Emma Claire is a walking girl! | Children’s Portraits | Swansboro, NC

If you have been following my blog over the past year, you are very familiar with Emma Claire. I have been photographing her since she was in her mama’s belly. In fact, I shot Ray & Stephanie’s maternity portraits in the very same place as Emma Claire’s one year session. I am currently designing Emma Claire’s first year storybook album and I love how it will come full circle. Especially when the sessions were at such a special location.

Stephanie’s family’s home on the sound offers a beautiful backdrop and lots of walking room, which we really needed! I should really say running room. Emma Claire is in that stage when she just wants to go, go, go! And she’s all-smiles. I just love it! See Emma Claire's other sessions here, here, here and here.

Ray and Stephanie, thank you so much for hosting our little family at your beach house for the holiday. Emma Claire is just a doll and I have loved documenting her growth this past year. I look forward seeing her grow into a beautiful young lady!

After the Storm | Family Beach Portraits | Emerald Isle, NC

I cannot express how blessed we are to have these friends. Our kids are best buds, we are a part of the same small group at church, we simply enjoy each other’s company, and they are always ready to help us out when we have a need (which has been a lot lately!). It is not easy to come by friends that will, without question, open their home while the electricity is on the fritz for five days at our own house after Hurricane Irene. Not only that, but their parents allowed us to borrow their generator so we would not lose all of our food in our fridge and freezer. Somehow we have managed to meet a whole church full of people just as selfless and loving. (“Somehow” meaning God blessed us greatly and we have no idea why!)

McG and I (and the little man) got to spend a day with them at the beach and set aside an hour for family portraits with both sets of grandparents. It was about a week after the storm and the weather was beautiful! We got a few smiles out of the kids even though all they wanted to do was play in the sand.

Here are a few of my favorite shots! Aren't these kids so stinkin adorable!

Thank you, Bryan, Courtney and family for allowing me to capture these memories for you. I had such a wonderful time spending the day with you. I feel like part of the family when we are with you all. We had a wonderful time at dinner, too! Thank you for inviting us! There’s nothing like fresh seafood!

A Family Affair | Extended Family Portraits at the Beach | Emerald Isle, NC

This family is amazing! They go on an annual vacation together, and this year was special. They wanted to document it with a large family portrait. Two very important grandparents were celebrating a milestone anniversary and they weren’t shy about showing their love for one another, which I absolutely loved!

The whole family was so much fun to work with. Seriously, I couldn’t stop laughing. Inside jokes kept coming up and soon, my assistant and I were in on them.  You can see just how much they enjoy each other’s company.

Thank you all so much for keeping me in mind (from last year!) and allowing me to celebrate with you. I truly enjoyed it! Hope to see you again!

Mckenna ∙ Children’s Portraits ∙ Emerald Isle, NC

Fields and barns are definitely my favorite places to photograph people. So when my friend Brandy told me about this field of flowers in Emerald Isle and invited Mckenna and I to join her and her daughter for a photo shoot there, I was determined to make time.

After rescheduling twice due to teething and inclement weather, we finally made it out on a very sunny late afternoon.  The girls did so great in the heat! Despite constant fire ant attacks, mosquitoes bites, and a late dinner time, we had loads of fun. We definitely laughed a lot! We even took a dip in the ocean at the end of the shoot.

I’d say the photos turned out quite nicely.

She likes to examine things very closely.

Belly Button! I don't think the hair is going to last much longer.

Nope!

Mckenna and Caroline made a few furry friends on the beach.

"Yay! I beat mom to the water!"



Evan and Jessica ∙ Engagement Session ∙ North Carolina Wedding Photographer

Evan and Jessica met in grad school in New York and started dating about two years ago. Their proposal story is so personal and romantic (good job, Evan).  I love it! On May 1, the two went hiking for the day in a New York State Park. They set up a romantic candlelit picnic at lunchtime, and when it was time for dessert, Evan pulled out Jessica’s favorite treat and a cloth napkin. Evan had threaded the napkin through an engagement ring. When Jessica saw the ring, Evan popped the question.

I came into the picture, when Jessica’s mom, who lives in North Carolina, entered the couple in my drawing for a free engagement session at the Greenville Bridal Expo. And…they won. So they came all the way from New York, and we met in downtown New Bern for their portrait session.

It was a joy photographing Evan and Jessica. I could see when they looked at each other the deep love they had for one another and an excitement for their future life together.  I cherish engagement sessions like this, when it is evident the couple is really and truly in love.

We had fun, too. They were continually laughing and joking around. They were so flexible and open to my ideas. They even walked through the New Bern Farmer’s Market all dressed up and held some of the… umm… produce.

That's not what it looks like. Ok, it is. It's goat poo for composting. Ewww! Actually I've been looking for this for my garden - haha! But, I really didn't want to make them hold it, the vendor insisted. They were such good sports!

Thank you so much Evan and Jessica! I pray God blesses your marriage with a depth that only He can give. You are going to love being married! I really had fun hanging out and getting to know you both. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the photos. We'll talk soon :) Lindsay