Category Archives: Personal

A Personal Note | Love For My Clients

Posted in: Personal, Wedding
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2014-09-02_0001Happy September friends! 

This post is a little personal for me, but I thought it was so important to share. Not only is it important for fellow photographers, but also for clients! I had the most amazing wedding this weekend! But in the days leading up to it, I was a little stressed. It had absolutely nothing to do with the wedding, but I feared that my work might suffer because of it or I might not be able to give my precious bride and groom my all…

I felt… in one word… TIRED. I mean, I know photographers talk about getting burned out, and that might be what it was. And this definitely wasn’t the first time this has happened to me… Sometimes it’s just HARD. It’s HARD to have two jobs, two kids, AND be building a house! 

The second I woke up on the day of Becca and Tom’s wedding though, my attitude flipped. I was happy. I was excited. I woke up remembering what an amazing couple these two are and how unbelievably lucky I am that they chose ME to document the most special day in their lives…

I walked into Becca’s hotel room and her face was beaming. I felt her happiness and it spread through me. She greeted me as if I was a long time friend…

As I set them up for their first look, I felt their excitement and emotion to be seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day…

As I captured Becca coming down the aisle towards Tom with her Mom and Dad on her arms, I felt the love and devotion of both families…

I cried as they read their vows…

I laughed as their best man and maid of honor gave some killer speeches…

When it was time for me to go, I was so blown away by Becca and Tom’s compliments to me. They hugged me and told me how amazing I was… (I could feel my head swelling a bit)

I may have shed some happy tears on the way to my car…

I felt refreshed…

Becca and Tom were exactly what I needed after having a rough week. Their wedding day reminded me why I do what I do. I LOVE my couples! They become my friends! I cry and laugh with them! 

Becca and Tom Wedding 2-183-2(Thanks to my amazing second shooter Ashley Link for the picture!)

I am so thankful for my clients. I’m thankful for the relationships that I form with them. I’m thankful for their gratitude and kind words. I’m thankful for all of their hard work and amazing wedding days that they invite me to be a part of.

So to all of my clients… past, present, and future… THANK YOU!

(More from Becca and Tom’s amazing wedding will be on the blog next week… And it’s a good one!!!!)

 

 

 

Life | Birthdays!

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2014-02-17_0001It’s that time of year again! It’s been birthday time in our house. With our girls having their birthdays 10 days apart it’s nothing short of chaotic here the first two months of the year. Taylor just turned 13 and Ava just turned 4! I always do a birthday shoot for both of them. Nothing too extravagant… literally just 5-10 minutes of capturing their personalities! I’m cheating a little bit this year by combining their blog posts. :)

2014-02-17_0002Something happened this year with Ava… my sweet little baby who sits and smiles at the camera is missing. She was all about having her pictures taken until I actually got my camera ready! 

2014-02-17_0003Now, Taylor on the other hand is always camera ready! 

2014-02-17_0004I just can’t believe this girl is a teenager!

2014-02-17_0005Happy Birthday to my beautiful girls!!!

Birthday Blessings and Apple Picking

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Apple Orchard-23Well guys… I’m another year older. Normally this is something I would be pretty grumpy about but this year has brought so many blessings and I am very grateful! In the past year my business has exploded which is a great thing! There are things happening that I never thought would happen… I have people starting out in photography emailing ME, wanting to help ME, shadow ME, get ADVICE from ME! I am booked. I’m having to turn people down. That makes me sad because I wish I could do pictures for everyone, but that means my business is thriving which makes me so happy! I have photographers that I adore telling me I’m doing a great job and they are loving my work! What???

My family… These guys are the bomb. This husband of mine… while I’m at weddings and doing sessions which is something I LOVE… he’s at home on the front lines taking care of business. He is extremely supportive! And my girls? Well… they forgive me! :) They forgive me for being gone. They are also interested in what I do! They want to see the pictures I’ve taken. In a few years, Taylor might make a perfect assistant!

For my birthday this year we went to Carter Mountain Orchard! We had fun picking apples, eating apple cider donuts, and going on a hay ride! It was kind of rainy and VERY muddy (I’m still trying to get all of the mud out of clothes and off of shoes), but we had a blast! It was the best day because I was with them. I took a break (well, I still had my camera) and had a day with my favorite people in the world, and I LOVED it!!! Here are some pictures from our day!

Apple Orchard-2Apple Orchard-8Apple Orchard-3Apple Orchard-14Apple Orchard-21Apple Orchard-15Apple Orchard-18Apple Orchard-27Apple Orchard-32Apple Orchard-28Apple Orchard-36Apple Orchard-44Apple Orchard-45Apple Orchard-51Apple Orchard-59Apple Orchard-73Apple Orchard-80Apple Orchard-76Apple Orchard-84Apple Orchard-89Apple Orchard-109Apple Orchard-113Apple Orchard-110Apple Orchard-114Apple Orchard-121Apple Orchard-125Apple Orchard-135Apple Orchard-145Apple Orchard-155Apple Orchard-167Apple Orchard-174Apple Orchard-177Apple Orchard-181

 

Coaching Reunion

Posted in: Business, Personal
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Coaching Reunion-11On Monday I had the pleasure of traveling to Richmond to have dinner with a group of incredible photographers who I’m happy to call friends. Katelyn, Michael, and their sweet dog Bokeh graciously opened up their new home and hosted a dinner to reunite all of the photographers that had attended one of Katelyn’s coaching sessions in the past. It was so amazing spending time with photographer friends old and new!!!

