He Keeps Me Singing

2011-11-14T09:32:00.001-05:00

Hope Floats

2011-08-06T12:15:00.000-04:00

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed . . . Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4)

Mr. and Mrs. Dee

2010-09-09T09:05:00.000-04:00

Matt and Rachel were married recently and it was my pleasure to document their wedding along with Whitney. Whitney and I enjoyed spending this time with their family and friends and it did not take being around them all long to see the Lord Jesus at work in their relationship. Some things are just visible and this was plain and simple to see. These two young people love the Lord and walk with Him and I enjoyed this day so much.

Big thanks to Whitney for assisting me and for capturing such beautiful images while being such a big help to me in every way. The image below is one of many images that Whitney took.

A Sixteenth Wedding Anniversary--Yes, Sixteenth

2010-09-03T02:05:00.000-04:00

I had to smile as I was naming this post because I know that many will look at it and say "Sixteen? Why sixteen?" It is sixteen because we attempted fifteen and could not work it out or in or around life. That is just life sometimes and when you have a family and "stuff" this is what happens. We are more than thrilled that we got it in eventually and it was really fun and such a neat evening. I honestly get to do the neatest things with people and I do not take it for granted. To be let in on the inside of people's memories and share information that really let's me get to know all about them is a pleasure for me. We walked around the University Of Florida campus and they told me all about how these buildings and sidewalks are in their relationship history. I heard about the first time she heard his voice and how that conversation went and I heard what he thought of her when he saw her for the first time. I have a really great job. Maybe one of the best.

I will never figure out how they spot me stalking them through the bushes. I only have a ten inch white lens and I'm yelling "If you kiss her it will not hurt my feelings and if you do then hold it for me!" This may just be the problem and maybe I need to be a little more clever. :)

Here is the "reality shot" of the day. Youngest son tagged along with Dad and Mom while older brother was at ball practice. This is real life and I love this shot and he is perfect evidence of this 16 year marriage and sweet relationship.

This 16th Wedding Anniversary was back two months ago and I am so happy for these two and I love their family so much also. More and more--Anniversaries are few and far between and I applaud any and every couple for keeping that commitment forever and ever as they promised. It is God's way and I know He is pleased with these two. As you can see, they wore the same clothes they wore on their wedding day and I was so excited to get the opportunity to document that.

I have lots of history with them and this man even counseled with my oldest son the night Todd prayed to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior so it will not come as a surprise to you that he is precious to me and will always be remembered for that alone but there is so much more than that to this family. This man is not home right now--again. His kids and his wife are currently without him so that we all can share him. The price of our country's safety and freedom is certainly not free and this man and his family have sacrificed much together time through the years for their love of our country and our freedoms. I think about him and his family daily and I pray that this time period will pass quickly. This lady is pretty amazing and I marvel at her ability to keep the home fires burning--in fact--she had a home built once while he was gone and I am not joking. :) She balances everything and still is his helper on a daily basis--even from that long distance. This is the way that it should be and they are loved by so many.

Shield, Sustainer, Lifter . . . Lover Of My Soul

2010-09-02T14:37:00.002-04:00

Thou Oh Lord ~ From Psalm 3
Many are they increased that trouble me
Many are they that rise up against me
Many there be which say of my soul
There is no help for him in God

But Thou, oh Lord are a shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head
Thou, oh Lord are a shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head

I cried unto the Lord with my voice
And He heard me out of His holy hill
I laid me down and slept and awaked
For the Lord sustained, for He sustained me

Thou, oh Lord are a shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head
Thou, oh Lord are shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head

A Clear Direction And So Happy

2010-09-01T10:12:00.002-04:00

All of these images are from a recent wedding at the White Room in St. Augustine, Florida. It was my pleasure to be there documenting Matthew and Megan's beautiful day with my good friend, Jill Elliot. Jill did such an amazing job capturing moments and details that caught her creative eye and so many moments that I just cannot get since I am required in another location. I appreciate her willingness to tag a long on such short notice. The image below is one of my favorites that Jill got and it is Megan and her Dad just before walking the aisle to meet Matthew.

The man kissing Megan below is her brother Matt. Matt and Megan are close and it is very sweet to watch them together.

I am so thankful to Jesus Christ for the very clear direction that He is giving me as I seek what He would have me do with any skills that He has gifted me with. It is the greatest feeling to know that my kids are right where they should be in the education process, my Brooke is home with me at all times and this is where God is leading us for now and I am so happy to spend every day with her and we have so much fun together. To my amazement, God has poured a photography business on me which was a desire of my heart and it has been accomplished completely by God with no help from me--only my willingness to do what He brings me. This is what Jesus Christ will do when it is His will for you. I have been so fascinated that it could all happen without opening my mouth or posting advertisements. I have no website, no logo, no branding, very little equipment but as I have told many close friends--I have Jesus Christ and He well makes up the difference when He is for you. "Little is much when God is in it" has become my goto thought when thinking about my growing opportunities. Facebook has been a very powerful "word of mouth" tool for me and I have even marveled at how today's networking can benefit a beginning business like this. I appreciate any of you reading this that may have played a role in referring me to a friend or family member and please know how honored I am to document these days for you. God simply knew what was coming in my life and He made the way. I will continue to trust only Him for my future steps and I know He will direct. I am so grateful to Him as always for this and every little thing.

