MY FAMILY  //  FIRST YEAR IN KOREA

I am grateful for my wife, Jenny, whose love saves me everyday; without whom I would have been lost to darkness long ago; without whom I simply feel lost.  For my eldest, Justin (Juju), whose fearlessness inspires; whose love is redemptive and forgiving; whose wonder reminds me to be a child sometimes. For little Joel (Joely), whose smile makes me swoon; whose laugh makes me melt; whose curiosity reminds me to slow down.

   

JENNIE + KWANG // SEOUL PRE-WEDDING // GYEONGBOK PALACE

Jennie and Kwang met each other while studying for their respective MBAs at graduate school in Oregon. Jennie's custom-made hanbok (traditional Korean dress) matched her eyes and her bubbly character wonderfully. They are planning a traditional Korea wedding in the south, near Busan, as well as an intimate ceremony at a farmhouse in Vermont next summer.

LIAM'S ADOPTION STORY // PART 2 // A NEW FAMILY

I feel very blessed to have been witness to the birth of a beautiful new family as their story unfolded before my eyes. Liam is in good hands with Ashley and Kurt, and he has a big sister, Evy, to watch out for him. Follow their adventures on Ashley's blog.

(All shot on Canon 1v, 50mm f/1.4, Fujifilm Neopan 400, Agfa Vista 400.)

LIAM'S ADOPTION STORY // PART 1 // THE FIRST MEET

Ashley and Kurt are a force of love with which to reckon. They journeyed from Missouri to adopt their precious boy, Liam, accompanied by Ashley's father, Pastor Mark, while gramma watched their daughter, Evy, back at home. It was the culmination of over a year of paperwork and prayers, of waiting and wishing.

The photos here are from the first time that the Lancasters came face-to-face with Liam and his incredible foster family. They were matched by DJ at Holt International in March, and have been in close contact ever since.

This was truly a watermark moment for me personally and professionally. I felt humbled in the presence of such unconditional love. I feel lucky to have been a witness and to have helped them tell their story.

LIAM'S ADOPTION STORY // SEOUL, KOREA DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER

Ashley and Kurt contacted me last week about documenting their adoption story. Here are just a few teaser images until I get the rest of the scans back from the lab. You can follow their entire adventure over at her blog.