>I don't even know how to begin writing about how special this photo shoot was to me. For lots of reasons, that I do not have the time to write about, this session brought me back home and reminded me that "family" is more than the blood that runs through your veins.
>People often say, "Photographing children must be so difficult" and I always say, "No photographing their dads is!" Men just don't generally enjoy having their pictures taken, but Sid (the dad here) changed all of my opinions about that! He actually even had fun, I think. I have never met two siblings who adore each other so much. They wanted to always be touching each other and they genuinely made each other smile. And their is so much for me to say about their mommy. I can't remember a time in my life that I did not know her and I more than adore her. Thank you guys for such a refreshing photo shoot. Here are a couple of my favorites.

Most often little boys, and especially brothers, are busy and distracted, but these brothers were so focused and thoughtful! I wish I could have been inside their little heads to know what they were thinking. I bet they could teach me a thing or two about slowing down! Here are a couple of my favorites.

WARNING: There will be a lot of images for this post! :o)
I met Jess while out climbing with a mutual acquaintance last year. After about 2 minutes of talking to her, I knew she would be perfect for my very very good friend, Stuart and I knew he would be perfect for her. I mentioned it to both of them, they did the rest and they got married yesterday!!! I have been waiting over a month to post these pictures and I am so excited that I finally get to share them with all of you!!! The first one is a pic from their engagement session and the rest of of her bridal session at Grandfather Mountain (yes, my absolute favorite place in the world!). They spent their first date rock climbing so we incorporated that into the pictures. So fun!!! I wish I could post them all, but here is what I was able to narrow it down to. Enjoy and, as always, I love to hear your thoughts!

Yesterday was a quintessential mountain day. The rain was pouring from the sky, The fog lay like a blanket over us and it was cold. I knew that my shoot would be rained out. Much to my surprise, though, Keira and her mommy made the long, wet trek to Blowing Rock and didn't even complain once about the weather! I am so glad they decided not to cancel b/c Keira is not just a ray of sunshine. She is the sunshine! I have been taking portraits of Keira since she was 3 weeks old and everytime I see her she is more beautiful than the last. Her angelic little face brightened the rest of my rainy Wednesday. I am in love with pretty much all of these, but I tried to narrow down my favorites for the blog. Enjoy!

I had the most wonderful pleasure of photographing the captivating Tessa this weekend. I met her mommy in college (she was good friends with my hubby), but we never really got the chance to hang out so I was really excited to spend time with them and we had a blast. Tessa was amazing - doesn't she look like a Gymboree model??? Her mommy is stunning and so easy to work with too! I can never really pick favorites, but here are a few that I really like! G- I'll get the proofs to you very soon!!!

Here are a couple of favorites from my most recent expecting shoot and a sneak peek for the proud parents. I had so much fun with Jake and Katie. Katie was even willing to climb rocks for the pictures! I can't wait to take pics of their little boy when he arrives in just a couple of months. Hope you enjoy! I'll be sending the proofs to you soon.

Matt and Becky have been in our lives for a very long time. We all met at Gardner Webb about 15 years ago (I came a couple of years later than they did). Matt was my husband's roommate in college and the best man in our wedding. Becky was one of my bridesmaids and through all the places we've been or thought we would be, we have stayed in touch and remained friends. After all of our youthful comings and goings, we all (I think divinely) ended up living in the High Country and buying houses (inadvertently) right down the street from each other. They are a couple of months away from having their first baby girl (doesn't Becky look A-mazing?!) and we are excited beyond belief. We always talked about raising our kids together, but I don't think any of us expected that it would really happen. God bless the boys that try to date our daughters. They'll both have two dads to answer to! I love you guys! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a photographic part of this journey with you. I had so much fun during our shoot on Sunday. Here are some of my favorite shots! (disclaimer to the public: pregnant women do not belong in trees. I will not do it again. Please don't ask)

Here are a couple from my most recent shoot. Beautiful family!!! Beautiful baby!!!

I mentioned a bridal shoot that I got to do a few weeks ago and FINALLY I can share a few pics with you. This shoot changed me, artistically, personally, spiritually and honestly getting to spend a couple of hours with this bride and her mom was the best thing I have done for myself in a long time. Weird how it works out that way. I met Amber several years ago through a mutual friend, but we never had a whole lot of time to hang out until this photo shoot. She was amazing! She had no agenda and was up for anything. She even jumped and cleared a hurdle (her first one ever) and looked beautiful doing it. She reminded me that if I follow where He leads me, let go of my agenda and truly open my mind and life to anything He has for me, Christ will create a masterpiece out of my life. Congratulations on your wedding, Amber and Rocky!!! Thank you for the reminding me who I want to be! (special thanks to the App State football players who took the time after practice to let me take your pic!)

I love to see friends that I haven't seen in a while and I love it even more when I have the opportunity to take pictures of them!!! This past Saturday one of my dear friends came up the mountain to visit and I got to take pics of her and her son even let me snap a few shots of him, "being a cowboy"! I had so much fun. I'm still working on a laptop for another day and can't really do much post-production until I get my new monitor, but I had to share these. Next time, we'll get some pics of her hubby in there! For now, here are a couple that I already love! Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

I had the pleasure of photographing baby Mia yesterday and she is beautiful! She is so happy and has the most contagious smile. Here are a couple of my favorites so far!!