May - the New June?

I know when I got married 23 years ago, June was THE month to get married. It was considered special to be a "June bride." Now, it seems, that May is the new June. The last few years I've booked May full and only had a couple June weddings. Not sure when things changed, why or how, but times "they are a changing." Here are a couple of images from my May brides.

This weekend my own daughter is getting married. Watch for her images soon (not take by me, but a Moma's gotta brag a little).

Fun at the Park

Being the mother of three girls, I'll admit to loving giggly girls. I love the sound of a little girl's laughter and the silliness that usually invokes it. The Maxson girls are no exception to the norm of giggly little girls. I met the family after worship Sunday evening to take some pictures of the girls. The roses at the park are beautiful and their mother really wanted pictures there with the girls wearing their Easter dresses. We also hoped to get some in play outfits on the huge rocks at the park, but they were blocked off due to landscaping work that is in progress. The girls brought their new puppy Sam and we attempted pictures with him, you can see how well that went. Between the puppy running away and the girls getting tickled with one another, it was a very entertaining session!

Growing Up

Ryan is the firstborn son of one of my past wedding couples. I shot his newborn pics and was excited when they wanted me to shoot his 6 month pics as well. Doesn't he have the most beautiful blue eyes? Not having a studio space makes it a bit tough, so I set up a backdrop in my kitchen by the large window, a barnwood rug in my foyer by the front door and then shot some on my bed. I used natural light for all of these. I love his precious smile and those blue eyes!

Due Any Time Now???

Karla emailed me to set up a time to do her maternity pictures. She was worried that she'd have the baby before getting the pictures made (so she had the back-up plan of an impomptu session at the hospital, if necessary). Thankfully, she made it in plenty of time. From the looks of her, you'd think she still had months before the baby is due. I was this size at 6 months!
She brought her daugher and son so we could do images for a collage to match others she's had done in the past. Micah would much rather ride the tricycle that have his picture made, so we had a few moments break now and again with him riding around us on the trike. The bribe of candy worked really well with him! I sent them home with chocolate in their tummies and Peeps in their hands! Karla is going to love me for the sugar high they were having on the ride home! Watch the blog for pics of the newborn in the next few weeks.

Springtime Ballerina

What little girl hasn't wanted at one time or another to be a ballerina? I think it crossed my mind a time or two, I seem to recall walking on my toes on occasion. For me, the true goal was to be a cowgirl or a world class gymnast, so I walked on my hands as much as I walked on my toes. But today I spent some time with Hannah who has been able to follow her dream to become a dancer. She has these cool shoes that make it SO MUCH EASIER to stand on your toes. Why didn't I have those? I spent some time with Hannah in my make-shift garage studio and then we went out to do some pictures in the great outdoors (hey, it's finally spring-like here!!!) Here are a few images from our session.

Decisions, Decisions, Decsions - The Cake

Throughout my years shooting weddings I've seen some very beautiful and very creative cakes. Personally, I can't imagine having to narrow down the choices. Thankfully, my mom's cousin made my cake and it was amazing and delicious.
But can you imagine... the tasting and having to pick just a few layer choices?
Or the design when today's cake artists can do such AMAZING cakes (Have you seen
Ace of Cakes or Cake Boss, I mean, really?!?)
I've seen some great theme cakes (Darth Vader, Alabama and Auburn, even a hideous Tennessee cake, drums, and all edible!). I'm posting a few images of some of the creative cakes that I've seen. Check out the Alabama hats, both are cake! How cool is that. The drum is cake as well! Enjoy...

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.