Skate Park {Grass Valley, CA Portrait Photographer}

I've been a bit MIA the past few weeks (or months it feels...).  I packed up me and my three kiddos and flew out to CA for a few weeks to hang with family and photograph my little sister's wedding.  It's been so much fun and SO busy that I haven't had hardly any time to work.  To everyone waiting on pictures, galleries, orders, etc. - thank you so much for your patience!!  It's hard being so far away and attempting to stay on top of work and spend quality time with my family instantaneously.  

This morning I brought my kids along to the skate park with my "little" brother (who towers over me now) to play.  I brought my camera along and was able to get a few fun shots of him and his friends riding.  I love the chance to do something new with photography - especially when there's no pressure and I can mess around and try different things.  Enjoy these and stay tuned for a wedding sneak peek and much more!!

Hope everyone is having an awesome summer!!

Cousins - sneak peek {Bristol, VA Family Photographer}

When Mom called me up on Friday evening and asked if I could come take pictures of her niece and nephew who were only in town for a week, I wasn't sure what to do.  Normally I'd work it in, but I was getting ready to leave on Monday for 2 weeks with all three of my kiddos... and so say the least, was a bit on the stressed side.  If it were anyone else, I might have to turn them down, but I just love this Mama!!!  So Monday morning I headed up to Bristol to take pictures of these cute cousins and had a blast doing it.  They were a breeze to photograph and I always love chatting with Mom.  You'll be seeing more of their family in about a month when they add a new member to their family!  Enjoy this sneak peek!!  Hope everyone is enjoying the sun!!

***  25 COMMENTS AND THIS FAMILY RECEIVED A FREE GIFT PRINT ($40 VALUE!!)  ***

 

Whitney Bridals - sneak peek {Johnson City, TN Photographer}

I met Whitney back when I did her adorable neice's 1 year session over a year ago, and then got to hang out with her again just a couple weeks ago when I did her neice's 2 year session and sister's family session!!  She is such a beautiful (inside and out) and sweet person - I could hang out with her all day!  I love her family too!  I was finally able to meet the "other" sister Ashley, who was an awesome help and just as cool as her sis.  They all remind me of me and my sisters and make me wish they lived closer!!  

Anyways (getting off subject here), Whitney was absolutely stunning in her vintage inspired dress, and the location was almost as beautiful.  Chateau Selah is a breathtaking venue - 360 views, amazing house, gorgeous landscaping... it's a photographers dream!  The weather and light were perfect as well...  Enjoy this sneak peek of the beautiful Whitney.  Congratulations girl - you are a beautiful bride!

Liz & Brian's Wedding - sneak peek {Tri-Cities TN Photographer}

I had SUCH an awesome time with Liz and Brian - as well as their families and friends at their gorgeous wedding this past weekend.  We kicked things off at The Caregie Hotel where the bride and her bridesmaids were getting ready.  Liz was calm and collected and was absolutely stunning in her wedding attire... I'm in LOVE with her dress!  Then we headed over to Storybrook Farms in Jonesborough, TN - a BEAUTIFUL venue that I had never even heard of!!  The boys were having a great time getting ready there when I showed up for pictures.  Brian had warned me at their engagement session that he was the least rowdy of the bunch... I'm not sure if he was right, but let's just say there wasn't a dull moment while taking their pictures!!  Before the ceremony, we snagged Brian, made him promise not to look, and had Liz sneak up behind him for a pre-ceremony hug.  You could feel the excitement and love - I think those are my favorite images from the day.  

The ceremony was beautiful, from the blooming hydrangeas in the background, to the violin playing music to the touching wedding vows given by the bride and groom.  Afterwards, they made things official by signing the wedding license and then hopped in the limo to head to the reception, which was at The Johnson City Country Club.  The bride and groom were introduced, the food was served, and the fun began!!  Congratulations to two amazing people - I wish you the best!!  Enjoy the sneak peek into their special day... 

