Vacation?!? I wouldn't call it quite that...

For all those faithful readers out there (hmmm... maybe there's some???) I do apologize. The last two weeks have been complete disarray. Two weeks ago the fam embarked upon an 8 day vacation to Hilton Head/Charleston, SC. Josh and I were (emphasis on "were") sooo excited--hitting the beach and enjoying a relaxing time with out big 1 year old. But, after two days into the bash, Brecken hit a serious bout with a stomach virus and proceeded to puke the next 6 days. We were only able to make it to the beach once, which was a serious disappointment since our hotel was ON the beach, but I managed to grab a couple pictures then. At the end of the trip when we were in Charleston, Brecken perked up a bit and we were able to visit the Aquarium, Ft. Sumter and walk in the beautiful downtown. Here's a peek. Looks pretty good by the pictures, but don't be too deceived. I'm so relieved to be home and back into the swing of things here!!!

Adia & Lyric

Adia and Lyric were such a treat! Mom played along with my creativity and brought along Daddy's guitar case (very fitting for Lyric.) Adia was quite the musician as well. She played her guitar for me--which made great pics to match Lyrics. Check out these beauties!

Almost there.

Brecken is ever nearing the big "1". Anyone who has ever had a baby tells you how fast it goes, but I really wasn't able to wrap my mind around that until now. Looking back on the last 349 days, I ride a roller coaster of emotions. Some moments brought me to tears (like bringing him home, watching him sleep and the way he plays with my hair when he's sleepy) and still do, while others (Brecken's rendition of "dancing", his excitement when Daddy's about to tickle him, his first reaction to grass and the way he looks when he's covered in spaghetti) make me smile and laugh. I don't really have a reason to blog today other than that to say ignore the moments when you question yourself... whether you're doing it "right" or whether you're doing everything according to what "they" say. Take every moment in. Enjoy it. And of course... take lots of pictures so you remember what they were like when they were little. 

A Day at the Park

We took advantage of the warmer weather this past weekend and flew a motorized airplane. Josh (our cousin, not my husband... that gets confusing) didn't have much luck. The plane did make it up for a few intense moments only to crash down on its' nose. Josh made a couple more runs without a whole lot more success. In the end, it was just nice to be out with our friends/family!

 

Let Me Out!

My kiddo loves being outside! He'll stand at our front door (which is always open when the weather is nice) and waiting for me to take him out so we can play.

Headed to State!

I happen to be big sister to one of the coolest cats ever... Tiffaney (that's her in the green hair.) She unfortunately doesn't live here in Quincy, but in Jacksonville--just a hop, skip and jump away. Not only is she one of the best friends/sisters I could ever have, but she also happens to coach a talented group of young ladies who play volleyball. They won Sectionals last night (of course I attended) and are heading to State this weekend. Go Lady Titans!!!

2010 Updates...

I've been getting a lot of requests for packages... I'm not really the "package"-type of girl. I don't like to think of anything I do boxed in to a standard restraint. However, I am about pleasing, so I've come up with my first two packages. The third (the two shooter package) is on it's way too, so keep tuned in.

Option 1 - $1500

Engagement Session

Complete set of high-res files with reproduction rights (engagement)

Up to 8 Hours of wedding coverage

Set of 4"x6" prints of all wedding images

Private Web Gallery

Complete set of high-res files with reproduction rights (wedding)

Option 2 - $1250

Up to 5 Hours of wedding coverage

Set of 4"x6" prints of all wedding images 

Private Web Gallery

Complete set of high-res files with reproduction rights (wedding)

And of course, I have all sorts of fun other goodies--coffee table albums, gallery wraps, thank yous, ale carte prints... and the list goes on.

First Wedding of 2009!

I must say -- I was a little apprehensive about a wedding on Valentine's Day... since it is the day of love and all, I hoped Kim and Jeff's wedding would live up to the title. Because they live in Texas, we didn't get to have our first meeting until days before Saturday. But minute I met Kim, I felt like she was an old friend. She and Jeff were perfect together and the entire day was filled with all sorts of smooches, smiles and love. They set the bar pretty high for 2009... a wonderful couple so in love who were so much fun!

A New Backdrop!

So I finally got brave and purchased a backdrop for all those looking for indoor pictures during the winter. I've tried it out now on 3 people and couldn't be more excited!!! Here are some of my favorite little model, Brecken.

As you can tell, I've been hooked on some new effects especially the yellowed "cinnamon" (first pic) look, as well as the blown out black and white (second pic)--great for kids since it gives an "angelic" feel. Traditionally I'm not a big sepia hound, but I've found a more muted toned down sepia that's more my style (the last pic in the group.) 

Little Leah.

Leah is such a serious thinker... Mom and I worked and worked to get her to smile--she did eventually, but I found myself drawn to her more serious poses. What a beauty!

9 Months Already?!?

Here he is! Brecken is now over 9 months old! I'm always so behind at posting his pics (you'd think I would be a little more on top of this)... he's actually creeping on the 10 month mark here soon. He's learning so many new tricks; it's really awesome getting to be with him every day and observing what he's got up his sleeve. Lately he's taking to pointing. I think it's pretty cool now that he's communicating what he wants, but ask me in a couple weeks--I'm sure my opinion will be different then. 

He also humored me twice now with the sign for "more". It's modified a little more Brecken style... banging the hand doing the correct sign on the other hand--open palm. Close enough for Mommy to cheer and think her son is genius!  :)  The stunt man is still not crawling. He now just poses in downward dog for most of tummy time. The kid is going to have abs of steel! 

Here's one of my favorite pictures Josh has taken of us to date. I feel like this sums up a lot right now... he is happy and it makes me so happy... there is nothing better than a picture.

June, July & August FILLED!

I am booking 2009 super fast! I have now put a close to weddings in June, July and August. I am still available for sessions during the week (including evenings)... just no more weekend shoots during those 3 months! I have to save Sundays for Brecken and Josh--the downside of photos is leaving them at home :(  

Yeah for all the brides and grooms-to-be in those months... it's going to be a blast! 

2008 Closed!

2008 is officially wrapped up! I have one more photo album to design and order, but all else is well and completed here. Looking back I am so thankful for all my clients and all the fun, exciting memories I experienced with them behind my camera. I LOVE THIS!!! I wish all my couples (and children/families) a happy, safe and healthy 2009 filled with lots of love, laughs and of course... pictures! 

 

This the season

I think I stew over our Christmas card more than I worry about anything else! I've been trying to get creative; here are some images from this weekend. (You can tell I'm stuck on the "Old School" look!)