Nick and Ashley

Ashley. Nick. She kept a Monster Java by her side all day. He forgot his shoes. He took an accidental Polaroid of himself. She laughed. He dressed himself and helped someone else. She was assisted into her dress by four or five close friends. He barely hid his excitement. She stared off at nothing, smiling. Neither one stressed. Both completely in love. Anxiously, he waited at the end. Calmly, she entered and that was it. They were lost in one another. Forgetting the rest of us, they pledged themselves to one another, 'til death do them part. They smiled. They laughed. *They might have cried, but I'm not sure.* They are Mr. and Mrs. At last.

Nick and Ashley, it has been a pleasure watching you walk out your relationship and I'm so excited to see it blossom over the coming years. Thank you for letting me share your special day. May God continue to bless you and your marriage.

Ashley's hair and make-up was absolutely lovey, thanks to Hannah Crompton. Thanks to Jolene from the Apex Cultural Arts Center for all her help. It was the perfect venue for Nick and Ashley's reception dinner. And thanks to Christi Burton, the co-photographer. Love working with you.


I love downtown Apex here. It's so picturesque!Who knew the elevator would match the wedding colors? Per-fect. Ahh! Definitely a favorite. Reminds me of a Jasmine Star picture I saw once. Ha. I flatter myself.

Wedding: Corey & Elizabeth

I've known Elizabeth for, like, ever. We went to the same church for as far back as I can remember, until we went church "shopping." Coincidentally, we were enrolled in the same home school writing class year before last where we were reunited. After the classes ended, we tried to keep in touch and saw each other occasionally. Then I got the email. Elizabeth got herself engaged! You might remember my post of their engagement session... Well, turns out I had the honor of capturing a good friend's wedding. And what an amazing couple. Since they're young and so close to my age, I felt really free to do fun stuff - still being professional, but also enjoying the union of my friends. Their love for one another and their passion to keep God central in their lives was completely evident throughout the entire day.

It was one of Libby's dreams to get married at the beach. This completely thrilled me, seeing as how I'd never shot a beach wedding prior. It did prove a challenge, but I believe we rose to the occasion. After hours of not-so-normal getting ready, there was a lovely ceremony on a private beach, with the reception at a church owned by someone in the bride's family. (Uncle I believe.) All around a lovely day. Corey and his bride were gracious enough to hike about a bit with me to get some fun shots... thanks guys!

When Libby and I were talking about her engagement, she informed me that together, the two of them had decided not to kiss until the day they were wed. After months of waiting, Corey and Libby kissed for the first time, at the alter, as man and wife. Though they waited, faithfully, after that first one, they started making up for 'lost' time. It definitely made me smile every time we went to take a picture and I would say "Ok, Corey, give her a kiss," and we would have to wait until Mom said "Come up for air you two!" It was such a blessing and a testimony to see them complete their commitment to one another and then find it was worth the wait.

Corey and Libby, I wish you both all the happiness in the world. May you always keep God as the foundation on which your relationship stands. Love you both and so happy for you!Photobucket" border="0">

I am so glad I was able to be a part of your big day... thank you for sharing it with me!

Whew!

I know it's been a while, but my computer has been on the fritz lately. Fortunately, I have all of my images backed up twice, just in case it crashes. (I did it, Sarah!) Now on to the long post...

Seeing as I haven't posted post-internship, I figure I should touch on that, since it definitely changed my life! I had am amazing time with Sarah Barlow... up to the very end. The day before I left for home, we shot a wedding, an engagement shoot, and then, since I hadn't actually been to the city, we drove around Chicago for a few hours, grabbed dinner and headed back. What a long, tiring, completely fulfilling day!
I enjoyed everything Sarah and I did together and I learned. So. Much. I can't begin to tell you all that she taught me, from her own experiences and growth.

Sarah, thank you. I wish there was a better way to say all that I mean, but it's that simple. I am so blessed to have been able to some live with you for two weeks, immersed not only in your business, but your family life as well. Thank you for making this opportunity possible and for welcoming me in. And to the Barlows... love you all! It was so fun spending time with you! Shout out to Andrew Barlow, who just graduated from high school... you go dude! Have a great summer before school gets REALLY rough! (lol)

The moment I got back, I've had to hit the ground running... I shot a beach wedding the day before I flew out to Chicago, and, since I was out of state away from my compy, I had to finish the images once I got home. Here's a sneak peak... I'll post more later. :)
On top of the wedding editing, my family is moving and we had to finish the house to put it on the market. (Praise God, it went on the market yesterday! Pray for quick selling!) Then, the Wednesday after I got home, my older sis Ash and I drove out to Southern Shores, on the outer banks, to spend some time with my best friend and her family. It was a blast. I have added some pics for your enjoyment as well.

While I was at the beach, I took some fun, spontaneous portraits of my best friend's boyfriend's sister. She is gorgeous and so fun to photograph! Plus, I love her. Here are a few favorites... It was hard to pick!



On the way home from the beach we stopped by my grandmother's house, and it was closer than I thought to the beach! Pretty cool, if you ask me. My Grandma Doris, my father's mother, has been suffering from some kind of abdominal cancer for a while and seeing her so frail socked me. It hurt to see my wonderful Grandma so small and so uncomfortable. I've never told her this, but my whole life I have dreamed of my wedding - as all girls do - but I've never been able to picture it without her. It is one of my deepest desires to have her share one of the most important days of my life. However, seeing as how I am a rising senior, and thus have no wedding is on the horizon, plus Grandma's current condition, I think God will call her home before I wed. The only good thing about death is this: if we are saved by the precious blood of Christ, it is not death to die. We have Heaven and eternity with our Savior. Watching Grandma decline hurts, but her hope and excitement for Heaven fill me with joy. Wanting her to stay longer than God has planned is not only fruitless, but it is selfish. In Heaven she'll have a body that will no longer be ravaged by disease. She will be made perfect. Please understand; I may be saying strong words, but inside, my heart is torn. I love her , so much, it cannot be conveyed through words. She has been a pillar of strength and joy in her faith for me to model through the years. When her time comes, I pray I will be strong, but I know my heart. The Lord knows I'll need His strength.

Well, that's it. An update. Please pray for my family; for our impending move, but more importantly, for strength as our loved one grows closer to Heaven.

OH WAIT! One more thing... my older sister, Ashleigh, is graduating from high school TOMORROW! I am so proud of her and SO excited to watch her follow all God has called her to. Love you babe!

Here are a few images from an engageement shoot while in Chicago... I will post more images from Chicago shoots later, as well as the wedding images, so stay tuned! God bless and have a lovely weekend.

Welcome to the New Blog!

Well, welcome to the new blog! Thanks to Sarah the Great, I am very excited to be launching! Hope you like it! Let me know...

While in St. Louis, I had the privilege of second-shooting alongside Sarah at a fabulously fun wedding. I greatly enjoyed being able to capture a glimpse of Doug and Krista's love for each other and for life. Enjoy!




PS Michael Buble is my newst favorite thing... I love his music!