The Akins' Family

The Akins' family is just plum full of sweetness, energy and absolute love of fun. I don't think any of us stopped laughing for very long during their family session.

In order to keep up with Annabell, we kept moving and pretty fast paced. Though we did take some breaks in between. And one of my favorites of those breaks is just letting kids be kids and show off a bit (aka get the sillies out). This series is what we like to call Annabell Unleashed :)

What can I say, I LOVE what I do and working with some amazing families who let me capture just a little piece of their lives through photographs :)

Oh, almost forgot.... this one proves where where Miss A. gets her liveliness from (not pointing any fingers though, lol!)

Mommy Mondays {Back To School}

Over the last month or so we have been preparing for back to school and today we spent the most part preparing for Hudson's first day of Kindergarten (insert tears here...)

We have checked off his school supplies, visited the school, picked out his new shoes and back to school clothes, thoroughly researched the most durable backpack (LL Bean took it hands down) and tomorrow is open house...ahhhh, where did the summer go and why does it seem like only yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital.

So this week is a mixture of emotions- happy, sad, proud and soooo very, very thankful for a bright, loving and energetic kindergartner that has been just a blessing and a joy!

Happy Monday and hope everyone has a wonderful week- please pray for me not to cry daily, ha!

xoxo :)

A Little Shopping

The past few days, I have been on a mission...to find the perfect pair of chairs!

and another one added to the list...

I think I have managed to narrow it down to my top five (+1) and figured I would let everyone else share in on the fun. The overall goal is style, function and one awesome accessary to a photoshoot :)

Mommy Mondays {Taxi Service}

Today started at 6:00am and on the road by 6:30- Rise and Shine :)

I am seriously considering a nice neon for the top of the truck with a flashing "taxi" light, ha! First it's off to Fernandina to drop off my nephew at school, then Downtown for Hudson, swing back to the house to pick up Noah and Micheli for our play date at the zoo splash park, Picnic lunch on the go and then back Downtown, jump over to the Westside, then back to Fernandina and finally home for a much overdue visit with one of my best friends since 6th grade and then enjoying a lovely dinner with another dear old friend (thank goodness Adam cooked!)... Wow, my head is spinning just typing it, ha!

But overall, this is the flexibility that I love and really cherish the extra time we and the boys get to spend with our friends and with my nephew. What a wonderful day to start off the week :)

Other than feeling like I was part of the Mom's Grand Prix, I don't have too long of a to-do list today...the dishes, laundry, grocery store and other errands will overflow to Tuesday, he he ;)

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Mommy Mondays {This Crazy Life}

Today I officially begin the "Mommy Mondays" posts on the blog, yay!

This year I made a commitment to my family to take off on Mondays and so far so good. A free family weekend in the photography world is rare and cherished (but we definitely make the most of it when they do come along). Otherwise Monday is the "complete day off" for family, errands, house work, personal projects, etc.

I love it- even though I make my own schedule it is such a release to unplug from the editing, sessions and all that jazz to focus on what my #1 full time job is... being a mommy :)

So, with that- Happy Monday and for now one I'll be sharing what is in store for me, our family and other things that make up our crazy, blessed, fulfilling, simple, etc, etc, etc...life!

xoxo

TODAY we are...

~Catching up on laundry

~Picking up dry cleaning

~Grocery shopping

~Visiting with Papa

~Practicing walking with baby sister (she still need a little help)

~Finishing up this week's bible lesson plan for the kids (Listening & Trusting God)

~Marinating Chicken for pre-prep future dinners

~Cleaning kitchen

~Organizing Weekly Tasks & Priorities

This Week's Family Memory Verse Is:

"Lord teach me how you want me to live. Then I will follow your truth. Give me a heart that doesn't want anything more than to worship you."

- Psalm 86:11

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! I am happy to say we are enjoying some time away with family, but no worries we will have tons of Christmas goodies to share after the New Year!

God Bless!

Holiday Mini Session Marathon {$150}

Just in time for the Holidays! Mini Sessions will consist of a 20 minute portrait session and includes edited images with copyright release. Two packages to choose from!

