Betsy Marie

If you have been following my blog recently, you have read about this.  If you read the New York times, you have heard about this.  If you watch the Today Show… well, you catch my drift.   If not…here it is:  Both Elisa and her husband, Nathan, were diagnosed with cancer within 11 days of each other.  She has Stage IV Breast Cancer and he has Stage III Rectal Cancer.  Their daughter Sadie is now about 20 months old.  I have been wanting to share these photos I took of them when I went out to visit in March, but it never seemed like the right time.  I’m going back to see them next week and I know that I’ll take more photos, so now must be the time to share them.  Elisa will be putting them on her blog soon (as soon as she feels good enough to write in her usual witty and hilarious way)… And if you have not been to the “Team Bond” website or facebook page, please check it out.  There are some amazing things going on around the world for them.  Still amazes me each time I get an email about another fundraiser or a stranger posts something on their facebook page in a way of encouragement.

(And yes… I know I said the previous post was my last.  I think I’ll actually do one more tomorrow.  Finally in the “working” mode again after a few weeks off.)

Story on the photos… Elisa wanted a few family shots before she lost her hair.  So I went.   I was there (along with two other close college friends) when her hair started falling out.  It was the morning of the taping for the Today Show (to see footage click HERE).  Even though we knew it would be coming, it was still so incredibly sad…  The next day she had chemo.  When we got back I had about an hour before I had to catch my flight home… her hair was coming out quickly.  It was day 13 of chemo… which is what so many people had told us would happen.  She decided to be proactive… and just like that, the happy, fun music came on and the party was started.  Her mom came over… her cousin, Lara, came over.  She didn’t want any tears.  Sadie was there watching and Elisa & Nathan wanted it to be a positive experience.  Her hair was donated to Locks of Love… and here is the story through my lens.  Love to Nathan, Elisa & Sadie… and see you S-O-O-N!!  XOXO

ENJOY:

The new one is coming S-O-O-N… and I’ve been saving sessions to share with you when it launches… along with a CONTEST.  So stay tuned for that!  If you are a vendor of any amazing children’s products please email me to participate in contest (betsy@betsymariephotography.com).  If you are not a fan (i.e. “liker”) on FACEBOOK, make sure you become one because I’ll be announcing the info there first!

But first, this little ANGEL was so much fun to photograph.  This age is usually not so sure about my gigantic camera and stranger being there– so we didn’t get a ton of smiles, however, we got some really sweet looks and probably the most adorable pouty face I’ve ever seen!  (see first photo).  I could just squeeze those cheeks!

ENJOY:

Especially to my amazing mom.  I love you “a lot more bigger than” the whole wide world!  You are the best mom and the best Mimi to Ella & Ryan.  We can’t wait to see you again soon!

Here we are a few weeks ago at my sister’s wedding.  Love this shot (Thanks, Dad!):

I had the privilege of photographing a fundraiser yesterday that was put on by Dress for Success.  It was the 1st Annual Lonestar Derby Luncheon and it was a great success.  It sold out with 200 seats… and all the women dressed in Spring Attire and fancy schmancy hats!  There were two honorees– Katy Messersmith, founder of Katydid Collections and Shon Gables from WFAA.  The Emcee was Kellie Raspberry (can you say HILARIOUS?) and the Keynote speaker was Nancy Lieberman…. also hilarious and so entertaining.  I loved being a part of it– and can’t wait until next year.  Here are a few photos from the event.