What are you thankful for?

Where do I begin? I think during times of crazy-mad, frustration- total loss of control in our life is when we need most to sit quietly and really reflect on all of the wonderful blessings in our life. I know you are probably thinking that I have lost my mind because God knows when everything in your life is literally a whirlwind of chaos mixed with one series of, "What next God?" the last thing on our minds is how blessed we are. Let me explain... A couple of days ago my car started making funny noises- not the tap, tap funny noise- the uh-oh, this is gonna cost me funny noise... So being the highly independent, do-all sorta gal I am... I call my Daddy. He says (and I quote) "Honey, it's Murphy's Law- if it can go wrong, it will around the holidays. But you need to take the car in and have it checked." My wonderful hubby assured me he would look at it that it was probably nothing much besides something simple like a pulley or belt... (Thank God my hubby is good at fishing!) So I decide that I would take it in today to have the oil changed and looked at... Fast forward... driving to work this morning and what would happen? Of course it did... I broke down- had the car towed and called my wonderful friend Holly to come and get me... (she sent her awesome hubby to my rescue and I am so thankful he came...sitting on the side of a busy interstate is never fun!) Anyway, short story long... I have to have a new motor put in my car. Never fun and certainly not as cheap as a pulley-

So, what, you ask during this mess do I have to be thankful for- Well, I am glad you asked. As I took Ayden on to school- they had their Thanksgiving feast today and I did not want him to miss it... I took a moment and watched as the kids were so excited to sit together wearing their construction paper head dresses and "noodle-necklaces" as they prayed and ate together. And I realize that all of the things we are so stressed out about everyday really don't matter when you have wonderful friends to share life with. You know, if we take a minute to look around and are really honest with ourself we'll see that most of what we consider necessity is merely wants- Our real needs are always met when we put our faith and trust in God. He has so abundantly blessed me- yes, even through a $1500 motor- No, I don't have $1500 just sitting around- but our need will be met.

What I do have is a wonderful hubby and beautiful children who pray with me and love me unconditionally- just as God does. I am thankful that He always puts the right people in my life at exactly the precise moment. I am thankful that I have a job that I love going to everyday with bosses who are understanding and always take care of me. I am thankful that we live in a country where I can express my opinions and enjoy freedoms to worship God without fear- that I can freely go out and live my dreams- at least chase them.. I am thankful to have a home and a family and friends who fill my life with love and laughter... I am thankful to have a talent that introduces me to really incredible people and allows me to be a blessing to them.

I have found that when life is great it is so easy to be thankful and easy to realize how blessed we are, but when we are being tested and things look as though there is no way out of the situation we are in, can you look around and see just how blessed you are? Have a wonderfully Happy Thanksgiving. ~S.

Cari & Andy Married... The Slide Show

Being a wedding photographer allows me to meet so many wonderful people and even better it allows me time to get to know couples as they begin on the most exciting journey of their life. Cari and Andy were married at the enchanting Governor's House Museum in St. Augustine, FL. With perfect weather for an evening spent under the stars, tiny twinkling lights, romantic music and many friends and family laughing and dancing the night away, theirs truly was a very beautiful fairy tale. Thank you both for allowing me to share the magic with you. ~S.

Sean & Kezia... A Sneak Peek

Sean and Kezia were recently married at Anastasia State Park on one of the most beautiful days I have ever seen! Wow was it gorgeous! Shhhh, don't say anything, but I cried at their wedding! Normally, I am so busy thinking about angles and not missing a moment that I don't always hear everything being said- but because this particular ceremony was so up close and personal I heard every word and seeing the love that they so obviously have for each other is in itself amazing... My heartfelt thanks to two of the greatest girlfriends EVER for helping me out and actually staying and finishing up for me... Gwen & Beth you are the best and I can't say enough how thankful I am for both of you! Kezia and Sean, thanks so much for allowing us the opportunity to share your very special day with you. And Sean, I hope you enjoyed your sweet birthday present from Kezia... (*wink *wink!) Welcome home and we'll see you soon. Enjoy! ~S.

Micah & Megan... The Slide Show...

I am so excited to have gotten the slide show together for this session of Megan and Micah. I played around with some fun actions that are often subtle, but added a little twist on some of the images.. I certainly hope you like my perspective... Enjoy! ~S.

Kris & Ken... The Slide Show...

Jeff + Andrea = Wedding Bliss!

First comes love, then comes the White Trash Wedding Bash then comes together a fabulous group of people to celebrate Jeff and Andrea's wedding day! They were married surrounded by such wonderful friends and family at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. They celebrated long after we left last night and again opened their hearts and home to me this afternoon for a cook out with... you guessed it friends and family.

My journey with them began earlier this year and I have to say that they have been so awesome to work with. It isn't so often that you are afforded the opportunity to spend time really getting to know everyone on such a personal note as I have with them and their friends. And even though I was hired as their photographer I really feel like we have become friends along the way. It has been an honor and I certainly hope that you enjoy your images as much as I have enjoyed getting to know you both. Before I sign off I have to say thank you, thank you, thank you to Wes for all of his expertise and help with the wedding. Ben Johnson said "True friendship consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and value". We are certainly blessed.
Enjoy! ~S.

Cari & Andy are Married!

First, let me say that I would love to sit up all night editing these images. When I started going through everything I decided to choose my favorite few to start with as a teaser before the slide show... However, because I have so many favorites it is not possible to do in a night...

But what a beautiful wedding. I was so honored to have shared this day with Cari and Andy. They are just so adorable together and if you ever had a doubt if true love existed- check this post on a regular basis. It is worth every minute of editing when you can feel how much couples mean to each other.

My heartfelt thanks to Ron Wilson for shooting with me. You were such a compliment to the evening and I thoroughly enjoyed working with you. Keep an eye out for the slide show... Have fun on your honeymoon and I will see you when you get back! ~S.

Hannah & Sam

Having children of my own, I am not surprised by much- usually. But I have to say that I just couldn't get over how much Hannah and Sam have grown this year. I know it is so cliche, but really just since a little less than a year ago they have gone from babies not quite walking to running all over and clearly speaking... They really do grow up just too quickly. It seems like if you blink you'll miss it so that is why I love being able to get fun candid shots of children being themselves. These are the moments to truly cherish and I am so blessed to be a part of that. Thanks so much Sarah and Reggie for allowing me to have spent the time with your beautiful family. ~S.