White Christmas

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is gearing up for a festive New Year!  We had a lovely time in the NC mountains with Grandma and Grandpa.  The Christmas snow was just beautiful in the glow of the lights in their backyard.  We are back in Charlotte now, enjoying a leisurely week of breakfasts out, playing with new toys, and one successful trip to Ikea.  We've decided on homemade Chicken and Dumplings for our New Year's Eve dinner and maybe a red box movie.  Sounds like a crazy night, but that's how we roll.  :-)

We've had a fantastic 2010 and welcome 2011 with excitement.  Happy New Year everyone! 

November Wedding

Last month I posted a photo from a wedding I had the opportunity to photograph along with my good friend Ouida.  The bride and groom first met 20 years ago as teenage lifeguards at this very lake in Hanging Rock State Park.  The setting was exquisite.  The light was breathtaking.  The trees were radiant, and so was the bride.  This lovely couple traveled a long road to find each other again.  The love between them was written all over their faces.  I was so happy I could be there to capture these moments for them.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Yes that's a PBR bottle cap tucked away in the bouquet.  And yes there's a story behind it.  But I'll leave that secret for the bride and groom to share!

The bride with her pretty daughter.

New sisters!

With Dad.

One Happy Couple.

What a beautiful location to get married.

Checking out the ring.  The girls were impressed.

Heading down to the dock.  I could not get enough of this gorgeous light.

The emotion in this moment just makes my stomach flip-flop.  Love.

Thank you Antoinette and Jeff for allowing me to share in your day.  I wish you love, happiness, health, and many years of beautiful sunsets.

Thankful.

There are so many blessings in my life.  I am thankful for the roof over our heads, the food on our table, the people who love us, even the mutts who take up all the room on the couch. Here are my top two:

#1:  Our sweet girl Sarah Beth who brings us joy and laughter every day.  She has given us a purpose, a reason to be better people.  She carries around in her little frame the hearts of her Mommy, Daddy, Grandparents, family and friends, and I swear she steals a little piece of the hearts of everyone she meets.  Even that grouchy lady at the grocery store.  She is God's love wrapped up in a cute little spunky package.  I am thankful every moment of my life that He has blessed us with her.

#2:  My husband Kurt who believed in me as a mother and a photographer enough to encourage me to quit my "real" job to be a full-time Mom and to start up my own business.  If not for his love and support I would not be writing a post for this blog right now.  He is a strong partner, a wonderful loving father, and my best friend.

I am also thankful to you for visiting my blog right now.  I hope you have a wonderful day of loved ones, turkey, and one extra piece of pie.  Happy Thanksgiving!

I Heart Faces: Silhouette

I shot a beautiful wedding at the most amazing place on Saturday, so imagine my delight at finding out that "Silhouette" was the challenge this week on i heart faces.

This sweet couple has quite a love story.  They met as teenagers working at this lake as lifeguards, reunited nearly 20 years later and married at the very place they met.  Congratulations Antoinette and Jeff.  Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!

Check out other amazing, inspirational silhouette photos at iheartfaces.com

Mackenzie and Mason

A beautiful and brisk Sunday in the park with Mackenzie (9) and Mason (6) and their parents Bret and Cindy.  I've known Bret and Cindy for (gulp!) 15 years now and it was such a thrill to spend some time with their giggly kids and take some family photos.  Here's a sneak peek from our day:

Team U.

I love this shot. 

Mason the baseball star...

...and Mackenzie the soccer star.

Brother and sister fun.

 

Mackenzie's shoes were awesome.  Can't pass up a good shoe shot.

Handsome couple!

 

Thanks Bret, Cindy, Mackenzie and Mason for a fun afternoon!

Bowen and Berkley: Sneak Preview

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day at Freedom Park.  Bowen (6),  Berkley (2 1/2) and their parents Trish and Dean were wonderful to work (and play) with.  Brother and Sister just adored each other.  Their outfits could not have been cuter.  The light was heavenly.  Doesn't get much better than that!  Here are a few favorites of the ones I've gone through so far.  Click on image to view larger.

Bowen and Berkley: Boo!

I had so much fun with these two yesterday and their parents.  I'm still working on their sneak peek but couldn't wait to post just one.  More to come tonight after I polish off the leftover candy.  Happy Halloween everyone!

Old Salem: Sneak Peek #2

As promised, here are a few more from our Old Salem shoot.  I've had such fun editing these images.  Hope you enjoy! (Click on image to see larger.)

Tossing a a little hay in the air at the barn.

Mother and Daughter.

. 

Family.

The girls reading "Winnie the Pooh" and "Charlotte's Web" on a beautiful quilt handcrafted by their Great Grandmother.

Three Generations.

Sneakin' in a little romance.

 Little honeybee sharing her flower.

Sisters.

Old Salem: Sneak Peek #1

It was such a pleasure meeting Katie (age 5 1/2)  Maggie (age 3), their parents Kim and Mike, and Grammy Mary.  We spent several hours exploring Old Salem and had lots of fun.  We tried out an old-fashioned water pump.  We peeked in old barns, over fences, and into an authentic old-fashioned outhouse.  We climbed trees.  We even saw a man walking a big goat on a leash.  (Who knew?)  I don't know about the girls, but this photographer was worn out by the end of our adventure. 

Here's sneak peek #1.  I'll have to do a part 2 because there are lots of pictures to go through.  Hope you enjoy!

such sweet girls.

love this one.

and this one too.

Katie demonstrating her posing skills.

Maggie loves her mommy.

happy couple.  proud parents.

peekaboo!

 these are some high energy girls!

  

 Katie and Mom.

This photo quickly turned into a tickle fest.

 Dad and his girls.

Stay tuned for part 2...