I’d known Reginna for quite a while.  Her station at the salon was right next to my dear friend/stylist so when the conversations got loud, Reginna couldn’t help but get involved ;)  I loved her sweet demeanor.  There was just never any drama.  She was kind to everyone and I swear, was always smiling.  So, when I found out Reginna was engaged, I couldn’t wait to talk to her about what she had planned!  Initially, she and Trayson  had envisioned a summer outdoor ceremony, possibly in the same woods where Trayson proposed, with lots of rustic, hipster details that suited she and Trayson to a T.  I knew it would be fabulous.  We started planning and shot their fabulous engagement session on a FREEZING cold morning in November and I remember thinking I’m so glad it will be warmer for their wedding!

A few weeks later, Reginna called back and said…we’re moving the wedding up.  We just want to be married.

And when the day came, months earlier than the summer wedding they initially thought of, it was perfectly suited to them.  The day was cold and there was snow on the ground, but they didn’t care.  The ceremony was inside their church and it was one of the most memorable I’ve ever witnessed.  Their desire at the end of the day was to be united in marriage in front of God and their families and start their lives together.  And it was perfect.

I almost always ask my brides to show me a picture of their dress. Reginna could only show me portions of her gown as it was being made.

Yes, you heard me.  Reginna MADE her own wedding gown!  I’m still in awe.  It was FABULOUS!!!!!

Reginna is a stylist at Salon Vera Joley and we used it as her getting ready venue.

Ok, seriously.  Just flawless.

When it was time for their first look, Trayson waited for Reginna to approach.  One look and he just melted.  I love getting to be part of this from afar.

I cannot say enough how FABULOUS all these girls were.  You can’t see the goosebumps (or their boots to keep their feet from freezing off), but they’re there!  The guys were great too…but they were a little better clothed for the frigid temps!

A little joke…the guys passed a plastic glow ring to Trayson when it came time to exchange the rings.  I love the pink glow on his face!

Right after the ceremony, the church stayed filled and the guests enjoyed a praise and worship time with the newlyweds.  Talk about moving!

It’s been more than a year and I feel like it was yesterday!  I talked to Reginna tonight to get permission to share some fun news….She and Trayson are expecting!!!!!!!!  Due late-summer and sure to be as sweet as mom and dad!  Congrats!!!

For years, I have told myself I was going to do a post like this.  One (or two) image from each session.  A reminder of all the faces I have had the pleasure of capturing through my lens.  All the smiles and laughs, yawns, tears….and even the little messes left by diaper-less newborns.  It is nearly IMPOSSIBLE for me to decide.  I even called in some reinforcements to just decide for me when I had 5-6 that I simply just couldn’t let go of (thanks, Jenna!).

This time of year, I’m always so thrilled to have some time off.  To finally breathe after busy season.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my work and in about two months I’ll be itching for the weather to turn so I can FINALLY get back to the work I love.  But for now, I’ll hibernate.  And with this post, I’m again reminded of how truly blessed I am that these beautiful people let me be a small part of their lives…if even for an hour!

Yes, these are from the same session…BUT it’s my blog so I can!  Actually, I adored the top image but simply could not NOT put an image of Mommy (my cousin Andrea) in my post!!!

Yeah….my family thinks they’re SOOOOO funny!

Ah, yes…the other session that I just could not decide on only one.  I make no apologies.

This one has a great story…see that little snowman holding a teddy bear?  It’s a hint!  These are dear friends of ours and this picture was sent out as their Christmas card…and also as an announcement that they are expecting a baby!!!!!!!  Still can’t believe it!!!!

Thank you to all my amazing clients.  Those who I have worked with this past year and those that have come before.  I adore you all and am so thankful for your continued support.

Merry Christmas to all of you!  Prayers for a wonderful holiday and amazing 2015!!!

 

It’s true that time moves more quickly the older you get.  It seems like just a few months ago I photographed Shannon and Jordan’s wedding.  That as New Years Eve of 2011!  Shannon and Jordan have had so many life changes in that short time.  A new marriage, a new home in a new city, job changes and moving back to their hometown..and now waiting to become parents for the first time!  We planned a date for February, around Shannon’s 7th month of pregnancy  which of course was a miserable day weather wise!  They had just moved into their new home that same week and the nursery wasn’t quite done so we decided to shoot on location..thank goodness we found a great spot out of the elements!  Shannon was, of course, radiant and both she and Jordan were giddy talking about their baby girl!

After an outfit change, we changed locations as well.  Being that their wedding was one of the COLDEST I can ever remember shooting, these two were more than up for anything this time around as well.  We photographed their wedding pictures in this same barn and it was fun to be back there again!  I can see us returning here year after year as their family grows!

And…..yesterday I had the privilege of returning to their home and meeting their new baby girl!!!!!  World, meet Britt Catherine..she is a DOLL!  She has the prettiest strawberry-blonde hair (not red, right Jordan?! ;) ) and the longest legs (like her mama).  She is so, so sweet and mom and dad are in love!