Picture of the Day!

FINALLY!!

2009-08-08T08:42:00.001-06:00

http://www.awweddings.com/blog/

Hey Guys!! So sorry I've been missing forever! My new blog isn't perfect yet, but I figured somethin is better than nothin :) Hope you enjoy it and will continue to follow my new blog!

Fun spotlight :)

2009-07-22T13:05:00.001-06:00

http://thebrideroom.blogspot.com/2009_07_22_archive.html

I'm not slacking...

2009-07-21T15:43:00.004-06:00

I'm just working really hard on setting up my NEW blog!!! Hope to show you soon...

In the meantime, here is a little friend that landing on our front porch a few weeks ago...

How can people think there is no God when there are creations like THIS? I mean, I'm creative, but not a chance I could do somethin like this!

The Pankey family is growing!!

2009-07-17T16:48:00.005-06:00

I took a few minutes this morning to take some pictures of my sweet friend, Amy Pankey! If you've been following my blog for a while, you have seen plenty of photos of her precious son, Travis! Well, as you can see, cute Amy is expecting baby boy #2!! She wasn't all that fired up about posing by herself, but I forced her to do just a few :)

Amy and Simmons are expecting at the end of August...but Amy is pretty sure that Collin is coming early!

Can't imagine this sweet family getting even more precious, but I can't wait to meet their newest addition!

I had a vision for this picture. It didn't turn out exactly how I wanted, but I still think its pretty darn cute!

What a great lookin fam, huh??

Newlin Wedding!

2009-07-16T16:46:00.011-06:00

I had such a great time in Aliceville last weekend! That was my first time to visit this little town and I thought it was great! I'm almost positive the reason I got to shoot this wedding is because the bride is my great friend Catherine Brooke's cousin. So thank you, CBrooke, for helping make this happen!

I got to meet sweet Mary Lindsey (fellow double-namer...love it!) when I shot her bridal portraits a few weeks ago! Her mom, sister-in-law, and brother all joined us that day, so it was fun to get to see them all again on Saturday! I knew after meeting all of them that day that the wedding was going to be great!

I met Chris for the first time on Saturday and he was so great! I knew Mary Lindsey was precious just from the little bit I'd spent with her for her bridal portraits, so I knew she would be marrying someone wonderful! Chris had the biggest smile on his face when I walked in to meet him, and an even bigger smile when he walked into the sanctuary to see his bride for the first time! They decided to see each other before the ceremony, but did it a little different than I usually do. Typically the groom is waiting at the front of the church with his back turned until the bride gets about halfway down the aisle and tells him to turn around. Mary Lindsey decided she'd rather be the one standing at the front of the church, having him walking to her. I'd never thought about doing it that way, but I kinda liked the dramatic effect of him walking in and....bam...there's his bride!

We took some sweet pictures in the sanctuary, and then moved outside to a random, run down place with a bright red door, and then over to someone's backyard to get a little greenery!

Their reception was held at The Gentry's home right down the road from the church! It was absolutely perfectly decorated and had the best southern, simple, classic look! For some reason I love seeing candles hanging from trees! These little glass vases were hanging from some long white ribbon around a few different trees outside of the large white tent that covered the food and dance floor!

The sweet couple spent so much time talking to their 400 guests at the reception that I was worried they weren't even going to get to enjoy the fantastic band....but luckily they pulled themselves away and managed to have a litte fun on the dance floor!

I loved the black and white checkered dance floor!!

The many remaining guests lined the sidewalk and threw bird seed as the bride and groom headed to their old time car to make their grand exit!

As I am typing, they are currently enjoying their time in Jamaica....which is where I will be in about 3 weeks !!! Hope you all had a great time!

Mary Lindsey and Chris Slideshow!

2009-07-14T15:53:00.001-06:00

A little somethin different!

2009-07-13T13:00:00.003-06:00

A previous manager at the Abercrombie and Fitch store at the Summit asked me about a year ago to photograph eight of his staff members for them to submit in a contest. I think I have it right in saying that every store has the opportunity to submit a photo in hopes to be published in a little booklet that they may be spotted as potential models for the ANF catalogue. Anyway, they made it to the final round last year, but are determined to make the cut this time!

So I met this crew up at the Summit store last night to take a few group shots of them to submit. They are required to all be in the same clothes, and must be in front of this big sign at the front of their store. There wasn't a whole lot of room for creativity in such a small space, but I think we got a few good ones! (I have no idea why it is underlining everything I type, and I hope NO idea how to fix it! Ugh!)

And then just for kicks we took one outside of the store, because we all know I am a fan of outside photos!! I'll let you know if they make it in the book. And hey, you never know...could lead to some more shoot with ANF in the future for me!

Caroline and Jonathan are engaged!

2009-07-12T19:15:00.005-06:00

My third photo session on Friday was with Caroline and Jonathan!

I met Caroline about a year and a half ago at her cousin's wedding in Birmingham! I am always so flattered and excited when a bridesmaid from a previous wedding I shot wants me to be a part of her day as well!

As always, I had to ask how they met and how long they have been together. I guess I just find it interested to hear how everyone ends up...and its amazing how everyone's story is a little different! Caroline and Jonathan were set up by some friends at work!

Their sweet puppies waited in the back of Jonathan's truck while we took a few pictures at Samford. Their boxer snuck away just for a second to play with some of the students on the quad! Luckily she came back quick and posed pretty perfectly for me!!

After spending a little bit of time at Samford, I felt like driving down the road a little bit to take Jemison Park to snap a few more!

Caroline made this cute sign herself!

Then we played in the water a little bit :)

Caroline and Jonathan are getting married on a Friday night in Georgia in October....can't wait!

Prentice Family!

2009-07-11T10:08:00.005-06:00

I spent my morning yesterday with the Prentice Family! Stacey informed me at the beginning of our session that sweet little Ben had NEVER had his picture made! Hopefully she will loves these and make more of a habit of getting them taken!

This little man is 17 months old and as sweet as he can be! Ben's grandparents just happened to be in town from Canada, so they were able to act like clowns behind my back to put these precious little smiles on Ben's face!

Lola Dane'e is already 6 months old!!

2009-07-10T22:01:00.004-06:00

Sweet little Lola just keeps getting more adorable! You may remember her sweet face from a few months back! She turned 6 months old a few days ago, and for our first round of pictures she was sporting this orange shirt that read "Fat and Happy!" Those cheeks are incredible!!

Lola's mom, Amber, made this cute tutu, Lola's shoes, and the adorable barrette in her hair! I was a huge fan of the tutu, and I'm pretty sure Lola was as well!

6 months is such a fun age! The little ones are now able to hold their head up, which gives me lots more options for pictures!!

I think they are in love!!

Lola's creative mom made these shoes and all these other cool things! Check em out!!

They've both perfected the looking away model shot...she's gonna be just like her momma :)

Can't wait til the next time...loved seeing you two as always!!

Ann Claire's Bridal Portraits

2009-07-09T09:12:00.000-06:00

Emerson DeLaMare

2009-07-08T12:21:00.006-06:00

Moments that I genuinely want a baby at this time in my life are few and far between. (I'll work on gettin a good man first!) However, looking at these first 2 pictures of precious little Emerson...wow! How could you not want a sweet little angel like this? She is absolutely adorable!

These sweet little feet belong to my good friend's 2 month old daughter, Emerson DeLaMare. Emerson's mom, Lindsey Bell DeLaMare, was my "big sister" in my sorority at Samford. Lindsey and her husband Tommy live in Pensacola, so I was able to drive over on the last day of my weekend at the beach and finally meet this little lady!

Lindsey and I had tried to set up some pregnancy pictures, but we couldn't quite get our schedules to work...but luckily this time around we were able to make it happen!

Unfortunately Emerson's dad had to go to work, but we took advantage and got some extra sweet "mommy and baby girl" pictures. I can only hope that these pictures will end up in a slideshow at Emerson's rehearsal dinner one day!

