Change

"I have been changed for good."

If you know me, you know that between John Mayer and Coldplay, my iTunes playlist is buzzing with Broadway musicals and the Glee renditions of the songs. There is just a joy in the music and the stories behind the music, and I was struck by a song from "Wicked" this week. I heard it both on Oprah and on Glee, and it was as if I was supposed to hear it multiple times.

The lyrics talk about a change that occurs from knowing someone special and how people are changed for good - forever. That is how I feel about my dear mommy. The lyrics say that the change might not be for the better, and people could argue that about me right now, with the bags under my eyes, the many sleepless nights, the countless tears, the fears, and the sadness.

But, I wouldn't change it for the world.

I truly believe the statement that says that "It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all." While the heartbreak is more than I can express, I would not change it for the world. The amount that I love, care for, respect, and admire my mom is outrageous, which means that the grief that I am in the midst of is even more outrageous.

But, I am oh so proud of my mom - of the fight that she has endured, of the love that she has shown us, and of the faith that she has in Jesus. I am proud of how my family has grown stronger and closer to one another, and it is because of the way we have been affected by Mom. She is an amazing woman, and that will never change. The sacrifice has been easy, and I know that I speak for my entire family when I say that we have never questioned what has needed to be done for Mom. Just because we love her so dearly.

While I am mad at the cancer, how it unfairly took away Mom's life, I enjoy her daily... and am so grateful for the last 24 1/2 years that I got to know and love her. Well, I guess you can say it's been over 25 years, since we spent many months together while she was on bedrest. :)

To all my friends who have been kind and understanding of my "absence," to every acquaintance who has offered to help us out or bring food, to all my photography friends who have had Saturdays on "stand by" for my brides, I am forever grateful. I am loved through each one of you and could not have done it without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

catching up...

Whew. To say the last few months have been hard is a giant understatement. I am learning so much about life and love and family, and I have sacrificed a lot of things recently to spend time with my dear family. I am doing some catching up now and am almost caught up for my next wedding. Sadly, I have not had the time to re-cap my weddings like I usually do, but I did want to post a little bit about each one:


Erick and Stephanie had a whirlwind engagement, and their story is so unique! Their wedding was nothing short of superb at Ozan Vineyard, and I have never had a better experience with lighting at a wedding than this one. They did a less-traditional "leave," and the guests used sparklers during the last dance. They are so sweet together, and I wish them well!
**Thanks to Jessica Wright for 2nd shooting with me and capturing some fabulous images!**


Josh and Ali are so sweet together and the perfect example of a "cute" couple. I have loved them from the minute I shot their engagement pictures, and it was a job and pleasure to be with them on their wedding day. Their wedding took place at Riverchase United Methodist Church and many family and friends were there to see them say their vows... She even wore a dress so similar to the one my best friend wore on her wedding day! I wish them the absolute greatest in life...
**Kristen Stewart was with me this day, and it was nice to work with her again. Thanks, Kristen!!**


Last Saturday was Rich and Jennifer's wedding. I could go on and on about this one. I grew up with Rich, and Jennifer is one of the kindest people I know. It was a pleasure to be there for their celebration and maybe the easiest wedding I have shot to date. Both Rich and Jennifer were so laid back, are obviously so in love, and were simply ready to be married. Watching Rich tear up as Jennifer walked down the aisle was a definite highlight to me! To the new Mr. and Mrs. Trucks, I wish you the greatest! Love you guys!
**Heather Campbell worked with me for this one and did a FABULOUS job. She is a new friend of mine, and you must check out her stuff!**

when i cannot sleep...

I have had a lot of sleepless nights lately for many reasons, and tonight is no different. I was wide awake about 2:40 and am trying to decide if I should just get up or not. In the midst of my decision-making, I did some editing; these beautiful photographs make early mornings a lot easier!

I love this image of Stephanie! I am finishing up her photos and love the simplicity of her beauty:


And then there is Ali. She is just as kind and elegant as her images show, and that Josh is smitten with her. It was so great to be with them yesterday and share with them.

Need a Smile??

That little one makes me smile EVERYTIME I see him...

And, this wedding has been bringing me lots of smiles this week, too. More to come in the next few weeks...

Mexico and Vineyards

Whew. My life never stops. It really doesn't bother me that way, but most people are astounded at how busy things are... I spent the week in Mexico City with one of my DEAREST friends. I will recap the trip soon, but for not, here is a picture after we scaled the pyramids. Those stairs seemed to be never-ending, but the view was beautiful.

I came home Friday night and shot this wedding yesterday. I've never shot at the Ozan Vineyard, but it was absolutely breath-taking. Many thanks to my friend Jessica Wright for shooting alongside me. This wedding will DEFINITELY be up on blog soon.