Sophia Estes 2 Year Portraits

I can't get over how grown-up this little girl is and how cool it is to me that I've had the honor of watching her get here. (This is the 3rd shoot I have done with her in the past two years of my business.) I've always loved Sophia's expressive face but it's all the more charming now that it is framed by so much red hair! This photoshoot was done shortly after a severe thunderstorm had passed through the area and as such, the air was thick and muggy and the heat could have rivaled any steamroom around. Sophia wasn't deterred a bit though. She posed for me and my camera, crossing her arms and monkey'ing around. And how hard it is to look away from those dark eyes- they're almost onyx in color and pull you straight in. This baby is truly unique and I always enjoy getting to spend time with her and her sweet family. Happy birthday Sophia and many more to come!

Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Swilley

Megan and Jesse Swilley were married July 11th in New Hebron, MS. The wedding was supposed to take place this time last year but due to the tragic loss of Megan's brother the event was postponed. Both bitter and sweet, this day dawned with sunshine and clouds and even an occasional shower. Megan was reminded however, that rain on your wedding day is good luck and the sun was back out in full in no time. The ceremony was completely packed with guests lining the walls to watch this special union. Many wiped away tears as Megan and her parents lit a candle in honor of her brother Jonathan, who's picture was carried down the aisle by the bridesmaid he was to have walked with. Laughter soon gave way though as the ministers recounted stories of both Jesse and Megan's childhood and then again as the little Bible boy rolled about the stage with his John Deere tractor toys (gifts presented to him for making it all the way down the aisle). My favorite part of the day however, was the exit song. Rick Springfield's "Jesse's Girl" came blaring out of the speakers as the wedding party left the building. How cute is that?! It was a great day for a great couple and I wish them a lifetime full of happiness and success. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Swilley!

The Gaddy Family

This past week I was blessed to be able to accompany my husband to Roxbury, PA for a youth camp he was preaching for the week. We were so excited to learn that our plane was going to stop in Baltimore, MD where our good friends Todd & Brenda Gaddy along with their girls Ally and McKayla live. The city is beautiful! I got to visit Charm City Cakes, (home of THE Ace of Cakes, Duff Goldman) and see a lot of places that my last visit to their city didn't allow. The sights were fabulous. I also got a chance to photograph these wonderful people on their trek up to hear Mitch as he was speaking one morning before his session started. This family are truly kindred spirits of mine and Mitch's - we love spending time with them and I wish them all the best in their city of Towson as they endeavor to begin a church there. I know they're gonna be a tremendous success!

Megan's Bridals

Megan became Mrs.Jesse Swilley today and this means I finally get to share her bridal portraits here on my blog! I've known Megan for a few years now and was honored to receive the call asking me to be her wedding photographer. This girl is an absolute sweetheart and had to postpone her wedding last year due to the tragic loss of her brother so this has most assuredly been a bittersweet time in the Owens family's lives. Megan's mom joined us on the shoot to give her insight in the photos and while our tastes are most definately different, I think we acheived a great balance of looks for Megan's bridal shots. Congratulations Megan! You are a beautiful bride.

Special Delivery Due in 2 Weeks!

Mary Beth Price emailed me about 7 months ago asking if I would be available to take some photos of her belly once it developed a little more. After a couple of failed attempts to make it happen, we finally got a time and date together and nailed the shoot down. Just two weeks shy of her delivery date, Mary Beth and her husband Justin made the trip to Columbia to have me capture some photographs of their firstborn before he actually arrived. Paxton is what they plan to call him and this baby is certainly already making a statement on the world. Or at least on his little mama! She is so tiny and then boom!-there's a bump. I can't wait to meet the little guy. If he's got the looks and demeanor of his beautiful and sweet parents I know he's gonna wrap some girls up tight around his finger and I look forward to being one of the first of them. Congratulations Justin & Mary Beth and thanks for such a cool opportunity!

Celeste & Her "Triplets"

Celeste Brown is a beautiful mom with three very unique looking kids. I met this incredible lady for the first time when in Texas last week. We got off to a very late start due to the unavoidable traffic in San Antonio, but ended up with incredible light for the shoot. Cade, the oldest of the three is very independent, very much the loner and is very into bugs and crawly things. I love his red hair and deep blue eyes. Gage whom Celeste calls her "little George Clooney" is in fact one beautiful little boy. The artist of the three, Gage stood next to me in many of his sister's shots calling out direction for each of her frames. And last, but not of all least, is Lauren. This girl is 100% priss. She wanted to be a "supermodel" in every shot and most of the photos captured of her shows her making the most adorable poses. If she can't be a supermodel, Lauren told me she would love to be a ballerina. This girl rocked her some cowgirl boots and bathing suits and had the sweetest laugh. Needless to say, this group was a handful but their energy and personalities came through perfectly in each and every shot. I loved their photos and commend Celeste for handling what she herself compared to triplets as these babies are 4,5&6 years old respectively. Though Celeste is a lawyer in San Antonio, I've got no doubt that any courtroom presents a harder job than mom to these three and she's definately seems to be holding her own. Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of such a singular challenge. I look forward to working with you fabulous 4 again soon!