Leedy Family 2012 - sneak peek {Johnson City, TN Photographer}

I had to laugh when one of the emails from Mom said, "If you thought it was hard to get pictures of Kyla last year... well, this year it's going to be impossible."  Ha!!  At least she gave me fair warning, right?!!  You can see how much Kyla has grown since her one year session by clicking {HERE}.  In all honesty though, she did great!!  Don't get me wrong - she's still a two-year old little girl who knows what she wants, and gave me a good (and much needed) workout, but she was awesome!  Mom and Dad though... that's another story.  =)  

I think one of my most favorite parts of being a photographer is watching these adorable babies grow up - and being able to capture them just as they are at this moment...  It's very special!!  Kyla is so sweet and sassy - the perfect mixture for a little girl!!  I had tons of fun with this awesome family, as well as "NeNe" (aunt Whitney) who will be gracing the blog in not too long for her bridal session - and was such a great helper in keeping Kyla happy.  Thank you for a great evening (minus all the bug bites all over me!!) and enjoy your sneak peek!!!

***  25 COMMENTS AND THIS FAMILY RECEIVES A FREE GIFT PRINT {$40 VALUE!}  ***

  

Simpson Family 2012 - sneak peek {Kingsport TN Family Photographer}

Fun would be an understatement to describe this family...  I said at least five times throughout the session, "I wish someone was taking a video of this..."  I don't even know where to start!  I met Mom and Amanda when we did Amanda's senior portraits last August.  You can see her sneak peek by clicking {HERE}.  We finally were able to nail down and date and get this family some pictures - it's been FIVE years since their last one!!  Thanks for an awesome time and lots of laughs!  Enjoy your sneak peek!!

*** 25 COMMENTS AND THIS FAMILY RECEIVES A FREE GIFT PRINT {$40 VALUE} ***

Brian + Liz = love - sneak peek {Tri-Cities, TN Photographer}

We had such a great time last night at Maple Lane Farm shooting Brian and Liz's engagement session.  Every time I do an engagement session I remember why I love them so much...  Brian and Liz hardly even knew I was there - they couldn't take their eyes off each other.  They were relaxed and natural and oh - so in love!!  Capturing that connection between two people is so rewarding... I love it!!!!  I'm looking forward to shooting their wedding at the beginning of June - and from the time I spent with the two of them (ahem, one in particular) I have a feeling that the wedding is going to be lots of fun!!  Congratulations to the both of you - it's obvious that you have a wonderful future ahead of you!!  Enjoy your sneak peek!

***  25 COMMENTS AND THIS COUPLE RECEIVES A FREE GIFT PRINT {$40}  ***

Burkes Family 2012 - sneak peek {Johnson City, TN Photographer}

After a few reschedules I was finally able to meet up with this awesome family today in downtown Jonesborough.  It was all worth the wait!!  The weather was perfect, the kids were SO easy to work with and Mom and Dad didn't give me too much trouble either... =)  Thanks for a great time guys!  Enjoy your sneak peek!!

** 25 COMMENTS AND THIS FAMILY RECEIVES A FREE GIFT PRINT [$40 VALUE}!! **

Baby Brayden - sneak peek {Tri-Cities TN Newborn Photographer}

Oh boy did Mr. Brayden give us a run for our MONEY!!!!  He made me work hard for these pictures - but of course it's all worth it!  The first go-round he just wasn't in the mood for pictures, and we caught him at the wrong time of day... so the second time around, we were all much more prepared!  He's one of the most alert newborns I have ever worked with... and also one of the cutest.  I shot Brayden's aunt's wedding and was so excited to hear that he was coming!  Thanks for sticking it out guys, and enjoy your sneak peek of your sweet baby boy!

*** 25 COMMENTS AND THIS FAMILY WILL RECEIVE A FREE GIFT PRINT {$40 VALUE!} ***

Debbie + Richie = Married! sneak peek {Tri-Cities, TN Photographer}

It was truly fate that I happened upon photographing this sweet couple's big day last weekend...  I was doing some promoting for my Spring Mini Sessions when I walked into Bear N Friends Toy Shoppe in Johnson City.  I had been in there before with my kids and Debbie's face was a familiar one.  As I was telling her about the mini sessions, she asked, "Do you photograph weddings?"  I told her that I didn't anymore.  "Do you know anyone who does?"  "Do you know someone getting married?" I asked.  "Yes." she said, "Me!"  That's how it all began!!

I don't know if I've ever photographed a couple who was so in love!!  When we were taking the group pictures, I could hardly get them to stop kissing and look at the camera!!  There are so many more awesome images, but I had to narrow it down for the sneak peek.  Here's a little glimpse into Debbie and Richie's ceremony!!  Congrats you two!