Tears.  Dirty Feet.  More tears.  Probably not how you would describe a typical family photo session.  That’s the whole point! I never feel like a Farmhouse Session is complete until an injury or at at least a minor meltdown occurs.  I’m happy to pose your family in a little cluster all looking at the camera but is that what you’re going to frame and hang on your wall?  Wouldn’t you rather have your heart do a little yippy skippy jump when you revisit your family images years from now?  Trust me, we will do both and then some.

I’ve had way too much fun following this family from their engagement to the arrival of their beautiful newest addition.  This Party of Five is having fun, embracing all the sweet little moments of life and the hurdles too.  Encouraging independence and free will with manners and respect is a tightrope.  They’re doing it with laughter and I am always amazed and thrilled to be invited to watch.

I like my nieces.  Not just because they’re my sister’s children.  I genuinely adore spending time with them.  They’re witty, a tad snarky and usually game for something new.  When the very talented Terry Tomb of Eddy Maxwell Salon agreed to create some fun hair and makeup (natural beach look is their comfort zone) we decided to play dress up.  With only about 15 minutes of natural light and Campbell’s first foray in high heels, I knew we would have to hustle to catch anything.

Sometimes my vision doesn’t execute as planned….like the one time I took my two young nieces under a bridge for photos.  Add to the sense of humor that these little women possess a deep sense of compassion.  They recognized quickly that fancy dress photos in someones living space was not proper etiquette.  We nodded a few vague hellos and left the residents to concentrate on seeking warmth.  Bad call Auntie Mamie….now we only had about six minutes to play.

While they nailed “vacant model stare”, I much prefer their own sweet, silly natural look.  Don’t be surprised if we do this again with more of their cousins.  How convenient to have built in muses.  Look out Paris.

One of the biggest perks of being a Wedding Photographer is the possibility of being invited to follow the couple as their family grows. When Candace told me they would like to do a session with their newest addition, I was excited.  When she suggested we meet under the Oak Tree  that has been in the family for generations, my goosebumps got goosebumps!  Each time I get to follow them with a camera the fun increases and Jacob was so full of local and personal history stories I did not want it to end!

This is a family that honors tradition, respects the importance of family as a team and because they parent with humor and truckloads of gratitude, it’s an easy, shiny shoot for the photographer.   I’m crossing my fingers that the next time they’re ready for photos they’ll still count me in.

Eight years.  Eight years of sharing, growing, encouraging, comforting, laughter.  Imagine the joy of celebrating that union with friends and family with a ceremony that says “Yes, this IS forever.”

On a delicious October day, Morgan and Chris shared the next step of life in Wilmington NC at Brooklyn Arts Center.  The sweetest exchange of vows, a day full of genuine happiness.  With Brittany Koontz of Orchid Island Events at the helm for coordinating, it was pure perfection.  A fresh mix of succulents, peaches and pinks and hints of gold set the color scheme and in my opinion Beautiful Flowers by June hit a home run.  Look at that flower crown!  Artists with flowers that show restraint are magical!  The perfect little cake by One Belle Bakery fit right in.

I kinda sorta liked this day.  Like, really…a lot.  Forever wishing this perfect couple buckets of joy and the ability to hold their gift of gratitude.

Many years ago I had a client that used the term “Spirited Young Lady”.  I liked it.  I stole it.  I only employ it when it applies to a child that deserves it.  There is something to be said for adults that surround a child with love but give them boundaries and this family does it to perfection.  “Spirited” is the best description for Sophia.  I’m usually prepared for chasing children, rolling around, bribery if needed.  What a pro!  She didn’t need anything other than a little coaxing.  Following direction was natural for her and she wasn’t afraid to do her own thing.  Did I mention she did it in awesome kicks?  I begged to borrow her groovy red clogs but she wasn’t having any of it.  If you will trust me and relinquish some control, your family is sure to shine…especially if you have a “Spirited” youngun along for the ride.

When Lesley from The Barn at Rock Creek invited me to participate in a styled shoot, my feet left the floor. I not only adore the team there for their creativity but flexibility and level of professionalism. As she described the goal and the team of vendors she had arranged my heart started beating even faster.
If “Relaxed Elegance” isn’t a “thing” yet…it is now. So many brides ache for a blend of artistry that isn’t too stuffy, a celebration that says “This is kind of a big deal” and “Relax, have fun.” Celebrate the two of you deciding to spend a life together, share it with your friends and family! Oh, and if delicious tones of golds, pinks and corals and intentionally mismatched decor happen to abound? Even better my friends.
Want to know the people that collaborated?  The hardworking team of Barn at Rock Creek, Party Suppliers and Rentals for linens, The Confectionary, (cake devoured by mad-crazy-beautiful models post shoot). Designs by Amber Lanier for florals and overall “I will sink my teeth in to this party” feel, Coastal Knot for the gowns and accessories. Handsome model men dressed by Men’s Wearhouse. All that beautiful hair and gorgeous makeup? Check out Emily Rodriguez of Ward Hair and Nail and Adrianne Lugo Professional Hair and Makeup. That wicked goldish-champagne ride? Thanks Azalea Limousine.
Let’s play again soon!