Over the Christmas break  I had the great pleasure of doing a Lifestyle Family Session for Alex Zhardanovsky, his beautiful wife Nadya Andreeva and their gorgeous little boy Noah at their Miami home in Murano at Portofino, in the Miami area known as SoFi.  I even got to spend time getting to know  Alex’s mother Irina as well as watch her interact with her sweet grandson! Back in my 20’s  I worked for Alex for 7 years at AzoogleAds/Epic Advertising  and learned far more than I could have imagined while having the time of my life.  It was beyond awesome to not only see him and Nayda again, but also to get to know their growing family!

After they fed me an unforgettable lunch (one of Nayda’s incredible recipes which you can find yourself in her best seller Happy Belly: A Woman’s Guide to Feeling Vibrant, Light, and Balanced ), we played with Noah and I sat back  as they did their thing simply entertaining and marveling at this tiny and perfect human they made together.

Their love has always been palpable but now with Noah in the mix it is radiant beyond measure. Alex did his special trick with Noah as per my request where he gets him to stand tall and stiff on the palm of his hands! I’ve only known one other family who could do this!!! (Aixa I am talking about you!)  Noah and his Babushka played and explored under the table, with the contents of her wallet and with some rocks outside.

After leaving their breathtaking home with a view that seems fake, we headed to the park along the waterfront to let Noah explore, visit with puppies and play with some water from a fountain. Noah is independent to the max! He is walking/running, drinking from real cups, insistent upon learning things for himself while smiling, giggling and cooing at everything and everyone. This sweet couple has one of the most darling and happy children I have ever had the pleasure to get to know.

One of my favorite parts of our session is watching the way Alex looks at his wife, as if he is in constant awe of her inner and outer beauty.  He kept snapping iPhone shots of her as I photographed her in the most doting way and it truly warmed my heart. Living half the year in Miami and half the year in Ibiza, Spain, Alex and Nadya are giving Noah a very special childhood. One filled with adventure, exploration, unplugged play, really delicious foods and it is truly inspiring.

Thank you Alex and Nayda for welcoming me into your home and allowing me to capture your new life with my lens.

Here are some of my favorite highlights from our time together.