When: Saturday, November 20th

Where: Location TBD {Jacksonville, Fl}

Appointments: Email to Schedule

Package 1 {$150}

Session and Edited Images with Copyright Release

Package 2 {$200}

Session, Edited Images with Copyright Release

Custom design of Christmas Card (Post Cards Optional)

Includes 25 Cards

Session can be used for individuals, couples, children and a single family of 4 {$15 each extra person}

Riverside Arts Market {RAM}

All you really needed was another reason to love Saturdays, right? Well, here's another one to add to your list...The Riverside Arts Market :)
Packed full of handmade goodies from jewelry, clothing, art, gifts to funnel cakes, garden fruits + veggies and fresh squeezed lemonade there is truly something for everyone!
Fresh fruit and produce was also a popular feature of the market with samples of sweet Georgia peaches, blueberries and soooo much more. I really enjoyed seeing all the unique offerings like the tater dog, swamp sauce and...... discovering my new love MY Pepper Jelly (oh yeah...keep reading!) Hands down my absolute favorite part of the day was meeting Monica and Yvette. They have found the perfect combination of hot and sweet in their line of homemade pepper jellies.

You may wonder what all my excitement was about- well simply put, I LOVE hot Brie fresh out of the oven topped with pepper jelly and my source (my wonderful Aunt Kathryn) stopped making her Apricot Pepper Jelly and I had not found anything to take it's place...until now- YAY!!!!!

I tried all six of their current flavors: MY Original, Habanero, Pineapple Habanero, Mango Habanero, Strawberry Lime and Blackberry Peach Chipotle and thankfully they have a special when you buy 3- ha!

I am already looking forward to our next trip back and seeing all the wonderful vendors, artists and friends again. Hope to see you there!

Photo Adventure {Painting for Two}

I am so pleased to announce a very special series of Photo Adventures that are coming up this November... please see the details below :)

Get ready for a photo session that will bring out everyone's creative side. Our Adventure will begin after 6pm in the evening with a lifestyle photo session followed by a special painting class for two. We will document your progress as an artist and end the evening with your own portrait along with your masterpiece.

These adventures are intended for two people in any combination: you and...your mom/dad, husband/wife, sister/brother, best friend, girlfriend/boyfriend, etc...choose wisely, because this will be quite a bit of F-U-N!!!

Though anytime is a great time to update your photos, this is perfect timing for your holiday portraits, greeting cards and gifts, save the date's for newly engaged couples, business headshots, High School Senior's, and so much more... as well as a wonderful evening out on the town and a very unique experience that everyone will always remember. And do not worry at all about your level of experience with painting, we've got you covered!

Now all you have to do is pick the date and painting you would like and we're all set!

Palm Cruise
Friday: NOVEMBER 12th

Eat, Pray, Love
Saturday: NOVEMBER 27thBird
{No Longer Available- stay tuned for next date}

Please note: Only 4 Photo Adventure Sessions are available for each date listed above. All evening activities are all inclusive- a value of over $450.

However, to celebrate this first series of Photo Adventures we have discounted it to only $300!!! Fee includes the lifestyle photo shoot, painting class for two, canvas, painting materials for two, a complementary bottle of wine {or soda ;) } and image files with copyright release. Please also note that both of you will be painting on your own canvas...so you will each have a canvas to take home or give as gifts :)

plus...book early and SAVE MORE!
Up to an additional $70 off When you Book your session BEFORE SEPTEMBER 9th, 2010!!!

+ Take $50 off when you book prior to Sept. 3rd, 2010; After Sept. 3rd through the 9th Take of f $25
+ Make it a double date and save an additional $20 per session.
+ If you would like to get a group of friends together and book all 4 sessions of any date above, please contact me for special pricing :)

...in short, do everything above and Share it or Like it on Facebook, Tweet it, etc. and you could end up getting your Photo Adventure for only $230!!!

To book your session or for more info:
Send me an email with your choice of date along with your contact info :)

A very special thank you to...

Check out the entire selection of paintings offered by Yes You Canvas and then check with me about creating your own special date night and Photo Adventure!

Book Review {The Help}

First let me lay some ground work. I love history, stories that keep me on the edge of my seat...eager for more, and examples of overcoming impossible odds, strength in character, human kindness, the greater good and unyielding faith. But, I would not consider myself an avid reader- I have a short attention span and only give books, articles, etc. just a few sentences to convince me to read more. As a mom of three, I do not have time to waste on a bad book. In short, there are not too many books that I have completed.

