I Heart Faces: Innocent Wonder

The theme of this week's photo challenge on I Heart Faces is "Innocent Wonder" which immediately makes me think of my little girl who looks at the world with amazement every day.  She is the great explorer of our backyard and nothing escapes her big blue eyes.  This is one of my favorite Sarah Beth shots, showing off those beautiful eyes of hers.

Check out I Heart Faces for more wonder-ful photos....

Welcome Baby B!

I had the honor of photographing beautiful baby B yesterday.  What a great way to start off the new year!  He is the most precious little boy and his parents are beaming with pride and joy despite the lack of sleep!  Here's the preview:

 He is just beautiful.

 

 B with his pretty Momma.

Did I mention his 4-legged siblings?  This one is his fierce doggy protector.

 Baby makes Three

 Happy.

 Hello world! 

 Working the camera...

 No more pictures please.

 Well, maybe a few pics with Daddy.

 

 And Grandma too.

little.baby.feet.

Love.

 Family.

Welcome to the world B!  I wish you and your loving parents health, happiness and adventure in the months and years to come.  You are off to a great start, little one.

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!