BEST OF 2017 {year in review}
Y'all, this year was nothing like I expected it would be...
Y'all, this year was nothing like I expected it would be. I had my second baby the end of 2016, taking maternity leave till the middle of February, and literally jumped back in with my first client on the 15th. What followed was the most bookings for a year that I have ever had, more than I ever expected. I truly am humbled by the business I have received, and the referrals, y'all, referrals are the BEST COMPLIMENT!! I continued capturing mostly families and newborns but threw in a few weddings and engagements as well.
I am frequently asked what my favorite subject is to shoot... I honestly struggle with this one, as I've also been told I need to find a niche and stick with it. I can't. I just can't. I love each session for its own reason.
I love the newborns for the delicate moments and the love that naturally surrounds them. I love watching new parents be, well, new parents. I love being creative with a sleeping babe and capturing some precious moments.
I love milestone sessions for the idea that they capture that specific moment in time that when they are so small is so fleeting. I love being able to produce something tangible to always bring the parents back to that time. I love seeing how each child is different and interacts with me in their own way, I love building a sweet rapore with each kid.
I love family sessions for the excitement that accompanies each. I love, love, LOVE capturing soulful parent and child portraits, that encompass all the emotions! I get so excited to create memories with true interactions between family members, along with some of those "perfect, everyone is looking" photos!
I love engagement/couple photos for the fun it allows me to have with my directions and posing. I love that adults follow directions and don't require me to make silly faces for a good laugh (even though that is exactly what I love about working with kids)! I love that I get to capture moments of intimacy and romance and I adore watching couples loosen up and have fun with one another!
I love weddings, because, who doesn't love a good wedding. I'm bound to wipe away tears at some point with each and every one. I love the anxiety and nerves I feel leading up to the first look. I love the rush of making sure I "get it all" - even though I am bound to miss something - it's hard y'all! I love sending out a complete gallery, because by this time I have spent too many hours staring at this couple and reliving their special day and I just want them to do the same!
I love capturing events, I get to retreat a little and capture so many candids and honest moments. I love watching people interact and documenting whatever special day it may be (birthday, reunion, awards, marathons, etc).
So... I cannot just choose one, I love them all. I love keeping it fresh and exciting and being able to challenge myself differently with each session. I pray I always have the freedom to capture it all!
With all this being said, I thought I would put together a little peak into what my year looked like...
Here's to 2018!!!!
My Baby Number 2 {nixon}
Baby number 2. Not at all what I expected or what people told me number two would be like. Everyone said, the transition between 1 and 2 is hard...
Baby number 2. Not at all what I expected or what people told me number two would be like. Everyone said, the transition between 1 and 2 is hard... Everyone said that things would get crazy. Everyone said... well they said a lot of things. But let me tell you, having this second baby has definitely brought some fleeting moments of crazy, but overall it has just been the sweetest adventure. My heart has grown double the size and I wake each day with anticipation of spending my day guiding these littles, kissing their boo boos, playing, giggling, and tenderly caring for their precious lives.
I never could have imagined the love Miller would instantly have for his little brother. He took on the role of big brother like he had been made for it. No jealousy, just pure love. He adores Nixon. He always needs to know where he is and make sure that he is cared for. He loves giving him hugs and kisses and tenderly touching his face. I couldn't have asked for anything more. It's just the sweetest image to witness and I pray it lasts forever!
As far as my new little bundle of joy. Well he is just that, such a bundle of joy! I thought Miller was an easy baby, until Nixon arrived. He is just so laid back and happy - unless he gets hungry, then everything pauses till he is full. His whole face smiles when he giggles and his slow blink turns me to jello every time.
I can't believe that he is 5 months old already. Every day I squeeze him a little tighter, breathe him in a little deeper and stare at him a little longer.
Welcome to our family Nixon, Mama loves you SO GOOD!
Love Birds {ken & brittney}
When these two love birds got engaged I immediately told my husband that I wanted to take their pictures. Who wouldn't want to focus their glass on this fun loving, GORGEOUS duo?
When these two love birds got engaged I immediately told my husband that I wanted to take their pictures. Who wouldn't want to focus their glass on this fun loving, GORGEOUS duo? Ken and Brittney have been friends of mine for a few years and I am beyond thrilled that they are getting married!
Ken is a quieter soul, where Brittney is definitely the opposite, always able to carry on a conversation and make people laugh. I just love watching them interact and compliment each other SO dang well! Ken grounds Brittney, and she helps him let loose! Gah - they are just perfect!
For this sweet session, we headed out to Percy Warner Park and had many many laughs as I asked them to whisper sweet nothings into each others ears, and you know... act normal! Ha!
Golden Sweetness {kinsley family & baby arden}
This sweet family came to me for their family pictures in the fall (with mama showing a tiny little baby bump) and then back to me in Feb when sweet baby Arden was born.
I have really, really been slacking on my blogging lately! AHHH! I can't believe I've held out on posting this one for so long!
This sweet family came to me for their family pictures in the fall (with mama showing a tiny little baby bump) and then back to me in Feb when sweet baby Arden was born.
I can't even begin to tell y'all what a dream this family is to photograph. For starters, they are all gorgeous... I mean, do you see the hair color of mom and daughter? Then there is the fact that they choose such flattering colors and clothing to show up in and of course they are just the sweetest family ever!
