mosaic photography and Shiloh Christian School are partnering in a fun little fundraiser–if you need a portrait session this is a great cause and a great deal!

Summer! Sand! Water! Beaches! Oh, I am excited to be a new citizen of Bismarck!

The Japel family indulged me by taking me to the beaches of Bismarck and we had a lot of fun in spite of the insanely windy evening we chose. I had trails and dustings of sand all over my stuff and my house for about a week after my visit to the beach…which is totally great–it just goes to show you how windy it was. Sand ended up everywhere. It was like Sahara-desert-windy. Get my drift? (no pun intended.)

As you can see, this family is just gorgeous. And full of affection….

and energy.

I so enjoyed my sandy time with the Japel family. And I look forward to more adventures with you!

“Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene…And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track…. God will never give up on you. Never forget that.” I Corinthians 1:7-9 The Message

Hurray for Leah and “B”! I love photographing these two! “B” just keeps growing (imagine that!) and Leah just stays as beautiful as ever.

I love what I do because I get to be a part of such incredible moments. The pause button of life rarely stops itself–someone, something has to activate it. I like to think of myself as a “pause-pusher”. Stopping to celebrate the small moments of life is priceless and creating those moments is just as fun.

Aren’t these guys gorgeous? I know “B” is Leah’s joy, and what a gift these two are!


Now we have received… the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. I Corinthians 2:12

When Ryan told me he wanted to surprise his wife Leslie with a little Mother’s Day gift, I got really excited.  I love surprises! And being a part of something like this just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  Ryan and Leslie were a “mosaic” couple, several years back–so it’s just a bonus to photograph the post-wedding stages and seasons of life of our couples.

Their little sweet pea is just a cutie-pa-tootie.  I had so much fun with her!

Happy Mother’s Day Leslie!

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying], Many have done virtuously, nobly, and well, but you excel them all.”  Proverbs 31:29-30

Everyone who participated in our MAMA’S DAY GIVEAWAY drawing: THANK YOU!!  It was a lot of fun, and I know our winner is going to be thrilled.  (I know I would have loved to win this package.)

Anyhow, I wanted to be fair and square so I used a “Virtual Hat” online and let the computer generate our winner.

The lucky MAMA chosen for our MAMA’S DAY GIVEAWAY that includes:

a free session with Mosaic Photography,

$30 certificate at In Touch Massage,

a bundle of Green Cleaning Products from Keepin It Green N Clean,

and a gift assortment of Tea from Steep Me A Cup of Tea

IS

Amy Strawn!

I had the privilege of meeting this absolutely pleasant Bismarck family because of a mutual friend and because of the Shiloh Fundraiser that we are doing (more details here).

But let me tell you–this family, Michelle and Justin are just delightful and so are their two kiddos. They are happy-go-lucky, go-with-the flow, and thrilled-with-life kind of people: the kind of family that just makes the world a brighter place.

Justin is a pilot and so, you guessed it, we had to do something with planes.

But we also just ventured into the woods for some more family fun, singing, dancing, and merriment. And like Michelle said, “family means…laughing and loving together!” And that is just what they did for me.

Thank you Voller family, for a very pleasant evening!

“…Among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world.” Philippians 2:15

Jordan and Emily (and company) were so much fun! Beautiful. Genuine. Laughter. A riot. Lots of words come to mind to describe them and their lovestory. Everything from the exchange between Father and Bride, the jogging dude the groomsmen joined, the beautiful atmosphere at the ceremony and reception, the antics of Jordan, to the goofy and theatrical stunts at the reception, there were many “kodak” moments. But you don’t have to take my word for it, just take a look for yourself..

Thank you Emily and Jordan for giving us the honor of documenting your lovestory! We know God has great things in store for the two of you!

“We love because He first loved us” I John 4:19

Take a look at these images. Does this family look like a 24/7 party or what? I heart the Holmquist family so much! They are completely delightful–I hope that you can catch a glimpse of how much fun they have together and how much they love each other from these portraits!

“glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the Lord had shown…to His people.” 2 Chronicles 7:10

I got to photograph this fun family a week ago at their store on 45th St in S Fargo-Dunn’s Brothers. It was a fun setting for portraits, but the kiddos and adults were even more fun. We drank coffee and non-coffee drinks, read, sat on the tables, ate some tasty food, sang songs, and just plain had fun.

I love these big brown eyes, the curly hair, and the energy of these little guys. SO FUN!

Check out Fargo Dunn’s Brothers on facebook.

“But for you, sunrise! The sun of righteousness will dawn on those who honor my name, healing radiating from its wings. You will be bursting with energy, like colts frisky and frolicking. And you’ll tromp on the wicked. They’ll be nothing but ashes under your feet on that Day.” Malachi 4:1-3 the Message

Caleb is a senior this year. Class of 2012. I met him and his mother for the first time at his portrait session in Fargo. They first found me through a wedding I photographed a few years back. I felt like we had a bit in common though–Caleb home-schools. (I homeschooled my last three years of high school). And he plays guitar (believe it or not, I do too) and he likes photography. Caleb, however has a smart, techy brain, unlike me. He’s one of those smart guys!

Anyhow, we had a lot of fun traipsing around town as you can see below. (I just love the textures, and colors, and that wavy hair )

Caleb, I wish you the best! God’s very best!

