Taryn and Carlos March 21

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing Taryn and Carlos. They had the most beautiful family and friends and we could not have asked for more beautiful weather. We even used the gusty wind to our advantage as it swooped and swirled her cathedral veil up, up and away... Many thanks to Ron Wilson for having me assist them with this incredibly gorgeous wedding. Below are a few favorites from the day. My very best wishes to you as you begin your new life together. ~S.

Chad & Candice... March 14th

It feels like forever since my last wedding so when Ron asked me to second shoot with him and Stacy at Club Continental this weekend past I was more than excited to help. Candice and Chad were such a beautiful couple and were more than willing to pose (and kiss) for the camera. I have to say it was the most adorable thing when at the end of the ceremony the officiant announced "Mr. and Mrs. Chad Oliver..." Candice grabs Chad and lays the best kiss ever on him. Through a lot of giggles he says, "Wellll... I was about to say 'You may now kiss your bride, but... " So she kisses him again! This is the love stories we live for! My absolute best to you both! Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your very special day! ~S.

Kassie and Doug Sneak Peek

There are very few people in life who I look at and think, "I would love to be more like them." And not because my life is so glamorous- my friends know my kids (and hubby on occasion) can drive me crazy and my house gets messy and I feel frantic. But more because I believe each of our lives are ours to live and I feel that God puts each of us here to do a special job that only we can do. We are all given individual talents because God believes we are the best person for that particular job. But every now and then I meet people whose heart and actions line up and you know they just have been touched by God in an extra special way. Kassie and Doug are two of those people who's hearts and love for God, each other and people in general makes me look at my own heart and want to seek God more diligently. Doug is one of our worship leaders and with an incredibly talented team of others like him has brought me to my knees in praise on many occasions and never fail to have me running mascara on any given Sunday. His very lovely wife Kassie is one of the most beautiful women and one of my favorite people in the world. You can find her serving coffee to us on Sundays or serving God in a remote village in South America. No matter where you find her you will feel her smile and heart long before you have the chance to bid her a good morning. She is the most positive and godly woman I know.

It has been almost three years since I had the pleasure of helping to photograph their wedding. (One of only a few that have made me cry like a baby btw.) And now I have had the chance to photograph their maternity session. Doug you hung in there like a champ. I know it is so hard for guys to smile and pose for a camera- so thank you again for your patience. I love the images and love you guys. Thank you again for trusting me with such a special season of your life. ~S.

Cierra, Patty & Hannah....

What a fun weekend we had- busy, but most definitely fun! I am learning that the best predictor of unpredictability is to try to be predictable... so I try to go with the flow and make the absolute most of my time! We started early on Saturday (with some awesome homemade breakfast- thanks Ms. Carol Ann!) with Ms. Cierra who is expecting Miss Payton Lane any day- literally. We were really hoping that she would greet us over the weekend so I could capture her birth story but she is happy hanging out for now. Patty and Hannah joined us later for some fun in the sun- I should say for fun "chasing" the sun. It never fails you wait all day for perfect light and you have such a small window of time before you lose it! But I loved every minute of it! You can't tell from our images be we are using a gracious neighbor's yard as all of the fields were already cut- Who ever said procrastination is not your friend did not drive around trying to find a field of dried grasses!

Ladies (and Steve) thanks so much for all of your patience and willingness to shine for my camera. I have to say that I am very blessed everyday- but a little more when God allows me the opportunity to photograph the most important moments of your life! My intentions are always to be a blessing to other people and it always happens that it is I who am truly blessed!

Thanks so much Carol Ann and Steve for your hospitality and we look forward to seeing you again soon! Hope you guys love them! I do~S.

Beth's Big Bash.. a Sneak Peek

So Ms. Beth thought for her big 5-0 skydiving was a pretty good way to "jump" into this exciting new chapter of her life. Little did she know we already had the foundation laid to a pretty great party! The idea was simple- we would make it all up as we went along- getting everyone in on it was essential because before it was over the lies were deep and the waders were getting short. (If you know what I mean.)

Steve and Mary graciously offered to host the party for her and it was just perfect! We could not have had a more beautiful or more perfect spot for a beach themed party than at their home. After talking with Mary the first time I knew everything would fall into place beautifully! We agreed on pretty much everything and they were so open to my crazy ideas- even pulling out the Christmas lights from the attic!

To make sure Ms. Beth was surprised, we came up with the idea to invite her to a party at Mary and Steve's house. Mary invited her and Neal to a "party for Steve" something for his work. She took the bait- hook, line and sinker! Everyone worked really hard together to put all the finishing touches on the food- decor and especially the memories! It was so fun to see all of the photos of Ms. Beth growing up and through the years. I always feel so blessed to be a part of their family and friends because everyone is so much fun and they are always sure to make you laugh! You all know who you are...and I have photographs!

I have to give a very special thank you to Miss Stephanie for being so helpful as I put the finishing touches on my trees and decorations- You were a God send- thanks! To the guys for cooking all the meat- Sharon and Ms. Hope for all of the food- photos- balloons and help you offered- Dana, Melissa & Rusty for lying all day on Friday and helping me out... and Mitchell for hanging out trying to keep her from being suspicious! And I can't forget Anna- without you, we may not have seen Neal do the bar dance... But mostly to Steve and Mary- you guys were phenomenal to open your hearts and your homes for your friends. The night was perfect and every one's hard work was splendid! Now that I have completed my Academy Awards Speech... I have a few sneak peeks- and Nooo, I left Neal out of this group. You can re-live the strip tease in the slide show in the next couple of days! Hope you guys enjoy! ~S.



Happy Birthday Ms. Beth!

Sir Elton John & Billy Joel

So tonight, many thanks to my dear friend Wes, I had the rare opportunity to shoot Mayor Peyton (very quickly) with Sir Elton John and Billy Joel. I cannot say enough about everyone who was there and how incredible the moment was. I am still floating around somewhere excited that I was able to do this. I just hope I did them justice in the 30 sec I had to fire off a couple of shots. Afterwards I was able to make my way onto the floor for most of the concert and had a few relaxed moments to take some shots for fun.

Since I was a little girl I have wanted to meet Elton John and tonight I did. It was more than I ever dreamed. ~S.