My Girl Brooke

2010-08-28T20:59:00.003-04:00

I love her more than I could ever express and there is not much more to say on that subject. I am a very blessed woman to have the three wonderful kids that God has loaned me.

Photo by Whitney

Mrs. Davis

2010-08-28T17:23:00.001-04:00

I'm just taking a minute to check in with the blog world since I have obviously been neglecting you. For anyone that enjoys this blog and wonders what happened to my more frequent posts, I apologize but also need to explain that God has decided that a photography business will be in my future so as He does with all of His divine plans, He is providing the opportunities and I am responding the best I can and also keeping my three children at the top of my list. If you have not been following along on Facebook then you have no idea what God has done but it is more than amazing and I am grateful. I do have plans to be more active here but it is a step that takes away from something else so I will do it as much as I can. There are major changes coming in the future with my website, branding and many other things so there is a possibility that a blog will be incorporated in that and maybe easier to keep up with for me.

The following is one of my recent Brides. I will share more of these beautiful ladies with you soon.

Two Men Waiting On The Same Woman: Meet Man Number Two/Blog Post Revisited

2010-08-19T00:28:00.000-04:00

He arrived early that day to get dressed. He knew that he would see her for the first time soon and he wanted everything to look perfect.

His name is Ethan and he is the handsome Groom.

Ethan spent time with his Mom and she helped him with all of the pretty details.

He got some last minute help from his Dad on his tie as well.

Ethan's Dad gave him a handshake and congratulated him. They love Anna and know that they are gaining another daughter.

Ethan's Dad matched the colors of the day very well.

Photographer's Note:
Ethan visited with his family and then went back to a room to wait while other photos were taken at other locations. The schedule was tight so I was in many locations quickly. Ethan and I made plans to meet together later in the morning. I finished early at another location and decided to go to the sanctuary early and wait on Ethan. When I arrived in the sanctuary I discovered that Ethan had beat me there. He was all alone at the front of the church praying.

Once he was ready to meet Anna, he took his place.

The door cracked open and this handsome Groom got a tiny grin on his face.

Anna was finally ready and in place.

She called his name . . .

He turned and stared at her as she beamed.

And then one happy Groom made his way--quickly--to a very happy Bride.

Two Men Waiting On The Same Woman: Meet Man Number One/Blog Post Revisited

2010-08-18T00:15:00.002-04:00

It was his only request. He wanted to see her first. He is Anna's Dad.

Anna got her hair done, her makeup applied and then she put her dress on.

She met with her Mom . . .

and then her brother . . . these two are very close and the tears began.

He quickly attempted to dry her tears so she would not have to apply makeup again.

One last look before she saw her Dad and he saw her dress for the very first time.

The door opened . . .

and then . . .

a closer look at a really sweet moment

He kissed her cheek and told her to go meet Man Number Two. Man Number Two coming next post.

_______________________________________________________________________________
Minutes before he walked her down the aisle to give her to Ethan.

Beach Blog Post Revisited: Just Because I Want To

2010-08-16T01:00:00.000-04:00

I had a session scheduled recently at the beach which is about fifty miles from our town and takes about an hour and ten minutes to drive to. For anyone that doesn't know already, I live in Florida so we have beaches on each side of us. After I had traveled about halfway to the session, I realized that there would probably be no session. We were driving directly into a huge storm that looked like it was directly over the beach. The session did end up rescheduled but since I had my kids and their friends with me, we decided to stay anyway and see what fun we could have when the storm let up.
The photo below shows exactly what got me thinking that my session would be cancelled.

Hmmmm . . . time to call my clients and see what is happening at the beach.

This place below should be familiar to anyone that has been to Crescent Beach from our town. It means that you have arrived! This particular photo was shot at 3:30 PM in the afternoon so you can see what kind of storm was going on.

I was so ready to photograph something--anything.

My sweet Brooke trying to see the beach through the pouring rain and lightning.

Lightning is the only exciting thing that happened for awhile but the kids did enjoy the goodies I had packed in a cooler while we waited.

My friend Alice sent me an email that I answered on my Blackberry right before I took the photo below. I laughed and told her that I was sitting in the middle of a storm taking photos on the beach.

I will have to include the photo below since it was a really funny part of our trip. It was just a small cottage that sat next to a gigantic oceanfront home that looked exactly like it. I loved it at first sight and knew that I had to turn around and get a picture of it. I turned around and planned out the traffic perfectly and set off to get the shot. I slowed up and was privately gloating that I had just enough time to get my shot before the traffic caught up to me. I stopped to set up the shot and realized that I was in complete manual focus and had only allowed time for automatic so I took the blurriest shot of my life and drove away. I stewed silently for about thirty seconds while the passengers in my car enjoyed it all too much. I then whipped the car around and decided that we were going to do it all again. I once again timed out the traffic perfecty and then stopped to shoot the picture. Just as I pushed the button on my camera--the door to the cottage flew open and a young man stepped out and stared at me. It was terrifying and I sped away as fast as possible. Anyway--it was just another day in my life of photography adventures but the kids sure it enjoyed it --- a lot!

