Family

Franklin Charm | Nashville Children's Photographer

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I ventured out to the adorable little town of Franklin - just about 20 miles south of Nashville.  Every time I go down to Franklin, it always pulls me in with the charm and beauty of the old buildings.  I absolutely love old architecture and I become a little stagnant when I am around the newness of suburbia.  So this little trip to Franklin was just what my creative soul needed! I met up with this adorable family of four for a family session.  I mean, how beautiful are those eyes?!?!  Enjoy a few of my favorites... (ok so I couldn't choose so there are more than usual...)

2 Year Old Goodness | Nashville Children's Photographer

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I have photographed sweet Robbins since he was a newborn.  I cannot believe he is 2 years old!  I feel like I always say these things but it really is true.  Babies grow into toddlers so, so quickly.  That is why it is SO important to capture them in photographs!  You can never get it back.  Sad. Enjoy a few of my favorites....

A Teacher's Love | Nashville Family Photographer

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A year ago we walked in to the door of a small classroom and looked up into the eyes of Ms. Erin.  I knew immediately that I liked her.  And, I believe Bella Grace felt the same.  And that admiration has only grown over the course of the year.  You see, this is the woman who has poured her energy and love into my sweet, yet strong-willed little girl.  Ms. Erin was her preschool teacher.  Yet, she wasn't just her teacher.  She became someone that I loved and trusted to take care of the little girl that was growing up before my eyes.  On the last day of school this year, I didn't want to leave.  It is hard to let go of someone that has been so influential in your child's life.  And in turn, in your own.  I am learning that there is something about a teacher, especially a good one, that can last forever.  And I'm glad that I could give her something back that could last forever in her own life. So, in honor of Ms. Erin, I am giving away a free 30 minute session to a well-deserved teacher.  Go to my Facebook page and nominate a teacher today.  The teacher with the most votes will win!   So, basically, post the teacher's name on my wall in all caps.  (you may be able to tag them?)  Then, obviously, let the teacher know so they can also ask for votes.  All voters need to do is to "like my page" and then comment under the post with teachers name.  Only votes via Facebook will count.

Enjoy a few of my favorites...

Magical | Alys Beach Photographer

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Well, I checked one destination session off my list.  Alys Beach.  There is something so mysterious and beautiful about this place.  I love the white, mediterranean architecture with the dark wood lining the windows and doors.  When you step on the property, you no longer feel like you are in the US.  It makes you want to lie by the cabana pool all day with a good book.  Or string up lights on the patio and listen to music all night long.  It's magical.  So, needless to say, I was thrilled when this adorable Jackson, MS family wanted to shoot their session here. Here are a few of my favorites.... Enjoy!

Sweet Children | Watercolor Family Photographer

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I absolutely loved meeting this adorable family from Knoxville at Watercolor!  I already felt like I knew them because they are related to some sweet friends of ours here in Nashville.  It was so fun to actually do a session at one of my favorite places- Watercolor, FL.  So much inspiration.  I hope to be back soon! Enjoy a few of my favorites....

A Grandmother's Love | Nashville Family Photographer

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Cricket is one of those Grandmother's that exudes a beauty in her love for her grandchildren.  She is a natural.  I have watched her many times with her 3 grandchildren that live here in Nashville and am always amazed at her way with them.  Cricket has a spirit of patience and gentleness but also brings so much fun to the ordinary.  This shoot would not have been complete without something to show that side of her as well.  So, the balloons could not have been more perfect. As two of her beautiful grandchildren are moving to the other side of the world, I pray that these images will always remind them of the love they share.  No matter how far, a Grandmothers love is always close.

Fun! | Destin Family Photographer

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You can see through these photos that this cute family likes to have fun together!  I loved watching the kids interact together.  They were always laughing and just enjoying one another.  And another reason that I love this family is because they live in Dallas- where Mimi & G-Daddy live. Thanks so much for a fun afternoon together!  I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites...

Three | Destin Family Photographer

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There is something about a family of three that just makes me so happy.  Especially if a little girl is involved.  It makes me remember our little family when it was just the three of us.  Such great memories of those three years.  And this family is just so sweet and happy!  I loved getting to know them during our time together in Destin. As you will notice, there are two locations during their shoot.  The first location I found in the woods at Sandestin.  There were beautiful willow trees and the light was just perfect shining through.  Then we moved on to the beach for the last light of the day- which is my favorite light.

Here are a few of my favorites of Reagan with her beautiful parents...

Some Things Never Change | Destin Beach Photographer

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I met up with one of my friends from high school for a beach session with her and her husbands entire family.  Since I have left Arkansas, I rarely get to see old friends so it was so much fun for me to see her and meet her beautiful children.  First, she looks exactly the same.  My sister (who helped me) and I were marveling at the fact that Shannon has not changed one bit.  Still as beautiful as ever!  Second, her children are just strikingly beautiful and photogenic.  If I could have a muse, Nyla just might be it.  Her face radiates in front of the camera.  And sweet Nash just loves his sister and has such a tender heart.  What a fun afternoon for me! Here are a few of my favorites from our time together... I am blogging the families separately because there are just so many great photos!  Thanks Shannon and family for asking me to spend time with you all.  You all are so fun!

