Pippin Wedding

The first time I met BreAnn and Scott was at their engagement session. We met at sunrise in Seaside. Scott had her laughing the entire session. They were so much fun and I knew that their wedding day would be a blast!

Double J Farms was the perfect venue for their wedding day. BreAnn looked beautiful in her dress. Scott and his guys even had matching St Patricks Day socks since it was March 17th! BreAnn had sweet and thoughtful gifts that were given to members of her family and her and Scott exchanged gifts as well. She kept saying that she wasn't going to cry but I think that everyone did! They had a little dance party while getting ready and then it was time for the first look. Scott's face said it all when he turned around and saw his gorgeous bride. The ceremony was beautiful and they danced the night away!

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Pippin!

Travis & Rae's Wedding

Travis and Rae's wedding was nothing short of amazing! Sparkly bridesmaids, blinged out bouquets, aerialists, and the celebration of love between two amazing people made it a day to remember!

Rae looked beautiful in a strapless, ivory gown that looked like it was made just for her. Her bridesmaids glittered and shined all night in their sequin gowns. The guys cleaned up pretty nice too! Matching cuff links and sharp black suits were their attire for the day.

There were so many memorable moments from the day. Rae's brother gave the most sincere speech that I have ever heard. There wasn't a dry eye in the room! Their friend from Ariel Events poured wine for the guests while atop of a lollipop stand. Rae even got up there in her dress before the night was over. Grandma and Grandpa even joined in the dancing. While all of these were moments to remember, what I will remember the most is the love that these two had for each other. As the reception was drawing to a close, I heard a friend from their church say,

"Tonight was the real deal. These two are going to be together forever."

I have to say that I agree! Congratulations Travis and Rae!

Venue: Southern Lea Farms

Campbell Wedding

Britney and I had spoken and messaged back and forth several times but we did not meet until her and Justin's engagement session. Right away, I knew that she was special. She had such a sweet spirit and it was easy to see why Justin loved her. She was kind and thoughtful. The kind of person you would want to hang out with. I knew that their wedding day would be special.

Justin and Britney got married at Double J Farms. The venue was absolutely beautiful and every detail was in place. Britney was cool, calm and collected, truthfully the most laid back bride that I had ever met! She looked amazing in her gown. Justin and his guys were laughing and joking the entire time. They chose not to see each other before the wedding and had their pastor pray with them before the ceremony. Their families were so supportive and happy. Justin's mother was crying as she walked down the isle. The look on Justin's face when he saw Britney for the first time was one of pure joy. These two have one of those forever kind of loves and I am so thankful that I was able to capture their day!

Easter is my favorite holiday. Ever since I can remember, my Mom and Dad have had an Easter celebration at their home for family and friends. It meant Easter egg hunts, church, lots of food, hanging out with cousins, Easter baskets, and a new dress. Those traditions have continued since I have my own children. Every Easter I love getting them all coordinating Easter dresses and of course we make dad match as well! We attend church and then head to the family dinner. As I have gotten older, I have come to understand the most important reason for Easter. Not only is it a day to spend with family and friends, but it is about a risen savior. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice so that my sins could be forgiven. What makes that even more special, is that He did that for everyone. Last Easter our church was having a baptism on Easter. Kaylin and Alianne asked if they could get baptized during the service. I really wanted their grandparents to be there and I knew that they would be at their own churches on Easter. I asked them to wait until the next one, and they agreed. On Easter Sunday they sang in the choir with their Dad on the platform. As the baptism began, I immediately knew that this wasn't like any other baptism I had ever experienced. I was up front taking pictures of each person getting baptized, they were singing, and the spirit of the Lord was moving. I noticed that Alianne was staring me down. She mouthed, "I want to get baptized today!" We didn't come prepared for a baptism...no extra clothes or towels. I nodded my head yes and she got in line to be baptized. Kaylin looked over and before I knew it she was in line too. Alianne was only 8 at the time and I had worried if she really understood, but my fears were quickly alleviated when I saw her began to weep. She wasn't crying because she was scared, she was crying because she was so happy. On that day, I was more thankful than I had ever been for God's promises. It was the best Easter ever to watch our girls get baptized. I will never forget, how they ran to their grandparents at dinner and said, "We're so sorry, but we just couldn't wait! We just had to get baptized today!"

Here is a video from the service!

https://www.facebook.com/DeerpointChurch/videos/1812396868775346/

"And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name" Acts 22:16

Ella Grace 

"All of God's Grace in One Little Face"

My dear friends John and Brandi, welcomed Miss Ella Grace into their family on February 15th. She weighed in at 8lbs and 3.9oz. I think it's safe to say that her sisters are in love! I asked McKayla if I could take Ella home and she was quick to tell me no! She is absolutely adorable with long, little fingers and toes. I am so thankful for God's grace and provision for this family during Ella's birth!

