Morrilton Wedding: Jenna & Seth

Good morning! I can't believe it's already Friday! The week has flown by!

Jenna and Seth got married June 12, 2010 in Morrilton, AR and I can't think of a better way to end the week than to show you a few pictures from their wedding! One of my favorite things about working with Jenna was that she truly decided to make me her friend. I frequently received text messages and e-mails saying hi and checking in to see how I was doing and telling me funning stories of wedding planning... I LOVED it! I didn't meet Seth until the day of the wedding and he quickly made me feel welcome. On a side note, a few guys in the bridal party decided to get even and turn their cameras on me. Those pictures will forever stay in the archive if I have anything to say about it :)

Jenna and Seth, I loved getting to know you and had a blast at your wedding. Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your special day. I hope you had a wonderful time in Maui!

Enjoy the story of their day.

I love the pink that Jenna's bridesmaids are wearing... so fun and cheerful!

Portrait time! It was hot, but we were so glad the sun was shining!

A sweet glance to Mom while walking down the aisle. Doesn't Jenna look sooo happy?!?!

Happy First Day of Summer...

Hi everyone! Happy first (official) day of summer! I hope you had a great weekend. After lots of traveling the last few weeks, I was back in Fayetteville this weekend and soaked up every possible minute of time at the pool. The tennis club behind my house just opened up a new pool area which, literally, is just out my backdoor. I went with my friend Ruffin, who knows how to lay out with style. She came prepared with lots of magazine and a radio so that we could have a little music. Ahhh, love. We're already planning for next Sunday and thinking poolside margaritas or milkshakes may be on the agenda! Can't wait! I'm going to have to resist the temptation to sneak out there again today so that I can get some work done.

Have a great day and take a little time to enjoy some summer fun!

A little sneak peek from a wedding I will be blogging later this week...

The Perfect Combo

It's no secret that I have been a major fan/supporter of Starbucks over the years. My obsession began when I moved from my small college town to Dallas post-graduation. In Dallas, where there's a store on every corner, it was hard not to give in. So, I did. Lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, frappuccinos, you name it. I was hooked. I don't know what they put in that stuff to make a sane person willing to spend $4 on a cup of coffee...

Anyway, I have tried many times over the last few years to give it up, without success. I could never do it. I could make it for a few days, maybe even a week or two, and then it was over. It was a losing battle. I craved the stuff, especially those stinkin' frapuccinos in the summer time. It's tragic, I know...

Well, I've been doing better. Last January, I decided to be hard core and stop. And I did. I'm super proud of myself!!! I got a french press and have loved the morning ritual of boiling water and making my coffee. It even tastes good. All of that would be well and good if it wasn't for this:

Last fall, wandering up and down the aisles of Wal-Mart (which is ALWAYS trouble) I came across the Starbucks Caramel Macchiato ice cream. DARN! I convinced myself that I just wanted to try it. I just needed a tiny taste of something sweet. Besides, it was much cheaper than going out and getting a drink. Huge mistake. I know better than to listen to inner dialogue. Once I gave in, I found out that this stuff is truly the perfect combination of vanilla, coffee, and caramel and better than ANY ice cream I have ever tasted. I didn't really need to know that.

On the upside, at least I'm (technically) saving a few bucks :) The battle continues...

Happy Thursday!

Intimidation, Fear, and Friends

Last night, I had the opportunity to chat with a few friends I made at the Escalate conference over Skype. After 20 minutes of trying to figure the Skype thing out, adding people, calling, hanging up, and wondering if our long-awaited conference call would actually happen, 10 or so of us quickly dove into conversation about photography, life, our joys, and our struggles.

In an industry that is so highly competitive, I am so thankful for this group of people who have made a commitment to challenge, encourage, and help one another out in any way possible. It has been a breath of fresh air for me to visit with other photographers in every stage who are going through the same experiences I am facing. As we talk through our challenges and our dreams, it is so incredible to brainstorm creative solutions with one another and gain the courage to continue walking forward through the intimidation.

Without people like this in my life, I would not be here today and my business would not be what it is. When I first picked up a digital camera for the first time in 2005, I had NO IDEA what I was doing. It was a miracle that anything turned out (maybe I shouldn't be admitting this here...). I am so grateful to photographers such as Brooke Robinson, who took a chance on me and invited me to tag along to weddings as her second shooter, who have given me the benefit of their hard work and knowledge, turning me to resources I never knew existed. They have had more influence on me than they even know.

Though I have hopefully grown a little since those first days, camera in hand, I am far from where I want to be; both professionally and as a person. I continue to face obstacles and challenges, get intimidated by the incredible work of other photographers, and some days don't want to get out of bed for fear of failing. Thanks friends, for being willing to stand beside me. It is my hope that, in the future, I can give back to you some of the encouragement and help that you have graciously given to me.

Mountain View Wedding: Keegan & Justin

I can't believe how quickly time flies. It seems like just yesterday that I was talking to Keegan for the first time, hearing all about the wedding that she and Justin were planning.

Well, the big day came fast! On May 29th, Keegan and Justin were married at Flatwoods Missionary Baptist Church in Mountain View, AR. Keegan was the perfect bride, happy, sweet, and smiling all day long. She was sooo excited to be marrying Justin, and it was easy to see why. Justin is the perfect gentleman, thoughtful and caring, certain to make sure that everyone and everything is taken care of, and simply adoring of Keegan.

I always say it, but I love getting to know my clients, both throughout their engagement and even after the wedding is over. Immediate following the honeymoon, Keegan and Justin moved to Springdale to start new jobs. I am sooo thrilled that they're up here and am excited for the friendship to continue.

Keegan and Justin, it has been such a pleasure getting to know you. I love you guys and am so excited to get to know you better as you start your married life here in NWA. I can't wait to show you around town and introduce you to Fayetteville!

Sharing a special moment with Dad





Seeing each other for the first time. Love these special moments!











We went out for some extended portrait time after the ceremony. This was the first time I've ever taken portraits right after the wedding and it was so fun! It was easy for everyone to be super relaxed and have a good time! Keegan was feeling a little sassy and WORKED the camera!