Emerson's grandmother made this cute little yellow outfit she is wearing in most of the pictures! Impressive!

Thanks, Lindsey, for letting me come take pictures of your little angel! I'm excited to watch her grow and hopefully photograph her again as she gets older!

Sadie turned 3!

2009-07-07T08:03:00.005-06:00

Yes I tied a balloon to my dog on her birthday.

Yes her friend Audrey came to her "party."

Yes, Sadie apparently loves sprinklers!

Yes, there were 2 different balloons because the first one was popped in .25 seconds by Sadie, Audrey and Bren. Somehow I knew that would happen.

Yes, Sadie clearly hates it when I do stuff like this.

And Yes, I am slightly, crazy obsessed with my little girl!

Happy belated 3rd birthday to the best dog ever!

Tylka Family

2009-07-06T20:27:00.003-06:00

I got to spend the weekend of the 4th down at my parents place in Blue Mountain Beach. We have become great friends with some of our neighbors down there, and this year they asked me to take some photographs of the kids on the beach! So the kids were troopers and woke up at 7am so we could beat the crowds on the beach!

They apparently forgot to pack outfits that would match, so they just decided on taking pictures of them in their bathing suits instead...which I thought was fun!

Its fun watching Riley and Nik interact. Although they pick at each other like every brother and sister, you can tell that they absolutely adore each other and are best buddies!

After they "posed" for me, we got to have some fun and just play in the ocean!

All the cousins having a big time!

Kelli and Josh are engaged!

2009-07-02T07:57:00.005-06:00

After 6 years of dating, Kelli and Josh have decided its time to tie the knot!

Kelli and Josh met at The University of Alabama, and are now both working in Birmingham. We got together late Monday afternoon (luckily it wasn't completely sweltering) to take some engagement pictures at the Botanical Gardens!

I met with Kelli back in the winter to discuss photography for her wedding! I felt like we ended up chatting about so much more than just wedding photography...felt like we were already good friends! I love it when I am able to immediately establish that relationship with a bride! It makes taking the pictures so much more fun! But I'll say that Kelli is one of the coolest girls I've met, and I know their wedding is going to be awesome!

Monday was the first chance I had to meet Josh, and he is pretty darn cool himself! He's a little on the tall side, so I did my best to avoid making Kelli look like too tiny next to him! What a fun couple! Can't wait til September!

Collins Slideshow!

2009-07-01T16:31:00.002-06:00

Elizabeth and Chris Preview!

2009-06-30T21:05:00.004-06:00

I spent my third weekend in a row in Nashville last Saturday shooting Elizabeth and Chris Collins' wedding. I am not completely finished with the pictures, but the sweet couple is waiting a few weeks before they go on their honeymoon, and I know I have a bride who is anxious to see some pictures, so here you go sweet girl!

I have to say that this was one of the most fun weddings I have shot in a while. Elizabeth was a bridesmaid in Aubrey Naish West's wedding that I shot in 2007. I can' tell you how great it made me feel when I got to the church and she was genuinely excited to see me, as all her bridesmaids seemed to be! What a great feeling to know they were excited I was there! Makes me want to do job the absolute best I possibly can!

This beautiful wedding was held at Woodmont Christian Church, and the reception following at the University Club. Beautiful locations, beautiful bridesmaids, groomsmen that wanted to murder me for making them go outside, trolly ride (in which I almost fell out the window!!!) from the ceremony to the reception, great band....all around a fabulous celebration!

Slideshow soon to follow...hope these hold you over for now!

Natalie and John are engaged!

2009-06-29T14:01:00.006-06:00

Natalie and John got into Birmingham at 9am ready for their engagement pics! Not only impressive that they had already driven over 2 hours that morning, but they had been out late the night before at the Braves vs. Red Sox game in Atlanta! (as was I!) Out late, long early morning car ride, and they still managed to look awesome!

Natalie and John went to high school together in GA, but didn't really get to know each other until they were out of college! They have been together almost four years and will be getting married this October in Atlanta! Natalie and I were sorority sisters in college and have remained friends over the last few years! Again, love seeing my friends so happy and in love!!

John was like most of the guys that I shoot, in that he was not a fan of being in front of the camera! But once we let him put his hat on, he was much more in his element! And hey, I'm up for it on wedding day if Natalie can handle it :)

John used one of my favorite quotes that morning when he asked me to help him look his best because he completely "out kicked his coverage" with Natalie. I love that! Proud of his woman!

Hope you enjoy the pics! I had alot of fun with you two!

Ann Claire and Will Slideshow!

2009-06-28T19:41:00.002-06:00

Ann Claire and Will preview...

2009-06-26T23:58:00.005-06:00

Oh my gosh..its been TWO weeks since I shot this wedding and am just now posting a few pictures! I PROMISE there will be more to come because this wedding was too beautiful not to share with you guys!

Here are just 3 of my favorites from their big day!

Still my favorite...

2009-06-24T13:52:00.009-06:00

I'm SORRY to those of you giving me a hard time for disappearing from my blogging duties! I think the long break got me out of the habit and its been hard to get myself back on track. I do have lots to share, so plan to be entertained daily from now on...or at least until I head to the beach for the fourth! The picture above was taken on day 4 at camp. Completely exhausted, but having just about as much fun as I did when I was 8 years old! Camp Loucon is still my favorite place on the planet!

Of course I was so excited to be there the first night! Just an overwhelming sense of peace when I set foot there. Its weird. No...its not weird. Its God. The very first night we had our first worship service with the junior high campers. We sang a couple of songs, finishing with "Here I am to Worship." I immediately got teary watching these sweet young kids singing their hearts out. I knew at that moment that was exactly where God wanted me to be. I knew it was going to be a great week!

Below was my home last week. Cabin Number 3. Not exactly the Ritz, but it could've been much worse! Alot of the cabins have been renovated over the years, but this set has not...and I kinda like it that way! I had 11 sweet girls from all over small town Kentucky calling me "Mama Root Beer" all week long. This was the first year I worked with Middle Schoolers. Everyone gave me the sympathetic, "oh you're brave" look when I told them I was gonna be working with the Junior High Camp. I knew it would be a challenge, but it ended up being better than I had anticipated. Of course there were a few girls that were hard to handle....as in I say "go left" and they go right...EVERY time. But it only took 2 days to learn that the 2 girls that were the hardest to handle were the ones whose home lives were the worst. I led a bible study with just my cabin each morning after breakfast. I learned that one of these girls' step dad knocked out her front tooth when she was younger...and the other girl's mom left her one day and never came back! Wow. So after hearing those stories I decided to quit trying to discipline these girls and just love on them. Thats the sole reason they were acting up, so as much as I wanted to throw them across the room numerous times a day, I just took a deep breath and gave them a hug instead! The Lord continues to teach me patience!

Oh....and the best way to end the week was waking up the last morning with a MOUSE in my bed! Yeah....UGH!!!!!

I'm goin to camp!!

2009-06-12T09:39:00.005-06:00

You'll have to excuse my absence next week on my blogging...but I'm going to CAMP! I couldn't be more excited! I was a camper at Camp Loucon for the first time when I was 8 years old, and have yet to miss a summer since! This will be my NINETEENTH year at camp! Wow...Thats crazy! I was a camper up until I was in high school, and have gone back as a counselor for a week each summer since I was in college.

Loucon is a Methodist camp located in Leitchfield, KY. As silly as it may sound, I kinda refer to Loucon as my "happy place." Its where I credit the foundation for my relationship with God. I not only learned more about Him through the bible studies and worship services, but also really learned what it meant to experience Him, and make Him a part of my daily life. As a camper I looked up to the counselors and staff members as I watched them just love life. It took me a few summers to "get it." I didn't understand exactly what it was that was making them so happy, but all I knew is what I wanted what they had. Through conversations and prayer with those staff members and counselors, I learned that their happiness came from within, and from living your life with one goal in mind...to please the Lord. So, it is my hope going back each summer that I will be able to pour into the campers like I was poured in to for so many years. And not only will I have the chance to hopefully pour into them, but I am positive they will bless my life as well.

