A few weeks ago I got to do an engagement session with Aaron and Kristen who will be getting married this April! These two are so sweet around each other, shy and quiet would be words I would use to describe them. I can very much relate to this. We ventured out to the location of their wedding to check it out and get a feel for the flow of their big day. Their choice of venue is beautiful and I am so looking forward to seeing it all come together on their wedding day.

George and Chealse had one of the most fun weddings I’ve attended, mostly because of who they are. This couple took the stress out of what can be a crazy wedding day. They made every moment of their day enjoyable. This will go a long way in their marriage. This was my second wedding at The Blacksmith Shop in Macon, Georgia. This allowed for us to sneak away and do some great pictures in Downtown Macon, which has a lot to offer. One of my  favorite moments of their wedding was her Dad seeing her for the first time in her wedding dress. Some couples do a “First Look” before the ceremony, but Chelsea chose  to have a moment with her dad. It was a very emotional and beautiful moment between a father and daughter. My second favorite moment was the toast from the groom’s brother. Seeing how close these two guys are reminded me of my two young boys and how one day that could be them. It was very heart-felt and moving.

George and Chealse thank you so much for letting me capture your day. I had a great time and wish you both the very best on your life adventure.

I want you to meet a young man named Broc. I had the pleasure of meeting him just before the Christmas holidays along with his entire crew of a family. They showed up to their session in a van and they just kept piling out! I knew this session was going to be interesting, and it was, as you can see from the above picture!

Broc is a tough young man because unlike most kids his age he has health struggles that most of us could not imagine. Broc has to wear a tube and a backpack all the time to regulate a condition that have doctors baffled. Broc has seen 10 (yes TEN!) doctors and specialist all over the southeast and recently as far as New York City, they have seen massage therapist, chiropractors, homeopath doctors and a master herbalist over the past 3 years. None of them have been able to diagnose Broc. They just keep telling him and his family that “yes something is wrong, but we do not know what”.

As you can imagine this would take its toll on any family, emotionally, spiritually and financially.  What struck me about Broc when I pulled him away for a bit to take pictures of just him was how mature he is, and how strong his spirit was. He was not down or withdrawn or shy. We cut up, we laughed and he took some great pictures of a young man who is strong and wise beyond his years.

His mom said something to me when I asked if could I talk about Broc and his health issues on here, she said ” I tell Broc that one day he will be able to help someone because of his struggles“. This family and this young man have a tremendous amount of Faith in what God has planned for them and Brock. After meeting him I have no doubt in my mind that he will help those who need help when it is needed most.

I encourage you to help Broc and his family in prayer and also in anyway you can financially. The cost of travel and medical expenses are huge. His family needs help to find that doctor out there who can help Broc have that normal life every kid should have.

If you would like to help you can contact me, or you can donate by sending a check or using PAYPAL on their church website (www.theriver4u.com) using BROC as the memo tag.

Somehow with all the sessions and weddings I covered in 2011 I was able to do the most important session of all, my family. My kids are so tired of me pointing a camera I have all but given up (not really) trying to capture them. My boys are growing so much and so fast when I go back and look at pictures I can’t get over how much they have changed. These are the most important people in the world to me, they are the love that surrounds me, and each picture I take of them is priceless in my eyes.

This year I wanted to do something special for my mom. I had an idea I feel I was able to pull it off.

I had an old window frame my mom left over at my house, it was huge and had 9 window panes in it. I had the idea of surrounding the outside window panes with black and white portraits, while keeping the center frame in color of the group. Below are the pictures from the session and the last picture is of the finished product.

This is the end result below, all framed in a widow pane.

Colleen and I have been friends for a long time, when I found out early in the year she was going to be getting married I was so thrilled and excited for her. When she called me and asked me to be her wedding photographer I was speechless, actually I think my exact words were “Are you sure you don’t want to hire some big time wedding photographer?” She of course said no, she wanted me to do it. So I did. Her and Allan put together one of the most beautiful and intimate wedding ceremonies I have ever attended. The setting was in the North Carolina mountains on the grounds of Castle Ladyhawke. Only family and their closest friends were invited. For those that know Colleen and her love for all things Guns & Roses, the weather for that November day was very fitting.  Below are some of the pictures from their special day. Colleen, thank you for letting capture it for you. I wish you and Allan much happiness for many years to come.

This is my 2nd shoot with these two girls. They have grown so much since last year! I love their matching dresses. I get to watch these two grow up as they live next door. As always its a fun shoot early in the morning. I love using this park for its light. Thank you Mitchelson family for allowing me to do your Christmas photos.

A fun and wonderful session with this family. Their two girls are adorable, and the red hair was the icing on the cake. I just love how rich it makes each photo. Their personality and love for each other as sisters was wonderful to capture. Thank you Houchins family for a fun shoot.

George and Chealse are getting married in less then a month! We got together a few weeks back and took some pictures for their engagement session. These two are fun to hang out with, they are relaxed and laid back. That makes things so much easier when it comes time to taking pictures. They also brought along their “kids” for the session. They are of the furry nature and made the session all the more fun. George and Chealse I am looking forward to the big day, its going to be beautiful and I can’t wait to capture it all for you both.

Its photoshoots like these that make me LOVE doing family sessions. This shoot was in combination with The Gelsthorpe Family shoot. This is Kates little sister Rachel. They have the most beautiful kids. Matilda took sometime to warm up to the camera, but once we got her smiling it was great. Little Gus was a dream, he was just happy to be close to the ones he loves most and enjoyed every click of the camera. Catching little moments between them was easy, its evident this family has a strong connection, and seeing it in real life is priceless. Thank you Temples family for a perfect session, and letting me capture it all for you.