Welcome Fall's first day & baby Ryan Neal

Born on August 20th at 7lbs10oz & 20", Ryan Neal Bullock was welcomed into the world as not only the first grandchild on either his paternal or maternal side, but as the first baby born into his mother's side of the family in thirteen years! Needless to say, this little man is gonna have an easy life if family has anything to say about it. The name Ryan came from daddy Chris's middle name and Neal was an homage to a family name that belonged to momma Tamara's own father and other family going three generations back. I was so excited to be invited into the home of this great family and be the first photographer to "officially" take portraits of this little man at just a young four weeks old. He still had his peeling, wrinkled skin and smelled all warm and sweet as most babies do and though he wasn't all together up for a pile of smiles, he did open those little eyes up quite frequently and allowed us a look at his deep baby blues. Though the weather is still more mid-summer than the first day of fall, this day will be one to be remembered for years to come as one of all things new. Congratulations to my friends Chris and Tamara and their wonderful families! You've got a true prince among you.

This one's especially for daddy who is in fact, a PC. =)

McMichael Twins - I'm Lovin' It!

Carter & Cara McMichael just turned 1 year old and though they can't quite walk yet, they can crawl as fast as any toddler can stroll. Mom Kelli and I, along with the baby's grandmother began our shoot very early. Fighting off mosquitos that would send indiginous jungle folk running we started snapping photos as quickly as possible in order to get out of the swamp like conditions. Little Cara was none to happy about being down in the misty dew but Carter liked the rocks and grass and quickly began working his magic on the camera with those big blue eyes. At our next stop, the babies swapped personalities as sister got her groove back in front of the lens while her brother wanted no part of it and began scooting away. Both twins adjusted quickly when we finally stripped them down to their diapers for "naked baby" shoot time. As you can see by the film below, they loved on one another and clapped and coo'ed; happy to have their skin cooled by the absence of clothes. This was my first photo-shoot with twins and it was definately an experience that I'm happy to have shared with two as sweet as these. Enjoy!

New Love..

An extended trip to Texas last week for a variety of photo-shoots as well as work on my sister's new place (congratulations Jacklyn on your first apartment!), introduced me to this sweet couple with a very unique story. Billy, from San Antonio recently became a single dad just about the same time Kathy, from Houston, was made one as well by the sudden loss of her husband. Through a mutual friend, (my mom, no less! ["hi mom!"]), the two met last year and began a shy friendship that has now blossomed into that four letter word that binds you to someone forever - LOVE. It was adorable to watch Kathy get ready for her future groom-to-be as he made his way over to pick her up for a few portraits with her son and new daughter-in-law, as well as Billy's two children. She even asked me if I thought it was silly that knowing he was on his way gave her butterflies in her stomach. I didn't think so at all. In fact, I thought it was just downright sweet! I look forward to photographing this pair's wedding come November in San Antonio - they are a great match and will be a major blessing to all they come in contact with. Congratulations K&B on finding what some lose and never find again - true love!

Forecast: Cloudy, With A Definate Wedding!

I begin this post with a thanks to Amber and Conrad. Due to their beautiful wedding destination and the unusual circumstances of their special day, I feel more cultured and capable than I have prior to any other wedding I've had the pleasure to photograph.

The wedding was in Natchez, MS at the Rosalee Mansion. I've never really explored this city, save an occasional stop for a bite to eat on my way in or out of Mississippi/Louisiana but this past weekend I discovered a great new get-a-way. Wonderful and unique boutiques line the small downtown along with dozens of antique shops- and the historical old houses leave one longing for a more simple time when life was a little more slow and alot more grand.

No expense appeared to be spared for Saturday's outdoor event. The grounds were immaculant and decorated in the bride's chosen colors of blue, brown and cream and as beautiful violin music began the wedding party proceeded down the aisle. The bride finally made her entrance on her daddy's arm and after a tearful and sweet hug to her momma the ceremony started and let me just say, you've never seen a groom look so sweetly at his bride as Conrad did to Amber.

In no time, what had been a beautiful bright and sunny afternoon began to turn dark as clouds started rolling in with thunder and an occasional lightning bolt lit up the twilight sky. Just short of the presentation of the newlyweds, giant raindrops began falling and it became each one for themselves. A plan was quickly put in action to move the reception to a nearby hall at a local hotel. The drive over made it apparent this was not just a late summer rainshower but in fact, a major thunderstorm.

Within minutes after arriving at the hotel, the power went out and stayed that way for well over the next hour. Guests stayed cheerful despite the heat, and I joked with the violinist as he began to play inside the dark foyer that he was much like the Titanic's own musicians whose music helped calm the masses in the middle of all the chaos. Friends and family started working with candles and flashlights and a semblence of a reception was made. Then, just as everyone had settled into the warm darkness the power shot back on! Photos were rushed together just as Amber fell very sick and had to be put to bed.

Needless to say, this was definately a learning experience and while I'm sure it felt disastrous at the time, I think the photographs will allow only the good memories of the evening as they are shared with generations of Gulliot's and Herrington's to come. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Guillot and to you both, all the best- you surely deserve it!

Mrs. Amber Guillot

Amber completely transformed from a laid back kind of gal to a full-on princess when she donned her wedding gown for her bridal portrait shoot. The energy she brought with her was contagious as I watched her personality burst out of those piercing eyes that you can't decide to be blue or green and those carefully coiffed blonde ringlets. Married just this past weekend (wedding photos to come soon)- I've been waiting months to show off some of these frames. Taken at nearby Wallace Farms, this country girl made herself at home with a cane-pole and bare feet. She and her mother were up for anything and the results speak clearly for themselves. Congratulations Amber! You are a beautiful bride!!