I saw this place below under renovation and thought that if my friend Anna lived nearby that it would have been the perfect "persimmon" place to have her wedding reception. I love the driveway.

We ended up here which I highly recommend when you are near the Daytona area. All homemade ice cream and like 700% milk fat or something like that. The man told me and I am pretty sure that I tuned him out right away. The rainbow is real and was perfectly over the sign so I knew that God was promising no calories or fat at this location. Just kidding.

After the ice cream we drove back to the Ormond Beach area. I saw that the water had a pretty blue glow on it so we stopped again. Brooke and I walked down to the beach as it was getting dark. We had about ten minutes total before it was too dark for me to shoot. For anyone that owns a DSLR camera--you know that the light sensor in these cameras is large so even when it is dark or very dim, you can still get images. Most of the following images were done in very dim lighting. I even had one man walk by and ask me if I thought that anything would turn out since it was dark.

I looked at these shells and wondered how many times they had been washed ashore and washed back out that day. It is amazing that every shell is not broken with all a shell goes through each day.

The beach is an amazing place to me. I will never grow tired or bored looking at it. I know that I could stare at the waves for hours and hours and still find so much to think about. Who in the world can look at it and not think of God? It is no wonder that so many people go there to think, pray, spend time with family and so many other special moments. I have driven to the beach several times in my life when I just needed to be alone and walk. I would walk and think, walk and pray and before I knew it I was once again captivated by all that God has created to look at.

. . . and then the beautiful day was over.

I know that this post was really long but the beach is a place that I love a lot and could not narrow down the pictures to just a few. Every picture is a little different and I love something about each of them. I am dedicating this post to my Dad and Mom who always seemed to pack up all of the kids when I was young and haul us to this very beach--often. We would stop on the way and get fried chicken, spend the day listening to the sounds of Marineland in the distance, I would laugh at the billboard sign for Coppertone that was beside Marineland all through my childhood and then when the day was done, my Dad would rinse all of our feet off with water that he had brought along. We even got to stop in Palatka on the way home at the Dairy Queen sometimes. These are really great memories to me.

December Blog Post Revisited: Just Because I Love My Town

2010-08-16T00:15:00.006-04:00

I've been in love with the town I live in for 38 years now. (At this second posting I am 39--on the edge of that young age of 40) If it never grows another inch I will be fine with that and prefer it. We have grown in different smaller ways through the years but it still feels so much like the town I grew up in and had so much fun in as a child. On the way home from a session a few weeks ago I took my camera out and captured a few scenes from around town. All of these photos were taken from my car window as I drove and with no flash so have mercy on the quality. The sky was so blue and that is what caught my attention to begin with that night. It was a Friday evening and I picked up food for my family at the drive-thru of the local famous Bar.B.Q restaurant and headed home to watch a movie with Brooke. I love a simple night like that.

Kherrington Is One Year Old

2010-08-13T13:25:00.005-04:00

He Loved Her First

2010-05-14T00:38:00.001-04:00

Flowers sent from him to the hair shop on wedding morning.

Getting ready for the day and she would see him soon.

Everything just right and it was almost time.

She turned, smiled and got ready to see the man that had loved her for so long.

Everyone was gone when the door opened. He smiled and stared.

He stepped inside and walked across the room.

I turned my attention to the Bride's Mother for a portrait. When I finished I looked up to find Cortney and her Dad in another hug and holding each other tight. It was a very special moment.

Jesus Paid It All

2010-04-01T18:36:00.001-04:00

AJ and Randi's Beautiful Day

2010-03-31T13:17:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to AJ and Randi!

Charles And Kayse's Beautiful Day

2010-03-23T08:03:00.005-04:00

Congratulations Charles and Kayse!

My Girl

2010-03-22T16:29:00.001-04:00

Charles And Kayse Are Married

2010-03-21T00:31:00.001-04:00

More to come but here is a sneak peek of their beautiful wedding at The Thomas Center in Gainesville, Florida.

All sisters

Our New Hangout

2010-03-20T23:20:00.001-04:00

Loving our 15 month passes and going every chance that we can. Truly an escape and I turn into a kid all over again when I walk through the tunnel. What a pleasure to give that time to Brooke and when we are there she makes the schedule and we will ride that Barnstormer 100 times if that is what she wants to do. The boys are coming along too here and there and the memories are priceless to me.

I will post more when I have time.

Wes And Leah

2010-03-18T10:02:00.002-04:00

Wes and Leah are sweet friends of mine and it was my pleasure to meet them in St. Augustine for some engagement photos. They will be married later in the year and I have been asked to document their special day so I am also looking forward to that.

Charles And Kayse

2010-03-18T07:30:00.006-04:00

Charles and Kayse will be married this Saturday and Brooke and I enjoyed meeting them for some photos on the farm recently. Charles and Kayse invited me to document their wedding day so Whitney and I will be posting photos of that event soon and we are looking forward to spending that special day with them. I know that Kayse will be a beautiful Bride.

There are always curious eyes around on these farm visits.

Brooke goes most everywhere with me so she and the animals check each other out.

