Aren't these two the cutest??? And gorgeous! My heavens. This is the second time I've had the pleasure of photographing these two -- and now they're married! We met in the wee hours of the morning, while the moon was still high, and enjoyed a lovely Madison sunrise amid drifting fog and lush wildflowers. And we had such fun! I asked my awkward, silly questions while this duo just enjoyed each other's company. Ah..... so happy for them!
I met Jan when she phoned me last Fall to schedule a session with her daughter. Jan lost her husband, Phil, to cancer just a year earlier, and she and her daughter needed a bonding experience to help ease the grief of losing this important man. Having lost my own dad a few years back, I completely understood. I I gave these two ladies my best and produced for them some beautiful portraiture that they both love.
A few months later, Jan told me about her best friend, Matt, a good man who had helped Phil during his illness, had stood by when Phil was laid to rest, and then supported Jan through the horrific grief that followed. Jan hashed through and Matt was there for her every step of the way. Before they knew it, they'd fallen in love. Jan let me know that Matt had proposed to her, and she wanted to know if I would travel with her to Florida to photograph their elopement.
I said "YES!"
For months I kept their wedding a secret from everyone (including mutual friends) before traveling to Cape San Blas, Florida (with my family in tow, under the guise of "it's just summer vacation"). I have never in my life been so touched by a couple saying their vows to each other. The emotions were so raw and wonderful and overwhelming, the exquisite pain of Jan's and Matt's shared past, sublimely mixed with the overwhelming joy of hope and promise and renewal and life. They (with their sweet girl, Ruby) stood on that beach, hearts laid bare, creating a new covenant before God, their words mingling with sand and tears, and salty air... and it was perfection.
I am continually humbled to be asked to bear witness to such a miraculous thing as two lives being joined in marriage. That I get to forever capture and protect these precious moments, turning them into tangible memories, never to be forgotten .... that in itself is a rare, rare gift, to be treasured.
Thank you so much, Jan and Matt, for allowing me to be your wedding photographer. From my frail human heart to your beating warrior hearts, I speak blessings upon you both and pray for your many happy years together.
Photographing Anna is always a treat. Not only is she gorgeous -- all feminine curves and stunning blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty -- but she's fun. And Kind. And sassy and sweet and pretty much all things wonderful about a human being.
Josh is one lucky man. And he knows it. Seeing a fella as smitten with his fiancée as Josh is with Anna... well, theirs is a fantastic marriage just waiting to happen! (Lucky for me, I get to photograph their wedding this coming May -- I can't wait! *squee*)
Oh, and have I mentioned these two have style? We're talking a classic, classy, retro-vintage vibe that evokes a 1950's flair the likes of which Frank Sinatra wishes he could have capitalized on. These two were born just a few decades too late -- but I won't complain. I'm so thankful I was privileged to photograph their engagement session, located at Big Mill Co. Artisans & Antiques in Fort Payne, Alabama -- replete with Harley Davidson, victory curls, and sexy red lipstick. ;)
If you're looking for a photographer to celebrate your special relationship -- your engagement, upcoming wedding, or an anniversary -- I specialize in portraiture for couples. Check out my Connection Sessions! And when you're ready to book, give me a ring. I'd love to work with you to plan truly unique photography for the ages!
Graduation. A time of exhaustion sure (Finals anyone?), but also of relief and celebration and a sense of overwhelming pride in an accomplishment years in the making. I always feel so proud for others who find themselves ready to cross the finish line, diploma in hand, tassel swinging.
For Oschelle, graduation is also the perfect time to celebrate her wonderful relationship with boyfriend Mykal. We combined a Senior session with a couples session and the result was pure magic. Such a sweet couple -- and they gave me best payment I've ever received on the job: hugs!
