Last post on this blog!

New Blog, New Blog!!!!

Dear Friends,

It's time to update your bookmarks because we are moving to a new blog. This blog has served us well over the last 3+ years, it's filled with so many amazing memories, great stories and fun happenings.

With that said, we are so excited to officially announce a brand spanking new blog. We have worked really hard to put together a top of the line, bigger, faster, and overall just darn sweeter new blog. So without further ado....

Go to our NEW BLOG now by clicking here!!!

www.becreativephotography.com/journal

Introducing Marlie Bea!

So where have we been? Oh, just having a baby is all!! Our daughter Marlie Bea Lagstein arrived on November 20, 2009.

It was very surreal bringing a new family member home and realizing that our lives have changed forever. She has filled our home with more love than we could ever have imagined.

We want to thank everyone for your support and outpouring of well wishes. For all the love we have received from friends and family - our hearts are overflowing - and Marlie is soaking it all up.

So what happened? Well, I went into labor at 3:30 am and I was in complete denial. I spent a really long time having contractions all by myself before waking up Eric. By the time I woke him up my contractions were only one minute apart and we had to race to the hospital. Eric was so shocked and in such a slumber he couldn't remember how to get to the hospital which is only a 5 mile drive. It was a scene for the movies. I was giving him directions in between my contractions and telling him to pass cars and go through red lights. At least we showed up at the hospital laughing. Although he started out a little shaky he quickly got himself together and proved to be the most amazing and supportive husband and labor coach in the world.

I will spare you all of the wonderful details of my labor - I wound up having a c-section. Thank goodness we had such an amazing team of nurses and doctors - I feel I owe my life to them all because they brought our baby into this world safely.

We were in no rush to name her. We spent a few days getting to know her. With 10 names in our pocket, no other name ever came to mind. After about 2 days we knew she was Marlie Bea. Marlie is for my Grandmother Mariel and Bea is for Eric's Grandmother Beatrice.

After the c-section I had to spend a long time in recovery while Eric was with the baby. The picture above shows the one moment I got to see her before they took her away to check her vitals. Recovery was really tough because all I wanted was to be with her. Eric insisted that they bring her to me. He actually stood up to a line of 5 nurses who were saying that the baby needed to stay under the warmers for another 2 hours before she could come to me. Eric did tons of research before our birth and knew that mom was the best warmer over any stupid machine, he insisted and off he went with her - GO DAD! The photo below is when I really got to meet her. I was in heaven and when I looked up all of our parents had snuck into the room to see this moment. I was so happy to see them all there, all 8 of them and not a dry eye in the house.

The first picture of the new Lagstein family!!!!!!!!!!

Eric took this shot the next morning and it's one of our favorites. The first of many mornings waking up to these eyes.

Unfortunately when we got home Eric came down with the flu. It was sooooo awful, he had a very high fever and he was banished to "exile island" (a.k.a the guest bedroom upstairs) for 4 full days. It was heartbreaking that he could not be with us in the beginning but he was more sick than he has ever been before. He did not want to pass it on to Marlie. The morning he came back to us she gave him the biggest smile in the world - it was crazy and brought us to tears. She has an amazing connection with Eric. She lights up when he comes in the room, looks at her, talks to her, holds her...

Before we could blink our eyes Marlie was showing us her personality. She is such an expressive little one. She makes little noises all day long (and night too). She stares at you intensely as if she is computing everything that you are. And best of all she has been a smiling fool since day 5.

I'm not going to lie that Maggie is a little sad that she doesn't get all the attention any more, but she has completely accepted her new rung on the ladder without a fuss. She is so gentle and sweet as can be with Marlie and I'm sure cannot wait until Marlie is big enough to play with her.

And here are two shots from a little creative session we did with Marlie around 2 weeks.

We've had a wonderful beginning to parenthood. As we are finding some normalcy in our new lives as a family of three, we realize how blessed we are. Off we go on this new journey. More to come...

Photos of the Day!

Just wanted to post a schmorgasbored of images from this summer and falls weddings. We haven't been posting that much. The blog has taken a back seat to working on 2009 albums, delivering photos, our slammin holiday season - oh and of course I'm 9 months pregnant and READY TO POP! Enjoy this medley of photos showcasing some tender moments, awesome sillhouettes in doorways and windows, and some reception fun.