Trae And Nikki

2010-03-18T00:01:00.001-04:00

Trae and Nikki are getting married later this year and we had fun recently taking these photos. This beautiful land is owned by her family and it was fun driving to different locations on the property that Nikki enjoyed exploring as a child. We had some company and a very interested audience several times as we walked around. The cows were determined to join us and we stopped several times to chase them away. I always love an adventure.

Sisters

2010-03-15T12:13:00.002-04:00

Beautiful Ladies

2010-03-15T09:11:00.003-04:00

I love all of these ladies and enjoy spending time with them whenever I can. I sent them a message and told them that I thought it would be fun to shoot these photos in the woods and that I knew they would show up ready to execute my "vision." They never disappoint and we had a great time as the sun went down that day.

The Gift

2010-01-09T00:27:00.003-05:00

If you've ever had hard times in your life then you will know how the kind act of a friend can touch your heart. I am not ashamed to admit that I have experienced many hard times. Hard times seem to be my middle name really. For all the shiny, bright photos you see, behind them is a real person dealing with real issues. I am so thankful for Jesus Christ Who walks beside me and carries me when needed. I had a special cat disappear recently on top of everything else and I was so touched when a package showed up for me. It had this hand painted ornament in it and it really warmed my heart that someone would take the time to care about these details of my life. Thank you so much Melissa for your thoughts and even more for your actions on my behalf. It is a priceless gift to me and I will treasure it always.

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. ~ Elisabeth Foley

Cold Florida Days

2010-01-08T15:27:00.003-05:00

Jesus Christ Makes All The Difference

2010-01-08T14:30:00.012-05:00

Tim Tebow, Florida Gators

*all photos taken by other VERY LUCKY, talented photographers

Still In Love After All These Years

2010-01-07T10:24:00.005-05:00

I've been in love with the town I live in for 38 years now. If it never grows another inch I will be fine with that and prefer it. We have grown in different smaller ways through the years but it still feels so much like the town I grew up in and had so much fun in as a child. On the way home from a session a few weeks ago I took my camera out and captured a few scenes from around town. All of these photos were taken from my car window as I drove and with no flash so have mercy on the quality. The sky was so blue and that is what caught my attention to begin with that night. It was a Friday evening and I picked up food for my family at the drive-thru of the local famous Bar.B.Q restaurant and headed home to watch a movie with Brooke. I love a simple night like that.

Layla Brooke (Layla Bug) Is One

2010-01-06T23:46:00.003-05:00

Brunt Family

2010-01-06T15:06:00.004-05:00

Nathan, Toni and Luke are a sweet family that I have been getting to know better since I shot Nathan's brother's wedding last year. I am in love with their sweet Luke and his huge marble eyes and I had so much fun doing these photos with them.

Pure Magic

2009-12-27T04:03:00.001-05:00

Always In Character

2009-12-27T02:37:00.003-05:00

The Light Parade was a fun thing to watch and I was especially amused and impressed with Cinderella's ability to stay in character and boy did she turn on the Princess charm. She waved like there was no tomorrow and I have really cracked up looking at these photos that were taken over the span of 10 seconds.

A Disney Christmas ~ Part Two

2009-12-26T03:49:00.006-05:00

The following photo is a reflection of Cinderella's Castle.

Mickey's bedroom

Minnie's house

A Disney Christmas ~ Part One

2009-12-25T21:16:00.002-05:00

Brooke's first three steps into Disney World. A huge smile followed.

My Precious Three

2009-12-19T03:12:00.002-05:00

I have more of these photos coming but I am doing good tonight to get these up so I will begin here. God has blessed me so very much with these three wonderful children and I appreciate them sitting still long enough for me to get a few photos. ♥

My Sweet December Girl

2009-12-19T02:50:00.004-05:00

Happy 4th Birthday to my sweet girl Brooke. The time is passing so quickly and I just want to keep her small but I know that isn't going to happen. I have two teenagers that prove that kids get bigger by the day and you just can't keep them that size. I am enjoying every single moment with this sweet girl and count it a pleasure to spend twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week with her and will keep her with me until I have to walk her into Kindergarten and even then I may follow her. We love her so much.

What A Difference A Year Makes

2009-11-18T00:24:00.004-05:00

It's official. My friends Chad and Amber are now legally Daddy and Mommy to this little curly haired miracle. His final adoption date was October 21, 2009 and I am so happy for them. You can read about and see my photo journey with this handsome little guy here.

James responds like this when Mom and Dad say "Praise The Lord!" So sweet.

We handed him the block and he happened to turn it to his age for the camera. Perfect.

He also knows how to respond when Daddy yells "touchdown."

A Glorious day ~ October 21, 2009

One Day At A Time

2009-11-17T23:26:00.004-05:00

These photos are extra special to me since this Dad left for boot camp on Monday and will be gone for much of the next year. I know that this sacrifice must be incredibly difficult for this young family but I am so thankful for those that feel that call on their lives and respond. I will be thinking of him and praying for him as he prepares to serve our country to secure the freedoms that we have and enjoy. I am already praying for Mom and the kids and I know that God will help her and supply their needs one day at a time.

Daniel and Samantha's Beautiful Day

2009-11-17T16:35:00.002-05:00

Daniel and Samantha's day was so beautiful and Whitney I enjoyed ourselves so much as we captured all of the special details of the day. There are many more images to share and I will post some more very soon.

