A gift for a mom | family portraits

These three teen brothers took a break from their crazy busy end of the school year schedules for this portrait session as a gift for their sweet mom, Ashely, on the day after Mother’s Day. I’m pretty sure it’s one of the best gifts they’ve ever given her. Not because of my work, but because of their attitudes during the entire shoot.

As any teenage guys, these three like to have fun and goof off. But during the shoot, I could tell they knew this was really important to Ashely, especially because the oldest brother is about to leave for his freshman year of college. They were patient and cooperative and flashed some genuine smiles that I knew were all for their mom.

I am so thankful they are a part of my church family. I have had the privilege of getting to know Ashely through women’s Bible studies and women’s retreats, her three sons at youth group, and her husband Burt in a ministry we’ve been working on in Toloha, Tanzania. I have seen their hearts on fire for God and seen their hands serving in the community and around the world.

This is the first time I have really seen them interact all together as a family for more than a few minutes and it was such a blessing. It was such a fun afternoon – for everyone, I think!

Burt & Ashely, thank you so much for working with me again! I really had so much fun with y'all! Your guys did such a wonderful job. Guys, thank you so much for your patience and awesome attitudes during the session. I hope y'all enjoy these images!

My dear grandfather

My Grandpa lived 97 years on this earth and this morning he passed away. He has left so much with us.

His legacy of over 55 years of faithful marriage to my Grandma, who he is now reunited with in heaven, will forever encourage me that it is possible to beat statistics. He showed me that love is a commitment not a feeling, but feelings can be reignited, even when your true love has lost all her memories of you. My grandparents were that sweet couple you see on the dance floor at 80 years old – and they could dance!

He held his family dear to him and was always joyful when he was surrounded by the generations he brought into this world. I can picture him with that old smile curling his lips.  He always kept us laughing with an old saying or a witty comment. He was such a “smar tass” (nope, not a misspelling – it was his own pronunciation).

He was one of my biggest encouragers - although not as much with words, but with actions and presence. He never missed a concert, he sat in the bleachers at my games, and he admired my artwork. Even into my adult years, I never doubted that I was special to him. At 92, he traveled from Ohio to North Carolina to stay with us for 2 weeks when Mckenna was born. It was the most special time I shared with him.

And I do believe his 12 great grandchildren gave him the most joy in these last few years. I just remember him sitting and watching them play with big grin. It seemed to give him life.

I will miss him, but I am so grateful he is now experiencing the full glory of God. There are so many years – an eternity, in fact – that I will be able to enjoy his presence in the future. And we will all know the full truth of what this life is about – so much more than we understand. And he knows it now. Thank you, Lord.

Sara & Taylor Married! Part 2



A wedding reception is not only a time for receiving a new couple after they pledge their vows of love to one another, but it is a celebration of their new life together – a party!  Sara and Taylor’s reception was just that - in every sense of the word. The dance floor was packed most of the night, and Sara and Taylor got out there several times. There were lots of hugs, tears, smiles and laughter throughout the evening and plenty of silliness in the Photobooth by Sweet Cherish!

With windows around the entire hall at Walnut Creek Country Club, the beautiful light of late afternoon spilled into the ballroom adding to the candlelight from the centerpieces.  Silver branches and hydrangeas gave the room the brightness of spring. And doesn’t that fruit look delicious – it’s making me hungry as I write this post.

Around sunset, my second shooter, Rachel, and I stole Sara and Taylor away from their guests for a few last portraits of the day. I am so glad we did. These are some of my favorite wedding shots ever. It gave the couple a quiet time alone together on their special day, just to enjoy each other.

A sparkler exit at dusk ended this splendid wedding day. I am so thrilled I was a part of it!

See images of this exciting year in Sara & Taylor's life at these links: Part 1 of Sara & Taylor's Wedding,  Their Engagement Session, and Sara's Bridal Portraits.

Congratulations, Sara and Taylor. I loved recording this year of your lives! Thank you for inviting me into your world for a bit! I pray that God will bless your union and strengthen your love for one another each day.  I also was so blessed by the kindness of your family. There is no question you have a strong foundation to stand on.

Rachel and Mackenzie – you two, once again were a tremendous support to me and helped provide some amazing images for this couple. I could not EVER have done this without you! Thank you!

Sara & Taylor Married!

 

Sara was simply glowing… in May last year when we met for our first wedding photography consultation, and I’m pretty sure she has never stopped. And Taylor… his joy was unabashedly evident. His smile was beaming when Sara and he were pronounced husband and wife. 

They had a beautiful sunny day at Walnut Creek Country Club for their wedding day amidst a couple cold fronts. The trees were starting to bud and the grass had finally begun to turn green. We tried to do as much outdoors as possible with that luscious light. I love the dress shots – anything dealing with budding trees catches my fancy.

Taylor was one of the most compliant grooms I’ve worked with. (I loved that he was willing to do a "Save By The Bell High Five" - the groomsmen's idea.) Sometimes, guys are not so fond of getting their portraits taken, but I could tell, he wanted Sara to be beyond happy with their wedding day that he cooperated faultlessly. It also probably had to do with him being completely in love with her. Can’t you tell?

These families and wedding party were such a pleasure to work with. Their love for one another was so genuine. Laughter and tears were not missing from this day. I just love seeing a bond like Sara and Taylor’s bring two families and groups of friends together. Sara and Taylor have known each other since high school, and many of their friends have stuck right beside them since.

I honestly tried to get this down to one blog post, but alas, I could not. There are more images from Sara and Taylor’s wedding coming soon! You can also see their engagement session and Sara’s bridal portraits while you're perusing.

My second shooter Rachel Ricks got some of these great images!

Sara & Taylor's Wedding Sneak Peek

This image truly shows the love and adoration this couple has for one another! Congratulations, Sara and Taylor - you're married!!! I can't wait to share the rest of their day! Their Engagement Session and Sara's Bridal Portraits will give a little glimpse of what's to come.