Rachel Ludwig Photography | Abbotsford Portrait and Wedding Photographer

We went to Calgary to visit my husband’s brother, sister-in-law and their family for Canadian Thanksgiving this year, like we’ve done the previous two years. My sister-in-law happens to be an amazing chef, which is a great motivation for us to make the trek each year (and that is in addition to really enjoying their company!). Once again, we enjoyed several incredible meals and a wonderful time together. Thanks guys…you’re the best!

Each time we’ve been in Calgary I’ve been really wanting to do a photoshoot in the beautiful golden grass they have there at this time of year. So glad I finally got my chance and we got lucky with some unseasonably nice warm weather and (as the Calgarians claim, always) beautiful blue skies. I was so excited when I saw this location…the aforementioned golden grass, some haybales, and some perfectly graffited old silos. I knew it would be perfect for our PhotoSession!

For those of you who know Bart & Colleen, you might notice the addition to their family. Archie is their rambunctious, energetic, trouble-making, but oh-so-adorable Brittany Spaniel puppy. I tell ya, I thought my toddler kept me running…but I think this dog beats her hands down! But who can resist those sweet puppy eyes?

PS If you’re in the Calgary area and interested in a PhotoSession if/when we’re out their next, please send me an email and I’ll add you to my list!

My very last shot of the session…and as I like to call it, the Money Shot.

They kindly obliged me with an American Gothic pose for my collection!

This one totally melts me.

I love how this one pretty much sums up the girls’ personalities just about perfectly!

Look how handsome he is!

The graffiti R was perfect for Riley.

As was the D for Devon.

Unfortunately, the words GRAD 08 don’t happen to have L’s for Logan and Leah, but we made do.

And two more of the BFF’s

I’ve known Sue for probably about 12 years now, but I actually met her through her husband Ken. Ken was almost my next door neighbors for several years in elementary school, and we went to the same schools all the way from grade one to grade twelve. I think there’s something so cool about having that kind of history with friends.

Not only is Sue beautiful on the inside and out, she also wins trooper of the week award. They just moved into their beautiful new home last weekend while she was 9 months pregnant. She’s definitely my hero (I clearly remember moving when I was 3 weeks pregnant, and I thought I was going to die.) But Sue pulled it off with style…I think her house may be more decorated than mine, and we’ve lived in our home for over two years now!

We’re going out of town to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend (for any wanna-be thieves…we have house-sitters and an alarm. Plus I’m taking all my camera equipment along. haha) but I wanted to share a few of my favorite images from our PhotoSession, because I know Sue is dying to see them!

I still can’t get over how amazing she looks. Can you believe this is #3 for her?

Sue and Ken have such a fun relationship, and I loved that I was able to capture some of the essence of that with this image.

Even though this picture captures a much more introspective and serious Sue than most people see, there’s something about it that I love.

I was so excited to hear of the happy and safe arrival of the oh so beautiful and adorable Olivia. Yesterday Marietta, Jake, Olivia and I hung out and took pictures in between feedings and snuggles. These new parents are so laid back and easy-going, Miss Olivia is one lucky little girl!

I gotta tell you though, being in close proximity to a sweet little one like her sure has my baby fever in full gear! There’s nothing quite so perfect and precious as a brand new baby

As I was going through the pictures, I really saw a resemblance to Marietta, especially in this one:

The weather has been really rainy here the last few days….so I really loved how the raindrops were captured on the window here. I wonder, if Olivia would have memories of these first few days, would she remember fondly the pitter-pattering of rain on the roof as they were all cozy and snug inside?

Remember these pictures from their maternity session?

My absolute favorite shot of the day