Brooke & Abby

2009-11-17T14:37:00.003-05:00

Brooke tagged along with me this past Saturday as I took pictures of a Bride getting married in December. Our sweet friend Abby was there too and she and Brooke stopped to pose for this cute photo together. We love Abbly so much and she is a great friend to Brooke and myself. Christmas is coming and we are so excited!

Blog Break Is Over ~ Glad To Be Back :)

2009-10-28T13:06:00.002-04:00

Love my sweet little Brooke and she loves dressing up.

See You At The Pole 2009

2009-09-25T09:16:00.007-04:00

From the official SYATP site:
A young man named Josiah began one of the greatest revivals and awakenings in the Old Testament. Josiah had become king of Israel at the age of 8. Scripture tells us that at the age of 16, he began to pursue God passionately. Like his forefather, David, he began to show signs of Godliness early on and gained the respect of the people. 2 Kings 22:2 states, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father, David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.” This resulted in radical obedience — getting rid of everything that did not honor God and challenging everyone around him to do likewise. These actions resulted in a mighty move of God in his day — actually, one of the greatest ever!

"See You At The Pole" is an annual group prayer meeting that happens all across the world each year in September and our local meeting was at the High School football field Wednesday morning at 6:45 AM. It is an honor and privilege just to be there and you cannot help but be stirred as you watch kids show up all on their own to gather and pray with their peers, parents, leaders, teachers, administrators and community. This prayer rally covers many areas but among them is prayer for our country, our state, students, teachers and our lost and dying world in general. I know in my heart I felt the burden more than ever to pray for the highest office in our country. Only Jesus Christ in me can be obedient to pray for a President that I disagree with most of the time. God tells me in the Bible to pray for him and I have been faithful to do that. I began praying for him in general and the decisions that he makes day to day but something I heard Wednesday night made me change the way I am praying for him. One very dear student took the microphone and began to pray for our President. It was convicting to me as I listened to her ask God that our President be "saved in office and radically changed." She asked God for this to be his legacy and not just the color of his skin. I have recognized this need that he has too but for some reason it has been more of a thought and not something that I had been asking for on his behalf daily.

So many things are happening in the news and in the world and I know in my heart that the end is nearer than ever. We have been rehearsing the song "Midnight Cry" in choir and it really is amazing that just since we sang it last time that so many more things are happening all around us that indicate the return of Jesus Christ very soon according to my Bible. This is the first time in my life that I believe I am able to point at current events and then site scriptures that match what is happening. Today is certainly the day of salvation and Jesus Christ is coming back soon. We must do all that we can to make sure that we and everyone that we come in contact with are trusting Jesus Christ as the only way to Heaven. We will spend our eternity somewhere and it will all come down to the question of "What did I do with Jesus?" There are only two answers to the question. We will accept Him or reject Him.

I walked away from "See You At The Pole" this year knowing once again that every prayer counts and that these meetings are important. I watched closely as kids arrived to school at the regular time and noticed the crowd around the flagpole. They were interested and fascinated with this sight. I thought of Matthew 5:14 which says "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." I pray that the kids that know the Lord already will realize daily that other kids are watching them like a hawk. I pray that they also recognize that they are lighthouses and sometimes the only Bibles that some kids ever come in contact with. When Jesus Christ lives within you--you cannot contain Him and keep Him to yourself. As a dear friend has stated many times "He oozes from you." Funny image to think of but so true. We are vessels that are to be used for Him and much like a vessel that is full--I want to "ooze Jesus" and that includes the camera that I hold. I gave my camera to the Lord years ago and I want to honor Him with any "eye" or gifts that He has blessed me with. It all belongs to Him anyway and I am so thankful for all that He has done. I always find that being on board with what God has planned for my life is far better that anything I could ever plan.

Camden Is Six Months Old

2009-09-24T10:37:00.002-04:00

Vanzant Family

2009-09-17T12:52:00.003-04:00

I had the opportunity to photograph a close friend and her family recently and it was so nice spending that time with them and getting to meet some of the family that I only knew by name. Buster and Diane have two beautiful daughters. Kellie is the older daughter and she is married to Thomas and they have a sweet daughter named Kaitlyn . Leah is Buster and Diane's younger daughter and she is dating Wes.

The whole family

Buster and his girls

Sisters

Thomas, Kellie and Kaitlyn

Wes and Leah

Buster and Diane

Kaitlyn

Adrianna At Five Days Old

2009-09-02T23:35:00.002-04:00

Brad, Melissa and little Saydie have a brand new little girl to love and her name is Adrianna. We were able to work in a few photos today around a huge rain storm and around Adrianna's hungry tummy. I enjoyed meeting her and spending time with their family. I know that Saydie is going to be a sweet big sister.

Having Fun Shooting Some Movies

2009-08-25T09:55:00.005-04:00

I was able to experiment a bit with the HD movie setting on my camera recently. I was the photographer on this wedding and I am not at all a videographer but I know that this Bride will be happy to have these memories no matter what.

Ethan and Anna exchange rings.