The first week of February I sat in Katelyn’s office and talked to her about my business. We discussed my goals and the things that would be necessary to make them happen. In my mind I knew everything that needed to happen, but to have someone like Katelyn help me organize my thoughts and give me the support and inspiration that I had never gotten from another photographer was eye opening for me. I’m encouraged and grateful for all Katelyn has done for my business. She is generous and inspiring. 

At the reunion… sitting with all of those photographers… you could just tell that each and every person had been touched by their coaching session. People shared stories and accomplishments. Some people even cried. It was truly a wonderful night.

After an amazing dinner and group time we headed outside to do some portraits of another amazing photographer and friend Lauryn (who is yet another incredible person who has supported me and my business)! Couldn’t have picked a better model! The flowers were gorgeous and her dress was AMAZING!!! 

Coaching Reunion-44Coaching Reunion-37Coaching Reunion-57Coaching Reunion-67Coaching Reunion-100Coaching Reunion-84Coaching Reunion-118Coaching Reunion-128Coaching Reunion-143Coaching Reunion-155Coaching Reunion-173Coaching Reunion-169

Behind the scenes…

Coaching Reunion-1Coaching Reunion-15Coaching Reunion-23Coaching Reunion-27Coaching Reunion-106Coaching Reunion-112Coaching Reunion-147

 

 

Life | Ava is 3!

Posted in: Children, Personal
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I FINALLY have Ava’s birthday session to share with you! It’s been delayed because she was sick on her actual birthday. I know… it was totally sad:( But, she’s better now and back to her usual self! 

I really just can’t believe that Ava is 3. She has definitely developed quite a little personality. She, like most 3 year olds, is really into saying “no” and wants things to go her way. She can be goofing off one minute, and then totally serious about something the next. She keeps us on our toes and keeps us laughing all day even when she’s in trouble… because really… those are some of the funniest times! She is absolutely gorgeous. She has big brown eyes and soft golden hair. To sum it up… we are just in LOVE with this girl!

We had a quick ten minute session in our foyer this morning. And when I say quick I mean quick, because 3 year olds don’t have the time to sit still for pictures. I MAY have bribed her with girl scout cookies:)

Ava is 3-61Ava is 3-80Ava is 3-88Ava is 3-104Ava is 3-96Ava is 3-102Ava is 3-112Ava is 3-113Ava is 3-115Ava is 3-123Ava is 3-140Ava is 3-143Ava is 3-167Ava is 3-172Ava is 3-178Ava is 3-174

Life | Taylor is 12!

Posted in: Children, Personal
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Last year I started something that I hope I’ll keep up with. Doing a birthday session for each of my girls. It gives each of the girls a little one on one time and makes them feel special! Plus, as a photographer I am always so busy doing pictures for other people, that I don’t take the time I should to document my family. This is a good way for me to stay on top of that! Plus, Taylor really liked the session we did last year so she was very excited to remind me about it this year!

Today Taylor is 12! My life is just going full speed and I can’t believe that my first little baby is 12. We went out today when it was 15 degrees and spitting snow. The session took about 10 minutes because we were freezing! But we had fun and got come cute images that will always remind me of what Taylor was like at 12! Beautiful, loving, and totally turning into a young woman right before my eyes. Look here at her session from last year to really see how much she’s grown!

Blessings of 2012

Posted in: Business, Personal
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Hello friends! I hope you all have had an amazing holiday season with your loved ones. I know for me it has been so nice to take a little break from the photography world and spend some much needed time with my family. As the hustle of Christmas is winding down and we approach the new year, it’s so important to look back on the current year and mark the things you are most thankful for! It’s common to see posts about resolutions for the future, but I thought I’d back things up and count my blessings first. I know I forget to do this frequently. So, I wanted to share a few things that are filling my heart as we start 2013.

My family. This is by far my most cherished blessing. I am married to an amazing man. He supports me in everything I do. He has also blessed me by being an incredible father. We have two loving little girls with huge hearts and vibrant personalities.

My business. The past year has been such a learning experience and my business has grown beyond what I could have ever imagined. I am so thankful for amazing clients, the support of my family and friends, and the support and friendship from fellow photographers. And yes, my new logo and website will be here soon as promised! There will be new and exciting things happening in 2013!

My “real” job. As most of you know, photography is not all I do. I am a nurse at an OB/GYN office. I am called every day to care for women and doing so makes me a stronger, more compassionate person. I work with an incredible group of women who are hard workers and good friends.

God. There is nothing like starting a new business to challenge your faith. He is my strength. I start and end every day with prayer. I am in awe of what God has provided for me and my family this year!

Here’s to many blessings to you and your families this upcoming year… just remember to count them:)

I’ll leave you with a peek of a wedding I shot with my friend Karen last month. This adorable couple will be coming to the blog soon!

 

 

Ava | Backyard Fun

Posted in: Children, Personal
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It’s happening… my sweet little baby is growing up. She is now halfway to her third birthday! Ava has been such a blessing. She has us laughing all the time and keeps us on our toes. I took these in our backyard the other day.

Adore | Lynchburg, VA

Posted in: Personal
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I am beyond excited to share with you a new business bursting with beautiful handmade items created by my best friend Mandy! Mandy is an amazing friend and I value her and our relationship so much. She has always been an incredible influence of great faith and strength in my life. Something we’ve always had in common is our love of creativity. We have bonded through music and art since the beginning of our friendship! So when I found out that Mandy had started this business, it was no surprise that everything she showed me was amazing. The products from Adore include paintings, knits such as hats and scarves, and wooden items burned with beautiful designs. Her new line of burlap bags are my favorite! Here are a few of her items… including the cutest baby hat I have ever seen! You can visit Mandy on her Facebook page or Twitter! Mandy will also have a booth at the Dayton Autumn Celebration this year (also known as Dayton Days) on October 6th! Come out and see her!