We took their family photos outside at an ideal location in the fall surrounded by golden leaves and barns with great texture. Their daughter just eased right into the session and by the end, was making up her own poses and had us all giggling! Once they welcomed their second daughter into the family, we gathered at their gorgeous home for a quick session to capture them as a family of four.
So... I present you with their lovely family session followed by a sweet newborn. I just cannot wait for our next shoot together!
Happily Ever After {kortnie & jonathan wedding}
Kortnie and Jonathans wedding was such fun! These two are so fun together and are always laughing!
Kortnie and Jonathans wedding was such fun! These two are so fun together and are always laughing! Their wedding was held at the new venue Graystone Quarry and it was just the most beautiful place! This place took great care with all the details necessary for a lovely event! Kortnie and Jonathan got married outside and then took the party into the gorgeous event space! I had a blast watching all the dancing and mingling (there was even a surprise moment when one of the groomsmen ran around the reception in a t-rex costume)! I was so honored to capture the wedding of a longtime friend! Kortnie and Jonathan, I wish y'all the greatest happiness together! - Love Jamie
Senior Beauty {emily halvorson}
I can't believe this girl is a senior in high school, I looked nothing like her when I was in my final year.
When I taught Early Childhood 2 years ago, I never thought I'd be taking pictures of the daughter of our physical therapist. How things change... This session was just as lovely as could be! Emily was such a sweetheart! We ventured out to Arrington Vineyards and scoped out all the fun spots. Luckily we went on a Monday evening before the crowds! I can't believe this girl is a senior in high school, I looked nothing like her when I was in my final year. Congratulations Emily, I hope your senior year is your best yet! :)
Tiny Toes {baby ryman}
I adore meeting new families, and this family was no exception!
I adore meeting new families, and this family was no exception! Brooke and Michael welcomed their first baby, Ryman, into the world in June and I was lucky enough to capture some of the precious moments during their first week home. Ryman was the perfect little subject, he did EXACTLY what I wanted when I wanted, did y'all hear that - he was amazing!!! It's not often I can shoot a whole newborn session in 2 hours without breaking a sweat! :) Brooke and Michael welcomed me into their home and let me do my thing and were such wonderful clients! I cannot wait to continue our sessions throughout the year and being able to watch this little stud grow! :)
Pink Shoes {acuy maternity}
It's been a while since I last posted a blog! Thought it was time I hopped back on and shared! What a better way back than to post the sweetest maternity session...
It's been a while since I last posted a blog! Thought it was time I hopped back on and shared! What a better way back than to post the sweetest maternity session I had with my younger cousin and her husband! They are expecting their first child the end of July - eeek, not much longer!!! I was so privileged to be able to capture such a sweet moment in their lives!
We shot in Dallas which is where they live at a lovely little park without much traffic so we could just have fun, and fun was definitely had with many, many laughs! They even stole a moment with my little one and I snapped a picture! Once we had enough of the summer heat, we went back to their cozy home and finished out the session in the darling nursery they have created! Y'all, these two just exude love for one another and it totally shows, they are absolutely going to spoil their little girl, Olivia Kate! I am so excited for them on this new adventure in their lives, it's a ride for sure! I am counting down the days to see this precious little lady and to be able to give her all the sugar I can! Oh, and those pink shoes... they just melted me! Congratulations you two! W! (that's how we say "love ya") :)
I Do {annie and megan wedding}
Shooting this wedding was just so sweet. I have known this couple for a few years as we used to do kickboxing together at 6:15 in the mornings!!
Shooting this wedding was just so sweet. I have known this couple for a few years as we used to do kickboxing together at 6:15 in the mornings!! I was so honored that they asked me to capture these moments! It was a small intimate wedding at Rumors East and even though they planned for rain, it turned out to be such a lovely day! Their happiness was just contagious and I enjoyed every moment! Congratulations Megan and Annie!
Venue: Rumors East
Makeup: Nikki at Maple Sugar Lips
Hair: Kayce Tutor
Florist: Donna Skupien and Rose Bud East
DJ: Davis Mallory
Caterer: Rumors East
Cake: Sweet 16
It's My Baby {miller hunt}
Miller. That's my baby boy!
Miller. That's my baby boy! He was born in June and I'm just in love. I stare, stare, and stare. Poor baby is forever gonna have a camera in his face! Within his first week of life, I was able to snap some pictures at various times and have to share with everyone!
A Little Bit of Country... {Blackledge Family}
I can't even begin to tell you how fun it was to take pictures of these three! I absolutely LOVE a good old country truck - especially a blue one.
I can't even begin to tell you how fun it was to take pictures of these three! I absolutely LOVE a good old country truck - especially a blue one. Rob and Emily are such down to earth people and their little one Fletcher is just as easy going! We spent one evening out snapping photos with their truck, under a railway, reading books, drinkin some drinks and sitting by the river. Just doesn't get much better than that!
Let's Play Guitar {bolton family}
This precious family has always captured my eye. They are just so sweet and full of life!
This precious family has always captured my eye. They are just so sweet and full of life! It was such a wonderful afternoon wandering the park, playing guitar, and giggling! Rachel and Bryan are lovely to watch as parents and it's easy to see all the love this family has for one another! And can you even take the cuteness of George and Jude???