Ethan and Anna "The Kiss"

My Todd

2009-08-19T22:54:00.002-04:00

This is Todd, my very handsome first born child. I know I am his Mom so I have some pretty strong opinions about how handsome and great he is. :) I am working on getting a few new photos of my very handsome and great son Blake tomorrow but getting the kids to sit for photographs is a rare thing around our home.

Todd is going into the tenth grade this year and will be driving age in two months. I love him so much and I am so proud of the man that he is.

Robin

2009-08-15T14:36:00.003-04:00

Robin is going to be a high school senior this year and I don't feel that she could be any more beautiful or sweeter than she is. Her outer beauty is very apparent but her inner beauty spoke much louder to me the moment I met her and her family for the first time. I met Robin at her cousin Ella's birthday party back in July. This was the Hello Kitty Party that I posted a few weeks ago. We talked that day about doing these Senior portraits and met a few weeks later. We had a good time trying to outrun the rain that day. I love her family and being with Robin is such a pleasure. I am going to show you each photo in color and in black and white simply because I really like them both and had a hard time choosing which to show you. That is the greatest part about it being my blog--I never have to choose.

Daniel And Samantha Are Getting Married

2009-08-11T19:37:00.004-04:00

Daniel and Samantha are engaged to be married in October. We met in their hometown recently for an evening of photos. I enjoyed getting to know them better and I am looking forward to documenting their upcoming wedding. October is one of my favorite months of the year and I know it is going to be so beautiful. I hope that Samantha won't mind me sharing that she is a bit of a celebrity in our town or at least at the elementary school where her mother teaches sixth grade. Samantha is a college graduate now but was a majorette for the Georgia Bulldogs for years and my son and some of his friends enjoyed looking at her on the team calendar that hung on the wall in their classroom that year. Most of these kids are Gator fans but a beautiful girl on a calendar is always popular no matter what team you love.

Love both of these photos.

Scenes From Florida

2009-08-08T17:41:00.006-04:00

When I was much younger I can remember David Letterman making jokes about the state of Florida on his show and the basic idea of his jokes is that we have alligators running all over the place in our state. He said they were in our homes, in our cars, in the street and playing with our kids. His version was much funnier but the basic idea was not correct. Some people that live here have never even seen a live alligator and must go specific places where they are known to be or where they are on display. Lake Alice in Gainesville, Florida is one of those places where they are known to be and they show themselves quite often even though they are wild. Lake Alice is on the University of Florida Campus so it compliments our Gator mascot very well. The kids and I were there recently and there were several that decided that they would like to get a closer looks at us. I also wanted a closer look at them too but not too close. We got close enough for really good photos but we were also ready to run if we needed to.

The next three photos are just everyday things in Florida. Pecan groves, moss, wild ivy and oak trees. There was a time I took beauty like this for granted but I am appreciating these details more and more as I grow older. I am also always in love with anything that has golden hour (last light of the day) light flooding in on it.

Jason And Nicole Are Getting Married

2009-08-05T23:01:00.003-04:00

Jason is the son of some of my dearest friends and I have been keeping up with him through high school and now on into college. He is recently engaged to be married to a beautiful young woman, Nicole. Jason and Nicole met in college and are planning a December wedding. I am excited about their wedding and excited to see where God uses them in the future as a married couple. We had a great time wandering around St. Augustine and even attracted a few interested onlookers. I smiled when the lady taking tickets for the trolley tours told Nicole how beautiful she was. Jason and I both agreed.

The following images are playing with reflections in the rain puddles.

Tomatoes

2009-08-05T14:58:00.001-04:00

I did not grow these but I did enjoy photographing them and eating them.

Ella Grace Is Two Years Old

2009-08-03T22:39:00.006-04:00

I had the best time photographing Ella's Birthday party recently and loved every girly Hello Kitty detail that her Mom, Bridget, worked so hard on. I know that there are several photos of that chocolate fountain but it was so good that it deserves several photos. Happy Second Birthday Ella!

Baby Blake Is One

2009-08-01T00:21:00.001-04:00

My sweet friend, Baby Blake turned one recently and I enjoyed the opportuity to shoot his first Birthday party. It was a pirate theme and I loved all of the details that his Mommy and Aunt Kimberly put together. I will be posting more of Blake's party photos soon along with another party that I shot recently. The other party was a Hello Kitty themed party and the details of that party are so cute too.

A Night At The River

2009-07-28T11:46:00.004-04:00

{St. John's River in Palatka, Florida}

Facebook Albums

2009-07-23T17:17:00.004-04:00

I did not take the photo below but I really wish it was mine since it is my kind of shot.

The following links will take you to my photo albums on Facebook. I will provide more links as I add more.

{Album One}
{Album Two}
{Album Three}
{Album Four}

Taking Time To . . .

2009-07-19T22:16:00.007-04:00

If you know me well then you know that most of the time I am suffering with terrible allergies and sinus infections so smelling the flowers is not much of an option but photographing them is something that I can and love to do.

The Dress

2009-07-16T00:29:00.002-04:00

While I had Brooke in my Mom's wedding dress recently, I decided to take some other pictures that are important to me. My Mom has a photograph of herself as a young girl in a really sweet dress and she still has the dress today. My Grandmother gave her the dress years later to keep so I did not photograph in the dress when I was young but it is so special for me to have portraits of Brooke in it.

