SNEAK PEEK // CHRIS & MELISSA

Just a snapshot at my favorite B & W images from Chris and Melissa's incredible Plantation Farms wedding.

Keeping it short and sweet... there are SO MANY more to come. (And just wait until you see these stunning colors come to life).

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Chris and Melissa,
Oh--what a journey it has been! Melissa--I believe you were one of the very first brides to book me so far in advance. We've shared some wonderful experiences along the way and I've truly felt so very connected to you as we both waited in anticipation for this day. You are by far one of the sweetest brides I've had the privilege of working with and I can only hope that the beautiful demeanor (inside and out) that you carry with you will continue to be contagious to all you encounter. Chris--I don't think I've ever met a person more terrified of pictures (except for my husband... you two share that trait). You are so tender with Melissa... and anyone who looks at the two of you can tell that you love her deeply. To both of you--thank you so much for believing in me in those beginning days of my photography business. I'm continually amazed at the value you saw in my work then, and have been oh-so-anxious to give you the gift of these captured memories. Congratulations... the day of your dreams finally came, and it couldn't have been more perfect.
 

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Enjoy, friends.

DUNLAP FAMILY // FAMILY SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT

Hello, dear fans!

Needless to say, life has been a little crazy here lately. Blog posts and Facebook updates have been minimal as I try to catch up on processing and delivering all of the fabulous sessions and weddings shot over the last two months.

If I can be transparent, it's been an overwhelming two years.

Overwhelming in all of the best and worst ways.

On one hand, this business has boomed at the rate I prayed it might in the time span of 10 years. On the other hand, shooting this many weddings and sessions has me pouring about 90% of my days into my business. And I mean it. If I'm awake, I am most likely checking e-mail, placing orders, editing pictures, putting together packages--and if I'm not doing the latter, I'm thinking about all that I have to do.

I just want to be everyone's photographer, really. I have issues saying "no" to capturing the precious landmarks I'm sought out for. And who can blame me, right? Why wouldn't I want to shoot the wedding of the sweetest people I've ever met? Capture the precious little details of a newborn baby? Engrave this season of your family in photographic memory? Collaborate with incredible vendors to produce a stylized shoot to inspire brides across the nation?

But what it's left me with is sleepless nights and clients waiting anxiously on their images. Two things I do not handle well.

Enough babbling about my issues--here's the solution:

I have to say no.

I don't want to. Every fiber of my being resists the combination of the letters "n" and "o". And even more honestly, I hate that the reason is "I can't handle any more work on my plate." Most days, I convince myself that I can handle anything... but I've been reminded (almost weekly) that I'm spinning too many plates. But--oh, the grip of fear. I feel like people wont like my work anymore if I say no. They'll stop following my blog. Or they'll think I'm a mean person. They'll un-friend me on Facebook. Or hire another photographer... but--wait--that's it exactly. I have to let go of the clients I love so dearly, trusting that the multitude of talented photographers in my area will take care of them with the same heart that I have. Truly, several of them are my friends, and they are SO VERY capable of capturing the precious memories of the families in the area.

I have to trust God with the outcome.

And that's really what it boils down to. I've procrastinated making this decision for that very reason. I have to trust God with my business. With my clients.
With my future.

All of that to say, I am stepping back from family, senior, and baby sessions. That's not to say that I wont ever accept them--just that I can't continue to shoot 3 sessions a week and 4 weddings a month and give my clients (you!) the experience they deserve. So, these portrait sessions will come on a first-come, first-serve basis and will have very limited availability.

Thank you so much for your grace in this transition and for your prayers as this twenty-three year old artist learns the many lessons of being a business owner.

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Now, [and seemingly contradictory], I would love to show you one of the most beautiful families I've had the privilege to photograph. Tamra and her family (and Tamra's brother-in-law) flew into Savannah from Texas to spend the weekend with "grandma" and it just happened to work out that I was in Savannah for my best friend's wedding while they were there.

I pray you all smile at these images as much as I have. The Dunlaps were SUCH a joy to photograph.

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Tamra and family,
Thank you so much for reaching out across the states and allowing me the tremendous privilege of capturing your sweet family in beautiful Tybee Island, GA. The weather could not have been more gracious to us! I pray that these pictures serve as a beautiful token of this season of life. Davis is SUCH a beautiful little boy and you all were some of the easiest subjects to grace my camera. Wishing all the best for your family as you continue on life's journey!//

Enjoy, friends.

ENGAGED // JOSH & MEGAN AT PLANTATION FARMS

Josh and Megan's engagement session took place in the first week that really felt like fall.

No sweating, fewer gnats (we are still in Georgia), and a gentle breeze to help calm the nerves.

Their engagement session took place at one of my very favorite (as you can tell by my work) venues, Plantation Farms. Couldn't have been a more perfect canvas for the day.

Josh and Megan have a connection that just makes you feel comfortable when you're around them. You can tell that they not only prefer each others company, they belong in each others arms. And I mean it... they carry that sense of "at home" with them when they are together--putting my photographer's anxiousness at ease and making my job so much more relaxing than I could have anticipated.

(But you'll see for yourself in the pictures).

It's hard to say--because I truly have experienced so many photo opportunities with the famous truck at Plantation Farms--but these just might be my favorite pictures in the truck to-date. (Embellished beautifully with pieces from Southern Vintage Rentals of Macon, GA.)

Hair by Dani Pennone | Makeup by Jennifer Horton

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Josh and Megan,
What a journey it has been to come to this day. I know that you two have been through some serious obstacles in wedding planning... but I pray that when it's all said and done, these pictures will serve as reminders of the beautiful season that this really is. You two are one-of-a-kind. Certainly the most chill couple I could have asked to work with--you couldn't have made my job easier. Megan--you are a sweet as can be and I'm sure everyone can attest that Josh is a lucky guy (and the perfect catch, too, if I might add!). I am anxiously awaiting your wedding day and all of the beauty, excitement, and memories it will behold. Until then, enjoy these images as a token of your Engagement!
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Enjoy, friends!

WEDDING // JASON & AMANDA AT DUNAWAY GARDENS

If there was one thing I could say about Jason and Amanda's wedding, it would be that it was all-around naturally breath-taking.

Dunaway Gardens might be the most beautiful venue I've ever laid eyes on, for starters. Pretty incredible canvas to lay out the events of a wedding day on.

Secondly, Amanda's dress was hand-tailored by a dear friend. That's right. HAND-TAILORED. Piece-by-piece. They even incorporated the underlay of Jason's mother's wedding gown. How very special! Certainly my favorite wedding dress to date.

Lastly, but most important of them all, Jason and Amanda were so incredibly at ease with one another. I mean... so much so that they could have been in jeans hanging out in their favorite coffee shop. Amanda's laughter and tears came out of such genuine love for Jason--all throughout the day, you could just tell that she was smitten.

The weather was perfect. The scenery was like no-other. And this vivacious couple graced my lens with a love more beautiful than I can really describe in words.

I hope that these images bring back even an ounce of the splendor of that special day.

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Jason and Amanda,
Let me start by saying that it has been an absolute honor working with the two of you. You are a couple after my own heart--chill, crazy-fun, and oh-so-comfortable in the arms of the one you love. You love as love should be. I can't imagine the number of people you've inspired together to this point, and I'm certain there are so many more to come. May all who encounter you (now as a married couple!) be rejuvenated in hope and joy and peace. I pray that your love grows stronger with each mountain and valley, and that you continue to shine as an example for all who look on in your journey. Thank you, again, for the privilege of capturing this very special occasion. I've been so anxious to share the results with you!

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Enjoy, friends.