pictures that make me smile...

There is something about right when the bride and groom are pronounced as "man and wife" and get to walk back down the aisle together - that moment is priceless. As a wedding photographer, I get to capture that moment and be the first face they see. This weekend, Hodge and Kelly became Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, and I loved the moment right when they were pronounced. These two photos are some of my favorites from the day.

Celebrating 24!

Last summer I started brainstorming. I wanted to do something for my birthday - something meaningful and memorable. Coming off my friend Janet's fun Nashville bachelorette trip, I was bound and determined to be a bachelorette without the impending wedding. My roommate, Aubrie, suggested New Orleans, and the plans started rolling.
5 of my greatest friends, my sister and brother-in-law, and I spent a glorious weekend in the "Big Easy" and had a superb time. We stayed at the wonderful Hilton on St. Charles being treated like royalty. It was perfect, literally 2 blocks from Canal Street and a 5 minute walk from the heart of the French Quarter.

I decided to not take my camera because I wanted to enjoy each moment. The mimosas each morning, the long lunches with silly conversations, the beauty to enjoy in walking around - it was so calming. My friends still documented the weekend (of course), and my sweet roommate printed some images for me. I framed them a few minutes ago, and the memories flooded back!

I am so grateful for each one of these girls. They shape who I am and make me want to be a better friend. The girl on the far left (right next to me) is a bride whose wedding I shot a few years ago who has become a good friend. She helped us plan our trip and even came to the gumbo/jazz festival with us. It was so great to see her!
We ate at the famous Commander's Palace for the jazz brunch, and it was the BEST. FOOD. I'VE. EVER. EATEN. No questions asked. It was fabulous. My late grandfather "Papa" used to take his bride there once a month, just as a day trip. I can see why. The food was incredible, and the jazz band walking around playing music made everything so ... well, happy! It was fun to get to experience something that was so special to my grandparents for so much of their lives.

Thanks, New Orleans, for a great birthday. I am excited about 24 and looking forward to all this year has to offer!

Stomach Bug. Sinus Infection.

Whew. I am ready to be well again. Until then, I'm hanging in there and REALLY looking forward to a fun wedding this weekend. I thought I'd leave you guys with my 2 favorite images from Josh and Keri's wedding last month. I look forward to seeing their album and a little surprise I ordered for them - hopefully it'll all arrive soon!!!


By the way, if the picture above was of me and my husband, it would be about life size canvas over my sofa. No. Questions. Asked. LOVE it.

Pretty girls!!!

Pictures of Friends

As I was checking my Google Reader today, I saw that Taylor Haynie had some pictures up of "Emily and Andrew." I was so excited - see, I have known Andrew (or "Dag") for quite some time... And, she did not disappoint. The engagement pictures were fabulous, and while I am very sad that I was booked for their wedding, I am looking forward to seeing the images she captures at their family ceremony next week.

Check out her website and view the engagement images by visiting her website HERE.

There's just something a bit more special about people you know. I remember when my friend Amanda Pair shot my friend Lauren's wedding in Charlotte. There's just something so special and real about knowing the people in the images.

WPPI: What do all those letters mean?

For any wedding photographer, the term WPPI brings about joy, excitement, and the thrill of much information. To everyone else, it's 4 letters that really don't go together.

WPPI is a conference for wedding photographers that takes place every February in Las Vegas. I've never been and have made it my goal to attend this year. I'll be rooming with Amy Carson and Melissa Pardi and will also get to reunite with my friends Melissa Jill and Amelia Strauss, among others.

I'm proud of myself for going, as it's been a goal of mine for a year now. What makes me even more excited is the chance that I have to **maybe** shoot with Justin and Mary. See, last year it was my goal to go listen to one of their "Spread the Love" workshops, and those 4 hours in Atlanta changed the way that I view photography, life, and the world. To combine my goal last year with this year's goal and shoot with them at WPPI would be **unreal.**

Justin and Mary are some of the kindest people you'll ever meet, down-to-earth and humble... and oh-so talented! I have e-mailed them a bit regarding the impact that they've made on me, and it would be an honor to shoot with them while I'm in Vegas. They can somehow make every couple look like they are on a Hollywood set - and yet natural. That's talent.

One thing, though, is that if I don't get to do the "Shoot Out" with them, you'll for sure catch me on Thursday morning at their class on "How To Be A Rainmaker."

Bonus! Lens Pro To Go will be there, too, to let photographers shooting with Justin and Mary use some new lenses. I believe that these guys are the best in the industry. I have rented lenses galore from them and have been more than impressed with their professionalism; I even bought my recent equipment from them. Can't wait to meet them in person and tell them how much I truly respect them.

Random December Memories

December flew by, but as I have been going back through my images, I have so much gratitude in my heart. I got to spend time with some wonderful people, and I wouldn't change a moment of it. We met up with my cousins for Christmas, and I love these shots of my family. How blessed am I? Seriously -


I got to spend time with friends who I have deeply missed. This is Ben, one of my oldest and dearest friends.

We did the picture thing a little bit backwards because that's Ben's beautiful wife, Ellen, on the right with another friend, Blake. Waffle House made me miss my college days!

My friend, Janet, hosted a high school get-together gone "Dirty Santa Party." When I arrived, she showed me how she had displayed the images from her wedding, and I am so honored. She has done it well - maybe better than any of my past brides. Thanks, Janet!