My Mom in the 1940s in her beautiful dress.

Brooke really studied the framed picture of Ganny for a long time. She asked me if it was the same dress she was wearing. I was glad that she realized that and she liked it too.

Brooke in Ganny's dress, reading the Bible that Ganny carried in her wedding 50 years ago.

These four hands are precious to me.

Near the end of these pictures, Brooke was very focused on getting into the pool in Ganny's yard. I think she did very well posing in Ganny's wedding dress and childhood dress. I was very proud of her and I will treasure the photographs forever.

Celebrating 50 Years "Summer Style"

2009-07-14T22:44:00.007-04:00

The kids and I got together with my parents for a small celebration the other night. We all wanted them to know how much we love them in any and every way that we could. Fifty years is a really special anniversary and should be celebrated all week in my opinion. The kids enjoyed swimming and Mom and I got to walk around the yard talking while I took photos of things that we thought were beautiful. We bought my Dad a Key Lime Pie because I know it is a favorite of his and Todd also picked out a Tangerine Pie which seemed great for summertime. My Mom and Dad have promised me a special photo session very soon but we are going to do it on an evening when it is not so hot.

I love cakes from the Publix Bakery. I have always said that they are the best. I have always thought this about everything they sell but my oldest brother, Steve, is a Publix Bakery Manager and he is great at what he does so that may have a lot to do with why I feel that way.

My Todd and his pool mohawk.

Kayla and Brooke

Blake's friend, Jacob.

My Blake is below. I know I say it often but I love his blue eyes a lot.

This is Blake's friend, Kayla and our sweet Brooke.

Todd and Sophia.

Mom's African Violet after the rain.

I love anything after the rain. It is one of my favorite times to shoot photos.

Our old mailbox that we had much of my life.

I gave my Dad this blue gazing ball a few years ago that is behind the pink flower.

Mom showed me this guy while we were out in the yard after it rained.

These are the really small flowers. I love little details.

New growth on the banana tree. It looks like it's alive to me.

Celebrating Fifty Years

2009-07-12T20:25:00.006-04:00

My parents are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary this week and I wanted to share as many details with you as possible. There are many photos in this post and for time's sake--I have posted them in random order. Everyone of them is special to me and represents details of this wonderful day 50 years ago and also 50 years of love and commitment. The dress that you will see is my Mom's wedding dress that she wore that day and in order to bring it to life, I asked two special ladies to model for me. The small one is my daughter, Brooke and the tall one is my son's girlfriend, Sophia. Sophia is a special young lady to me and has taken a strong interest in my parent's memory books and articles over the past months and it was a pleasure to find that she was exactly the right size model for this special dress.

Anyone that really knows me well will know that I love and honor my parents so much. I am so thankful to be sharing this Anniversary with them while we are still living here on Earth. I have a life-long friend that shared with me recently that her Father wanted so badly to make 50 years of marriage but he passed away just shy of their 46th Anniversary after a lengthy illness. It is a huge milestone to celebrate 50 years together and even more so today with all of the marriages that end in divorce. My parents have had a "real" marriage and by that I mean that they have had their moments on the mountaintop but they have had many, many moments in the valleys. Raising four children is a task that can have you screaming for joy one moment and then nursing a broken heart the next. They have risen with our highs and celebrated right along with us and walked right beside us at our lowest lows. I have personally had some lows in my own life and I am blessed to be able to say that they have always been there and they are still there at any moment I call. Thank you to a Mom and Dad that have loved me and my brothers and sister and have loved all of our children so much. I appreciate all of their encouragement with my love of photography. They have always been my biggest fans and that means so much to me to have their support. I found myself recently telling some parents that told me their kids are interested in photography that nothing means more than when your parents are behind you in your hopes and dreams. It has made all the difference. I love you so much Mom and Dad.

My Dad has been giving this perfume to my Mom for 50 years now.

Original glassware wedding gifts.

My Mom was and is a gorgeous woman.

This book holds many clippings and photos that I enjoyed photographing.

Their wedding napkin.

I love that they threw the bouquet on their way out with my Dad right there. It reminds me of the last scene in Cinderella.

Details of Mom's veil.

Something blue . . .

The handsome groom . . . my Dad.

My Mom's Mom made their cake. She made everyone's cakes in town and she was amazing at it. My Mom still has so many original cake pans and cake books now that I love looking at.

My Mom helping Sophia fasten the dress.

This is a cookbook that my Grandmother gave my Mom when she got married.

The inside of the little white Bible that my Mom carried under her bouquet.

My Mom's diamond ring certificate.

Mom and Dad met in Virginia while my Dad was in the Navy but they lived only 15 minutes apart. Dad sent this little flag to Mom back home.

My beautiful Mother.

This is my Uncle Tommy and he walked my Mom down the aisle and gave her away. My Mom's Dad was unable to do it due to health reasons. My Uncle Tommy passed away last month. My son Thomas Blake is named after him.

This was my Dad's car when he and Mom first met. It was a 54 Ford Convertible.

This was the car that he owned when he and mom got married. They parked it in the next town when they got married because it would have gotten really messed up. It was a 57 Chevrolet Bel Air Sports Coupe.