Plot Summery:
Set in Southern Mississippi in the 1960's the author takes you through the stories and struggles of African American Maids and The White Families that they work for; taking specific interest in the roles, relationships and boundaries of the Women and Children.

Driven my her own struggle to find her place in the world of journalism (and outgrow her small southern town), one of the main characters , Skeeter Phelan, notices the imbalance and disgraceful treatment of people of color and while working her way into becoming a writer and independent woman (who shared many of the same struggles for equality as colored men and women of the time) discovers that she can do something about it. The timing was tense...amidst the rising heat and violence that went along the milestone's of the era...Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, the NCAAand the like.

It was a dangerous time for anyone in the south to talk about equal treatment...especially when it involved whites and blacks meeting together and maids disclosing first hand intimate stories of how they are really treated by their white employers . Stockett weaves the story through several of the maids who somehow found the courage and trust to speak to Skeeter and share their stories. She keeps keeps the pace of the book exciting, apprehensive and downright stressful at times...I was always nervous for the characters, worried about them getting caught, getting hurt or worse.

Sharing how they are treated (the good, bad and the ugly), the maids in the book will make you laugh, cry and gasp at the best and worst of human behavior.

I can't go too much more into detail and give everything away...because I want you to read it for yourself and discover the roller coaster of emotions and imagination this book has to offer.

The thing I like most about the book is the unique way that each character tells their own story...in the first person and in their own words... One of the main characters, Aibileen, had me hooked at only the first page of starting the book...

"Taking care of white babies, that's what I do, along with all the cooking and the cleaning. I done raised seventeen kids in my lifetime. I know how to get them babies to sleep, stop crying, and go in the toilet bowl before they mamas even get out a bed in the morning..."

The Help has all of the features that I love and so much more! It was funny, sad, intriguing and horrible all at the same time. Many times I found myself disgusted at the way some people were treated all because of the color of their skin or the status quo of the day. Other times I cheered for those who stood up for others and literally put their lives in danger.

At the end, I have a greater appreciation for humility, bravery and strength in the human spirit and for standing up for what is right, even if it is not the most popular choice socially. The bigger picture goes beyond the simple differences in color but touches all of us...the one line that the author shared was her favorite I have to share because it really is something that can apply to all of us...
..."Wasn't that the point of the book?" For Women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I thought...

I loved getting a glimpse into our history that was not even that long ago (only 40 short years). I know we have come along way...but still have a loooooong way to go. We all have something that we can share through the ties that bind us...mommies, daddies, sons, daughters, friends, photographers, athletes, entrepreneurs, the list goes on and on. Pull down your barriers and embrace those around us what makes us different is also what makes us stronger...we all have something to give to and learn from one another.

Book: The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockett
ISBN # 978-0-399-15534-5

Summer Reading

One thing that I L-O-V-E about summer vacations is that I get to pick out a book to read on my trip. It is funny that this is the only time I "allow" myself to not work during any down time on emails, blogs, editing, etc. Seems like I have an unwritten rule that my email has to be on auto responder before I give myself permission to really relax and take time away from work.

This summer I have had the immense pleasure of finishing two wonderful books (The Shack and The Help) and loving every minute of reading them!

The one featured this week {The Help} I picked up in Marco Island during our last vacation of the summer. Bought it on Thursday and finished by Sunday- yes, it was that good...I was finding any free moment to read through a few pages (and chapters) while the kids where splashing in the pool, napping and after they went to sleep at night...and of course on the drive home).

Now stay tuned for the good stuff...the book review itself: The Help (full review tomorrow!)

De' Javu

I have done it- experienced and fallen in love with my first "groupon"! And the timing of it could not have been any better.

My good friend and fellow photographer (Kate) and I have developed a fun routine where we meet for pedicures, have lunch and enjoy an afternoon together relaxing, talking about business, family, kids, books, and everything in between. I love our little business meetings :)

Over the months we have tried a different place each time, a different bottle of wine and of course a differnt color on our toesies. We were just about to schedule our next date when the groupon for De' Javu Salon in Jacksonville came up. After doing some research (though there was not a lot that we could find on official reviews for the mani/pedi) we decided that given the fact that over 300 specials had already sold and they had an appointment for the time and day we needed that we would go ahead and give it a try.

