{ Isabelle: Be-YOU-tiful Campaign February}

(picture courtesy of Pinterest)

I am so excited to be able to introduce you to my very first {Be-YOU-tiful} Campaign girl...meet Isabelle!

Isabelle is a beautiful & vibrant teenager. She is so full of life, yet not long ago something was affecting her life--affecting it in a way that she was doubting her self, her self worth & her life in general.
That thing was BULLYING!
Isabelle had her life dramatically changed. Things spiraled downward. Not only was this bullying happening at school (rumors, name calling, & being emotionally abused), but things started taking place at home as well. This was emotionally & physically draining for a young girl--who was supposed to be enjoying some of the most wonderful times of her life.
With the help of her wonderful mother, support of family & true friends--she has began a new path in her life--a positive one!
Along this journey, Isabelle has found an outlet...her {Be-YOU-tiful} place!
Isabelle's {Be-YOU-tiful} place is a fantastic stable called Karin's Horse Connection. Here at the Legacy Stables Isabelle is currently working in vaulting...on horse back.
Vaulting, in the simplest terms is gymnastics on a horse--these horses, are the beautiful, graceful living kind."Equestrian Vaulting combines gymnastics and dance on the back of a moving horse at the walk, trot or canter. In addition to being a fun way to work with horses, vaulting helps build confidence,balance,strength and coordination." (Karin's Horse Connection-on vaulting)

 If you would like to see more information about vaulting, or even how to participate...I encourage you to take a look at Karin's Horse Connection or check out the American Vaulting Association.

So every week Isabelle escapes her worries & stresses, by visiting Karin, Leoni (her vaulting coach) & her favorite guy...or should I say horse, Avenir!
Now I am going to let you take a look at Isabelle's portraits from her session...and let them speak for themselves.
Enjoy!!

I want to send a big {THANK YOU} out to Isabelle & her Mom Jeanne, for being such amazing & inspiring people. I want to {THANK} Karin & Leoni at Legacy Stables for being great teachers & coaches--encouraging people in a positive way & bringing a new sport to many who do not know---also, most importantly, for allowing me to photograph our {Be-YOU-tiful} session at their farm (you can like their page Karin's Horse Connection on facebook). I would also like to {THANK} Nancy Metzger with Brittanie's Thyme for being my hair & MUA (makeover artist). Thank you to all these ladies for braving a freezing cold day--I seriously think we picked the coldest of them all--but we made it through (a few numb fingers & toes)& the session came together beautifully!! You are an amazing, beautiful, wonderful & talented girl Isabelle--may you always remember that--You will forever be {Be-YOU-tiful}!!
 Thank to everyone, family, friends & clients for believing in me & helping me give back to others. It is such a wonderful blessing to be able to give to others!!

To nominate someone you know who is dealing with or has dealt with bullying for a {Be-YOU-tiful} session email me at valerierussellphotography@yahoo.com

If you would like to see more of my work, you visit my facebook page:Valerie Russells Photography

To learn more about vaulting or take lessons contact Karin's Horse Connection

If you like organic skin care products, cold/sinus relief or insect repellent visit Brittanie's Thyme