In addition to the awesome worship and prayer time I know we will have, we will also be having a ball doing things like canoeing, hiking, folk dancing, hayrides, campfires, high ropes course, swimming, zipline....oh and sleeping with spiders and showering with multiple moths and beetles at my feet....i CAN'T WAIT!

I took these 2 pictures last summer. The one above is of my friend Jason leading a small worship service with our campers. And the one below is one of my favorite pictures. Not only because I think its kinda artsy and cool-lookin, but seeing it takes me back to camp. I was on a hike with our campers on our way to one of our fun activities, and I just happened to look down and see this on the ground. Just a little reminder of why we were put on this earth.

So anyway, I'm leaving on Sunday and will be there until Friday....til next time...

McKinney Slideshow

2009-06-10T16:08:00.001-06:00

The McKinneys

2009-06-09T20:32:00.010-06:00

I had the chance to travel to Jackson, MS this past Saturday to photograph Ryan and Genevieve's wedding. I met Ryan a few years ago in Nashville through my brother. Bo and Ryan share their passion for competing in Ironman races, and other triathalons all over the country! Genevieve and Ryan both told me that Ryan had only 2 requests for this wedding: a pig at the rehearsal dinner, and choosing the photographer. I love working for people who are excited to have me there!

Saturday was the first chance I had to meet Genevieve. I told her, and I will say again that she got ready faster than any bride I have ever worked with! She was a little late getting to the church because of a delayed hair appointment (which happens more often than not it seems!). But I'm telling you what, this girl walked into the church dressed like everyone else, and in less than 5 minutes she transformed herself into an incredibly beautiful bride!

The ceremony was held at Genevieve's home church, and in the chapel where she said she used to sneak off during sunday school and just admire the little chapel! We all traveled to the bride's parents house for a beautiful reception on the lake.

I'm pretty sure he is trying to look up her dress in this one :)

Cheers to the bride and groom!

Sarah Neal!

2009-06-08T21:01:00.005-06:00

So I was doing a little facebook stalking last week and came across some pictures that one of my previous brides had posted of her little angel! I immediately sent her a message and asked her if I could take pictures of her baby girl!

This is sweet Sarah Neal! (Of course I love the double name!) Sarah Neal is about 14 months old, and is little miss independent! She was all about sitting by herself and exploring every little thing at the Botanical Gardens. Its pretty fun to watch how fascinated a kid can be at something as simple as a pine cone!

Her sweet Mom, Evie, was one of my favorite brides to work with! I shot her and Chris' wedding in 2006 (right??) It is a wedding I distinctly remember thinking that they just seemed to have so much fun together! And from what I could tell from our little outing today, Evie seems to have so much fun with her little girl!

Sarah Neal continued the streak of amazingly well-behaved kids I have been photographing lately!

This is fun!

2009-06-08T13:17:00.002-06:00

Featured Nashville wedding

Puppies at the Park!

2009-06-04T18:24:00.010-06:00

Even on days when I don't have to "work," I'm still itchin to get out there and take some pictures....I guess thats a good sign that I love what I do, huh? I'm pretty sure I have featured Sadie on here in the past, but she hasn't had a shout out in a while, so I thought I'd take my camera up to the park today and capture my little girl playin with her friends!

Yep...thats my girl! She can get vicious sometimes! Although it looks like Dixie is trying to bite her face off, they are having so much fun!!

This is Sadie's BFF, Audrey!

And the pretty Weim below is their friend, Rosie!

It's borderline ridiculous how much I love this dog! She never fails to put a smile on my face...every single day...usually multiple times a day! Thank God for dogs and their unconditional love!

More of Sweet Hannah!

2009-06-03T17:14:00.013-06:00

We made a mad dash to the Botanical Gardens yesterday afternoon hoping to beat the thunderstorms in the forecast! Luckily it only took a few minutes for sweet Hannah to warm up to the camera! This is (I think) the 3rd time I've taken pictures of this little lady! I absolutely love having the opportunity to watch my friends' kids grow up, and get to capture them at different stages of their childhood!

Could this face BE any cuter?? Seriously...I think I love Hannah!!

Last time I shot Hannah she fell down, but after a few quick tears and a piece of candy, she was right back up! Well, we had a little oops yesterday, which she handled like a champ again! Sorry, even when she's not posing she is precious!

Hannah is a little over 2 years old now! Her mom, Carlie, told me today that she luckily hasn't hit the "terrible twos." I mean, I know I don't have kids so I don't really know the deal, but its hard to imagine this little face turning into a terror! We'll keep our fingers crossed she stays as sweet as she is now :)

This little girl's laugh completely made my afternoon!

It's tiring being a rock star!

And here's a behind the scenes look at her mom's version of the photoshoot

Hannah Turns Two!

2009-06-02T20:12:00.002-06:00

Here's a quick preview until tomorrow...

Lindsay and Joseph are engaged!

2009-06-01T19:17:00.013-06:00

I headed down to the beach for a work-free weekend...or so I thought! Lindsay and Joseph are getting married next June, and she had emailed me Friday asking about a good time to set up engagement pictures. She happened to mention in her email that she was headed to Santa Rosa Beach for the weekend to visit her fiance and figure out some potential dates we could shoot engagement pictures.

So I mentioned that I was actually going to be in the area this weekend and if they were interested in some beach engagement pictures, then we should go for it!

I was excited, she was excited, so we made it happen!

We met at 7:30am on Sunday to beat the crowds and the heat on the beach! We spent a little time on the beach and then headed to Seaside to walk around the streets and see what looked like a good photo opt!

Lindsay will be graduating from Auburn next year, and will be moving down to the beach once they get married. Aaahhhh.....wouldn't that be lovely :)

Cassie and Ronnie!

2009-05-27T15:06:00.007-06:00

I had the opportunity to travel to Chattanooga last Saturday

and be a part of Cassie and Ronnie's big day! They got married in a

sweet little white chapel on the grounds of the Chickamauga battlefields.

Cassie and Ronnie met at the University of Tennessee and are

planning to live in Knoxville once they get back from their

nice honeymoon in the mountains!

A few blocks away from the church was a neat little downtown

area where we had fun in front of the little shops, and then of course

on the railroad tracks. Ronnie didn't seem extremely thrilled about

having his picture made...until he saw the trains! All of a sudden he

was all about climbing onto the trains in order to take a cool picture!

(which if you look close enough, you will be more impressed with his

climbing skills...considering he is wearing a CAST on his left arm after

breaking his wrist a few weeks before the wedding!) He made it a point

to tell me that he got a black cast so that it would match his tux!

Below is Cassie with a few of her bridesmaids taking a stroll down

the street! The bridesmaid in pink is one of my closest friends, Johannah

Paiva. I'd met Cassie a few times, but then really got to know her

when she spent the summer living with Johannah and her husband Luke

in Birmingham. So although I tend to NOT book weddings on holiday

weekends, because they are dear friends, I genuinely wanted to be a part

of their big day!

Roskelly Slideshow!

2009-05-26T14:46:00.001-06:00

Cassie and Paul House!

2009-05-21T19:14:00.013-06:00

Meet Cassie and Paul! I apologize for taking forever to write about this wedding...but better late than never, right?? This wedding was the first of two I shot the weekend in Nashville I had a double whammy! Cassie and I both attended Franklin Road Academy for high school, and then onto college at Samford University. I am a few years older than Cassie, but I was very excited she wanted me to help her remember her wedding day forever!

Cassie and Paul have one of those sweet stories of falling in love in middle school and being together ever since! They are both from Nashville, so naturally they very much wanted to take pictures downtown, and then of course on the walking bridge over to the Titans stadium so we could be sure to get that in a few shots! After taking the last few of their engagement pictures in their Titans jerseys, I wasn't shocked to hear this was where they wanted some wedding photos taken! I loved it!

