High school sweethearts, Ariel and Blake, all dressed up and ready for a lovely evening at their Jr/Sr Banquet. I enjoyed shooting this whirlwind pre-banquet session for two young people who made my job easy.
Emily's Bridal Shower
Last month I shot Emily's bridal shower and was able to witness just a little bit of the happiness surrounding her engagement.
I knew Emily's family was a warm bunch, a group of folks who love to entertain and make everyone feel 100% welcome. Turns out, her bridesmaids are the exact same way. Those ladies threw a super classy party. The spread was incredible (they shared their food with me. Again, I love these people.), and the details were prepared with such care. Emily truly has a loving and thoughtful community surrounding her. Her wedding in May is going to be a blast!
The Picones
I give you Ashley and Rico, two friends of ours who live in Washington.
Rico, a philosophical scientist, a deep thinker and professor.
Ashley, thorough and thoughtful, a coffee enthusiast who notices the little things.
They form quite the pair. They're fun and affectionate. They listen AND bring something of value to the conversation.
While I know this is starting to sound like some weird personal couple's ad, it's not. These folks are just so great. Really. We hit it off with them a few years ago during another Washington trip, and we've been good friends since. They are two special people, both to each other, and us.
The Holschen Family
Thank you, Holschens, for being such patient subjects.. It was cold and windy, and I kept asking you to sit in shady, colder, windier spots for the best light.
Still, you guys looked good, and were so warm towards each other, like a family should be. It was a pleasure to photograph you and your bright-eyed girls. I enjoyed getting to know you, if only for a couple hours on a (very) cold Saturday afternoon!
The Newmans
This family session was shot a few weeks ago, while Huntsville was experiencing some pretty intense cooler temperatures. On the plus side, it meant rosy cheeks and no other photographers volleying for the many nice locations in downtown. I was able to shoot this session quickly, plus, the light was fan-tastic. There's nothing quite like winter light. Sure it's cold, and summer is warm. But summer can be so harsh in the south, with a blaring sun and air so humid walking feels like swimming. During a southern summer, the second you're out of the shower, you're sweating again. One never truly feels clean in the hotter months (or really, I never feel clean, maybe I'm not alone in this). Massive digression...
ANYWAY, I've always been partial to shooting in the cold, and the Newman family did wonderfully. They didn't complain a bit. In fact, there was a lot of smiling and laughing, even from their little Addie. All she wanted to do was walk and explore, aided by her two pleasant parents.
Nana came along to keep the little miss comfy and happy in the car during Mom and Dad's photos, which was so helpful. Any parent knows how wonderful loving help can be, even with such a good little girl like this one.
Thank you, Nathan, Megan, Susan, and little Addie for braving the cold and letting me photograph your genuine smiles and rosy cheeks!
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you all a fantastic holiday season!
Merry Christmas from from us to you :-)
Ty
Ty, Class of 2015.
A young man, with a commendable future of service.
"...I will always be on time to relieve,
and shall endeavor to do more,
rather than less, than my share.
I will always be at my station,
alert and attending to my duties.
I shall, so far as I am able,
bring to my seniors solutions, not problems.
I shall live joyously,
but always with due regard for the rights and
privileges of others.
I shall endeavor to be a model citizen in the
community in which I live.
I shall sell my life dearly to my enemy fire but give
it freely to rescue those in peril.
With God’s help,
I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works."
-from the (NYC Firefighter's Creed)
Beryl
This girl. I've met many who know her. All of them love her.
She's the kind of person who draws others in by her sweet smile, but also by the conviction behind those dark eyes.
She is a person of purpose, action, and accomplishment. Beryl, while not from the US, has immersed herself in this culture in such a way to leave her mark. She has the makings of greatness.
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
-Marcus Aurelius
Matt & Emily Engaged
Two people brought together completely unexpectedly at a party. Neither one is looking for the other. An attachment is formed naturally, and a friendship grows into something more.
If you watch Matt & Emily for any period of time, you can tell just how much they mean to each other. He cares deeply for her, and she for him. There's a tender sincerity, between them, but also an air of ease. They function together well. It's the kind of foundation forever should be built upon.
The perfect backdrop for this engagement session was a church- the church where Matt's paternal grandmother worked as a seamstress her entire life. Then, the church's garden, where her ashes were scattered when she passed. Afterwards, the downtown area, only streets away from where Matt grew up.
Next May, these two will wed in another sentimental place: the backyard of Emily's childhood home. I get the privilege of photographing this beautiful moment.
In life, you truly do find those things, those special and rich things, when you aren't looking.
Erin
Erin, a junior firefighter for one of the local communities, has such a great disposition. Self-reliant and hard-working, she's the type to get the job done. She has a kind heart and beautiful smile.
Honestly, she's kind of girl younger ones should look up to. It was an absolute pleasure to photograph her in this special time of life.
With confidence, you have won before you have started.
~Marcus Garvey
Nikki & Greg
If you can't tell by the photos, Nikki & Greg are a whole lot of fun. Her warmth and his mischievous demeanor form a perfect chemistry.
I wish you two the best in life.
May you never stop having a good time together :-)
Nathan & Casey Wed!
Anyone who's ever been married or participated in a wedding knows just how crazy of a time the hours leading up to the ceremony can be. Even the reception is often a blur, with constant interaction, well wishes, food, dancing, flashing lights (sorry guys!), etc. But man- this couple handled their day with absolute grace. Nathan and Casey were relaxed and collected. (I'm not just saying that because Casey is a dear friend, they really were) What impressed me the most was their awareness of guests and those involved. They wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. For me, the day felt like it was for all, not just the happy couple.
Nathan & Casey, thank you for letting me photograph your special day along side Jennifer of Set Sail Photography, who is a great gal to work with for sure. I'm pretty sure you guys have spoiled me with this whole wedding business.
Pssst... The regular slideshow is down here!
Adam
Adam is reserved young man with a dry sense of humor and a fancy for all things British. He may seem quiet, but his mind is not. You can definitely tell. He's always thinking, always planning (he's picked engineering as a possible career- a great fit, if you ask me). Adam also has a dream to relocate to England. Since I'm all for the realization of dreams, best of luck to you, Adam! Hopefully you end up across the pond, or wherever you want to be!
Ariel
In Hebrew, Ariel means "lion of God."
She is fierce, strong, and independent.
She's determined and capable, with just a hint of mischief in the mix.
A fiery, blue-eyed young woman with a plan.
What's in a name? Quite a bit, apparently.
Single Shot
This image from a few years back was never published anywhere. It's one of my favorite photos from that particular shoot, so I thought I'd finally share it.
The Swendsboes
Hey Y'all!
I was very flattered to be chosen for the Swendsboe's first ever official family portraits. This family is charming. This family is fun. This family was an absolute pleasure to photograph. Both kids are grown (one is married, the other a nurse), but these amiable people still exude warmth- both for each other and for any who have the privilage of calling them friends. A great bunch, these people.
*the Swendsboes are wearing t-shirts from a local Huntsville brand, Tiny Vines.
Nathan & Casey
Loads of color and feeling in this fairytale engagement. Shooting these two lovebirds' wedding late this summer. Wahoo!
The Tuckers
A 20th anniversary shoot with two charming, loving, fun, and 100% authentic people. It doesn't get any better than that.
Party at the Braggs
Boy, do these people know how to have a good time! They not only let me photograph their celebration of retirement and Phil's birthday, but they made me feel like a part of the clan.. AND they fed me delicious food (big winner there, folks). This was a blast to be a part of, even for an introvert like myself.
Baby T
In his first week of life, this little guy is adjusting nicely. And he has an awesome big brother!