“I the Lord have called You for a righteous purpose…I will take You by the hand and will keep You; I will give You for a covenant to the people, for a light to the nations” Isaiah 42:6

ENTER YOUR MAMA or YOURSELF or your KIDS’ MAMA FOR THIS GIVEAWAY! JUST LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW THIS POST TO ENTER A CHANCE TO WIN THIS GIFT PACKAGE FROM SOME AWESOME BISMARCK BUSINESSES!!

When I was preparing for this photo shoot and thinking of these girls, I was fixated on Anne of Green Gables and Ann of Avonlea…you know the hopeless romantic who loved Gilbert and was bosom friends with Diana Barry… Okay, if you don’t know what I am talking about you might have to read the books or watch the movies.

So anyway, I wanted to capture these sisters, and their imaginations, their drama, and their friendships with one another. And we found the perfect setting for them: an apple tree with a cozy blanket and lovely lace and some classic works of literature.

Oh goodness, this makes me miss my sister. and wish I had a few more. (hearts)

These girls are the first portrait on my website.

My little peanut loves loves loves swimming! It was so fun to photograph her at Villa Del Palmar in Cancun. She is absolutely fearless! Each day we woke up the first thing she would ask for was “Reba” (her Rhino floatie tube) and “Swimming”.

Want a little excitement in your day? I found out if you put goldfish, frogs, and little boys together the excitement is limitless, as well as the combinations….

Yep! These guys are related to me, so it’s an extra special dose of goodness when I get to photograph them! We had fun exploring Yonker Farm in North Fargo. I love just tagging along on family adventures, play time, and just hanging out together.

Little “C” is pretty darn cute and watching these three interact is always a privilege.

“What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?” Psalms 116:12

I have had the privilege to work in Cancun Mexico three times this last year to, of course, soak up the sun and relax, but also to photography families at the beach. A beautiful, and different-from-home setting like the ocean is a perfect place for unique family portraits!

The Bakkens are a fun family…all boys and one lady . I first met Mama Bakken when I photographed a wedding for a dear friend of hers in Napoleon, North Dakota! It was a lovely, hot day, but so fun to get to know all those Napoleon people and their fun little town!

The last time I photographed the Bakkens the guys were much younger. I was holding back the chuckles because the guys were so studly, but didn’t want to reveal just how much fun they were having. Me, on the other hand, I was having a blast and wasn’t afraid to show it. I was bummed that my time with them went so fast!

Anyhow, here’ s a peek at this jazzy family and the beautiful town they live in!

Spring is here and my two year old is insanely nuts about being outside! I have visited at least nine different playgrounds in our new town here and I am just loving the lines and colors, and of course, my little sweet peas and their insatiable appetite for the great outdoors.

Ask the Lord for rain in the spring, for He makes the storm clouds.
And he will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture. Zechariah 10:1

Harlee is just gorgeous…one of 4 gorgeous girls! I first met Harlee at her sister’s “Girls Night Out” bachelorette party that I photographed. Then again at her sister’s wedding, and now her senior portraits!

She is so beautiful and multi-talented! I could have photographed her all day!

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to dwell in His temple. Psalm 27:$

The Jangulas are another great family that I met through other families I have photographed in their town. I was super duper honored to photograph them on the day of their wedding anniversary! They spent part of their day with me, celebrating what twenty+ years of marriage has produced: an absolutely sweet family.

I am thrilled they have these images to celebrate their family and marriage! and that I got to meet their pretty kittys. <3

Here is little Elliana–at just a tish older than 2 months. She is just so sweet! And so tiny on that king sized bed!

Your loving-kindness is sweet and comforting; according to Your plenteous tender mercy and steadfast love turn to me. Psalm 69:16

I can’t exactly describe how fun it is to photograph a couple when they are first engaged and then photograph their wedding and then photograph them and their puppy, and then them and their first little miracle, and then their next little one, and then the next…and with these two lovebirds, this is just the case (the “next ones” just keep coming ) I love the energy of this family! and using a vw van in a photoshoot has been on my top ten “must-photograph” list for a while. So a fun idea, and a fun family, and we get what you see below…

A video of their session can be found here.

He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength…
For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. Isaiah 40:29-31

I WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH BISMARCK FAMILIES! visit www.family.mosaicphotography.net and if you like what you see, tell me your favorite scenic spot in Bismarck, where I could photograph your family, by copying and finishing this statement as your facebook status
“I want a family session with Mosaic Photography to show Alyssa Flaten how awesome Bismarck is by taking her to ………….” Make this your status once a day from today until next Saturday (3-24) and I will draw three families on Sunday (3-25) who will get a free session with me! ($200 value. artwork is an additional fee.)

Be sure to link my name, “Alyssa Flaten” in your status post, otherwise, I won’t know that you posted this as your status.

last fall was the busiest fall i had ever had which is why i still have so many blog posts yet to write. hurray for lots of families! and now to the long overdue post on the the “A” family…

these guys were a blast! when a mom tells me she wants her kids to actually get “dirty” in a photo shoot, i get super excited. because hello! kids wouldn’t be kids if they stayed clean all day! so a mama who embraces the mess and chaos of kids is a smart mama, if you ask me. not only does Mama “A” embrace it, but she celebrates it, which is why i got to photograph this super duper fun family exploring the tree fort, and the train set, and the tire swing, and the sidewalk paint–which didn’t stay on the sidewalk for long. the whole family not only made art with sidewalk paint, but they became the art when they began painting each other.

so, needless to say, the color was a-flying, even the dog got in on the action. the video with more images from their session can be found here.

“robed in brilliant colors…” Job 38:14