Change

I remember Alexis being a lot shorter last time I saw her. We grew up in the same town, her being nearly 10 years younger than me. She has always had a gorgeous smile, blonde hair, and big "hard to miss" eyes. As she hopped up the stairs to meet me for her shoot that night, not much had changed, just enhanced. Much taller. Same gleaming eyes (maybe amplified a bit thanks to mascara). Same big smile. Same beautiful, blonde, flowing hair. Best of luck with your senior year Alexis, make those Gators proud!

Growing

Meeting up with the Davis family had special meaning to me. I had photographed Jason & Mel's wedding a few years earlier. It's fulfilling to know that they have a strong marriage and are building a family...and a cute one at that! It's so neat to see features of both parents come through to him. I don't know who he gets his smile from, but it's hard not to smile back. Great to see you again Davis'; I'm looking forward to watching your family grow.

Epitome of a Boy

I've taken many little 2 year old boys pictures, but none quite like Kellen's. From the word "go" he was running, climbing fences, spitting water, rolling around, playing in the mud, and riding the trike. He's the epitome of a boy. I could see the fire in his eyes for wanting to explore everything. He's a little go-getter. For his parents sake, I hope he sleeps as hard as he plays. :)

When You Know, You Know.

I had a great day working with and meeting Jill and Dan. From being around them an hour, I could tell that they have a lot of chemistry. I asked them how they met and they began to tell me the story of how they met last January at the school they work at. It's fun to see how their relationship has grown in less than a year. I'm ecstatic to work with them in December. Their relationship affirmed the saying, "When you know, you know." What a great couple...

The Reason I Started

One of the main reasons I pursued a career in photography was that I wanted to be able to show the importance of family. I never know how important this was until the day I lost my dad and realized that I only had one "good" picture of him and I together. It's not even that good of a picture, I can't even tell you why I asked my dad to pose with me that day. But I can tell you it's one of my most prized pictures and I'm so fortunate to have it. You can also bet that I get a tear in my eye each time I see the bride being walked down the aisle with her father.

Bill and Stephanie were fortunate, and they know it. Not only to be united as a couple that sunny July day, but because their parents were all there. Not long after their wedding Stephanie told me that Bill's mom had lupus. Now looking back I can see the happiness in the her eyes, she was so overjoyed to witness such a beautiful day. I'm so happy to have captured that moment for them.

True Friends

I could tell by the way Adam & Karley's friends talked about them during their toasts that they were truly amazing people. Some talked of past experience and childhood memories, but the one that got me was the bridesmaid that spoke of Karley's friendship. She said the characteristic she liked most about Karley is "that she's real. Genuine." That hit the nail on the head for me. All day I was trying to put my finger on it. And there it was. A true, genuine person (and I believe the last picture conveys that well). I'm so happy for this couple. Adam, you have yourself a genuine catch. Best wishes as your friendship continues to grow.

Boystown Experience

I kept thinking of them days and weeks after the photo shoot. The Leyda's are an amazing family that crossed my path. Not only do they have 3 children of their own, they also have 9 other girls they take care of. They call Boystown their home. As we walked around and took photos, I learned more about the importance of Boystown, and more of the Leyda's personality. They are so into their kids, not just the 3, all 12 of them. I couldn't help but be amazed at the way they nurture, encourage, interact, and help them make the right decisions.

From the beginning of the shoot, they were playing, twirling, and rolling around with their kids. Not once was Lisa, the mom, concerned about her hair. So carefree and loving, I marveled at it. As Doug, the father, twirled their youngest daughter around, she asked, "Daddy, I am too heavy?" He smiled at her and said, "You'll never be too heavy, you're my princess." They make me wish that all parents were like them. But not all are so fortunate. Thanks for the opportunity to work with you, Leyda family...the pleasure was all mine.

Strong Love

I worked with Amy several years, so I was very thrilled when she asked me to take their engagement and wedding photos. I remember when Amy first told me about Matt. I remember seeing the look on her face and how excited about him she was. I could tell that Matt was someone every special to her. I enjoyed hearing stories of how their life was coming together. I remember the heartache she went through when he was away for several months serving in the military. They made it through, they persevered. Their love is strong. They have something admirable.

Rain or Shine

Alisha and Shaun's wedding was the first outdoor wedding I had ever shot, so that was a pretty awesome and memorable opportunity for me. It was simple, yet beautiful. A bit of rain during the ceremony wasn't going to hold this stunning bride and her groom back. They were surrounded by a very fun, energetic wedding party and many friends. Oh, and the ringbearer, you should have saw him... :)

Radiant Red

If you keep doing what you've always done, you are going to get what you've always gotten.

My friend, Jill, presented me with the opportunity to take some modeling shots of her. Being both our first time at this, we had a lot of fun and it really opened up some doors for me to be creative. It was a nice change up for me, instead of working with a family or children. It was a great night, perfect light, great weather, and an awesome opportunity for a new challenge. I know it was a success. Thanks for the opportunity, Jill. You shine.

If You're Happy and You Know It...Smile!

I couldn't erase the smile off of Kathie's face. She a natural smiler. She was even so good that she could smile and give orders at the same time...impressive! However, her smile was most genuine when she saw her husband looking back at her. I love to see the connection between the bride and groom. May the smiles continue throughout your years together! Congrats Cody & Kathie!