And I am glad we did! The salon was great- clean, bright, professional and the ladies were sooooo sweet. Christina and Trina did a wonderful job not only on our hands and feet (see below the gorgeous shade of purple I chose... trying something different with OPI's "Diva from Geneva" dark purple)...but also on service all together. We brought our own wine and one of the girls at the salon even poured it and refilled it for us which was completely not expected and very much appreciated.

I am sooo happy to share such a wonderful experience because they are a fantastic salon but there were not any reviews that we could find on the mani/pedis and also as a photographer I realize how very important word of mouth is to any business. So, Kate and I were very happy, very relaxed and had a phenominal time. Thanks ladies- see you again, soon!

...I saved the preview of the manicure (I upgraded to french tips!) for the next post on summer reading, you won't want to miss this one :)

A Beautiful Vision

One of the things I love about the life of a photographer is the delicate thread that God weaves between the friendships I have made through clients and business associates with others. Megan is a perfect example of this and such an amazing person that I am soooo very thankful for!

I received Megan's email one night after we had put the kids to bed and my husband and I were enjoying some quiet time...catching up with each others day, coordinating calendars and checking emails together while watching the news- yes, major multitasking). As I was reading Megan's email I noticed he was reading along over my shoulder. My eyes watered as he said "you have to do this", to which I blurted out "of course I am!"

Megan's email essentially was complementing a portrait session of one of her close friends and was inquiring about a portrait session to capture the special relationship between her and one of her best friends. She also shared her inspiring story, which I feel is best communicated in her own words so I will let Megan take it from here...Hi, I'm Megan! I am legally blind and have a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa. I have very limited tunnel vision and am completely blind in the dark. Eventually I will be totally blind. There are millions of people with diseases similar to mine.

Most people have about 180 degrees of vision- side to side and top to bottom. When I was diagnosed, I had about 60 degrees remaining. What I could see was nearly perfect. Beyond that 60 degrees though, there was nothing (which explained a rediculously clumsy childhood and avid fear of the dark at bedtime).
As I grew up, my vision grew smaller. By the time I was in high school I had about 20 degrees of vision left. Not totally blind as the previous doctors had predicted, but enough to be labeled “legally blind”. As my friends were taking drivers ed and picking out cars, I went down to Southeastern Guide Dogs and met Shay-Bay, my first guide dog and the best thing that resulted from my disease. Now that Shay-Bay is retired, my new guide dog O'Man has been even more of a blessing.One night, in an attempt to calm my sadness about going blind, I went online and found the Foundation Fighting Blindness. It was my way to do something about a situation that at times felt hopeless and take control! I discovered that a fundraising event, VisionWalk. Now, two years later, I am co-chairing the 2011 Jacksonville VisionWalk and am so excited to spread the mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness to Jacksonville and to do my part to help raise critical funds to drive the research that will save my sight and possibly the sight of future generations of my family.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness has funded more than $300 million dollars of research to find a cure for Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration, LCA and several other related diseases. Of that, VisionWalk’s around the country have raised over $11 million.

In Jacksonville, we have contributed over $90k towards a cure. This year, our goal is set at $60,000. It will take corporate contributions, individual donations and smaller fundraising efforts like this photo series to achieve, and hopefully beat, our goal. I cannot wait to have my disease progression slowed, stopped or even reversed. I cannot wait to drive a car. I cannot wait to eliminate the fear of passing this on to my children one day.

Megan's strength and determination is inspiring, courageous and so encouraging for not only those who share her disease but for all of us who need to be able to see past the "obstacles" that block our hopes and dreams- and instead turn them into assets that will help make what we are striving for become a reality! I am so excited to be working with Megan and you will definitely be hearing more about the upcoming VisionWalk events and the people who's lives are touched. Stay tuned on how together we can help Megan in her efforts to achieve her beautiful vision!

Megan, thank you for inviting me to be a part of such a wonderful cause and for your friendship- I am looking forward to our fun and creative projects together and more playtime with O'Malley!

Sneak Peek {The Edmondson Family}

I think there will always be a very special place in my heart for baby O’Neal...she is only about a week older than Micheli and I have had the privilege of knowing her since she was less than a few weeks old. Needless to say I was excited to see her and the family again and wow- has she grown! We all had a great time playing with little Miss O’Neal, making her giggle and smile. I think that a baby’s laugh could quite possibly be the best sound on earth!

