On the first day of every school year at 7 am, my bedroom lights would turn on, my covers would be thrown off and I would be greeted with the sweet sound of my dad singing Chuck Berry’s, “School Days”. As much as I hated being woken up early, I would just smile. This was one of the few times I enjoyed my dad waking me up (he would usually sing the Muppet song over and over and over until I got out of bed…..) because I absolutely loved the first day of school. I loved getting to wear my new clothes, using my new school supplies, and meeting the new friends in my class.
Now I am an adult. I wake up to my iPhone at 5am to go run, and rush home to eat breakfast and get ready to go to work. The funny thing is that it isn’t much different. Although my dad now just sends me audio messages of him singing, and I am going to school to teach instead of learn – the butterflies are still there. I still get to wear new clothes, and use new school supplies, and I get to meet 22 new little people that will touch my life forever. It’s so surreal to me that I get to do what I have wanted to do since I was 5 years old plus more passions I have found along the way, like photography. I feel so undeserving. In fact, last year when I was leaving to go to my first day of teaching, ever, I was crying like a kindergardener leaving their mom for the first time. I was so nervous to start what I had wanted to do almost my entire life. I get to school and find the sweetest most encouraging note from my husband in my lesson plan book. It was perfect. Throughout the day, I got flowers and notes from my mom, friends, and past teachers. I can really tell you how much it all meant without being way too cheesy, but let’s just say – a lot. (Because I’m eloquent like that)
I apologize for the diary-like spill of words, but thank you for reading. I hope that you don’t stop searching and living the life you’ve always wanted. Every year at this time, I’m reminded of the precious gift I’ve been given, and how easily I take advantage of it. Whatever it is that you choose to do, I hope that you do it with all of your heart.
Until next time….
When Heather approached me with her idea about doing our annual shoot with her daughter Laney, I squeeled. Literally, I squeeled like the annoying pig on the Geico commercial. I absolutely loved my shoot with her last year and this year was no different. Laney is ppppppreeeeeccccciiioooouuusss. I could ask her to laugh and she would laugh, not a fake awkward laugh, but a real giggle. Seconds later I would ask her to be serious and she would give me the cutest pout you have ever seen. For days after this shoot, people would ask me how I was and I would reply, “Great! I had the most wonderful shoot a few days ago…” and then proceed to tell them all about Laney and her awesome big brothers. Brennan and Austin were behind me the whole time encouraging Laney and telling her what a good job she was doing. It was so great 
Laney LOVES princesses, if you couldn’t tell
I loved that she read this book like she was reading it for the first time….she would tell me about every princess with so much excitement, I felt like she was narrating a movie for me!
Here’s that cute pout I was telling you about…
Come back for a beautiful family shoot, soon!
This family is the definition of adorable. I have loved getting to shoot them from the beginning. Lindy and Nate were among my first customers and I have gotten to be a part of each monumental part of their lives since. Engagements, Bridals, Wedding Reception, Maternity, Newborn Shoot and now a one year shoot with sweet Eli. The was so much laughter and joy between the three of them that I don’t think I stopped smiling once. I hope that while you look at these, you don’t either!
The “during” of being thrown in the air…
The after…
Come back soon for a princess shoot you are bound to fall in love with!
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage”
I can’t think of a more true quote for Tania and James as they start their new life together. Only a week or so after they married, they moved across the country away from their family and friends to continue James’ career in the Air Force. I enjoyed every minute I got to spend learning their relationship and watching them fall more in love than either of them expected.
Have I ever said that I A-D-O-R-E First Looks?! Because I do.
Tell me you don’t want to bust a move after seeing this one. That’s right – ya can’t.
I shot this with my 50mm off of my camera turned backwards, attempting to create my own Macro lens. Thanks, Lissa Anglin for the trick
And to finish it off, I will share a couple of images taken during the toast. I feel like they are a beautiful depiction of the day.
People always talk about how strange it is when your friends start having babies and you aren’t…well I’m here to tell you that it really is a little strange. Ashley and I were in band and choir together through all of junior high and high school. We did Rifle’s together when we were in colorguard (we were cool, you don’t know!) and it feels like just yesterday we were practicing in my parents driveway (Ash – still sorry about that toe ring I broke when I dropped my toss…did I ever replace it?). But regardless of how funny it may feel for her to be all grown up, she has a beautiful family and she is a wonderful mother and wife.
Here is Harrison in her husband Ty’s outfit from when he was a baby!
He’s trying to play his daddy’s trumpet…
And here is sweet Dillyn, isn’t she the cutest?
I absolutely love to shoot bridals. I have never shot a Bridal session where the bride wasn’t exuding beauty. I love how being in a wedding dress makes you feel like a princess, and I love capturing the feeling for other people!
Tania was no different. It was hot and we were all sweaty, but it didn’t have any effect on how beautiful she was! We had some beautiful light at the First United Methodist Church, where the groom’s family attends.
I debated on posting this image because the focus is a little soft, but I still love it, soooooo get over my slight focal issue
