Right before Christmas, I was invited into the Miranda home to capture real family life.  I knew it was going to be a great shoot when I was offered a glass of fantastic red wine almost as soon as I got there!  Joe & Liza have quite a collection and it’s now my favorite way to shoot…AND, I should also mention that Liza is an amazing cook…after our ordering session a few weeks after this shoot, she totally treated me to her homemade Thai food.  It was ::singing:: Incredible!! I learned that Liza and I share a love for organic products and our sharing of foodie places to visit (like The Terrapin Creek Cafe in Bodega Bay ) and our mutual love for the Sonoma County region started with our very first conversation on the phone.  We also share a love of children and her and Joe’s kids are Beautiful!  She told me on the phone before I came that they would probably need some warming up time when I got there…but….

As soon as the door opened they were yakity-yakity-yak-yak-yak!  Off to the playroom/loft I was swept and I got the grand tour from the girls’ point of view. Once I finally made it out and into the kitchen, there was Liza “whipping up” the afternoon snack of baked brie, fresh salami, baguette and of course the now-famous red wine. Joe dotes on the girls and their teamwork in parenting is a sweet dance.

What I’m reminded of when I’m spending time with families like this one is what truly matters most.  You might think I’m going to say wine…and I almost did…but, sincerely, again what I noticed is connection within the family.  Holding.  Touching.  Delighting.  Purposeful and intentional love. It makes every difference.  The girls were happy.  And that BABY!  She never complained one single time.  I mean…babies fuss when they get sleepy…but she was content as she could be. All smiles and just go with the flow. I loved hearing all the stories about how Joe & Liza met in medical school, how Liza grew up in the midwest, and how she quit her practice to stay home with the girls…and how Joe is gonna get my husband to stop snoring!!!  I loved watching Liza and Joe feed Gelsey and show that gentle care for a baby.  I loved capturing the girls twirl and giggle and snuggle down for story time. There really isn’t a better job in the world…

Joe & Liza…thank you so, so much for your simple hospitality. I LOVED being in your home and playing with your girls and having plenty of time to get to know you all.  It’s sweet to see the girls play together and I’m looking forward to watching everyone grow over the years.  Looking forward to meeting up again soon. I can’t tell you how spoiled I feel to have shared that wine and Thai food…you’re too good to me!!

Oh…Joe & Liza also love jazz music so if you’d like to watch the full slideshow of their shoot, you can see it right here!

Much love,

Treacy