James & Ann Engagement Session 1st Part

As I look back at these photos, I'm transported to a beautiful day on Montjuïc, a place that holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I had the privilege of capturing the love story of James and Ann, a couple whose affection for each other was as radiant as the Barcelona sun.

Montjuïc, with its stunning vistas of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, provided the perfect backdrop for their engagement session. The historic castle, the lush gardens, and the winding paths offered endless opportunities for romantic and intimate portraits.

I remember the way Ann's eyes lit up whenever James was near, and the way he would gently hold her hand as they strolled through the park. These tender moments, captured in these photographs, are a testament to the enduring love they share.

It's been a few years since that special day, but the memories, like the images, remain vivid. I'm grateful to James and Ann for trusting me to document this important chapter in their lives.

Thanks very much James and Ann! I love you both!

The Human Towers

Strolling along La Rambla and into Plaza Real Square, I was fortunate to witness a centuries-old Catalan tradition: Els Castells, or human towers. Originating in Tarragona in the 18th century, this spectacular display of human strength, balance, and teamwork continues to captivate audiences today.

The Castellers, or participants, form a human base by huddling together. On top of this sturdy foundation, they build a tower of people, one person standing on another's shoulders. The tower is typically topped by a child, known as an enxaneta. These daring climbers can form towers up to seven or eight people high, a truly impressive feat of human ingenuity.

In one of the image below, the little boy's determined expression as he begins to raise his hand signifies the successful completion of the human tower. This ancient tradition not only showcases the Catalans' impressive physical strength, agility, and balance but also their remarkable sense of community and teamwork.

Wilson and Sheena Engagement Session

It's always a joy to reconnect with familiar faces, especially when it's to celebrate a new chapter in their lives. I first met Sheena a few years ago, when she was the maid of honour at her sister Khristia's wedding. Now, it was her turn to walk down the aisle, and I was honoured to be the one to capture her special day.

For their engagement session, we chose the enchanting Labyrinth Park in Horta. The park's romantic atmosphere, with its winding paths, lush greenery, and picturesque waterfall, provided the perfect backdrop for their love story. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the vibrant colours of the flowers, created a truly magical setting.

A huge thank you to Wilson and Sheena for inviting me to be a part of their special day and for the delicious lunch at Happy Grill. It was a pleasure working with you both.

I'm excited to share a glimpse into their engagement session. Stay tuned for their wedding photos, coming soon!

A Glimpse into Kayla's World

Kayla is a fascinating young girl with a vibrant personality. She's intelligent, curious, and has a unique perspective on the world. She's also a loving and caring individual, though she can be a bit stubborn at times.

One of Kayla's most striking qualities is her gift of gab. Once she starts talking, it's hard to get her to stop! She has a lot to say and isn't afraid to express herself. Sometimes, her non-stop chatter can be overwhelming, and I've had to gently remind her to take a break. It's clear that she has a lot to say, and I'm always amazed by her ability to articulate her thoughts.

Navigating the complexities of parenting a nine-year-old requires a delicate balance. Kayla, with her sensitive nature and tendency to bicker with her younger brother, Keiron, can be challenging. It's important to be firm and direct, setting clear boundaries and expectations. However, it's equally important to remain calm and empathetic, listening patiently to her perspective.

We've cultivated a strong bond with Kayla, involving ourselves in her life without being overly controlling. We support her academic endeavours, attend church together, and instil values of faith and respect. As she grows, we recognize the need to dedicate more time to her, listening attentively to her thoughts and concerns. By providing her with the attention and understanding she needs, we hope to foster a positive and supportive relationship.

I hope that when Kayla is older, she'll be able to read this blog post and understand the love and affection behind it. It's important to me that she doesn't misinterpret my intentions. I know she can be sensitive, and I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings. However, I share these stories because I love her deeply and want to document her growth and development. She is my pride and joy, and I'm committed to being the best father I can be.

This sweet girl with her adorable dimples is growing up so quickly. She's already as petite as her mother. I have no doubt that she'll become a wonderful and responsible adult, but she'll always hold a special place in my heart as my little baby girl.

Keiron: A Little Bundle of Joy

Keiron, our four-year-old son, has a sweet tooth. He loves golosinas or sweets. While we strive to provide him with nutritious meals, like most kids, he's not a fan of vegetables. He once tried to outsmart us by hiding spinach under the tablecloth! However, he does enjoy mashed potatoes and yogurt.

On school holidays, Keiron spends his days immersed in cartoons. He's a big fan of Phineas and Ferb, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Doraemon. He also loves superheroes like Spider-Man, Batman, and Bumblebee from Transformers. When he's not glued to the screen, he enjoys playing and running around with his sister, Kayla, though their playful interactions often lead to sibling squabbles.

Keiron is incredibly close to his mother. She loves him dearly, cuddling, playing, and tickling him endlessly. This strong bond can sometimes make it challenging for him to connect with others, including me. While I know he loves me, he doesn't always show it in the same way. He often resists walking, preferring to be carried on my shoulders, and can become quite upset when I refuse. His tantrums can be intense, involving kicking, punching, and scratching. It's a constant learning experience for us as parents to set boundaries and maintain control, even during these difficult moments. We've learned that indulging tantrums only reinforces negative behaviour.

Keiron is a delightful child, full of energy and enthusiasm. He loves racing me and playing football. His first wish in a wishing well with a coin is a pelota or a ball. He make us laugh with his funny antics and mispronunciations. At his age of 4 he still couldn't pronounce the letter R. He's a kind and grateful boy, always appreciative of the things we give him. And the most I like in him, he is sweet.

Watching him grow up so quickly is bittersweet. He brings so much joy to our family, and I can't help but wonder what great things he'll accomplish in the future. I cherish every moment we spend together and am incredibly grateful for his presence in my life. I pray to God that I'll be there to witness his own journey of parenthood, that maybe too much to ask, but for now, I'm content with the blessing of having him. I thank God for both Keiron and Kayla; they are our greatest treasures.

A Colourful Encounter

One of the many charms of Barcelona is its vibrant street markets. These bustling marketplaces offer a glimpse into the city's rich culture and diverse communities. Whether you're exploring the historic streets of the Gothic Quarter or the modern avenues of the Eixample district, you're likely to stumble upon a market teeming with local artisans, vendors, and unique goods.

During our recent trip in Blanes, we stumbled upon a colourful street market along the Paseo Marítimo alongside the Platja de s'Abanell. A particular stall caught our eye, displaying a dazzling array of handmade bracelets. The vibrant colours and intricate designs were truly captivating. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos, and the friendly vendor was happy to share her story with me. In return, I promised to feature her stall in my blog.

Unfortunately, the bracelet I purchased for my daughter, Kayla, was lost on our way home. While it was disappointing, the memory of that colourful encounter remains. It's a reminder of the unexpected joys and fleeting moments that make travel so special.