Archive for August, 2010

what I learned today and why I’m a quitter

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Today I spent a couple hours with Eddie. Eddie drives around every day going to the different homeless camps in Knoxville to give them water, check on how they are doing, and meeting the various needs that come up, like a ride to turn in some aluminum cans. But it was actually Eddie himself though that turned my world upside down. Eddie is the hands and feet, caring for the least of these and he is inspiring.

I was humbled. I think I live differently and missionally when the truth is, I truly have no idea. Isn’t it funny that those that have so much less than us can look at the world and think they are so blessed with all the little things and we struggle to be happy with all of our junk piled in the closets and nice cars in the driveway….mmm…hitting home.

You know those days when you feel like you are being stretched spiritually. Today is one of those days. From my drive with Eddie to emails and chats about life with some people…just a hard view of where I am and the realization of who I am. Its in those times that I usually quit. That’s right, I’ll admit it, I’m a quitter. I start things and then stop or run when they get to hard. Yes, there are times I haven’t quit but doesn’t it make you wonder where I’d be if I hadn’t quit all those other times? So I’m trying to lean in, to go through this life with an open heart to get to where God wants me to be. and not be a quitter:)

Because this post needs a picture…I’ve recently been going through some old missions photos…this is one that was taken back in 2005 in Ecuador. Her parents lived in an area of the city that the gross income was $1/day.

honeymoon pictures!

Monday, August 30th, 2010

5 years ago when Brad and I were on our honeymoon we had pictures made. Those, to date, are some of my favorite pictures of us. They were us being us, not in wedding attire, just normal us right after we had just gotten married. It was so much fun!

So when Melissa contacted me about doing honeymoon pictures in Myrtle Beach for her and her new hubby Von I was so excited to be able to give something that I cherished back to them!

We met at 2nd Avenue Pier in Myrtle Beach on a amazing summer night. It was beautiful light for our pictures, seriously! Here are a few of my favorites of their beautiful honeymoon pictures!

honeymoon pictures in myrtle beach

honeymoon pictures in myrtle beach

honeymoon pictures in myrtle beach
honeymoon pictures in myrtle beach

honeymoon pictures in myrtle beach

FREEBIE FRIDAY!

Friday, August 27th, 2010

So, its Friday!!! We’ve had an amazing week of giving away stuff on the Freebie Week (sign up to get all the daily updates here) and we are working hard here at the studio so I thought we’d do something a little different today….just because:)

First, a disclaimer…I am not perfect or some amazingly know everything photographer but I’m a firm believer that everyone has something to give the world. So this is a way I can give back…

SOOOOO…I’m giving away 3 free 1/2 hour consultations/mentoring spots where you and I can chat all things photography, business, branding, blogging, SEO, how to anything! It’s open to anything! (Depending on your location we can do coffee, or skype, or talk on the phone…whichever is easier for you!)

To get in on this freebie leave a comment here on this post! Here are several ways to get more entries in…

1. Leave a comment here.
2. Share with your friends on facebook and come back here to leave a comment that you did.
3. Share with twitter (@alohashannon if you want to mention me) and come back here to leave me a comment with your twitter name:)

I’ll draw for the 3 winners tonight after 9pm!

pancy

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

It started with a car. We were sitting outside somewhere and a car with a business decal drove by and out of the blue Lena goes “oh, that is a pancy car!” Ever since then she randomly states that “when I grow up I need a pancy car. and a cool bus” (pancy=fancy, cool=school)

Then the other night I put on one of my random assortment of silly decorated pj pants and she goes “oh mama, you have pancy pants on”.

Watch out world, she is 3 and knows it. This past week she has been walking around like she owns the place, growing up way to fast, and coloring everything she can see with markers.

It’s a good thing you’re cute Lenabean…and pancy:)

**sorry folks, I’m obviously not pancy because here these pictures are in all their snapshot glory of a messy/crazy house:)

more wedding fashion:)

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Hitting the runway next is another amazing bridal shop here in Knoxville that gave a great show at the bridal show.Yesterday we saw some amazing fashion from the bridal show in Knoxville a few weeks ago, and today we get to see more! These dresses are from the Gilded Gown…an amazing bridal shop here in Knoxville. Seriously love them!

wedding fashion

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Premiere Bride holds great bridal shows here in Knoxville twice a year. Seriously, they are so much fun! So many amazing vendors and lots of great information and inspiration! This year I was honored to be the photographer for the runway show at the August bridal show held at the Convention Center in Knoxville.

Two amazing wedding dress shops here in Knoxville brought out some amazing models and dresses to showcase to all the brides there. Boy did they deliver too, the show was amazing!

Up first is Wedding Wonderland. Beautiful dresses for any bride here in Knoxville. Love them!

Some of the other amazing vendors involved were:
Hair: Belleza
Flowers: Echelon Florist
Production Coordinator: Claire Queisser

bridal show in knoxville

FREEBIE WEEK!

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

a little something different that we’ve never done around here but thought it’d be fun:) Its FREEBIE WEEK! Each day from today until the 30th we’ll be handing out freebies and deals! There is a little something for everyone, even photographers, so sign up for the newsletter and we’ll be emailing you daily about the freebie of the day!

Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter

a rockin senior session

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

It’s not often I do senior sessions because of my schedule with weddings but when I do I fall a little bit more in love with them every time and wonder why I don’t do more:) Emily was no different and she completely rocked her senior session here in Knoxville. It was a perfect Knoxville evening for some beautiful light! I heart beautiful light for senior portraits…well, any photos I guess, they make them so dreamy!

senior portraits in knoxville

senior portraits in knoxville

senior portraits in knoxville

senior portraits in knoxville

senior portraits in knoxville

senior portraits in knoxville