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Matthew’s SURPRISE 30th Birthday Party!

I’ve always known I wanted to have a surprise party for Matthew’s 30th birthday.  The months leading up to his birthday, I tried to think of the perfect place. 

Restaurants are too crowded…  My house isn’t big enough….  A coffee house would be cool, but he’s not a big coffee-drinker….
Finally, I just asked myself, “What would be Matthew’s dream day?” 
It was in that moment I knew what he would love most:  FOOTBALL with his closest friends and family.  DONE.

Now my dilemma is how we can execute the perfect “SURPRISE!” moment as all his friends and family wait on the field as he approached.  My sister had the perfect plan.  I created a fake letter I put in Ross’ preschool bag (that came home with him on Friday).  It was asking the parents to take part in a ‘homework assignment’ about using our senses.  I attached a new blindfold and wrote directions for the parent to wear the mask for part of the assignment.  
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The fake letter worked perfectly!  Matthew loves being a part of Ross’ school activities.  So naturally, he was totally on board to let Ross lead him around to our ‘special location’. 

As we arrived at the field (with Matthew still blindfolded), I was SO touched by the 60 PEOPLE that came out to be part of his special day!  Here are a few…
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Matthew was 100% shocked.  He had NO idea!  He was thrilled to see everyone, but he was SO surprised to see all the people who drove or flew-in from out of state!  (His sister, brother and sister-in-law drove in from Jackson, MS.  His best friend from childhood {red “42” shirt} flew in from NW Arkansas.  His parents drove 12 hours!)

A lot of you got much better shots than mine, but, just to prove how surprised he was…
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These guys were serious about their football game…bDSC_0035I was so happy to see Kelli- one of my closest friends from kindergarten!bDSC_0107

Rayna was so happy she got to have all of the balloons after the party!bDSC_0168

I could not have done this alone.  A HUGE ‘Thank You’ to my parents, Matthew’s parents, Hannah & Jason!
Lastly, Thank you ALL who came out for Matthew’s special day!  It meant so much to both of us!

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Shane, Holly & Kyla

It was one hour before our scheduled session.  At the same time I read the morning’s forcast of ‘10% chance of rain’ online, I watched my backyard begin to flood with all the rain coming down.  (Go figure.)  I had a feeling my session with Holly, Shane and Kyla would have to be moved.  Holly, however, had different feelings.  They were coming from miles away and everyone was already dressed.  (I think we can all relate to getting ‘ready’ for pictures.  Especially when a child and/or husband is involved.) 

If Holly wants to keep her scheduled time for family pictures, that’s exactly what she’ll get! 

Like most girls her age, Kyla started off quiet.  But before long, she was dancing, laughing and showing me her real personality… b

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Thanks for the fun time, Shane & Holly.  I’m glad we were able to update your family photos despite the weather!  bDSC_0212bw

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Russ, Lindy, Brooks & Ellie

After my shoot last weekend with Lindy and her family, I got into my car with a huge (and goofy) grin on my face. 

I loved the kids… I loved Russ & Lindy… I loved their sweet and playful interactions with one another… oh, I loved their outfits too!  I wasn’t even a mile down the road when I grabbed my camera beside me to start looking at some of my favorites.  I had hardly gotten through the first few pictures when my excitement shifted to a single, concerned thought:  ‘ am in major trouble.  I will never be able to choose my favorites.’

The same goes for their Sneak Peeks.  It was so hard to choose my favorites, so here are a few that caught my eye…

 

This is exactly what I want of me and my son.  If I ever get it, it will SOOO-be printed on a canvas and hung in my living room.
Beautiful Lindy + Adorable Brooks + Hug… 
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Little Ellie… equally as beautiful as her mom
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I love Russ & Lindy together.  I could have done an entire session with just the two of them.bDSC_0518

Brooks…brooks1

Ellie…ebw

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This is the part where I normally tell you your gallery is uploading now.  I’m sorry to say, your gallery is NOT uploading now.   (Sorry you guys are all so photogentic!)  Loved our time together!

Posted in CHILDREN, FAMILIES
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Marty, Missy & Maddy

Okay, I had a lot to write about this crazy, sweet and fun-loving family… but I just got a Facebook comment from Missy hinting that she was going to stay awake tonight to see her Sneak Peeks.  Since my bedtime has been around 2:30am each night this week, I decided to quickly post her images where she can go to bed at a decent time tonight. 

Marty and Missy… waiting for JacksonbDSC_0052n

Maddy- always pretty and fashionable…
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Waiting for Jackson…
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The last time I photographed this family, Marty had requested a few shots with his Bible.  I loved the images we captured that day, as well the Story Board Missy created for Marty with those meaningful images.  Well, let’s just say Marty had another ‘creative‘ idea for this maternity session. 

I learned 2 valuable lessons from these next images:
1.  When a client makes a request that could potentially jeopardize the integrity of my business, it’s okay to politely decline.  
2.  Before I ‘promise’ to post a ridiculously crazy ‘desired’ image on my blog for the world to see, make sure the image properly represents the style and feel I’ve worked so hard to establish.  1Just kidding.  You know I totally love you guys.  Your craziness is part of the reason I LOVE our sessions together!

bDSC_0119nI’m finishing this post.  I have more to say, but Missy (and Jackson) needs their sleep!

Posted in FAMILIES
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Jeff, Meghan & Kohen

Have you ever met a couple who, after spending just a short amount of time with them, you think, “I love everything about them!”  Well, that’s how I feel about Meghan and Jeff each time I photograph them.
bM&J-1 Naturally, it’s no surprise I think Koken is pretty cool too.  Just look at this kid… bDSC_0532n

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Why am I posting the last (and most random) shot of our session?  I’m posting it because, yes, you guessed it… It’s symbolic to me.  (If you haven’t already noticed, images tend to mean far more to me than just a cute subject.)   Just to prove how mushy I can be, let me explain…

To me, it shows big daddy-fingers patiently and carefully handing over one of Kohen’s favorite things in the world.  And just to make it even a little sweeter, I love the contrast between Jeff’s fingers and those sweet, little baby fingers.    bDSC_0637bw
Jeff & Meghan- I wasn’t kidding when I told you I said, “YEAH!” outloud when I got your email that you wanted to set-up a session.  It’s always such a treat to photograph you all!

Posted in CHILDREN, FAMILIES
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Hamilton Mill Fall Festival

I was tickled when Hamilton Mill neighborhood asked me to be the official photographer for their Fall Festival on Saturday.  I absolutely love shooting events and festivals because I’m nuts over details, colors, textures, random animals, and mostly, kids!  Although I would have still taken my own kids and ended-up shooting a few of these wonderful subjects for fun, I felt a lot more comfortable enthusiastically squatting down to shoot a clown’s multi-colored paint brushes when I could give the excuse that it’s ‘for the neighborhood.’   Untitled-1

To view ALL the photos from the day:

Posted in INFORMATION & RESOURCES
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Micah

It appears Micah really likes being photographed. 

We did an outfit change.   He was happy.
He stepped in poop.  He remained happy.

Micah has always been fun to photograph!bDSC_0218nbDSC_0145bw

Have you ever seen something happen in your head before it actually happened in real life? 

Fast forward to the end of our session…
I was talking to Micah’s parents as he propped himself against an old building.  Almost in slow-mode, I saw his little fingers start to twist the pipe coming out of the ground.  Yep- you know what came next!

To me, this series represents the curious and mischievous side of all little boys this age…bUntitled-1

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See you next time, Micah!

Posted in CHILDREN
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