It’s not often that we get to shoot the wedding of people we’re already friends with… so when Tonyu (one of the home-school moms in our local group) started planning her big day, I asked if Jeff and I could offer up our photography as a gift. It’s always special when we can take part in something just for the simple joy of it, and not because we’re “making our living”. As beautiful as Tonyu is, you can see why I jumped at the chance to be there with my camera.

Tonyu’s gorgeous daughter…

And her adorable little boy!

What bride doesn’t want to be sung to on her way down the aisle?

Seriously? Does it get any prettier?

Such a sweet, sweet day… thank you Tonyu & Terrial for allowing us to be with you.

This afternoon I got to take a couple of pictures of my sweet friend, Shannon. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer and wanted to get a series of images that showcased her progression through the stages of chemotherapy. Having lost a sister to the after-affects of cancer, this is a project very close to my heart. Shannon is one of the most Godly women I know… and her outlook during this whole ordeal has been one of amazing strength and courage. Of course, she would be the first to tell you that every bit of it comes from her Father in Heaven. What a special Father’s Day gift to offer Him… a portrait of His daughter that shows the peace and assurance she’s found in Christ alone. Please pray for this family in the months to come… pray that, when September arrives and she’s finished her chemo, there would be complete and total healing. That her story will be one of encouragement which speaks to another way that God creates beauty from ashes.

 

Here is Shannon with her husband, Clark, and their three children, Saylor Grace, Jake and Mary Margaret.

 

We are HORRID at getting to know our neighbors… but when Katie and I found out we were pregnant at the same time, it was a great excuse to stop and talk when we ran into each other at restaurants. And believe me, we ran into each other a LOT… pregnant women like to eat! The other day, she brought Duke in for his 6 month shoot and Jeff had a great time getting to know him. These are three of my favorite black and whites. He’s SO expressive! And look at those lashes!

I thought this next one was hysterical.

When Jeff and I first came to Grace Fellowship, Lori was about 15 years old. It’s hard to believe she’s old enough to get married, not to mention old enough to have just graduated Law School! She and Landon are a UNC couple. They met in Geology class and I suppose they’ve been on the road to marriage ever since! We were lucky enough to shoot her sister’s wedding a few years back, and I’m just so blessed to be given the opportunity to shoot hers, as well. We love this family and I know that Landon is going to make a wonderful addition! As always, I ask girls for a word to describe the look they’re going for in the session. Lori’s was “romantic”. They didn’t make that too difficult.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We ended out evening in Chapel Hill at The Yogurt Pump… a place they spend a lot of time over the years!

 

Before the heat wave hit, we got to hang out for an afternoon with one of my October brides and her groom. It was fun to go to Snow Hill and get out of the Kinston locations for a bit! Stacey’s dad is a farmer, but she’s aaaaall girl. It was hysterical watching her attempt to walk in grass barefooted, not to mention down a dirt tobacco row at the end of the day! But Daddy wanted to see his girl in the field for a few pictures, and what Daddy wants, Daddy gets! The majority of the shoot was centered around her own tastes, though… when I asked her what she wanted, she said “sweet”. I think we gave her that! I can’t wait to shoot her bridals and then the wedding… she’s so much fun! Oh, and Steve, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Jen contacted me and said she wanted to book a session as a gift for her mom, I was so excited. We just LOVE working the the Mabes, so getting the opportunity to shoot Jen’s full family was a treat. Her parents are simply awesome… we’ve loved them ever since we shot Jen’s wedding, several years back. I’ll never forget what her mom said to me as we were waving goodbye as Jen and Jamie drove away… “I told them to bring me back a grandbaby from their honeymoon”. Well, she had to wait a couple of years… but Harper is here now and it was time to show just how much love this family has for each other.