After walking around downtown for a while, we headed over to the Scarritt-Bennett chapel. I have heard amazing things about this place, and couldn't have been happier to see the amazing venue once we arrived. The chapel itself was incredible, but all the buildings surrounding were just as amazing! It was fun to have the downtown feel first, and then head here for some more old school-looking shots!

Its official!

Logistically it made more sense for me to ride in the party bus with the bridal party...which of course was SO fun and gave me the opportunity for some fun photos I would have otherwise missed! Cheers to the newlyweds!

I think this is the first time I'd seen a cake with "bling" on it! Very cool!

So I already mentioned their love for the Titans, but I also learned after seeing the groom's cake that Paul is apparently a huge Predators fan as well. So this cake was a fun surprise for Paul, and a compromise for Cassie :)

The entire evening was pretty special, but I do have to say that this was my favorite part! The DJ played the game where he asked all of the married couples to get on the dance floor. All of the couples began dancing, and then after a few seconds, he would tell the couples who had only been married 5 years or less to sit down. And then a few seconds later he would tell the couples who had been married 10 years or less to have a seat. He continued on that cycle until he was left with the couple who had been married the longest. This last couple standing is Cassie's grandparents. They have been married SIXTY SEVEN years!! Watching them dance had me, and basically everyone else around me, wiping away the tears! They were absolutely precious. He was kissing her on the cheek throughout the song, and she would be singing the words of the song to him..."I'm so in love with you." Seriously. It was amazing. A blessing to myself, and I know to the newlyweds to see that kind of love expressed after so many years! A very sweet ending to a wonderful night!

Moseley Slideshow!

2009-05-18T08:09:00.001-06:00

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

2009-05-17T11:36:00.005-06:00

Above is the one and only Mary Jane Parrish! My Mom. Probably the best mom a girl could ask for. I meant to do a post on Mother's Day in honor of her, but I was so swamped with work, I didn't have time. So today, I just want to tell her, and everyone else how amazing I think she is. It honestly does blow my mind at my mom's ability to show her love for me, and everyone else in our family for that matter. She is consistently my #1 cheerleader, supporter, fan, friend, and listener. She "gets" me more than anyone else ever could and there is nothing more comfortable than being with someone who loves you no matter what the circumstances. She cares about every single, little tiny detail about my forever changing life. She gets excited when I'm excited. She's heartbroken when I am sad. She's willing to do or say whatever it takes to make me happy, or to help me see the lesson I am learning in my life. I hope I will one day turn into the same type of wife and mom that she is to me and to our family! I love you mom!

More Kiddos!

2009-05-16T14:46:00.006-06:00

Round One

Here are 2 other of my recent children photography sessions I did while I was in Memphis. The Fowler family has been a part of my life for quite a few years. However Evie, the oldest daughter, is the only one I really had the chance to know! Not living in Memphis doesn't really give me much opportunity to get to know these families and watch their children grow! So, this was a fun day for me to meet Evie's younger brother and sister and take a few photos of them in their fairy costumes at the Botanical Gardens!

Potential father's day present below :) Pretty mom Ali and her babies!

Round Two

This little cutie's name is Neely! What a cute name! My mom plays tennis in Memphis with Neely's mom, so that is how we set this one up! She has 4 additional sisters, but they were all off at school, so I had Neely all to myself! I'll have to admit I was kind of excited because one is a whole lot easier than five!!

Ledbetter Kids

2009-05-14T08:42:00.005-06:00

Tori and Nathan got married!

2009-05-13T15:32:00.020-06:00

Again, my apologies for not updating since last Thursday! I've been on the move! I was in Nashville Thurs-Sunday shooting engagement pictures and 2 weddings. Sunday I headed to Memphis for 2 days to shoot quite a few ADORABLE kids!! So...here's round one of my Tennessee Travels!

You may remember seeing Tori and Nathan's engagement pictures that we took in downtown Nashville a few months ago! Well, last Saturday they made it officially official at this awesome venue right outside of Nashville called Cedarwood! When I drove up, I couldn't have been more excited about all the potential photo opps!

It down-poured all Saturday morning, but luckily the sun came out just in time! (that was the case for BOTH of my weddings this weekend....nothing but rain in the forecast and I ended up getting lucky both days!)

This mansion has a great, southern feel to it, with cool details like mason jars hanging from the trees out front! I LOVED this! It look especially cool when the sun went down!

Cute bridesmaids!

Tori was one of my favorite people in high school, and I enjoyed so much getting to spend the day with her and her sweet family!

How photogenic is she?!?!

Notice her FUN shoes!!

Clearly they had fun, which made me have fun, which made for a perfect night all around!!

I've never had the chance to work with a swing....that was FUN! Tori was a champ and just hopped on up there like it was no big deal! I love girls who are willing to do whatever for a cute picture!

Just chillin on the front lawn of the mansion...on a couch...in their wedding clothes! Loved it!

Not many people could pull off wearing a feather in their head...but I thought she worked it like a champ!

They had a photobooth set up for guests to get in and take their picture! 2 copies would come out. One for the guest to keep, and the other was taped into a scrapbook where they signed their name and wrote a note to Tori and Nathan! What a GREAT idea! Tori and Nathan were cute, but I think my favorite was watching her and her sweet grandmother get in there! Priceless!

Their band was phenomenal!! I'm almost positive their name was "The Valentine's." Tori and Nathan both had a blast dancing all night long!

And they're off....to Mexico, and then headed back home to pack up and move to Washington where Nathan is stationed! I LOVED being a part of your day Tori! You are the best!!

Lindsay and Martin

2009-05-08T10:21:00.006-06:00

This was our third attempt at Engagement pictures for Lindsay and Martin! We had 2 other sessions set up, but both got postponed because of weather! With Lindsay being in Birmingham, and Martin in Nashville, it was hard finding a time I was available and he was in Birmingham!

So I am in Nashville this weekend shooting a wedding tonight and tomorrow night, but thought I might as well try to see if they could take the pics in Nashville since Birmingham never seemed to work out! Despite the call for terrible weather all day yesterday, we finally made it happen!

Lindsay and Martin met in Pharmacy School at Samford, and I will be shooting their wedding in October! Martin is currently in Nashville doing a residency, while Lindsay is finishing up school in Birmingham.

Again, good lookin couple equals good lookin pics! Lucky me lately!

Congrats to you both, and I look forward to seeing you in October!!

My Pretty Roommate!

2009-05-07T12:21:00.004-06:00

I have a wall in the front room of our house called the "Wall of Fame." I took headshots of all of my friends about three years ago and framed an 8x10 black and white photo that they had to sign...you know, like they are movie stars!

So anyway, 3 years later, its time to do a little updating, and maybe even taking a few faces down and adding a few new faces! So Skinner was all dressed up pretty to go to her Junior League meeting, so we decided to step outside into my "studio" and have a quick little photo shoot!

Sweet Caroline!

2009-05-06T15:25:00.010-06:00

If you've been following my blog a while, you may remember some of these pictures I posted back in January when my sweet friends Ellen and Jeff were pregnant with their first baby...

Meet Caroline Elizabeth Flannery!

They welcomed this sweet little angel and are both clearly smitten with their new baby girl!

And with each other :)

I was excited to get to photograph this sweet little angel before the Flannerys pack up and move to California! Jeff is about to start dental school, so it looks like I'll have to be relying on their blog to keep up with this little girl's life!

The first few photos were actually taken last week, but I took these last 3 this afternoon. Ellen told me she loves how Caroline looks when she is sleeping. Because Caroline was not sleepy in photoshoot #1, we tried again today!

Success! A little sleeping beauty!

Johnson Slideshow!

2009-05-05T19:45:00.001-06:00

Chasen and Justin Heberling!

