Sometimes you get a couple that wants something unlike everyone else. This is Emily and Brandon. They were interested in something more artsy/fashion magazine in style. Maybe a bit on the dramatic perfume ad side of things. And boy, can they bring the drama! We really had fun driving around (and around!) looking for non-traditional New Bern locations. It’s hysterical because we’re usually trying to find the pretty little historical nooks, but this time we were all OVER the grungy and run-down! But they worked it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We got to take our graphic designer/office assistant (Katelyn) out on a holiday shoot with her Mom (who was visiting from Maryland for Easter). There was this particular location that I wanted to test out for future engagement shoots, and I thought it would be the perfect place to take them! It was so much fun and they were great models! I wish I had time to offer up shoots like this for mothers and their grown daughters… I think it’s really special and so rarely done!

To top it all off, they joined our family for the Easter service at our church. Mabry was SO thrilled to have them there, and kept whispering in my ear that she loves Katelyn AND her mother. And as a sweet surprise, they gave us a beautiful yellow orchid plant as a thank you! Who says hospitality is limited to the South??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had to take them upstairs for a couple of cool window shots!

 

Remember when you were in kindergarten and you’d go to the playground on the first day of school and see a kid that you’ve never met before? You’d go up and say, “Hi, my name is Melanie” (well, you probably wouldn’t use MY name) and then they’d tell you their name and then you’d proceed to be the best friends EVER.

That’s how I feel about Craig and Kim Morrisette.

This is a photography team (and husband/wife duo) out of Greenville. We’ve met them a couple of other times via photography related things (bridal show and such) and then finally made plans to get together with them tonight (er… last night). Actually, they came to the studio early in the afternoon and we spent the whole day together… ending with supper at Chef and the Farmer and a late night of talking shop back at the studio. It was so much fun! At one point, we were showing them our lighting set up in back, and they decided to be “uncomfortable” for the camera (just like we make all of y’all do!).

It’s so rare that you find people who share the same hobbies, jobs and heart’s passion as you do. But that’s exactly what we found in this couple. And we’re ever so grateful. Being able to hang with others who love photography, love their family, and love Jesus… it’s just so amazing. I can’t wait to play on the playground again!!

Many of you already know that Jeff and I moved here to North Carolina from his home town in Arkansas. This past weekend, we had the wonderful opportunity to fly back home to shoot the wedding of someone really dear to us. I’ll have more on THAT in the next few days… but in the mean time, I thought I’d share something just as special to me!

When I first started taking family pictures ten years ago, the Murrys were our biggest supporters. Nita let me take her kids and just try things out. I wish I had some of those first images scanned to share with you. I was film back then, and didn’t know much of anything… but I really don’t look back and cringe as much as I thought I would. When you look at the older images, you can see the foundation being laid for where we are now… and it’s really sweet.

So Friday, I took the kids back out again. Of course, they look nothing like they did when we left 8 years ago! Houston was just a baby, not even a year old… and Hannah (the oldest) is graduating from high school this year! It’s just amazing how time flies! I wish we could have had more time, but it was awesome to have the few minutes we DID have… treasures, for sure.