Author Archive

Haitian American Institute

Saturday, May 21st, 2011

My friends are getting on to me because they know I’m behind in blogging so thought I better dedicate the next few blog posts to catching up:) While I was in Haiti we had the chance to stop by the Haitian American Institute and take pictures for some new things they have in the works.  The school is a college that teaches English and prepares students to be successful in their careers.  World Wide Village is working with the Haitian American Institute to get their alumni association together. The campus and teachers and staff were phenomenal.

haitian american institute

haitian american institute

haitian american institute

haitian american institute

haitian american institute
 

Shaina and Trent: a Gettysvue wedding

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

Shaina and Trent were married in a gorgeous ceremony at Cornerstone and celebrated at their reception at Gettysvue on a beautiful day last week. I was completely honored to be part of the day. It was not only beautiful but filled with love for this amazing couple and there love for God.
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
this one my amazing second shooter Michelle got and I just love it!
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
Shaina and Trent did a first look which worked out amazingly since we then had time to get some beautiful pictures around Gettysvue Country Club (complete with golf carts to which Michelle and I decided we need a golf cart for every wedding!) Here is the first look, Trent waiting for his bride!
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
a fave of mine from the day!
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
then before the ceremony the girls surrounded Shaina and prayer for her. It was quite possibly the coolest moment I have ever experienced before a ceremony.
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
I was in the mood for some black and white so some ceremony pictures for you in black and white. The ceremony was held at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville and let me just say that worship during a wedding should be a new trend, it was amazing to watch.

Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding

Gettysvue Knoxville wedding
and I’ll end with this awesomeness. It’s a tradition with Shaina and Trent so of course we had to do it on their wedding day:)
Gettysvue Knoxville wedding

hope

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

Maybe its a side effect of being a photographer
since I do spend my days trying to find beauty in all things
but I think its more than that.

Someone told me once that Haiti was hopeless
I tend to disagree.
Even more, I think there may be more hope there than this grand ol’ state I live in.
Because life is raw there, not clouded by busy schedules, commercialism, and entitlement to name a few.

Hear me out.
To look at this island nation, to meet the amazing resilient people, to spend time seeing the beauty rather than focusing on the negative
well, you can’t help but see hope.

Hope for the future, a better tomorrow, the willingness to work hard at it
This is Haiti.

(some pictures of Haiti that you will probably never see in the news here. The beautiful land)

my favorite picture…

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

my favorite picture

from our trip to Haiti

a random snapshot in a mirror

me, no makeup and dirty and sweaty,

with a bunch of kiddos at an orphanage.

while Brad measured rooms for paint,

we played ring around the rosy

took pictures that they laughed and laughed at

and I pray that in the midst of their hard little lives

that maybe playing with a girl with a camera

brought joy into their life for just a minute

mama’s

Sunday, May 8th, 2011

I spent Thursday afternoon with my mom and sister getting pampered like I never have. We got pedicures while sitting in amazing message chairs, had wine brought to us, and followed it all up with yummy cupcakes. Such a fun time that left me wondering why in the world I waited this long to get a pedicure!

Here are some random iphone pics from the day:)

Thursday night I spent awake cleaning up Lena’s puke every 15 minutes. It was oh so glamorous let me tell you. Halfway through the night I wrote this and then realized there was no where else I would rather be than taking care of my Lenabug.

I don’t say it enough but I am forever grateful and thankful for my mom. She’s the one I call in the middle of the night when Lena is puking to make sure I’m doing everything right. She is the one who I talk to every day about silly stupid life stuff. She is the one who brings over soup when we are sick. Lena paces the floor watching out the window when she knows Nana is on her way over. She loves her Nana something fierce and I’m so thankful that she gets to experience the fun of adventures, reading books, train rides, cooking concoctions, and tents in the backyard that I did growing up. We love you Nana!

In honor of mothers day I dug up some old photos from my baby book:) These are iphone pics of the photos but hopefully you get the idea. Me and my mom:) I love you mom!


and a favorite page that my mom wrote in my baby book, the lyrics to Bob Dylan’s Forever Young.

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

 

Happy Mothers Day to all you mama’s out there!!

Carrie and Andrew get married!

Friday, May 6th, 2011

Carrie and Andrew got married at First UMC last Saturday and then celebrated into the night at Club Leconte in downtown Knoxville. Their wedding was beautiful, laid back, and such a fun celebration. And I love Carrie’s expressions throughout the day, you can just tell she was soaking it in that this was her wedding day.

A big congrats to the married couple!







Want to see more from their big day? Check out the slideshow!

featured: Every Last Detail

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

So excited that Caroline and Ryan’s beautiful Southern wedding was featured on Every Last Detail! Their wedding was nothing short of amazing and Lauren at Every Last Detail did a great job in showcasing it!

If you are a bride, definitely head over to Every Last Detail for some amazing inspiration!

married in the Smokies

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

I have said this before but I love small intimate weddings in the Smokies.  They are destination weddings but are so laid back and intimate. Sandra and Brad’s was no different.  It was held at Gatlinburg Falls Resort on a beautiful picture perfect day.  Enjoy the pictures:)

they did  a spin on a sand ceremony and included their kids to symbolize the families coming together.  A really great idea!
I just love this picture so I decided to include it:)


saved my favorite for last. I just love both of these:)

A big congrats to Sandra and Brad!! Thanks for having me be part of your special day!