You are fearfully and wonderfully made.....Paisley Grace 5/3/17

We are often not giving the opportunity to be invited into what I would call "intimate spaces". I was giving that honor when I thought I would be doing Fresh 48 shots but instead was asked to be present to photograph a birth. This has always been something I thought I would want to do and having this awesome opportunity just confirmed it. It was indescribable...To say that it was a privilege is for me an understatement. This first time momma was calm, brave, peaceful and amazing through the entire process of birthing. It was no wonder that when Paisley finally arrive at 5:10pm that she too was calm and peaceful. Daddy was fully engaged and participated in the process of encourager and coach. I'm grateful for them and wish them best wishes as they embark on the journey of parenting. It will be filled with so much joy, love, tears, laughter and a whole lotta work. Amanda you are such an awesome momma. Thank you for allowing me to be present with you and your sweet family. Blessings to the Alvarado and Smith families. 

Hallie....from Newly Born to One year old.

In my Captured Moments Newborn gallery Hallie's newly born photos were part of my 2016 season. Hallie's grandma, Teresa is a friend of mine and that was how I was introduced to Hallie's momma, Lindsey. I traveled across the bridge to meet with them in their home to capture the first few weeks of Hallie's life. It was such a sweet time and I was so grateful for Lindsey's trust in allow me to capturing her newborn moments. I informed her when we first talked that I was a simple photographer. I didn't really do props or wraps. Just you and your baby.  She loved that idea and gave me a couple of ideas she hoped to capture. I've included a few of the photos from that time we spent together.

Fast forward to February of 2017. Lindsey and I have been in touch during the last year. She reach out to me during the earlier days in November when my son had passed away. She sent me a photo she had found on the Sacramento State website that had mentioned about my son's passing. It was such a sweet gesture during a time that was one of the most gut wrenching of my life. She then contacted me in February asking if I was available to do Hallie's one year photos and she wouldn't have want anyone else but me to do these timeless photos for her and I said absolutely!!! We both had a few detours in our schedules but we eventually worked out a time and a place and below are the results of our time together. I love this family!! 

Lindsey...thank you for not only reaching out to me but for trusting me with your most precious possession...your family. 

The Greatest Generation lost one of their own in February.

On the last day of February our family said goodbye to my Dad...Harold Dyson Rutter, Jr. He passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2016 at the age of 88 years old, surrounded by loved ones, at his home in Fort Mill, SC.

He was born in Altoona, Pa. on February 9, 1929 to Harold Dyson Rutter, Sr. and Clair Helen (Croyle) Rutter.  He was the first-born son of four children to whom he was very close.  His oldest sister Joyce Arlene (Rutter) Shiplett lives in Kingston, PA; and youngest brother Gene Rutter lives in Raleigh, NC. His youngest sister, Edris (Rutter) Colyer, precedes him in death.

Harold never met a stranger he didn’t like, was a seeker of information, a treasure trove of knowledge and was always ready with a hug or time for a conversation. Upon graduating from Altoona High School, he volunteered and was accepted to the US Navy during WWII for the Submarine Service.  He felt fortunate to serve on three different submarines, the USS Corsair SS435, the USS Trumptfish SS425, and a captured German U-Boat, USS Ex-U2513. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_submarine_U-2513  

He served on the USS EX U-2513

Following his honorable discharge from the service he attended Penn State University and worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life Dorla Rose Albright on May 26, 1956 in Winchester, VA. They both enjoyed playing card games, dancing, singing, Mexican train and their family.

International Business Machines (IBM) employed him from 1959 until 1991. During his time with IBM he worked in both New York and Virginia but spent a majority of his career in San Jose, CA as an engineer.  Following retirement and years of global travel, he and Dorla moved to Fort Mill, SC where they made great connections in the American Legion, the VFW in Fort Mill, the Fort Mill Moose Lodge and the Carolina Piedmont Submarine Veterans Base. These organizations of caring peers continued to be a part of his life especially as his health began to fail.

He is survived by his wife, Dorla Rutter, his children; John Hammel and wife Jean of Lake Wylie, SC; Tom Hammel and his wife, Debra of Benson, AZ; Randy Rutter of San Jose, CA.; Dawn Kincade and husband, John of Vacaville, CA. and Shawn Rutter and his wife, Rebecca of Charlotte, NC.  Harold’s family has extended to 14 grandchildren and countless great grandchildren. His grandson, Evan Kincade of Vacaville, CA. precedes him in death.

I want to thank my Uncle Gene Rutter for all that he did as he officiated, organized and helped us honor our Dad in a way that was traditional but also showed the fun, adventurous and loving man that he was and will always be to those who loved him.

We love you, Dad. Thank you for the love that you gave so freely to all who knew you and for your service to our country.