I don’t think I ever lost my childhood imagination. Want proof? Let me tell you about one of my many crazy dreams sometime. Let’s just say that the good ole Dr. Seuss and I would be great pals. My friends used to tell me that I should write children’s books. Apparently, they didn’t encourage me enough. Or, it wasn’t my calling. Take your pick. Maybe my imagination is the reason I love children’s sessions so much. I don’t usually photograph much other than weddings, but I can’t resist fitting in a few children’s portraits here and there. When Silas’ mom Jennings contacted me about photographing this cute little man, I couldn’t say no! Really, who wouldn’t want to capture that adorable face? Little boys are especially fun. We raced, danced, threw rocks, played with sticks, mooed at cows and made all kinds of fun noises. I had a blast. Here are a few of my favorite frames from our time together.

Are you guys tired of Charleston photos yet? Well, I hope not because I’m sharing more today. This was our last morning in this lovely city before heading home. Let me just say that Magnolia’s did not disappoint. (Although, I’m saving our fancy night out at Poogan’s Porch for last.) I would go back to Charleston for the food alone, not to mention all the other wonderful things about this quintessential Southern town! Someone give me a good enough excuse to move there, and I will! :) I promise it won’t take much!

I could not have had a better weekend! These lovelies are the best!

I loved spending so much time with this girl.

This was the best macaron I have ever eaten. It’s a good thing we don’t have a place that sells them in close proximity to our house…if you know what I mean. :)

I fell in love with our home from the moment I saw it. The little white house with ivy growing up it’s chimneys seemed almost too-good-to-be-true. My heart fluttered with anticipation as the landlord slowly unlocked the white wooden door. I love the sound old doors make when they open. It reminds me of my childhood home…sturdy and safe. The door opened up into the living room. We walked in and I fell in love instantaneously. The fireplace was the first thing to catch my eye. It was so clean, yet full of intricate detail. The craftsmanship was beautiful. My mind was flooded with nostalgia. I wondered what it was like to sit by that fireplace in The Roaring Twenties when the house was built. Then I glimpsed the chandelier. He stated, “It’s original to the house.” We toured the rest of the home, but I was already sold. There are some things in life that invoke those feelings and bring sentiment. They are worth finding.

A regular light fixture in our dining room would work just as well as the chandelier. They both work the same way and do the same thing, but they are not the same. I could find something much cheaper to get the job done at Walmart, but it’s function alone is not why I love turning on that light so much. It’s beautiful and classic. It makes me think about when my grandparent’s were little. I love to eat dinner and look up at it’s ornate design. I feel the same way about the fireplace. A regular brick fireplace would warm me the same and probably better that this one, but I wouldn’t enjoy it nearly as much. Our fireplace makes me happy just to look at it. I often brush my fingertips over it’s elaborately carved  frame and admire the handiwork that went into making it.

That is exactly how you should feel about your wedding photography too. Find something that makes you feel happy just to look at it, something that will make you fall in love all over again with each glance and something that leaves you in awe of the creative attention to detail. Find art that will be classic and last through the generations. What qualifies as classic? It is something judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind, according to Webster. A great photograph never really goes out of style. It is timeless. Sure, you can go out and find a “Walmart” photographer that will get the job done, but that is the equivalent of putting a cheap fixture in the place of our chandelier. It won’t look good forever, nor will it last much longer than a year or two. I believe your wedding photographer should be an artist that creates a palette of timeless, ethereal imagery that reflects the unique personality of your love. It should be so beautiful that it takes your breath away. If you feel that way about me, great! If not, I want you to find someone who does.

The other day I asked myself why I adore the fireplace and chandelier so much. I realized I love them because they are pieces of art that bring out sweet memories and beautiful emotion. That is the kind of craftsmanship I love. Just buying something merely for the sake of having it means nothing to me. I’d rather have a home with only a few treasured things inside than a house full of things that hold no meaning for me. I will always love the chandelier and fireplace because they make me feel. Will you always love your wedding images? You should.

I’m not sure what makes certain people so sweet. Jessica is by far one of the the most precious people I have ever met. It’s really no wonder that Justin fell in love with her. It has been such a privilege to walk with them on the road to marriage. They could not have chosen a more beautiful day to wed  and Jessica could not have looked any more radiant. Everything was perfect and stunning, but their is infinitely more beautiful than anything else I photographed. That is what really moves me. Here’s just a few images from their day.

