Sometimes I think, as a newbie and an artist in general, its hard to believe anyone likes what youre doing. I have a really hard time with it. Seeing this little map has given me a boost. And I certainly need it because for once I am feeling the pressure of deadlines! I have three weddings, two bridal sessions, and a portrait session to edit. STRESSED. Thank you Google Analytics for helping me with the motivation! To everyone out there reading-I see you And thanks.

Well, Im not really going to show you those.  But isnt her ring gorgeous?  I love it, alot. Aimee and Daniel are getting married later this month and on Saturday morning we did her bridal session.  She is just gorgeous, I can’t wait to show you!  We had some beautiful morning light

The most hilarious part of the whole session was probably me.  My hair was getting super frizzy because it was warm and I was running all over and sweating like a pig.  And then…something interesting happened.  I climbed up a little stone wall.  I was wearing jeans Ive had for about 5 years.  They fit me pretty good.  I have curvy hips, so jeans that are tight in that area are normally loose around my waist and legs.  Basically they restrict my flexibility.  Are you seeing where this is going?  I step up on the wall and as Im hoisting my self up, my jeans split.  Like big time. Right below my butt cheek.  I instantly froze.  And started laughing.  I hopped off the wall and showed Aimee, her mom, and her Mom’s friend by bending over in front of them so they could see the wide expanse of the rip.  Ohhhhhh it was awesome.  So, with the frizzing hair and ripped jeans I looked super professional the rest of the session and morning.  Ha!  Thank you guys for laughing with me (and probably at me!)  Oh and here is a little look at that rip…

We went to the store today.  And because I am always in the mood for flowers, I got some.  They instantly brighten up the house.  I realized today that summer is coming to an end; its a little bit bittersweet.  Im glad the super hot days are mostly over and the fall is my favorite time of year, but I guess its sad because time is whizzing by.  Make sure you enjoy the rest of the summer as best you can!

Jared and I live in a city where there are alot of alleys. And being people that like old things, and fixing old things, we go alley hunting sometimes. We have found several pieces that now live in our house! This little chair is one of them. Do you know what it is? At first I thought it was a school desk. That somehow children would learn to write to the side of them. Well my dad came over last night and I showed him our little treasure. I asked him what he thought it was. Its a vintage telephone chair. Phone books would go in the little cubbie and the phone would sit on top. I have to say I like it alot better as a vintage telephone chair than a regular old school desk.  It needs some work.  As in, atleast a seat.  But we are very happy with it.

Maybe if I could convince Jared that we need a landline, in addition to cell phones, we could use it as it was intended.

Arent they beautiful? I really dont know what else to say. I think the images speak for themselves. This wedding was truly about family, celebration, and big love. Nothing else mattered. It was wonderful to be apart of it. One little cute and awesome tidbit: Sandy and Lloyd met online and live within minutes of one another! Thank you both for trusting me. Im honored!

Congratulations!

Kristy’s husband is deployed right now, so she thought it would be fitting to dress Hailey up in his cammies and boots.

Have you ever heard of Kellan Studios? Well, if you haven’t, click that link and spend the day drooling over their photography.  Grab a drink while you’re at it.   I knew as a rookie wedding photographer (It still feels weird to say that.  I don’t feel like I’ve earned the title yet!) that I would need to make relationships with experienced photographers.  My first one was my very own wedding photographer, Katelyn James. She is so awesome-if you ever get to meet her, consider yourself blessed!  Anyway, I needed to make new friends.  Over time I got up the courage to email some Virginia photogs that I admired.  I think I emailed 10 or so.  One was unbelievably rude, a few didn’t respond, a couple just didn’t work out, but, then a handful were amazing.  Kellan Studios falls into that last category.  I got to spend an afternoon with Kelly, and got to wave hello and goodbye to Ryan as I drove away.  However the entire afternoon with Kelly was so uplifting and happy and fun.  We both shared our faith with one another, which she will never know how grateful I am for, and talked photography.  We covered business aspects, time management, and most important for me: getting the kind of bride I want and my marketing strategy.  Some big things are in the works.  Get ready for the fall to be awesome!  I told her what I was looking for in a bride and she gave me such great advice about how to attract one.  I know that sounds like a mating ritual described on National Geographic…

You may be wondering what this cute, but seemingly irrelevant story, has to do with the camera in the pictures.  Kelly mentioned that they had a camera for sale if I was interested.  I didnt think about it at first but on the ride home I called Jared and we talked it through.  See, my rebel is in the repair shop at the moment.  Yeah, it is totally messed up.  Thankfully it falls under the manufacturer warranty.  And thankfully a gracious friend has been letting me borrow a camera.  Back to the story….I bought the camera Kelly had mentioned and this is it!

Welcome 40D!

I really love these two images.  John and Andrea had a first look, where you see one another before the ceremony.   I love the slight anticipation in Andrea’s face, but slow smile, and her joy in the next image.  First looks are so amazing.  I had one for my wedding and there were so many benefits.  You get pictures like this.  Pure joy.  Anticipation.  And a huge plus-you can touch each other.  When you see one another for the first time on your wedding day, all you want to do is touch your loved ones face.  Im serious.  You just want to reach out and grab their hand.   And seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, well, it makes it a little harder to be natural.  So if you are considering having a first look…I say go for it!! Your friends and family will get over it

There were LOTS of laughs at this reception!

They had some interesting art on the walls that day!  Dirty underwear

Oh man, and the dancing!!

Something that really set this wedding apart was that John and Andrea love and serve the Lord. If you cant tell by these pictures John and Andrea have wonderful friends and family that love, support, and pray for them. What a great gift! The blessing Andrea’s father gave at the reception was so beautiful. He encouraged them to continue to lean on the Lord.

Mr. and Mrs. Hampson, I hope Antigua was gorgeous! Congratulations to you both!!

You can view the entire event and order prints here.