Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have found photography as one of my passions.  Finding joy in what I do has been such a huge blessing, but to be able to witness and document important events in other people's lives through my eyes is another story.

This weekend I photographed my friend Bernice's surprise birthday party for her husband Brian.  I have attended a few gatherings that this couple have hosted in the past so I knew that I would be eating a pretty tasty meal that evening.  Bernice attended culinary school, so I wasn't surprised to see the kind of spread that she had prepared. This girl can feed any crowd!  Not only did she bake and cook some amazing foods, but I was also blown-away by the pretty little details that transformed a what once was but a small, rectangular space into an intimate gathering place.    As I walked around the room glancing between the back of my camera and what was happening around me, I realized one thing ~  it is who you share those delicious meals and amazing conversations with that matters most:  family and a handful of really good friends.  

Now, let me indulge you..

Here is a slideshow I created for Bernice and Brian to share with their friends and family who couldn't make it. I hope that these photographs will somehow make you feel the joy and love that filled the evening.

Here's to celebrating life with friends and family!

xo,

Effie

(here is the mobile version of the slideshow:)

Check out Bernice's work here -->  http://www.thesweethabitat.com/