2009-05-04T18:12:00.007-06:00

I'm a week late in posting pictures from the Heberling wedding I shot on April 25th! I probably should have posted these before I did the ones last night, but hey, better late than never, right?

I went to Samford with Justin, so I was excited when I saw him at an event at Samford sometime last year and he asked me for my business card! I met Chasen for the first time when I shot their engagement pictures, and clearly from the photo above you can tell that they have a great time together!

Their wedding was at Hunterstreet, and the reception was at WorkPlay. I have shot a few receptions at WorkPlay, but never in the room where this was held. I don't know the name of the room, but its the one right next to the bar where they hold concerts. It was a really neat setup!

Jessica and Nathan got Married!!

2009-05-03T21:38:00.014-06:00

Jessica and Nathan got married on Saturday at The American Village in Montevallo. I have shot a few events there, but this was my first wedding there....and I LOVED it!

The facility had so many different places to take pictures that I wish I had hours to spend with Nathan and Jessica. The place was amazing, and of course it helped that they are a great looking couple!

They had a big, fun bridal party, including 8 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen.

She is pretty stunning!

Their reception was held in the very nice barn! The staff was waiting as you walked in to hand you some pink lemonade and excellent hors devours!

Their band was fabulous!! The lead vocalist first got all the bridesmaids up front, and then the groomsmen to let them each have their moment in the spotlight!

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Johnson! I appreciate you letting me be a part of your wedding day!

Kiersten and Eric

2009-05-01T22:33:00.008-06:00

Kiersten and Eric wanted to do something a little different than most of my couples. I spend alot of time at Botanical and Aldridge Gardens taking engagement pictures, which I do enjoy, but it was fun to have a variety by taking them at Sloss Furnaces!

Kiersten and Eric have known each other since high school (right?), but didn't start dating until after college. I remember seeing them together for the first time when Kiersten was a bridesmaid in a wedding I shot in the summer of 2007 down in Seaside. She was standing with the other bridesmaids, giggling about the new guy she was dating. A few minutes later he came around the corner and she got this huge grin on her face. I had a good feeling at that moment that she might be giving me a call about taking some engagement pictures for them!

Luckily I was right! They had planned to get married this year, but a few circumstances has pushed it back a little bit. They will be getting married sometime next spring, most likely in St. Petersburg, FL! I can't wait to shoot their wedding!

They are clearly a very good-looking couple who I know are going to make a beautiful bride and groom!

Now I Understand....

2009-04-29T21:56:00.008-06:00

I will now have a more sympathetic attitude towards girls who tell me they "hate having their picture made." I am pretty much on the top of that list, but last night my photographer friends Laine Williams, and Brandon and Stacey Greshman had our own little photoshoot of each other. As awkward as I felt, and as much as I wanted to "pass" on this little adventure, I'll admit I'm glad I did it.

I don't think I've had my picture made since my senior year at Samford for the ZTA composite! (Unless you count my brother's wedding last year, which I was the one bridesmaid who kept asking the photographer what I was supposed to do!) I've always preferred to be the one behind the camera, but I know that some updated pictures of myself will be helpful for me to have for my website and other potential advertising materials. So....this is me. In case we haven't met yet, you know who to look for when we are meeting somewhere to start taking photos!

But like I said, I will no longer dismiss a bride's comment when she tells me she hates having her picture made. I will do my best to make them feel comfortable and beautiful...cause now I know how you feel!!

A big "THANK YOU" to The Greshmans and Laine for making this as painless as possible!

Haha! This makes me laugh! It was the only one out of a billion that I managed a semi-serious face! What a goof!

Caroline and Christin Cochran!

2009-04-28T13:09:00.004-06:00

Hannah Grace and Mona!

2009-04-27T13:29:00.010-06:00

I had the honor of taking pictures of Hannah Grace and her mom, Mona, on Friday afternoon in Nashville. Hannah Grace emailed me a few weeks ago asking if we could set up a little photoshoot sometime. So we spent about an hour walking around Centennial Park finding some great spots for pictures!

This was such a sweet time for the two of them! Made me want to find someone to take pictures of me and my mom!

Truly a blessing to me!

Pretty Mona!

Sexy Hannah Grace :)

Kirstein and Andrew!

2009-04-26T19:39:00.013-06:00

Sorry I've been MIA for a week!! I have been moving nonstop since last Tuesday and am finally getting a chance to catch up on things! I've taken so many pictures that I haven't had time to edit anything. So, I plan to have an entry every day this week...so get ready!!

I got to have some fun yesterday with my friends Andrew and Kirstein. If you have been following my blog for a while, you might remember the photos of the proposal with the candles on the football field? This is them! They don't have a date set yet, but are hoping to get married next spring!

We started at Samford so they could have some pictures taken where they met. After a little while there, we headed out to Pinson to one of Andrew's football coaches' house to take some pictures out on their land. It was so fun shooting somewhere new!

Amy and John Register!

2009-04-19T21:31:00.005-06:00

I had a fun day yesterday at the lake with The new Mr. and Mrs. John Register! I will post more, but here's a quick preview for ya :)

Gregory slideshow!

2009-04-16T09:54:00.001-06:00

Easter at the Beach!

2009-04-15T12:59:00.007-06:00

This is my parent's boxer, Mac! Him and Sadie did some serious bonding this weekend!

This is my hot cousin, Andrea! I made her do a little modeling for me since she looked awesome and the weather was pretty!

I had such a great time being around Andrea last weekend and just learning more about her daily life! We are the same age, yet at completely different phases of life. She works as a nurse, just finished earning her degree, and is raising 2 small children while her husband is deployed...and she does it like a champ! Master juggler! I hope I'm like her one day :)

Unexpected Blessing

2009-04-14T18:07:00.003-06:00

So I got "stuck" at the beach Monday night because the weather was so terrible. It hailed in Destin. HAILED?!?! It was basically dark outside starting at 2pm, so I thought hitting the road probably wasn't the best idea. Mom and I settled in to watch a movie and all of a sudden I looked outside and saw some orange in the sky. I had a feeling about this one, considering sunsets are almost always incredible after a storm. So I grabbed my camera and ran to the beach...and this was the blessing I received! Wow. Gotta thank the Man upstairs for this one!

"Hungry" on Easter

2009-04-12T17:23:00.004-06:00

I have spent Easter weekend at the beach with my parents. No work. Just time to relax, think, and pray about what is goin on in my life. So I vowed NOT to bring my labtop down here, so you will have to excuse the absense of entries for the last few days. (Although I have to say I took some cute pics of my beautiful cousin and precious puppy that I will post when I get back!)

I wish I could share with you a picture of the beach late this afternoon. I've kind of made a little tradition for myself on my last day I am at the beach. I like to take a long walk late in the afternoon along the shore with only my ipod set to my "worship" playlist and just try to listen. It seems like each time I do this, a different song speaks to my heart. And tonight, this was my song:

"Hungry, I come to You For I know You satisfy

I am empty but I know Your love does not run dry

So I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees Offering all of me

Jesus, You're all this heart Is living for"

Little Lola!

2009-04-08T18:43:00.016-06:00

I got to have some fun again today with one of my favorite families...the McGinnis'!

Little Lola is a little over 3 months old now. She is growing up to be quite a precious little lady! And clearly her parents keep her stylin in her oversized shades and sweet kicks!

Mark had to get back to work after the family pictures. While Amber was upstairs changing Lola into her dedication outfit, I went downstairs to talk to Mark. I showed him one preview on the back of my camera, and he said something along the lines of "I didn't know it was possible to be this in love with two girls." Wow...that was awesome.

We took a picture of Amber in this same spot on their front porch when Lola

was still in her belly!

Lola dressed up for her dedication at the end of the month...and maybe the

Kentucky Derby in May?? :)

Easter Baby!!

Sweet Mama and little angel in her rocker in her pretty purple nursery.

