The Garner Family

I first met Deryn and Ashley when I photographed their engagement and wedding portraits just over a year ago. Now I am pleased to introduce to you the happy couple and their newest addition, Decota Vance Garner. This baby was an absolute gem to work with. Full of smiles and so attentive to the camera - not to mention how cute he is. (To be expected, I'm sure, when mommy and daddy are so gorgeous themselves.) Though we shot in the middle of the day and the heat was excrutiating, the family were real troopers and I think have been awarded with some beautiful shots. Thanks to this gorgeous trio for letting me have the pleasure of working with them again - I can't wait to watch their little family grow and wish them all the best!

Sheena & Matt Are Engaged - Finally!

I never thought the day would come for these two who've been dating for a number of years, and as their former youth pastor's wife I use to tease Sheena and Matt all the time that she/he needed to make the other propose. It was all done in good time however when he finally popped the question to Ms. Hamilton and she said yes. I am so honored that I got to photograph this gorgeous couple for such an important moment in their lives. Sheena and Matt are great people who have a lifetime full of happiness ahead of them. Because the weather wouldn't cooperate, the shoot had to be pushed back and adjusted several times before we were finally able to nail down time to make it happen - and still, the rain ended up coming at the end of their time with me. With incredible attitudes the two not only embraced the downpour but, one of the longest snakes we've ever seen (thank God we weren't struck!) not to mention horrible heat and humidity. Incredible portraits were made as a result however, and I can't wait to work with Sheena on her Bridals. Congratulations to a beautiful couple. I look forward to your big day.

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!