Here are a few more favorites from the day, enjoy!
I LOVE this one of Natalie...she looks gorgeous and O'Neal is so sweet and peaceful :)Natalie, Kevin and Baby O’Neal thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of the very special moments of your growing family- I am truly blessed to be part of it and enjoy each and every moment! XOXO

Summer Special

It's that time that everyone has been waiting for!

Special Mini Session Dates in the following locations at even more special discounts...

{Atlanta, Georgia}
Monday & Tuesday July 5th and 6th

{Jacksonville, Florida}
Saturday July 17th, Memorial Park

From individual, family, maternity, high school seniors, etc...if you have been thinking about a session now is the time to take advantage of this special and a huge savings.

Please leave a comment or contact me for complete details- sessions and packages that include the disc of images are well over 50% off!!!

** If any of the dates above are just not perfect for you and you would like a private session there are still tons of options with special savings that will only last for the summer...

Lifestyle Session: Judy {Headshots with Personality}

Though any professional can find a reason to update their headshots...sometimes just because is just as good, too!Judy did have a need and a plan for something fun, fresh and that reflected her personality. She is updating her website, business cards and social media profiles.

She is a bundle of energy that is just exploding at every turn (...and even that is an understatement). In between the fits of laughter, silly faces, dancing and (I think there may have been kartwheels...ummm maybe not?) We captured some great ones that show outer as well as inner beauty.

These are some of our favorites...enjoy :)

I Love Surprises!

Today I can home to this little brown box and this is what was inside...

Which leaves me to wonder what is Adam up to??? He is such a sweetie always thinking of little things to do while he travels to let us know he is thinking about us and missing us. I think I may have an idea but will let the plan take its course...I'll keep you all updated :)

The In Between {Baby Blessings}

It's been almost two months since our baby girl has been here and I still feel like I have a constant smile on my face- she has brought so much joy, laughter and pink into the mix...we are all just crazy about her. But, the other day I realized (as I was setting aside outfits she has already outgrown...I know, sad!) that I have not slowed down to just watch her and live in the moment- those little in between little moments from running here and there, working, relaxing and moving on to the next item on the schedule- so the this weekend, that's what we did...and here's what we got :)

I love this one because it reminds me of Noah- he still has that same little pouty lip (sooo cute)Hudson absolutely adores her and is never too far away from her. He loves holding and playing with her and has made it his responsibility to tell us what she needs :)This one just steals my heart- there aren't strong enough words...I love it!And this one, my little photographer in training snapped when he told me it was his turn to take pictures- thanks Hud :)
I look forward to sharing more as she grows and the craziness that has become normal in our household of 5...we are officially outnumbered by the kiddos so it should be interesting to say the least- but I would not have it any other way!

Happy Mother's Day: A Special Portrait Session

As Mother's Day approaches most of us are thinking more and more about our wonderful mothers- Those we appreciate so much, yet we all get so very busy with our day to day lives that often we simply forget to take those special moments to let these great women know how very much they are loved.

Hope and Missy had just that in mind when they scheduled this very special session to surprise their Grandmother with pictures of all the Great-Grandchildren. What a special and unique way to celebrate family!

In addition to working with a great bunch of kids, I was also excited to see and photograph Brayden again :) It's hard to believe he'll be turning two soon- it seems like it was only a little while ago we spent a morning at the park celebrating his first birthday (we had a special session with him after and just wait until you see some more of this cutie pie!). He and his cousins where just a joy to work with and warmed up to the camera pretty quickly...
Open fields, old barns and a ton of laughter was the perfect combination for capturing the simpleness of youth and creating fun memories the kids would always share.
It was actually drizzling a bit when the first few images where taken but we did not let the rain stall our plans- the kids where on a roll and having such a great time. We wrapped up with plenty of sunshine and sore cheeks from smiling and laughing so much! This shot was the last with just the kiddos having fun and making silly faces :)
I am so thankful not only for wonderful clients like Hope and Missy that are so loyal and loving but also treat me as family...

And in preparing to celebrate this Mother's Day am also thankful for not only my mother, but all the mother's and influential women out there who work so hard to raise, encourage and mold children to reach their full potential! Thank you moms and thank you Hope and Missy for kicking off this Mother's Day week in such a sweet and amazing way!