Archive for May, 2012

Farm to Feast at Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm

If you’ve spent anytime with me, you’ve probably heard me mention Summerfield and Waldorf education (sorry if too much ;) .  I rarely climb on to a little soapbox but I’m so in love with this type of learning that I just can’t help myself.  My husband is probably the most intelligent person I know…not because he knows everything (although, he may beg to differ) but because his thirst for knowledge never gets quenched.  There’s a ribbon on his Christmas stocking that says “I Love to Learn” and Santa definitely pegged that one.  While I’m sure he was born with a bit of this passion, after visiting the school he grew up in (Summerfield), I instantly knew that it was responsible for most of his love of learning.  The children are shown how fun, interesting and rewarding education can be.  They’re taught how to think on their own on a timeline that matches their development.  They’re shown how to learn instead of what to learn.

This county is fortunate to be full of wonderful Waldorf schools and we’ve been lucky enough to send our little girl to Summerfield.  It’s been an amazing experience for her and since we’re a young family trying to make our way in this not so affordable county, their financial aid has been invaluable.  Because it’s important to them to keep their doors open to families of all income levels, events like Farm to Feast are an absolutely enjoyable necessity.

I’m always honored to photograph our events and this years Farm to Feast was no exception.  What an inspiring event!  Guests were treated to tastings of Sonoma and Napa counties best wines, including:  Coturri WineryClaypool CellarsMartinelli WineryDavis Family Vineyards, and many more!

Their feast was provided by Sonoma County’s award winning & amazing chefs:

Tracie Des Jardins of Jardiniere & Manzanita

Duskie Estes & John Stewart of Zazu and Black Pig Meat Co

Daniel Kedan of Peter Lowell’s

All brought to them with the extraordinary maitre’d stylings of Nick Peyton from the two Michelin-star, Cyrus

But, they weren’t finished yet!  Guests continued to be spoiled with scrumptious desserts from Patricia Tan of the Michelin-star Farmhouse Inn.

The evening was full of generously donated auction items and at last count, we reportedly raised over $120,000 for this fantastic school!  Thank you to all that contributed – from the volunteers to the donors to the guests!!  Enjoy the images!


The First Year with Sam!

As most of you know, I’ve been fortunate enough to create a time capsule for this wonderful family!  I met Sam when he was only a few weeks old and got to photograph him throughout his entire first year.  We’ve preserved precious moments and memories that are absolutely priceless.  Almost all of these images have captured a milestone or something special that this family wants to always remember.  They celebrate the beautiful every day life that this little guy lives and showcases how much he’s grown.  This is the reason I love photography – keeping these memories alive for mom and dad and knowing that when he’s all grown up, his parents can hand him back memories of one of the most perfect times in his life.  These really are the days to hold close and I’m so honored that I was able to do that for his family.   Enjoy!!