Eric & Stacey

Some things are just meant to be. Just like Stacey and Eric's beautiful beach wedding at Anna's Veranda in Inlet Beach. Nothing was going to stop their special day from happening, even a hurricane. That's right a hurricane. Hurricane Nate rolled into town on the same day as their wedding! All day long there was rain and wind and we began to wonder if their beach wedding would have to be held under the reception tent. It was the desire of Stacey's heart to be married on the beach. There was a break in the rain just as it was time to head down to the beach. The wind and waves had washed away most of the beach, but there was just enough room for the wedding! It was such a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony and it was clear that these two were meant for each other. The sheer joy on their faces was enough to make me cry. The day turned out perfect! Congratulations Stacey and Eric!

Location: Anna's Veranda at Inlet Beach

Wedding Planner: Mitchell Event Planning of Atlanta

Seriously, I think that Rhett is one of the cutest little guys I know. That blonde hair and those blue eyes can make your heart melt in a moment. We hung out by his great grandfather's pond for a few shots and one of his grandfathers cut the log for the cake stand. Here are a few of my favorites from his session!

Travis and Sarah's Engagement

When Sarah and I were discussing where they would like to do their engagement photos, I encouraged them to choose a place that they both love. She asked could they possibly do their session on their boat...

Um. Yes. Please.

I was so stinkin excited and a little nervous as well. I had never had a session on a boat! She said that they love hanging out on the boat, she enjoys catching some sun and he enjoys fishing. She told me that they were the most laid back couple ever...and she was right. We met at sunrise at the St. Andrews Marina. It was super early and they were super awake and happy. They are totally morning people. I'm not a morning person, but between the beautiful sunrise and this fun couple it was definitely worth it. I can't wait for their October wedding!

Long Live Summer

Alex messaged me back in April. Her and her family were planning on visiting 30A in July. She is a photographer in Missouri. When you are the mom and the photographer, it can be incredibly rewarding to capture those special moments with your own family. Then sometimes, your kids turn into wild little creatures that won't crack a smile or cooperate in the least. Alex joked, that when she breaks out the tripod she sometimes turns into Cruella Deville.

I. Completely. Understand.

I can't say that my husband and kids are excited when I try to take our family photos either. It's hard. Like want to pull your hair out hard. I always feel like the smiles are forced and I never get those pictures of me just playing with my kids. So when she called and explained why she wanted someone else to do them this year, I was happy to help. As I edited her session, I couldn't help but smile. Her kids are adorable, she and her husband are too cute, and they make having four kids look easy. They laughed, played, and I think really enjoyed themselves. We didn't loose any kids and there weren't any tears or fake smiles. Just lots of laughter and genuine joy to be together in one of their favorite places. She messaged me after I sent them over and said that "they are so us." She also mentioned that her eyes were fogging up. It wasn't long before she left me the sweetest review. Then my eyes were fogging up. Made my heart smile. Summer is coming to a close but I think I have to agree with what her littlest littles shirt said, "Long live summer!"

Araujo Maternity Session

I am so excited to finally be sharing Ana and Eddie's maternity session! Ana shared with me that they have wanted a child for several years and after all this time, they are so excited to be welcoming their baby girl soon. Ana is a photographer in Nashville, Tennessee. She told  me that she would LOVE to have one of those beautiful, pink skies. When you photograph on the beach you know that every single night is different. Some nights are blue, others orange and yellow, and sometimes you get that amazing pink sky. Well, the good Lord was listening, because Ana had one of the most beautiful pink sunsets that I have seen all year. Isn't it amazing that He knows all of the desires of our heart!

"I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him"

1 Samuel 1:27

Rain Makes Everything Beautiful

"Those who say only sunshine brings happiness have never danced in the rain."

I'm not sure if you remember, but back in June we had a week were it rained all day...for days. Wet, grey, drizzly days with no end in sight. Laura called me a couple of days before their scheduled session, concerned about the weather. We decided to move her session to sunrise a day early to see if we could squeeze it in between the storms. The morning of the session when I got up it was raining. I live in Northern Bay County, so I was hoping by some miracle that it wasn't raining on the beach. I spoke with Laura and unfortunately, it was raining there too. We decided that I would head on out anyway and see what happened. I got my girls up and we headed to the beach with the promise of Thomas's Donuts for getting up so early.

When I got there it was a steady drizzle of rain. Laura and her family looked so nice in their outfits. I expected her to cancel but to my surprise she said that if I was willing to shoot in the rain so were they. Ya'll we had so much fun! The waves were huge and the wind was crazy. You couldn't even see the sun for the clouds. They played in the rain. My girls played with her girls. They laughed and got soaking wet before it was all over. It was seriously one of my favorite sessions ever. I told her husband, this is something I would do and my husband would tell me I'm crazy. He said with a smile, "I did tell her this was crazy." Thank goodness for families willing to get a little wet, husbands that go along with the crazy, and Thomas's Donuts.

Scott and BreAnn's Engagment Session

Scott and BreAnn asked me to meet them at Seaside for a sunrise session. This is where Scott asked BreAnn to marry him, so it's a special place for them. We started on the beach and ended up at the food trucks. I can't wait for their March wedding. This sweet couple was so much fun to photograph. They were laughing and smiling the entire time. I think I could have spent the whole day with these two. This may be my favorite engagement session yet!