Foster Family

2009-04-07T22:45:00.001-06:00

Corrie and Darren...again :)

2009-04-06T08:18:00.010-06:00

Corrie and Darren went down to the beach with me last weekend to have their official engagement pictures taken. (they were the cute couple I shot in the snow at the beginning of March!)

Lauren and Wesley

2009-04-05T18:39:00.022-06:00

I had the pleasure of shooting Lauren and Wesley's wedding yesterday on Inlet Beach, FL.

As I'm pretty sure I have stated before, beach weddings are my favorite!

I almost always have met with the couple before the wedding, but I met Wesley for the first time on his wedding day. Lauren had told me he might be a little shy, but I had a great time hanging out with him and his friends while they were getting ready for pictures! I had yet to hear the story on how they met, and Wesley informed me that it was through match.com. I think their wedding is the 6th or 7th of couples who have met online!

I met Lauren almost four years ago when I was shooting her brother Ross' wedding. I love having the opportunity to work with a family again!

You can't fake a look like that...he loves her :)

This is a photo of everyone that attended their beach wedding. It was such a special day that included only their closest friends.

There were 4 of these flower arrangements posted in the sand as their decorations. Simple and perfect!

Pictures like these remind me of why I want to get married on the beach one day! The scenery could not be more simple or more beautiful, in my opinion!

Lauren had her favorite bakery make these cupcakes as the brides cake!

Their reception was held at the poolhouse in the neighborhood of "The Preserve." It was decorated with christmas lights and pink paper lantern! The reflection on the pool was beautiful!

And they're off....Destination unknown to the bride!!

Further explanation...

2009-04-03T18:55:00.002-06:00

Hey! So I appreciate the interest from folks about what this "New Chapter" means for me! Its been flattering and funny to hear the things some people have come up with as to why I am leaving Samford.

First of all....No, I did not get fired, and No, I am not moving!

For the first time in the 4 years I have been working at Samford, I finally sat down and thought about what I was doing in my life. Alot of the thoughts were sparked after attending the WPPI workshop in Vegas. Just seeing all these things other photographers are doing was very inspiring! I found myself saying all week, "I wish I could do that! I wanna do that! I wish I had time to do that!" And then once I really thought about it, the only reason I can't do those things is because of my job at Samford. I've enjoyed my time at Samford, but the content of what I was shooting isn't very exciting to me anymore. I LOVED shooting sports, however that was only about 25% of my job. The rest included alot of headshots, business meetings, recitals, luncheons....stuff that I feel like is NOT making me a better photographer. I feel like I've been keeping myself in a little box, not even letting my mind explore other things I would like to be doing...strictly because of a lack of time. Now I can not only develop my wedding business, but start photographing kids, babies, families, cute pregnant moms, traveling, maybe teaching?? Who knows. I know there is so much out there and I am looking forward to whatever lies ahead!

I know its a scary time to be quitting a job, but I feel confident in that I have found something I am passionate about- wedding photography. Something that I absolutely love, and am going to do my best to be the very best I can be! Luckily my business has grown more than I anticipated, so I want to devote more time to making myself better so that the business will continue to grow! Although its a little scary to leave a job, I have to remind myself that my job at Samford was my first job...and no one stays at their first job forever! Like I said in my post yesterday, I will miss many wonderful people there, but now I can go to events at Samford because I want to, and not because I have to!

Upward and onward! Thanks for your interest in my career :)

Jason and Blair

2009-04-02T12:32:00.010-06:00

I finished up editing pictures from Jason and Blair's wedding last weekend and thought I would add a few more! I'd always wanted to shoot a wedding at Southside Baptist Church. As you can see, it is BEAUTIFUL!

Closing a Chapter!

2009-04-01T22:13:00.002-06:00

I had a quick moment of sadness when I woke up this morning about it being my last day at Samford. I've been so excited for the last month knowing that it was coming to a close, but of course when it was actually time for the END, I got a little sentimental. I spent alot of time last night thinking about how many truly wonderful people there are working at Samford. People I will truly miss. So, I decided to spend alot of my day today going around campus and hoping to catch those people to snap a picture and tell them how much I have enjoyed working with them for the last 4 years. It kinda caught me off guard, but the only person that borderline made me tear up when I was saying goodbye was Dr. Andy Westmoreland, the president of the university. I dropped in to give him a little note I had written to him, expecting him to not be in his office. Luckily he was in and stopped everything he was doing to talk to me for a few minutes. He had a sincerely sad look on his face when he was telling me how sad he was that I was leaving! Like I said in the note I wrote to him, I have had the upmost respect for him since the first time he visited campus. By his second visit, before he was even named president, he remembered my name. And not just Ann, but Ann Wade. There are people I have been working with for 4 years on campus who still call me Ann! Each time I ran into him on campus, he never failed to stop and have more than just a "hey. how are ya?" conversation. Anyway, I emailed him a copy of this picture, and he wrote me the sweetest email back. Its people like him that make me sad about leaving my job at Samford.

But....the PEOPLE is what I am going to miss...the actual job itself?? I couldn't be more excited to be finished with this chapter! The possibilities are endless for the first time in my life and I couldn't be more excited!! FREEDOM!!!!!!

Tori and Nathan!

2009-03-29T18:53:00.012-06:00

I usually don't travel for engagement pictures, but Tori Stedman holds a special place in my heart so I made it happen!

Tori and I played volleyball together in high school. I'm almost positive I haven't laid eyes on her since I graduated from FRA, but I swear it felt like yesterday! She was one of my favorite people and I wish we'd stayed in better touch. I was happy to know that she knew I was in the wedding business and has trusted me with her pictures on her wedding day!

Tori and Nathan met at Western in Bowling Green, KY at a fraternity party! They dated for about 4 years and have been engaged a little over a year! I know they are both excited for May to come so they can be living in the same city again!

So we had fun walking around 2nd Avenue in Nashville and taking pictures whenever we saw something cool!

Fun day! Fun city! Fun couple! Can't wait til their wedding!

Jason and Blair

2009-03-28T23:11:00.002-06:00

Late night, but here's a little preview to hold you over!

Jason and Blair got married at Southside Baptist Church, the same place Jason proposed!

Sarah Hamm Higginbotham

2009-03-27T17:58:00.006-06:00

I shot these bridal portraits of Sarah a few weeks before her wedding. Didn't want to post them in case anyone she knows checks this blog....but I thought they were worth putting up! Beautiful dress. Beautiful bride!

Mrs. and Mrs. Stephens!

2009-03-26T19:03:00.002-06:00

Sorry I've been slacking this week on my "daily" posts! I've been busting it to get this slideshow finished for Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Stephens!

I shot some bridal portraits this week in Alexander City, but clearly I can't post those because that would ruin the suspense for the bride-to-be! So...for today, enjoy watching Jeff and Ashley. Their day was truly a blessing!

Jeff and Ashley got Married!!

2009-03-21T18:12:00.018-06:00

Ashley Crafton married Jeff Stephens today at Mathews Manor. Mathews Manor is one of my favorite places to shoot weddings in Birmingham. I like it because there are lots of different beautiful areas around the building to take pictures! I think this was my 5th or 6th wedding at Mathews Manor. Anyway....

Ashley and Jeff chose to see each other before the wedding. After a few long hugs and shedding a few sweet tears, they sat down to say a prayer and bless this exciting day in their life. Beautiful moment for a beautiful photograph!

This photo cracked me up! Jeff and his brother were sitting in their room waiting for the ceremony to begin. The phone kept ringing, so eventually Jeff just decided to start answering! He gave quite a few guests directions to the venue, and also fielded a call from another bride who was interested in booking Mathews Manor for her wedding!

There is a significance to the single red rose in Ashley's bouquet. I'm sure I will mess up the story, but from what I remember, Jeff had never given a girl a red rose until he proposed to Ashley. There's something special about making sure things are different when you've found THE one!

They were pretty excited after the minister pronounced them "man and wife!"

