I have step-sisters! How odd...

My mom's wedding was today. I'm exhausted.
It's hard to be the daughter who is helping
get everything ready and the photographer who
is trying to document the day.
Did I say I'm exhausted? We had a LOT of
amazing people help out with this event.
My dear, sweet friend Tammie did all the
beautiful flowers, Moma's cousin Sue and her
friends Elizabeth and Linda took care of food
and decorating, etc.

What started out as a small ceremony for immediate family with cake, nuts and mints became a nice event with close friends and family and Sue took charge with food and she and Elizabeth created a feast. All were fed WELL and we all took home a LOT of leftovers. I may not have to cook for days!

My brother Phillip walked mother in and along the way she handed out roses to her family members. Now, those who know me are aware that I cry at Hallmark commercials, well, as you will see from the pics, it isn't just me! The entire place, including the singers was choking back the tears. My mom's younger brother is a DUDE (motorcycles, leather chaps, the works) and even HE was tearring up. I love the Nikon has such a great autofocus system!

So, as the day ends I have a step-father, step sisters, and a much larger and very special new family.

Winter Blues Got Ya Down?

Are you as ready for summer as I am? I do love winter - cuddling under blankets, fire in the fire pit, wearing my sweaters, and the spring that follows. Admit it, we wouldn't appreciate spring nearly as much if winter didn't preceed it!

I thought it would be nice dearing these dreary, winter days to spread a little sunshine through laughter. So, I'm sharing some images that I hope will bring a smile to your face and some warmth into your heart!

My Mom's Getting Married - Yikes!

My father passed away almost 5 years ago. This last year my mom met Bobby. He's a great guy, really sweet, and they have a blast together. I'm so thankful the Lord has brought them together. Just before Christmas Bobby gave Moma a rock (I say rock because it is a hunk of shiny stone) and they are getting married at the end of January. Yup, we are moving a bit quicker here in the south this month. Thankfully, she has lot of help to pull this off.
I took them out today to do some pics because I want to do a guest sign-in book with pics of the two of them. Here's a bit of insight into how that session went:
Moma: I want you to make me look like Marilyn Monroe, and DON'T put these on Facebook
Me: Moma stop laughing and look at the camera and I'm going to put them on Facebook
Moma: I don't want to have wrinkles or a double chin
Me: I know, Moma, I know
Moma: Can you photoshop my hair brown, I'm thinking about a new color
Me: Sure, Moma I can do that, want a pink stripe, too?
Me: Moma, stop laughing and look at the camera - Bobby, look at the camera
Moma: Do NOT put these on Facebook, I am your mother!

Needless to say, it was fun to be with them and I think I got some great images. The rest can be seen in their Client Gallery on my website.

One of those days....

Ever just have one of those days, you know the ones, where it seems others just don't take you seriously? That's what this cute pic of Lottie makes me think of. All day long this is the look I got when she made eye contact with me. How can you not love a face like this? I loved this capture so I converted it to BW and added grain, because I love me some BW images! Fortunately, I did grab a couple of images where she isn't making eye contact and giving me this incredibly cute look, they can be seen in their Client Gallery on my website.

Made the Cover!

The upcoming issue of Southern Family Magazine will feature images from a wedding I shot last year at the beautiful Gillespie Gardens in Moulton, Alabama. The wedding of Erin and Matthew was absolutely beautiful and I was so excited to learn that those images would be featured with their wedding article along with an image on the cover of the magazine. This is a free publication available in north/central Alabama, so I realize I've not hit the "bigtimes" yet, but for me - this is pretty cool!

In Mommy's Heart

Sometimes you meet someone that touches your heart. This is what I experienced on Sunday's shoot with the Bevil family (well, the girls, her son was sick so Dad stayed home with him). Aaliyah was adopted at 8 weeks old having the misfortune of being born to a crack addict. The Bevil family have taken this sweet girl into their homes and their hearts. She is such a cutie, very curious and so sweet. I enjoyed my time with these ladies and hope that I did them justice in the images.