Today was the first North Central Parenting Group Class and Meeting for the Fall of 2012. I had the privilege to attend, not as a parent, but as a sponsor. Fourteen years ago today (just about) I attended my first NCPG meeting and I will never forget it. My son, Nick (now 14.5 and a freshman at Brophy H.S.) was just six months old and I felt like my life completely revolved around him. I had no idea the lasting friendships that I would make and the wealth of information about child rearing that awaited. All I knew was that I had quit my full time job and needed to see other people like me in order to feel “normal” again. Not only did I absolutely look forward to the classes and social events through NCPG, but I came to rely on the information I learned and know that it made me a much better mother, wife and friend. I am so proud to be able to support NCPG with the Fall Photography Fundraiser that we have created! I am donating 10% of all proceeds from this special portrait event to NCPG. I have dedicated two days, September 28 and 29 to this event. Please call my studio to reserve your spot or for any additional information. 602.263.5098

The Spring Sip N Shop this past weekend was a huge success!  We ended up having a total of 12 local boutiques participating, including The Willows, Olive Annie, Kelly Klose stationary, Boo Boo Bags, The Affordable Designer, Mombomb, Jewel Ya, Stellar Royalty Scraps and Stones, Sara Nevins Designs, Raph Infant and Child, and Lou Lou’s Decor.  I think everyone had a great time!  

The best part was that we raised almost $600 from our raffle that will go directly toward the printing of the portraits of foster children for the Arizona Heart Gallery!  Very cool!  Thank you to all the vendors who participated and all the great people who bought the tickets.  We were also featured on News Channel 3 on Friday night!  Special thanks have to go to Carey Pena who worked on the story of the Heart Gallery for a year.  You can view the story by clicking here.

I also would like to thank all 18 great clients who participated in the special studio sessions Saturday!  I can’t believe that I photographed 18 sessions in one day but it was a great way to spend the day and I loved getting to see all your amazing  kids.  It was actually really relaxing for me.  We will do another event like this in the fall!  Check out some of the images from these sessions above.  

There will be a great raffle to benefit the Arizona Heart Gallery.  You can win some great prizes including a session and portrait by Mara. 

We are also offering a 20% price reduction on all portrait session retainers and portrait prices for sessions now through the end of 2008 that are booked during the Sip N Shop (even beach sessions)! Additionally, just in time for Father’s Day, Mara will be photographing children in mini sessions at the studio all day on Saturday.  For only $150, you can receive a beautiful framed black and white portrait of your child(ren).  Call to reserve your spot or for more information.  602.263.5098