Jeff is from Memphis, and happens to be a huge fan. Funny how their ceremony started at 2pm, and the tip off for the Memphis basketball game was at 2:30! (I think I only heard him ask a groomsmen for the score once during the reception!)

And they're off to Playa Del Carmen, Mexcio! What a wonderful day!

More Tennis...

2009-03-20T14:12:00.002-06:00

SU Men's Tennis vs. GA Southern

2009-03-17T13:55:00.004-06:00

Meet Aubrey Riherd!

2009-03-14T10:03:00.008-06:00

Higginbotham Wedding

2009-03-11T17:25:00.001-06:00

SU Men's Golf

2009-03-09T13:20:00.001-06:00

Sarah and John!

2009-03-07T22:08:00.011-07:00

BIG NEWS!

2009-03-06T12:15:00.003-07:00

Since being back from the wedding photography workshop in Vegas, I have something on my mind! Actually its been on my mind for quite a few months, but being so inspired out there by other photographers, I finally realized it was time to make something happen. So....this past Tuesday I gave Samford my 30 day notice! I know, everyone is losing their job right now and Ann Wade decides it's time to quit! (I hate saying quit....can we just say I am "leaving?") It doesn't seem to make a lot of sense I'm sure, but I feel like I'm at a point where I am ready to expand on my wedding business, and also incorporate maternity, babies, kids and family photo shoots! I just feel like there is so much more I want to be doing with my time, and Samford is the only thing holding me back. I've put in a solid 4 years there, but I've realized I don't feel like I am growing as a photographer by shooting headshots, business meetings, and luncheons. The only thing I am sad about is leaving the people. There are so many amazing people that work on that campus that I know I will miss seeing on a regular basis. So a small piece of me is sad, but I'm so incredibly excited about discovering new ways to grow my business!

So...just to get the ball rollin a little, I put together a slideshow of some of the kids and baby pictures I've taken.

Rascal Day

2009-03-05T08:28:00.008-07:00

check it out!

2009-03-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/2009/03/real-wedding-amber-mark.html

Heavy Heart

2009-03-03T18:59:00.006-07:00

This opportunity made my day and broke my heart at the same time. I headed out to the park this afternoon to take Sadie to play with her friends. As I was leaving, I saw a man and his 3 daughters loading up their black lab to head home. My friend Kurt told me he had been talking to them and that they were putting this dog to sleep in the morning! He said he had taken a picture for them, but I happened to have my big daddy camera in the car with me. So I ran over to them and broke up a teary group hug to ask them if they wanted me to take a few pictures of them with their dog. The girls told me that Rex was 8 years old and suffering from stomach cancer, so they were bringing him out to the park tonight for his one last chance to play! So now I have tears in my eyes as I am telling them to hug on their best friend Rex. After a few pictures, the dad smiled at me with tears in his eyes and said, "I think thats just what the doctor ordered. I can't thank you enough." Wow.

Corrie and Darren

2009-03-02T20:41:00.011-07:00

I woke up Sunday morning to find a crazy amount of snow on the ground. After spending an hour on Samford's campus taking pictures for them, I was fired up about trying to find someone to get out in the snow and let me take their picture! Such a rare opportunity to get some snowy pics that will help give a little variety to my website! I just HAD to do it! Having a few backdrop for my pictures thrilled me...maybe a little too much!

So I called up my sweet friend and old roommate Corrie to see if her and her fiance wanted to take some engagement pictures. And of course...she came through :)

Corrie and Darren are getting married in September. I will not be shooting the wedding, but will be a bridesmaid. (yay!) But, I did agree to take their engagement pictures and her bridal portraits! We already have on the books to take some engagement pictures at the beach in April, but I told them this session was "on the house."

Congrats to Corrie and Darren! Check back in about a month to see the drastically different setting of their actual engagement pictures! Its the best of both worlds in my opinion!

It actually DOES snow in Alabama!!

2009-03-01T08:21:00.007-07:00

Samford vs. UTC

2009-02-28T15:35:00.005-07:00

Takin one for the team

2009-02-26T15:47:00.002-07:00

Samford Softball is in full effect. I showed up to the game yesterday afternoon thinking I'd spend about an hour and walk off with some excellent new shots for their team! In addition to the pictures, I also walked off with a HUGE knot on my shin!! This ball you see the pitcher throwing went straight from her hand to my shin! OW!!!!!

See....There was a table set up in "my spot" where I feel like I can get the best angle for pitching shots. So, in order to do what I needed to do, I sat under the table, right behind the plate. Well there is a net...not a fence, but a net...behind the plate. Unfortunately the catcher let one go by, and BOOM goes the dynamite...

I guess it could've been worse...coulda hit my face!!

Lauren and Craig

2009-02-24T21:26:00.006-07:00

Wow! Sorry I've been slacking on my blogging lately! Being in Vegas last week threw me off a little, but I promise to be back on it!

This afternoon I got to take Lauren and Craig's engagement pictures! Lauren, or "Little Woodburn, " as I like to call her, is a sweet friend of mine! One of the first things they told me when they got out of the car was that they "both hated having their pictures made."

I always like it when people say this to me because I see it as a challenge. It's my job to make them feel comfortable in front of the camera, and try to let them enjoy the experience!

I'm pretty sure they both look fabulous in the pictures, and I hope they will now be EXCITED about having their pictures made on their wedding day! They are getting married in August in Gulf Shores. Can't WAIT! I get to go to "work" at the beach for the weekend. Nice.

Chef Frank Stitt

2009-02-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Interview with Patsy Riley

2009-02-10T15:19:00.003-07:00

It really is a small world! So, today's interview with Patsy Riley, the governor's (whom I shot back in December) wife, is going along with a series next to the one I shot yesterday with Bart Star. They are promoting the HEAL program, which is the same program I photographed a magazine cover shoot for last month! So apparently I should apply to be the HEAL full time photographer, considering I have shot the cover for a magazine and now documentation of their video series! Weird how my "freelance photography" world and my Samford photography jobs are colliding! Did that make sense?

Anyway, I find it highly impressive how she came onto campus with her entourage, but then told everyone to "clear the room" once we were about to start. I was borderline nervous she was talking to me too! Luckily a big camera makes you look official, so she didn't give me the boot. BUT, I did have instructions to not take her picture while she was talking...which my assignment for this was to get pictures of her being interviewed....hmmmm

Interview with Bart Star

2009-02-09T09:50:00.004-07:00

So I stand corrected on my last post....apparently there are a few guys out there that read my blog! So...here's another one for you!

The Education school at Samford is doing an interview series of some sort, so I had to take pictures of Bart Star being interviewed for our publications. I won't lie. I knew I'd heard his name, but knew no details on this man. After hearing him talk about his Super Bowl II ring he was wearing, it peaked my interest to do a little research on him once I got back to my office. Wow! I was in the presence of an NFL star and didn't even realize! He won 2 Super Bowls while playing for the Packers, but chooses to wear this Super Bowl II ring because its the only super bowl ring made with 3 diamonds across the top...hmmm...guess I should've gotten his autograph while I was there! He did offer me a bottle of water and some grapes...does that count for something??

Football Signing Day

2009-02-04T14:21:00.002-07:00

I'm almost positive that there are no males that read this blog, so for those of you girls out there that do, I'll fill you in that today was college football signing day. Samford's head football coach, Pat Sullivan, announced the signing of 10 players for the 2009 football season. Everyone excited??? Now if we can only get some support like we did at the Davidson basketball game, we'd be in business. Just wait until 2010 when we play Auburn. Yeah, seriously!

Its my birthday

2009-02-03T17:01:00.005-07:00

So I'm 27 today. I'm trying to think of something exciting about being 27...but I'm at a loss. I feel like 26 still sounds like you're young and in your "mid 20s," but twenty SEVEN? Now there's no escaping that you're "late twenties"....close to 30. What?? How did this happen?? How am I already 27? I honestly still feel like I'm about 20!