My First Beach Session | Watercolor Beach Photographer

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When I was leaving for this session, I had butterflies in my stomach just as I did when I first started this journey.  It just seemed so foreign to me.  New and exciting all in one!  And, let me tell you - it did not disappoint!  I feel so inspired when I am photographing families at the beach.  There is something magical about the air.  The way it smells.  The way it feels.  But even more magical is the way that those in front of my camera light up when they are away from the everyday.  There was an extra sense of wonder and pleasure in their eyes.  And I really believe that you can see that through these photographs.  I am so excited to see what the future holds with this! Thank you to the sweet Stouffer family who trusted me with their photographs - especially a girl from Tennessee!  So thankful I was given the chance to meet you all.  I cannot wait to see the wedding photographs from Cat!  I know they will be absolutely beautiful.   Enjoy...

Destin Beach Sessions! | Nashville Family Photographer

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I will be headed to the beach this week to take some fun family sessions on the beautiful beaches of Watercolor, Seaside & Destin!  I am beyond excited.  This Nashville girl needs a little change of scenery.  I am booked for this coming week.  But, I DO have some openings the first of August.  If you want to nail down a session date for the first 2 weeks of August, let me know soon!   There are 3 different types of sessions you may choose from, depending on what you are wanting from our time together.  And, there are three different areas that you can choose for your photos.  They don't have to be the typical white shirt, khaki pants beach scene.  You can choose from the following: -the beautiful garden area of Watercolor

-the rustic lake area of Watercolor

-the white mediterreanean architecture of Alys Beach

-the fun baytowne warfe of Sandestin

-the beautiful parks at Rosemary Beach

-the unique pavilions at Seaside

-the vibrant artsy town of Seaside

So many fun options!  In one of the session options- you can choose two locations!  So, you want a few beach photos but you also want to have something different as well?  Go for it!  It is completely up to you....

So, off to pack.... So excited to meet some of you in the next week!

Playing in the Rain | Nashville Family Photographer

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Standing on the porch watching the rain fall with my boy.  The kind of rain that brings out the smell of summer.  It was beckoning me to come out and play.  Excuses start to form.... My hair would be wet.  The mess once we came inside.  People would see us.  Lightning.  Then it hit me.  No, not lightning but the realization that this is life!  Cliche, yes.  A little cheesy, yes.  But why do I always stand on the sidelines?  Where it is safe and not messy.  That is no fun and am tired of living that way. So, I took the jump and got soaking wet playing in the rain.  And let me tell you that I haven't had that much fun with my kids in a long time.  We laughed and sang all the rain songs we could think of (which were only 3).  We need more rain songs in our repertoire.  Because those Hunter boots of mine are made for those puddles out in my yard.  And so is my heart.

All My Favorite People | Nashville Children's Photographer

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Last night I sat in a room full of friends and listened collectively to a song.  A song that put words and melody to something my heart has been singing for a while.  You see, I am not a musician.  And I wouldn't even call myself a poet.  But my heart can still sing even when my mouth can't.  In my deepest daydreams, my voice sounds just like her.  Deep.  Melodious.  Sensuous.  Mysterious.   In reality it sounds like me.  Broken.  Pitchy.  Nasal-ly.  And as I sat there listening to that song, I knew my voice was loved in that room.  For the brokenness.  For the realness of it.  I was loved for me. Go and buy this song.  {Over the Rhine, All of my Favorite People}

Here are a few of my favorite lines:

All my favorite people are broken Believe me, my heart should know Some prayers are better left unspoken I just want to hold you and let the rest go

All my friends are part saint and part sinner We lean on each other, try to rise above We are not afraid to admit we are all still beginners We are all late bloomers when it comes to love

All my favorite people are broken Believe me, my heart should know Awful believers, skeptical dreamers, step forward You can stay right here, you don’t have to go

Here are two of my favorites that have taught me the brokenness of my own soul.

Washing Feet | Nashville Children's Photographer

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We walked down the aisle of the church.  Feet bare.  Souls yearning.  Looking up towards the cross.  The quietness of our feet followed by the waiting.  Waiting for our turn to sit and be served.  It was my turn.  A lady I had never laid eyes on put her hands on my dirty feet.  She didn't turn away.  The water gently poured over the dirt .  It was hard to look her in the eyes knowing she had seen the part of me that I keep hidden in a cute pair of Toms.  The part of me that is usually dirty because I am not a shoe person at home.  And I am not a clean person either.  She saw it and I was naked, exposed.  As I stood to take a turn washing my daughters feet, she looked me straight in the eyes and said "God's peace."  And I felt known and loved. My now 5 year old sits there waiting for me to pour the water on her little feet.  I never really look at them.  I did tonight.  They were beautiful feet.  Reminding me of the hospital with her little scar from the shots.  Such a pureness in her smooth soles.  She looked up at me with her bright eyes saying everything without saying anything at all.  And I knew.  This was nothing new for her.  She knows my hands well.  She is known and loved every day by those 2 hands.

Bella Grace stood and took the towel ready to wash someone's feet.  I looked up.  Her eyes looked right at me and it was her.  The woman who for the last 3 months has helped bring me closer to the very heart of God.  And now my daughters hands will be an instrument of mercy to her.  In her wisdom and grace, she says, "I feel God loving me with these 2 hands."  I know this woman and her story.  I know my story.  And I don't doubt that God wanted us all right where we were tonight.  He wanted me to know and feel love even in the midst of my dirt.  He wanted to remind me that my hands do matter.  And He wanted to reveal Himself even through a little child.  "From the lips (hands) of children and infants, you have ordained praise."

Whose feet did you wash today?  Everyday?  God redeems the broken and dirty.  Come to His table and be satisfied.

{My friends Lindsay (in the previous post) washes the feet of her neighbors everyday.   Here is one cutie neighbor enjoying the fruits of her love.}