Tucker W.

I have known this boy since my days at Powell United Methodist Childcare – nearly 10 years ago.  I always loved to watch him, his head buried in a book learning and discovering something new. I didn’t get to have him in class at PHS, but Mom was lucky enough to be his sixth grade science teacher.  I know he is on the short list of her all-time favorites (Yes, teachers have favorites, and now that I’m not one I can admit it!) , and I think I’m safe in guessing she was one of his. :)

Yes, I picked this backdrop because it perfectly coordinated with Tucker’s shirt.

And then the most awkward moment of my photography career happened.  I was explaining to Tucker exactly how to lean on the wall, and a random lady walking by promptly walked to the wall and followed my instructions – crossed feet and all.  After I kindly explained that actually I was taking pictures of Tucker – not her – she offered to take a picture of the two of us together.  Hello!  Awkward!

It gave us something to laugh about anyway.

And then his head his the wall and I knew it was time to wrap-up.

So we hightailed it under the bride for “just one more.”  If you’ve ever been on a shoot with me, you know exactly what those quotation marks mean. ;) Probably closer to twenty more, but who’s counting? 

Really? 50 Books?

 

Something about the year 2012 had me barreling down the tracks ready for a challenge, a fresh start.  Seriously, no new clothes for a year?  A whole year?  Not a single piece?  And an average of one new book per week?  Oh my.  The no shopping thing lasted for three months.  And then I spent $8 on a shirt at Forever 21.  And then I decided being pregnant was a good enough excuse to give that one up this year.  I need clothes that fit!  Maybe I’ll take it up again in the future.  I don’t know.  I don’t shop much anyway, so I really don’t feel guilty when I do.

The reading thing is another story.  I started out well but quickly gave in to other activities that consume – err, waste – my time.  Then I got pregnant and couldn’t keep my eyes open ten minutes after I sat down on the couch.  I can make it though about 20 pages a night before completely passing out.  I’m definitely not giving up this goal though I’ve made peace with the fact that I won’t be making it to 50.  Maybe 20?  30 if I’m really good.  Still, it’s something, and it’s more than I’ve read in the last few years combined.

Here a list of what I’ve tackled so far:

Just a Minute by Wes Stafford – a collection of stories about the significant impact “just a minute” can make in a child’s life.  A good reminder.

So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore – I actually said out loud in my small group that don’t really struggle with lots of insecurities.  Ha!  Then I read the book.  It’s changed so much about the way my mind works.

The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani – I loved her Big Stone Gap series, and this was more of the same.  Good, light summer reading.

EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey – Okay, I almost finished it.  We love Dave’s money philosophies, and this book had some good business stuff, but I had a hard time getting past his voice.

LYFE by Rachel Kirkpatrick – Get yours here!  Even though I read it last year, I proofed it this year. That totally counts. :)

Lift by Kelly Corrigan

The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Seven: An Experimental Mutiny of Excess by Jen Hatmaker

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Previous riveting, one sentence reviews here.

She’s Nothing Like Me

I’ve never really hoped my kids would look like me.  I always knew I would love nothing more than to see Andrew’s face when I look into the eyes of our babies.  I did think they would at least act something like me though.  As for child number one, that just isn’t the case.  Charlotte is oh so different from the quiet, shy little girl I was.  And I love every bit of it.  She is independent – insisting that climb into the car on her own and buckle herself in.  She is social – even with people she met only once, she talks about them for months and requests to see their pictures on facebook. :)  And the girl loves the spotlight – performing for anyone upon request.

Of course, at times her independent spirit can be frustrating – particularly when we’re in a hurry and she won’t accept any help getting her shoes on or getting in the car – but it’s my daily mission not to squash her spirit.  To let her be who she really is.  Because she is exactly what I always wanted to be.


Ijams Nature Center Inspiration Shoot

I am so grateful to work with the amazing and creative community of wedding vendors in Knoxville.  It’s such a generous group of people that Knoxville brides are lucky to have access to.  This is the third styled shoot for this creative team, and I’m hoping one day a bride will pick this whole collection of vendors and just say, “Do your thing.”  When we have freedom to collaborate, the entire wedding is cohesive and rich with detail.  We were all thrilled to hear that Wedding Unveiled – one of the best magazines for Southern brides – wanted to publish this shoot on their blog.  Find it here!  I couldn’t help but show a few images myself. :)

The Creative Team:

Styling and Floral Design: Flourish Floral Design Studio.

Cake: Sassy Cakes of Knoxville.

Dress: Wedding Wonderland.

Jewelry: Weathered and Worn.

Makeup: Ruffles and Rouge.

Hair: Bombshells Salon.

Location: Ijams Nature Center.

Graphic Design: Jennie Kodak.

Make sure to check out Ijams Nature Center’s new wedding packages.  They’re bound to fill the calendar quickly as Knoxville’s latest rustic, outdoor wedding venue.

Jonathan and Elizabeth Risner

Before I even begin to mention the beautiful, classic details that accompanied this Knoxville lake wedding, I have to talk about how absolutely wonderful this couple is.  From the first time we met (my last Starbucks meeting before moving in the studio!), I hoped they would pick me so I could be apart of their  story.  They introduced me to the beautiful Black Fox Farms wedding venue in Cleveland at their engagement session, and I’m excited we still have a Just Married session to look forward to!

Imagine my delight when I pulled into the church to find this field of yellow flowers!

Some were more excited than others to flaunt their Vols gear.

Surrounded by all of her bridesmaids, Jonathan was the one to assist with the sash for the reception.  That’s a real man :)

With the mountains in the distance…

and the twinkling lights on the dock, I couldn’t decide which angle was my favorite!

Seeing my pregnant self, everyone insisted I have a piece of cake.  So I stole away for a quick bite :)

The white Toms might have been the best detail of the day.  Gotta love a bride who wants her comfy shoes to celebrate all night long!

Die-hard Vol fans they are, they opted for a football garter toss.

Jonathan and Elizabeth, I fell in love with your families throughout this journey.  I left your wedding loving my own little family a little more.  

Oh, and Charlotte says, “Go Braves!”

Ceremony: St. Joseph Catholic Church

Reception: Sequoyah Marina

Dress: Weddings Angels in Atlanta

Planner: Moxie Weddings and Events

Caterer: The Lunchbox

Flowers: Flourish Floral Design Studio

DJ: Brian Graham

Music: Stephen Hunley

Cake: Sassy Cakes of Knoxville

F a c e b o o k
T w i t t e r