Mike and Jordan

I'm so excited to have Mike and Jordan up on the blog! I have known Jordan's family for several years, so it was so much fun to be a part of their wedding day. They were married at Oaks By the Bay and the reception was held next door. Mike is a police officer and I love how they incorporated that into the details of their wedding. Jordan looked absolutely stunning in her wedding gown and they danced the night away with family and friends. It was a beautiful day, but the best part of all is the way that they looked at each other. It was a day filled with love and laughter.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Brogdon!

I decided that I couldn't have a blog that highlighted my clients, and not talk about my own little tribe. So with that being said, from time to time you will see my family!

So my girls and I are not early risers, we enjoy sleeping late. My husband is the only one in the house who gets up early voluntarily. This particular Saturday, he was working so we enjoyed sleeping late. We got up and straightened up the house and decided that we were all hungry. The thing is, it was too late for breakfast and too early for lunch so we decided to make brunch. Breakfast foods are my favorite and we have chickens so there are always eggs in the house. The girls and I got in the kitchen to make chocolate chip pancakes and scrambled eggs. The girls love cooking. To be honest with you, cooking isn't my thing, just ask my husband! But I do love to bake and make breakfast. We had the best time just being lazy that Saturday and Daddy was jealous that he missed out!

Don't forget to pull out your camera and capture the everyday in your home. These are the moments that matter the most!

The Tomlinson Family

A couple of weeks ago, I got to meet the Tomlinson Family from Tennessee! Aaron and Taylor were here with their little girl Ryman who is 6 months old. We had a beautiful evening at St Andrews State Park. I seriously have the sweetest little families. The love they have for their little girl is obvious. It's such an amazing experience to watch another family love on their baby!

Last week, these sisters brought their families to Panama City Beach all the way from Tennessee.  As a mom of three girls it was fun to hang out with all those boys. I'm sure that there is never a dull moment at their house!

The weather was windy and overcast, but I am finding that these sessions are quickly becoming my favorite!

Grayson James Batte

For months Jenny and I had been talking and texting about the arrival of baby Grayson! To say I was excited to be at his birth was an understatement! I knew that I was going to be out of town the first couple of weekends in January and I was praying that he would not come early. His due date came and went and finally the day arrived for his induction. I had prepared everything the night before and after talking with Jenny, decided to come down to the hospital around mid morning. We had texted back and forth that morning and everything was going well. They broke her water and she said she would message me back when the doctor came in.  About an hour later while dropping my middle daughter off for school, JOSH texted me. "Jenny is at 6cm, come as soon as you can!" I about died! I rushed back home, got my stuff, and called my sister in law to come get my other girls. I seriously drove like a crazy person. Her best friend Megan was texting me all the way and when I pulled into the hospital she was at 8cm. I ran into the hospital, and she continued to progress to 9cm. I had made it...and then she stopped progressing! That last centimeter took an hour and a half at least! I was just happy that I had made it. Finally, the nurse came in and said that it was time! I got in position, her mom was in the room, Josh by her side, and Megan on the other side. She started to push and immediately I knew something was wrong. The nurse got quiet and Megan was looking at me. Megan and I have known each other for a long time and I knew that something was not ok. She looked at the heart monitor with tears in her eyes, Grayson's heart rate had dropped and was not coming back up. In a matter of seconds the doctor had come in, they turned Jenny on her side, and then the other side. Then the doctor said, "Ok, he is not going to tolerate labor, we are going to do a c-section." Everyone was ushered out except for Josh and they prepped Jenny for surgery. She was rushed down the hall. I just stood there with Megan, numb. This is not what we had planned. I've had 3 babies of my own and I know they do this everyday, but I was scared. I immediately texted my husband and my church leaders group and told them to pray! I stood in the hallway with her best friend, with tears in our eyes, and just prayed. We waited and waited for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, we got word that everything had went well and baby Grayson was here! He and Jenny were fine. Ya'll I was so relieved. Thankfully everything was ok and Jenny, Josh, and Grayson are all doing great! He's eating, sleeping, and growing more adorable each day. Jenny and Josh are amazing parents and they are crazy about their little guy. Sometimes things don't go as planned. I was suppose to photograph Grayson's birth, but instead I ended up doing something much more important...praying during his birth.

Bryan and Angela are one of my favorite couples!  They were married in 2013.  They trusted me to take their engagement photos even when I didn't really know what I was doing! They were so in love! I remember attending their beautiful fall wedding.  It was such a wonderful day.  On their one year anniversary, I had the honor of taking their anniversary photos. Bryan made me a beautiful table that sits in the entryway to my home as a thank you. When they contacted me about maternity photos I was thrilled. I have absolutely loved being apart of these milestones for them.  Last weekend, we braved the heat and mosquitoes to capture this special time in their lives.  I have no doubt that they will be wonderful parents.  Their sweet baby girl, just doesn't know how blessed she is!  Congratulations Bryan and Angela, the best is yet to come!