First up, two photos from Ali and Eric's wedding at St. Pauls R.C.C in Ramsey, NJ.

Ali's father-daughter dance at the Rockleigh Country Club.

A different Ali absolutely delighted that her wedding day at Ramsey Country Club has finally arrived!

Shenanigans on the dance floor at Ramsey Country Club.

A beautiful detail photo of Julie from her nuptials to Christian at the Ridgewood Country Club.

Julie and Christian stopped for a fantastic silhouette in the doorway of the Old Paramus Reformed Church in Ridgewood, NJ - shot by Eric.

Julie and Christian being awfully romantic at the Ridgewood Country Club.

Christian and his mom during the mother-son dance.

This shot is from Julie and Victor's wedding at the Westbury Manor. I wasn't even at this wedding but when I was editing the photos I cried when I saw these. I was just so touched by how the siblings stood up to support their brother during an emotional speech.

Here is Victor getting dolled up by the ladies. You may remember Victor and Julie from their engagement session in Central Park.

Here are Kristy and her father - waiting for their turn to go down the aisle at the Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, NY

Eric took this photo of Michelle getting ready to leave for her ceremony and reception at Bridgewaters in NYC. I think the light is just beautiful, the pattern, the composition. Great job Eric!

A lovely silhouette from a wedding at the Pleasantdale Chateau.

Another image from the Pleasantdale Chateau - a beautiful scene setter shot by Eric.

And finally a fun reception shot from the Mallard Island Yacht Club.


Thanks for taking a peak. We hope you enjoy todays medley of images.

Sincerely,
Brooke and Eric Lagstein
Be Creative Photography

Adorable Kids Photo Shoot

Here are some recent images of adorable children photographed by Be Creative Photography. We've been creating canvases, holiday cards, albums galore for everyone's holiday gifts. Just wait until your friends and family open their gifts this year!

First up is Aiden photographed by Eric.

Next, beautiful sisters Sadie and Ella photographed by Brooke.

And finally 2 week old twins Vincent and Annie. How cute are these snugglers?

It's been a wonderful fall and holiday season so far. Thank you for choosing Be Creative Photography.

Sincerely,
Brooke and Eric Lagstein
Be Creative Photography

Wyckoff Kids Photo Shoot in a Natural Setting

Eric photographed these cutie-pies at the Wyckoff Wildlife Center. I have to say that I am so proud of Eric for his ability to work with kids and draw out their personalities and laughter. I have been loving every single one of his shoots and he's been doing a lot of them! We've been so busy photographing families and working on holiday orders we have no time to blog! But finally I am giving you some new eye candy for your viewing pleasure.

So enjoy and please call us asap to schedule your family photo shoot for the holiday season. We only have about 5 slots left to make the deadline for holiday orders!

This is to cute, walking with a little help from your siblings

Audrey and Dan's Wedding at the Roundhill House

Audrey and Dan were married this summer at the beautiful F.E.A.S.T at Roundhill House in Washingtonville, NY. It was a very special celebration and unique experience for Eric and I too. Audrey is a fellow photographer out of NYC. We had so much fun shooting their wedding.

This is a precious shot of the flower girl! Love her bow, shoes and dress so much!

Eric took all the photos during the Ketubah signing.

They had a great crowd and wonderful party!

The band was awesome and many of the guests performed too.

I love this shot Eric took through the doorway of the reception room.

Thank you to Audrey and Dan for choosing Be Creative Photography. It's been a pleasure to work with you. And your album is almost complete already, can't wait to see it in person.

Sincerely,
Brooke and Eric Lagstein
Be Creative Photography

Wyckoff Kids Shoot - Andrew and Maya

We certainly did not have to travel far for this photo shoot. This family lives right around the block from us. Aren't we so lucky to have such awesome neighbors! Eric had a great time with these kiddos. The shoot took place in two locations, at their house and at the Wyckoff Enviornmental Center. What a great place to go for a walk and take the kids. Delivery to this family goes out next week! Woohoo! Can't wait for next week.