For This Child We Have Prayed
I can say with great confidence that taking maternity pictures for Nicole and Kevin will be one of my most favorite memories in all my years doing photography. Nicole and I have been friends for 15 years. We met during freshman year of high school and have been more like family, it seems, for even longer if that’s possible. Nicole is the kind of person that just radiates light wherever she goes. She’s not afraid to talk to anyone and can calm nerves and light up a room with just her smile. I’ve seen her wear many hats over the years: Prom Queen, worship leader, bride, dental hygienist and many more. But this new role she’s about to embrace may just outshine them all- “mother.”
With her hand in his (and my camera in mine), Sand Key Park was ours for the taking. Kevin and Nicole’s session was sprinkled with so many small intimate moments, eskimo kisses on the rock wall, hand-holding down sandy trails and dancing on the shoreline as the sun went down. Nicole was glowing, not just the way many pregnant women do, but even brighter. This night was special, no doubt. A celebration of life; of the love they have together and anticipation of new life and adventures to come. We can’t wait to meet you, baby Elijah.
Growing Up Won't Bring Us Down
"Graduate, Whats a kid to do now? Get away, (yeah-ah) We've got so much to prove.
Cause its time to move on, and I start to let go,
Growing up, won't bring us down. Growing up, it won't bring us down. Were in this together,
Yeah, we'll make it somehow, Nothing's gonna stop us now. Growing up wont bring us down. Oh-Oh-Oh."
Growing Up -The Maine
Four Dunns Plus One
Little did I know, waiting tables would allow me to meet so many amazing people. Over the course of a few months and a few Dr. Peppers, I really got to know Don and Phyllis. Photography came up, as it often does, and they introduced me to their daughter Amber who was soon expecting her own daughter. I remember exploring a park and taking maternity pictures when Dalton was so small and Emma was still in Amber's belly. Maternity pictures turned to newborn pictures and one time we even got the whole family together for a shoot. Last week I had the opportunity to take maternity pictures again, this time, for a new baby boy. Amber and Brad, I love watching your family grow!
Love in Color
Scarlet Night
Maranda & Steve
"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting; all that's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess,
It's a love story, baby, just say 'Yes'."
Punkin' Patchin'
You, Miss, are the cutest pumpkin in the patch!
Harperly Ever After
I remember the first time I took pictures for Jillian. She was very excited about her new beau. He seemed to have swept her off her feet and you could tell by the way they laughed together and made each other smile that this was something special. It was quite a privilege for me to take their wedding portraits; to celebrate how far they've come and the beautiful family they have created. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Harper!
Reunited and It Feels So Good!
I cannot imagine the anticipation Kristina felt as she clutched her handmade sign, staring up at the sky. It had been over six months since she had seen her husband Brandon and finally the count had gone from months to minutes as we awaited his landing. Lucky for me, I was there to capture the whole thing.
USS THE SULLIVANS
There are few moments in life that are more beautiful than a husband and wife being reunited. So thankful I got to capture such a special moment. Thank you for your service, and welcome home!
Josh & Macy
Just a walk through the woods.
Great Scott!
I remember the first time I met Lauren. Even though she was younger than me, I looked up to her in so many ways. She was full of light; such a beautiful heart and passion for others as well as a sense of humor that had me laughing quite a bit through the years. When she asked me to photograph her wedding I was so honored and knew that this must be some special guy. Being able to see the way they looked at each other and the love in their eyes made me feel very lucky to be a part of it. Here are some of my favorites:
Ridin' Dirty
I have always had a huge passion for sports photography. There's something about all the action and adrenaline, having to get the right shot at exactly the right time and the pace of it all. This was my first time on a motocross track, and I've got to say, it did not disappoint! It was definitely hot, but adrenaline took over as I watched the bike jump from hill to hill. Taking pictures from the center of the track made me feel like I was part of the action.
Joey & Julie
Since wedding season is upon us, I decided to go back through one of the weddings I assisted on a couple years back. This wedding was a dream; a gorgeous couple in love and flowers fields that seemed to go on forever- I couldn't have asked for a more perfect setting. So glad I decided to pull some of these back out, I love them!
Kelli Grace
"Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me."
"Phenomenal Woman" by Maya Angelou
Downtown with KG
Had such a great time exploring downtown Jacksonville with this girl. I have lived here for years and have never seen this mosaic wall, perfect accent to showcase her love for the city. "DTWD."
Had to take a step back and take in the view. Jacksonville really is a cool city.
A few blocks over from the Friendship Fountain, we visited another place just as close to KG's heart, the Jacksonville Library.
And of course we couldn't head home without peeking in Chamblin Bookmine next-door. What an incredible place!
Gators in Hats
There was definitely an overwhelming feeling walking into the stadium for the first time. So many great moments have happened in this place.
Despite the humid Florida weather and the graduation crowds, we got some great shots and had some fun too. I think the excitement and relief of their impending graduation was starting to sink in.
Congrats, grads. You will do great, great things!
Anne, Aaliyah and Maddox
Windows down on the highway, beautiful breeze blowing through the windows as I blasted my music, anxious to go on my photo adventure with the gorgeous Anne Marie.
The evening was filled with baby smiles, mommy-daughter secrets and giggles.
