Jacksonville Beach | Florida It was such a pleasure meeting Emily, Matt and their newborn baby boy, Oliver. They were so relaxed for new parents and everything just flowed smoothly. It also helped that Oliver was nice and sleepy when I arrived. I was so happy for all the natural lighting coming in through the french […]
A few months before Brooke and Matt were expecting their first born, we meet at Atlantic Beach to shoot their maternity portraits. They were so natural in front of the camera. You could see how excited there are about becoming parents. I also loved Brooke’s blush pink dress and it went so well with the sea green wood of the pier.
Fast forward to November. On the 16th, Brooke and Matt welcomed their little girl Blakely Clair – she was 7 lbs and 13 ounces of pure love. When I arrived at their home it was wonderful to have her already in a nice milk coma. I can not express how much a that and a space heater makes a difference when trying to pose them in a basket. Speaking of baskets. I purchased a new one from World Market that was awesome. It’s actual purpose was to hold wood near a fire place. Instead, I put an adorable baby girl with a paper flower on her head.
When I asked Brooke how being a new mom felt, she had this to say. “I’ve held friends babies a handful of times and they always seem to cry or become upset and soothing them doesn’t work, but when handed to their Mom they are instantly comforted. I feel like now I have a Mom superpower of knowing what she needs and being able to calm her (well most of the time anyways). Her tiny little smiles, coos and warm snuggles make all the sleepless nights worth it. She currently loves it when her daddy sings her country music, walks outside and cuddling. I feel so lucky to be her Mom and will cherish every moment of watching her grow.” I couldn’t say it better myself.
This year for New Year’s Eve I got to celebrate with Jessica and Kevin at All About Ballroom. I started the day at a home in Switzerland, Florida where Jessica was getting ready. She wanted a small intimate wedding, so no huge bridal party, but her best friend, aunt and mother were all there to help. The home belonged to a family friend and I was so thankful when shooting details to find a gold tray. It matched her jewelry perfectly and added warmth to the photos – the purple and pink bouquet was gorgeous too. Kevin arrived early in the day to do a first look in the homeowners back yard. I know at first you would think why the backyard. However, this home had a beautiful lush yard and a boardwalk desk leading out to a creek. There was still evidence of hurricane Matthew, but one of the fallen trees helped me get off the deck to capture a nice profile shot.
After the first look we drove over to Alpine Grove Park. There we did all of Jessica and Kevin’s couple portraits. I so enjoyed spending that time with them. One of my absolute favorite pictures were taken under the dock near a large piece of drift wood. With the suns setting, we headed to meet their family and guest for the ceremony and reception at All About Ballroom. There ceremony was performed by Jessica’s uncle and given away by her grandfather. I loved how everyone dressed up for this New Year’s Eve wedding and the cake was made by the bride’s grandmother. There were so many sweet moments that really made Jessica and Kevin’s day perfect.
Jayne and Mark were married at the Ocean Blue beach house in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The couple met in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Jayne was in the final stages of her PhD program at the University of British Columbia and Mark was working as a designer at a software company. On their first date, Jayne warned Mark that she didn’t know where she would end up after her PhD, but Mark said he would be willing to move anywhere with her. Mark proposed on New Year’s Eve, 2015 in the romantic setting of West Restaurant in Vancouver. He got to fulfill his first date promise months later when Jayne got a job as a Lecturer in Classics at the University of Tasmania and they packed their bags to move to Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. They returned to Jayne’s native Florida in December to celebrate their marriage with their friends and family.
Right away Sam and I felt like part of the family. The morning at Ocean Blue was friends eating breakfast and laughing at a kitchen table while the girls were upstairs getting ready to old school tunes. Once the tent was set, candles lite and flowers placed it was time for the ceremony. Jayne and Mark’s ceremony was on the back lawn with a view of the ocean. You couldn’t help but get chocked up when you saw Jayne’s face while walking down the aisle. After the “i dos” came a lot of dancing. Yes, it was chilly, but with a few blankets and heat lamps the party was just getting started. It was clear that Jayne and Mark have surrounded themselves with a fantastic group of people that love and adore them.
It was a lovely drive to Laytn’s Land-n on the morning of Tamie and Zevon’s wedding. This was the first time I’ve been to this venue and was excited for the new inspiration. Huddled around a small space heater, the girls were getting ready and chatting about the day-of details. Everything about Laytn’s Land-n is natural which is exactly how I would describe the bride. Tamie is so sweet and laid back, which made everything easy. With weddings this time of year I love doing first looks. It also gaves us a chance to take some great couple pictures before the guests arrive. My favorite spot was an open field with an old white truck – thank you Kristy, Tamie’s sister and maid of honor, for holding the reflector for me! When it came time for the ceremony, all the guests were seated on wood benches around a large moss covered tree. Zevon’s face said it all when he saw Tamie walking down the aisle – true love. You don’t have to spend much time with this couple to know this is only the beginning of an amazing life together.
Driving to Atlanta I was jealous of the colorful fall leaves and miles of cotton fields. Emily and I were making our way to Norcross, Georgia for Susannah and Ryan wedding the next day at The Atrium. We meet the girls in the morning at the salon. You could tell how close they were as they shared inside jokes and laughter. I loved their blue flannel embroidered shirts. I still need to get the name of the etsy store they got them from, so I get one of my own. The boys were in the same hotel and not going to miss the Michigan game. Saying Ryan is a huge fan would be an understatement. One of the best parts of the day was Susannah surprising him with a signed card from the Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
That evening, when the air was cool and the twinkle lights glowing the couple did a first look. Ryan’s face was priceless and one of my favorite reactions ever. Their ceremony was in the Atrium’s courtyard in front of a beautiful gazebo. After the i dos, everyone went inside for warmth and a lot of dancing. I wish Susannah and Ryan an amazing life and to quote Jim, “Attack every day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. Everyday…together.”
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Moonstar Hostel - Find the best rates and read reviews about bed and breakfasts in Istanbul and confirm bed and breakfast reservations for Moonstar Hostel - Bed & Breakfasts in Istanbul
guns are dangerous but america has avoided genocides and invasions, and its possible guns are the reason.
i'm not sure they are doing good but don't think we should give them up. our predecessors fought hard for our rights to arms, and if we find out we need them and gave them up, it'll be too late.