In an effort to get back to what compelled me to open this studio 3 years ago, I’ve decided to make this blog post a bit different…. ( hope you readers will bear with me :)

As I was flipping through my own wedding proofs last week, I had a revelation. There are no moments. As much as I treasure the portraits of my family, my hubby’s family & all of our wonderful friends, I longed for the image of my mom crying as she watched me walk down the aisle ( and boy did she bawl!) and the HUGE grin on my dad’s face as he twirled me around to the Beatles tune “In My Life”. How fun it would be to look back to find a shot of the instant when one of my best friends spilled her wine and promptly slipped & fell in the puddle. We must have laughed for 10 minutes. These moments only exist in my memory and I would give anything to relive them through my wedding photos…..

So, now its no secret why I approach each wedding day as I do. As a story with a unique spirit. When you look back at your wedding pictures, whether its on your one year anniversary, or your 50th, you should be able to relive your day. That’s my goal…

When Julia hired me I knew she wanted these moments captured, so here are a few of my favorites from her & Gordon’s day. Let me tell you…I wish every reception was a Polish reception. They know how to throw a party!! ( see below… :) Congrats, you guys. We know you have a lifetime of beautiful memories ahead…

the only posed shot in the bunch…but I couldn’t resist ;)

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

This wedding was chock full of southern charm & beautiful connections. It reminded me why I do what I do. Its all about the moments & these two had so many heartfelt moments, it was hard to narrow down favorites for this preview! I had never met Cole before we arrived at the gardens, but was not surprised to be greeted with a big hug when I introduced myself. Kari gave me the scoop on Cole during her bridal session, so I knew he was going to be an extraordinary guy. The two of them make such a sweet pair….. I know they have many years of love & laughter ahead. Take a peek at a few of my favorite images from their day…. Congrats Kari & Cole!

**the lovely designs for the programs, cake & sweetheart table were created by Melissa at Graphically Inclined**

It was a packed house….

I love this shot Leah caught of Kari dancing with her dad….

Yesterday we were featured on one of my favorite blogs, the Brides Cafe & I couldn’t let this news slip by without making a quick announcement! Congrats to Angie & Jerel on the beautiful feature & a big thank-you to Janie for creating such a fabulous place for brides to share ideas and inspiration.

I also had to include the cute email Angie sent when she saw their feature…..I have the BEST clients. Truly, I do :)

This couple is a prime example of why I adore my job. I’ve worked with a few brides through the years that I could swear missed their calling as comedians. Jodie’s one of them. Don’t let her “all american” gorgeousness fool you…she had us cracking up with dirty jokes throughout her bridal session! ( I would share a few, but I like to keep things PG around here ;) What a combo…funny AND stunningly beautiful!! Its no wonder she ended up with such a great guy. I got the sweetest email from Steve when they returned from their honeymoon in Punta Cana….. I know these two will be one of my “lifers”…..I can’t wait to photograph their little ones someday!

Here are some of my favorite moments from their day. I love the way their necks form a heart shape in the first image :)

Leah caught this sweet moment right before the kiss…

Another Leah shot:

So proud of Leah for nailing this shot of their last dance. Who has the best assistant? I do! I do! :) Well done, Leah!

Congrats guys!! We’re so, so happy for you!!

Remember the super hot Kilbi & Sean ( how could you forget, right? ) Well, this is Sean’s beautiful little girl, Chloe. I was so thrilled to have her in for her own session last week. After seeing the lovely shots my friend Charo took of her, I couldn’t wait to photograph her. I was bummed when it decided to MONSOON 10 minutes into the outdoor half of our session ( yes, we got SOAKED….no, we did not have an umbrella!), but the thing I realized after having Chloe in front of my lens for a mere 10 minutes is…this kiddo is so happy & full of life I could photograph her in front of a trash can & she would make the image shine. She has one of those spirits that comes alive through the lens. I was blown away….and lets just say having her in the studio did NOT help the whole “I don’t need a little girl” argument. After hanging out with her…I’ve decided I need 2! ;) ( wow, I hope my hubby isn’t reading this…!)

Anywhoo….there are a few things I know for sure after seeing these 3 together……

1. Kilbi is going to be an incredible step-mom.
2. Sean is the most fashionable/doting dad on the planet ( seriously, he has the most darling outfits for Chloe!)
3. little miss Chloe has THE best pouty face I’ve EVER seen ( and I’ve seen a lot, folks.. :)

Hope these brighten your Monday evening…..enjoy!

Don’t ever underestimate the power of a good pouty-face ;)

She makes a cute Bo-peep, don’t ya think?

The best part of random 30 minute downpours is…..PUDDLES!! :)