the coast of Kona.  The greenery once you make it past the desert is absolutely beautiful with lots of rolling green hills and plantation that you can only see in Hawaii. Next time.

Portraits

By now you know one of my favorite people is Ricki of la Ricki events.  Not because of what she does, which is definitely most beautiful, but because of who she is.  Her heart, her calmness, her soul just radiates with all that is good.  I was so happy to have her by my side on my big wedding day. She will also be planning my backyard Phoenix reception!

She has the key to my home, she leaves me cute gifts, and her family bought a home close to mine so I’m even more excited to have her as a neighbor!

A glimpse into Ricki’s soul – Mr. Wonderful and I are registered at Pottery Barn and Macy’s and I’ve moved out “wedding date” to our reception date and have added items.  I often get stumped. I know I look like I have everything together don’t I? Riiiight.  Ricki logged into our registry and told me everything to add.  I did every single thing. You know why?  Because Ricki has everything together and knows I need a gravy boat.  Is that even what it’s called?  She looks past the pretty things and goes for the pretty and practical.

She started tearing up during our shoot out of no where in downtown Phoenix.

“Ah, I’m starting to cry, I’m all hormonal,” she said as she blinked her eyes really fast.
“Are you OK?” I asked.
“Yes, I’m just grateful.”

No more as grateful as I am for having you in my life.  I can’t wait to meet baby Michael.  You and me Ricki, we share the same heartbeat. I love you so.

Makeup and hair: Mariana Marie

Diana Elizabeth realizes there are only a few more good temperature months in the year.  She is not shooting after the month of May and not before the month of September.  It will soon be time to escape to Northern California!

Portraits

One of my favorite families stopped by the house for a quick Christmas photo.  Owen just loved to smile on cue.

Don’t judge me for my lack of winter grass. This is my first winter season as a home owner with no HOA to do it for me. Apparently there’s a difference between winter and summer grass and I found out a little too late. The front was lagging so I instructed my gardner to concentrate on one area at at time.  So, the front looks decent.  Kind of.

The “look for your pockets” is the best thing to tell kids to do.  Try it.  You’ll see.  Instant GAP model!

I’m also glad I can finally use this bench I bought from Rust & Roses.

Diana Elizabeth still loves it when Owen says her name.  He actually says it right now, which is great but also a little sad.  She always loved “Dinah-nah” a lot.

Portraits

Because y’all know I just love my Buckeye families!

This gorgeous girl is graduating from ASU next month. I jokingly told her I’d change her red top to a brighter red and her flowers to blue, you know, to UA’s colors.

Anderson is 9 months old!

Diana Elizabeth says the cotton is ready for some pickin’ in Buckeye!

Portraits

Whatever you celebrate, I hope it’s a very happy, merry, wonderful one.

Warmest wishes to the families and couples who stepped in front of my lens for my holiday mini sessions held at JAM and styled by la Ricki.  You are all so beautiful.

The adorable props and tree decorated by la Ricki herself.  I got to take home the decorations, lucky me.  She spoils me.

Location: JAM / Props and decor: la Ricki

Diana Elizabeth was happy to meet new families and catch up with old friends during holiday session time. It’s the most wonderful time, of the year!

Portraits

I know what you’re thinking because I thought the same thing.  The girl is gorgeous.  And you sorta can’t take your eyes off her because she’s so pretty and close to flawless.  I’ll tell you something else, she’s as sweet and genuine as can be, and she loves God with all her heart and soul.

Meet Ashley, a girl who has a passion for God’s Truth, promises, purity in relationships, and the Lord has put it on her heart to share all of these things with young ladies everywhere, starting with her blog, Verse 14.  She has set an incredible example in her own life and taken the trials and triumphs she’s endured at a young age to quickly learn and share it with others in hopes that they too know that their hope and worth is in the God and his Truth.

Ashley and I used to got to the same church together which is how we met, and through a sweet email she reached out to me and we met for coffee.  We talked.  I shared how I overcame brokenness, heartache, and what I had to do to move on.  I shared how quickly God can heal a heart when you cling to His truth and when you really know that you understand God’s character and His love.  We talked about her dreams, her goals, her passions and how to take what you are passionate about, and turn it into something you do every single day.  And so, I’m very proud to introduce all of you to Ashley.  A girl who has been blessed with a beautiful face but also an incredible heart and kindness that can only be from above.  I hope you will follow her blog, read her stories, and pass along the link to others who can be uplifted by her messages.

A little Q&A session with Ashley of Verse 14.

Why was Verse 14 created?
Verse 14 was inspired from personal life experiences.  Psalm 139:14 was not just a spoken truth, but a revolutionizing statement from my Creator. Over the course of my life it has transformed my mind, heart, and ways of  surviving through a pop derived culture!  I would be selfish not to share!

What event in your life do you think changed you?
Event(s)might be a better way of asking that question. It might be cliche to say “A devastating break-up changed me.” Or cliche that I had no job and prospect of employment.
My bank account read $0. After traveling around the world, I came back home to live with my parents and was forced to start from ground zero. But is it cliche, if all of those events happened within the same month? Cliche or not, I lived it, and it forced me to seek outside myself!

What do you hope to accomplish with verse 14?
Verse 14 is a life goal for me. It is a message given to me by the Lord and I will spend the rest of my life sharing it with others.  Lord willing, I desire to teach this message in school settings, conferences, retreats, camps, anyplace willing to let me speak!  Over time, I would love to publish a book and produce a study guide based on all the research I have accumulated over the years.  As for now, I am enjoying the hands on experience, as I share life with many incredible young ladies!

What is your message?
Established Truth can only be found in the One whom created you.  To seek answers from anything other than your Creator is to reap self destruction.  What lies have you believed?

What advice would you give to those younger than you?
Never limit yourself.  Limitations are the lies that hold you back from discovering your magnificence.

Who is your inspiration?
“God has to absolutely mark our lives with His glory. He’s come to take us this far. So far it has to be God.”  -Beth Moore
Outside of Jesus, and Bible Characters, Beth Moore!  I aspire to live wholly devoted to my Maker, as she demonstrates through her studies and teachings.  Her love for God is captivating and contagious.  She is a woman who will look back on her life and say “by God’s grace. I have come ‘THIS FAR.’” If I can one day look back on my life and say “All on account of God, I have come SO far!”…and the ruckus I construed proves my statement to be true, I will have successfully lived out my purpose and Verse 14!

Diana Elizabeth says, of course these images were shot in her lovely backyard.  In just a few months, backyard reception time (1 of 2 this spring).  Yay!

Portraits