I also need to let everyone know that it is my life’s goal to drive a car like that one day. Not really, but I think I need one, right? I mean…it’s blue. Enough said. ;)

On Sundays I have the privilege of leading worship with my husband and other amazing band members at our church. It is an incredible honor and something I know I have been called to do. Today I was able to lead a song in our set. I wish I could say it went well, but in all honesty I messed up the words of the first verse…bad. I haven’t done anything like that in a long time. Its very humbling and embarrassing to make mistakes in front of people. It happens sometimes. I know it’s part of life, but it doesn’t mean I feel good about it. In those moments it’s easy to think, “I am just not cut out for this. This will never go anywhere.” About half way through the sermon I started thinking about my mistake again and how horrible it was when God gave me a beautiful reminder. He said, “I’m not done with you yet.”

All of the sudden I remembered the night He revealed part of His purpose for my life in regard to worship. I remembered when He showed me how He prepared me for that moment and gave me a vision for His plan. I had no idea what God was going to do. I didn’t feel extremely talented or ready for the challenge, but I knew He’d work it out. I’ve come a long way from where I was as a 16 year old girl. “I’m not done yet, child.” He said again, “I’ve brought you this far, but I’m not done yet. You can’t see what I see. You don’t know all I’m going to do. I’m not done yet.”

I wanted to ball right there in the service. Those little words “I’m not done yet” brought so much encouragement to my heart. The purpose He has for me is not yet completed. I still have work to do. I’m not done growing, stretching or learning. He has more in store than I can fathom. He’s not done showing Himself to me. He’s not done teaching me how to lead His people in worship. He’s not done growing my little business for His glory. He’s not done stretching my faith. He’s not done cultivating my love for Him. He’s not done with what He wants to do in and through me. He’s not done! 

I don’t know where you all are right now, but I just want to pass on the encouragement. Just know, He’s not done with you. If your heart is still beating, He has more! God has a purpose for your life and He wants to fulfill it. Don’t give up. Don’t lose heart. Seek Him. He’s not done yet.

“The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.” – Psalm 138:8

Whew! I cannot believe it is Friday already you guys! Who else is astounded that May is here already? Goodness. This year is flying by. Anyway, I’ve been so preoccupied with weddings and other sessions lately that I almost forgot about the rest of my Charleston trip! And there is just too much goodness for it to be forgotten. Our second day away was jam-packed with fun! Since it was just us girls we decided to get dressed up for everything, even bike-riding! (I mean, if you can…why not?) We got up fairly early and hit the pavement to explore the residential area of the historic district. I could have taken photos of every single house. I can only imagine what it must be like to live in a place surrounded by so much history! Just look at that wrap around porch in the photo below! My little Southern heart wanted to burst with architectural happiness. (It’s a thing, look it up! Ha!) After we’d had our fill we rode bikes along the river, went kayaking and paddle boarding! Later that night we topped off the evening with a fancy dinner out, but that will have to wait for another post!  I can’t even describe what a blessing it was to get away with these sweet girls. They sure know how to have a good time (and with out spending too many pretty pennies!) My best friend Ashley and her sister have the gift of bargain hunting, and I greatly covet, I mean admire it. All in all it was a great time! I cannot wait to post the last installment. :)

I love these sweet sisters!

Can this by my backyard?

Yes, I did ride a bike in a dress and leggings. Apparently I haven’t purchased any shorts since my freshman year of college.

I hope you all have a great weekend! We’re off to see my sister-in-law graduate from law school! Happy Friday!

These two make my heart sing. I love it when sessions flow so organically and the love I see is almost tangible. I can’t get enough of being overwhelmed by love. I love to be swept up in it like the ocean’s tide. I had the pleasure of photographing these mid-western transplants through my sweet friend Ashley. Boy, am I glad we connected! Thomas has such a fun, outgoing personality whereas Kathryn has a beautiful, sweet and gentle spirit. They really are the perfect pair. I feel so fortunate to have met them and photographed their love. Did I mention they are newly-weds? All the better I say! I hope you enjoy gazing at these two half as much as I enjoyed my time with them!

Happy Wednesday friends!

I just have to say that I feel so incredibly blessed by my clients. I am convinced that they are the sweetest, most precious people on the planet. It makes me so fired up to see their unique love, and I feel so privileged to be an insider in their stories. Suzanne and Ryan are no exception. They have had a rather whirlwind romance thus far. They were set up on a blind date by Ryan’s 6th grade teacher, who now works with Suzanne. It was one of those cases of “when you know, you know.” They continued to fall in love pretty rapidly thereafter. When I asked them what will be the most important part of their wedding, they replied, “Bringing family and friends together for a celebration of love, and the foundation of a Christ centered marriage.” I love that. I know their day will be such a beautiful start to a God-glorifiying marriage. It’s so evident that they treasure each other and the love they share. It radiates from their faces with intoxicating joy. Well, just see for yourself…

“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” — T.S Eliot