I don't know whats ahead, but I do know that I've been extremely blessed over the last 27 years. I can't wait to see what God has in store for my life for the next 27 years!

So in honor of 27, I'll list 27 things I am thankful for:

(when I have more time!)

School Spirit!!

2009-02-02T13:20:00.007-07:00

Believe it or not, these photos were taken at a SAMFORD athletic event!! I was so proud of Samford on Saturday! Not only the fact that they only lost to Davidson by 3 points, but the support of the students and community were outstanding! The 2 year old Pete Hanna Center, which seats 5,000, brought out 5,116 fans for the game! Granted, I'm sure that plenty of people came primarily to see Stephen Curry. But who cares! They filled up the arena and allowed me to get some great shots which rarely happen at samford sporting events.

If only this were the norm...

I did enjoy watching this kid playing, knowing he's gonna be big time sooner rather than later!

Jessie and Woody

2009-02-01T15:08:00.011-07:00

I got to take Jessie and Woody's engagement pictures on Sunday morning at the Aldridge Gardens! I had decided about a month ago that I was not going to book any more weddings in 09 until October. I've got 21 booked and only want to book 4 more for the year. BUT...

I shot Jessie's older sister's wedding in 2007 and loved her family. Plus, its at the beach, so you can't beat that! So I said sign me up! And I'm so glad I did! I didn't really get to know Jessie at her sister's wedding, but her and Woody put me in a good mood on Sunday morning!

They were so much fun to photograph, and so clearly happy and in love! One of those couples that make me love my job!

So...I look forward to seeing you guys in July!

Ellen's having a baby!

2009-01-29T20:38:00.003-07:00

25 Randoms

2009-01-28T15:00:00.004-07:00

I've gotten this email alot about coming up with 25 random things about me...so here they are!

1. I have run 3 marathons, and I plan to run a full marathon every 5 years until I'm 60

2. I plan to publish a book of pictures one day. (content of that book is a secret!)
3. I think its really weird that I have lived in Alabama for almost 9 years! I think I'd be happy if I was here forever, but am up for moving if something else comes along.
4. Lose my trust and you've lost me.
5. I honestly think its humorous that I get paid to take pictures. I LOVE my job
6. I LOVE kids and wish I had a job that required me to be around them more.
7. Camp Loucon is my happy place. I started going when I was 8 years old and I will send my kids there one day. No matter where I live.
8. I prefer to work out in the morning, cause otherwise I'm antsy all day
9. I hate being the center of attention, but love being surrounded by my favorite people
10. I'm incredibly competitive, even if I act like I'm not
11. I'd rather not talk to you than have a superficial conversation. Lets either get down to whats really going on, or move along.
12. I do laundry at least twice a week, wash my car once a week, and have to have my toenails painted at all times. anal.
13. I started getting migraines about 2 years ago. It doesn't happen too often, but when they do...get me to a quiet, dark room ASAP!
14. I run around like a chicken with my head cut off most of the time...but I DO have an off switch! Sometimes I just have to be reminded to switch it.
15. Next to my faith, my family and friends are the most important thing in my life. You can't take "stuff " with you when you go.
16. Music can 100% change my mood.
17. I am a planner, but things that happen last minute are usually the most fun!
18. I think you have to marry someone who makes you laugh. Life is gonna be tough sometimes. Gotta be able to ultimately laugh about it.
19. I have a an intense disdain for vomit. I'll take care of you if you're sick...UNLESS you're puking. Sorry. Just can't handle it!
20. I'm frustrated about my cowboy boots. I thought they were supposed to "last forever." I've had them for less than a year and they are already on their last leg!
21. Strawberry Slim n Trim from Smoothie King...can't beat it.
22. I'm not a fan of getting up early unless I'm training and trying to beat the heat! I used to feel guilty about sleeping til 8 most mornings, but now I just embrace and enjoy it!
23. I never intended to start a business
24. I may not always say what I'm thinking, but its usually written all over my face
25. I know that tomorrow is not a guarantee, so I try to act as if this was my last day. People don't always remember what you say, but they remember how you treated them.

Step Sing time!

2009-01-27T21:23:00.007-07:00

I spent three and a half hours tonight taking pictures of all the groups for the Step Sing program. Not the most fun thing in the world to try and get 60 people to listen to you while you're standing above them. BUT, I do have to admit that as each group was coming in and out, I was thinking about my days of step sing. It was by no means something I counted down the days for, but it wasn't really an option not to do it! I participated for 3 wonderful years, (as a leprechaun, a santa baby, and a girl tryin to make it in NYC) and then decided to bow out after winning it our junior year. I mean really, why not quit while you're ahead??

Above is the group "Dude of Plenty," who has become my favorite group over the last few years. But then of course I had to include what the cute ZTAs look like this year! (below)

SU vs. Wofford

2009-01-26T22:19:00.004-07:00

Got some decent shots at the game tonight! The girls made fifteen 3 pointers tonight, which tied a school and SoConn record! Guess they don't need me after all ;)

I've got a Peaceful, Easy Feeling...

2009-01-25T21:30:00.001-07:00

Maybe the best concert ever...more details to come..

Fun Friday!

2009-01-23T15:40:00.004-07:00

2 fun things about today! Mom called this morning and said she was going to be in Birmingham for about an hour this afternoon on her way to the beach. So fun quick visit from Mom and Mac today!

And THEN...I'm sooooooooooooo excited because this NASTY carpet on the stairs in my house is in the process of being ripped up and I couldn't be happier! It literally would put me in a bad mood when I walked up and down the stairs every day and had to look at it. Having a dog, its close to impossible to keep carpets clean! Its been professionally cleaned 3 times and still looks like that. So, time to handle it! Hardwoods will be finished next week :)

SPRY magazine photoshoot

2009-01-22T21:37:00.015-07:00

Did you know that Alabama is currently ranked top three in the nation for having the highest prevalence rate of overweight and obesity, diabetes, and hypertension? One of the many interesting things I learned on my photoshoot yesterday for SPRY magazine!

I rarely shoot for magazines. And by rarely I mean never! I worked at Health magazine for a year after I got out of school and I think the only thing I shot was deck of cards for the Products section...nothin to brag about! But, I was the photo intern, so at that point I was pretty excited to be taking pictures of anything if it was published!

One of the former section editors at Health moved to Nashville and has taken over SPRY magazine. I saw her at the Y in Birmingham a few weeks ago and she asked me if I'd be interested in shooting for her magazine. Of course my answer was yes!

Christy Swaid, a Birmingham resident, is being featured on the cover of the March issue. I had to adjust my eye a little when taking these portraits of her for the cover. Knowing that you have to leave room in the frame for the name of the magazine at the top, and different cutlines on the edges of the picture, its not the way I would normally choose to fill the frame of a picture when shooting weddings or other portraits. As much as I like to do things my way, it was a fun challenge to try to make something new work for a change!

After taking Christy's picture for the cover, I went over to her house to take some "action shots" of her playing with her kids for the inside of the magazine. They were awesome! I ended up staying a few extra minutes to play a round of "scooter robber" with them! (which involved me attempting to ride a skateboard in my cowboy boots I happened to be wearing!)

Listening to Christy talk about her efforts to help decrease the obesity rate in Birmingham, and all around Alabama was impressive and inspiring! HEAL seems like an incredible organization that would be incredibly rewarding to participate in. Check out their site if you're bored..

www.healalabama.org/index.php

Lola's Here!!

2009-01-21T20:14:00.013-07:00

Sweet little Lola is here! Wow...felt like last week that I was taking pregnancy pictures of Amber! And now they have a 3 week old little angel!

Go Dawgs! That one's for you, Daddy!

What a precious family! Thanks for letting me meet Lola! Can't wait to watch her grow!

Samford Women's Bball vs. Davidson

2009-01-20T09:10:00.003-07:00

January is a PERFECT time for the beach!

2009-01-19T22:04:00.001-07:00