the whole mitchell family | sneak peek

My little family has been blessed with many friends.

It isn’t often that we can call our friends’ family friends, as well.

Rarer still - when we can consider them family, too.

These folks? They make the cut.

If you’ve ever read this blog, you probably know of our endearing soft spot for our dear friends, the Mitchell’s. Brian and Becky have been our best pals, lo, these many years. We go way, way back. With plenty of memories to boot. Now, of course, they are joined by their boys - Brian Jr., Lucas and Jacob - best buds of Ammon. They have been adopted into our family - and we into theirs. And - I surely daresay - we are getting the best part of the deal.

Why? Because that means we are thrown in with this happy lot. And we couldn’t love them any more. Or feel any more fortunate. For, it’s one thing for us to love a group of astounding people, to the moon and back. But, they claim us, too. And for that ... we are doubly blessed.

These folks all happened to be in town this last weekend, to celebrate at the most fabulous birthday party known to man (which you’ll hear about later). My, how we loved spending so much time with them during their stay.

On Sunday afternoon, after enjoying some of Pam’s famous tacos (oh, for the love of yum) - plans were made for an impromptu photoshoot. Since the whole family was here, with the exception of Lara’s husband - I ask you: How could we not?

A short little romp downtown ensued. My first mini-session - if you can call it that - proved to be quite the time. Blood, sweat and tears. Literally. And yet, my heart couldn’t help but swell to twice it’s size, while spending such precious moments with these folks I love so well. These folks I love to, well ... love.

One of my favorites ... simply because it so aptly portrays everyday life. A proud dad, boys sticking their fingers in their noses and down their throats, a wiggly baby ... and a mom simply rolling her eyes.


Another love. An outtake ... and yet, how I love that Lara is sneaking in that pinch.

Brian, Becky, Little Brian, Lucas, Jacob, Wes, Pam, Danny and Lara: Thank you.

Thank you, for the laughs. Thank you, for the memories. Thank you, for the love. Thank you, for, well ... you.

the whole mitchell family | teaser

Just a little teaser from this afternoon's mini session ...

with one of my very, very favorite families.

Okay. I'll admit it's a big tease.

Stay tuned for more.

1 day

Oh ... how I've waited for this.

crystal ... the un-bridal shoot | sneak peek

The truth is, I’ve always loved brides.

I always have.

And even though, in the world of photography, I’ve found that I don’t like weddings so much - I still love brides. And probably always will.

I love capturing their glow. Their joy. A pure, calm happiness that is unmatched. And unrivaled. I don’t get to do it often anymore.

But, I was able to spend yesterday afternoon with my darling friend, Crystal - who will be celebrating her three-year anniversary tomorrow. And, as it turned out, it was a time I wouldn’t have traded for anything in the world.

What started out as a should-we-could-we situation - quickly turned into a reality. And ‘Operation Stuffed Sausage’ - as she would nickname it - was in full-force. Getting her into her original wedding dress proved comical. But it was done in the end - rigged together in a way that made us proud to be industrious and creative women. Of course my ‘wedding curse’ prevailed - giving us a true Alabamian rain shower. Where it’s flooding on one end of the street and dry as bones on the other.

Despite a million and one safety pins and chasing the rain and the sweltering heat - this has to be my favorite session to date. Which is a something.

Maybe it was the laughs we had. Maybe it’s because she rocked her TOMS. Maybe it’s because she didn’t mind shooting in the rain. Maybe it’s because she brought Sunkist for a prop. Maybe it’s because of the Congratulations and So pretty she kept hearing from passersby on the street. Maybe it’s because she is such a dear friend to me.

Truth: I learned yesterday that some three-year old brides still carry with them that same glow and joy and purity that they had on their wedding day. They still have it.

And it’s even better.

I’m reminded:

Oh, they say when you marry in June,

you're a bride all your life.

And the bridegroom who marries in June,

gets a sweetheart for a wife.

Winter weddings can be gay -

like a Christmas holiday.

But the June bride hears the song

of the spring that lasts all summer long.

By the light of the silvery moon -

home you ride, side by side.

With the echo of Mendelssohn's tune

in your hearts as you ride.

For they say when you marry in June,

you will always -

always -

always be a bride.

Okay, so she wasn’t married in June. Close enough.

It’s all still true.

Thank you again, Crystal, for asking me to do this favor for you. Thank you, again, for the Sunkist. Thank you, always, for being my friend.

Happy Anniversary, Crystal and Jacob. Enjoy your Forever. I know it will be a lovely one.

A shout-out for our pal, Kristy. We love you:

Go Cats! :

And I have to thank this dear woman - Crystal’s mom, Debbie - for all of her help:

Ending on my favorite:

Lyrics: June Bride; from the film, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; Johnny Mercer