My Mom as a teenager. I have always loved her eyes.

My Dad is a pretty lucky guy.

She looked really pretty in her dress.

I have decided that the photo below is one of my favorite photos of my Dad. I think he looks really handsome here and I love his smile.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. I am praying that we celebrate many more years together.

A Special Golden Anniversary

2009-07-12T00:46:00.002-04:00

Today is my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary. They are the best parents in the whole world and I love them so much. They are the greatest examples of daily love and commitment that I have ever known. When I read the scriptures in my Bible that pertain to husbands and wives--I think of my parents. It would be hard to explain all that they are to me and what they have meant to me and my children but I hope in my heart that they know.

I have more special photos coming in my next post that I am excited about. I shot a very special photo session Friday to celebrate this Anniversary and I will be showing you that next.

Two Men Waiting On The Same Woman: Meet Man Number Two

2009-07-04T12:11:00.002-04:00

Two Men Waiting On The Same Woman: Meet Man Number One

2009-06-30T01:07:00.006-04:00

After The Storm

2009-06-28T21:15:00.002-04:00

Will You Be My Friend?

2009-06-25T16:05:00.006-04:00

I have just started the process of making a Facebook page. My page is under construction and not all that pretty but I want to be your friend anyway! You can add me as a friend by clicking here or the badge on the right of this page.

I found this video on a blog that I frequent and thought that it was pretty cute. I have been on Facebook for years under a different name so I am familiar with all the things this guy is joking about. It is pretty cute. (you will need to silence the music on Playlist to enjoy the sound)

I Finally Caught Him Above Ground

2009-06-24T20:45:00.004-04:00

Todd and I drove up yesterday to pick up Whitney and I spotted this guy or gal in the yard of the neighbors. I flew out of my Tahoe and screamed "Tortoise Alert!" I am ashamed to say that I really did scream that and I think it scared Todd a little bit. I ran across the grass as fast as I could because I knew my time with him was short. I laid down on the grass and started snapping away. He did not seem very happy to see me or my camera and began moving to his home in the ground. I think that he is beautiful and I have been trying to catch him outside for months now. I am hoping that his human Mommy and keeper of his grounds, Diane, will comment and include some interesting facts about him since he has lived there for a long time.

Here are a few things that I found out. He is a Gopher Tortoise and most are found in the southern states of the United States. They live upwards of 100 years if they are in captivity and 40 to 60 years in the wild. They weigh 15 to 29 pounds as adults.

A Special Young Lady In A Special Dress

2009-06-24T00:30:00.009-04:00

My friend Abby is simply a great young woman. She is just one of those people that can light up any conversation with her positive words and I think I have told you in past posts that she is wise beyond her years. Abby was a big help to me in the flower field this year and made things so much easier as I photographed children and families. One evening she brought a very, very special dress with her and our hope was to work in some photos of her in between my sessions. I am so glad that we did. I think that a girl in her Mom's wedding dress is a special thing and this particular girl and her Mom are very special to me. You will notice that Abby and I had fun because she is a fun girl. She gave me serious faces, fun faces and beautiful faces. We had fun and I love the end results.
___________________________________________________________

I invited Stacy, who is the original owner of this dress, and Abby's Mom, to be the guest author of this post. She sent me the following sweet story about the journey of her dress. I love the fact that she wrote it from the perspective of the dress.

The Life Of A Wedding Dress
by The Dress with Stacy's help

It all started 29 years ago this August. I was beginning to gather some dust. You see I had been placed in a little wedding shop in Plant City, Florida. In the spring of 1980, a simple young lady came into the shop with her uncle (the shop owner) and her parents on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I watched this young girl, bright eyed and naive begin to look through the dresses on the rack beside mine. I was thinking so hard "pick me! pick me!" To my surprise she lifted me off the rack and took me for a fitting. I will never forget her words. "This is the one Mom, I just know it is." From that point on my life would never be the same. I was about to embark on a journey I would never forget. My debut was August 2, 1980 at 7:00 PM in the evening. The church bells chimed 7 times and then my grand entrance. Everyone was staring at me. I blushed but felt very proud at the same time.

After that day I was placed in an airtight can. I couldn't see out but I often heard expressions of loved shared. Over the years I heard infants crying and the patter of little feet. We moved frequently but I was always handled carefully and stored in a safe cool place. Over the years the voices grew in number and volume. I knew I was in a place where love, discipline, disagreements, forgiveness and prayer took place on a regular basis. I would hear tears and laughter, rejoicing and mourning. This is what life is all about and I wondered to myself if I would ever be a part of it again.

One day I heard "Mommy, can I try on your wedding dress?" "Yes" the mother said as she began to remove me from storage. "It has been a long time since I wore this honey but it was one of the most special days in my life and I will never forget it. You see before God and witnesses I vowed to marry your father till death do us part." I could see the tears well up in her eyes. "One day you will meet your prince charming and get to wear the dress of your dreams." "Oh, Mommy I can't wait, can I wear your dress when I get married?" "Sure honey." I could sense a reservation in her voice as if she was saying to herself, "when that time comes my daughter you will most likely want something newer and more to your liking but for now have fun dreaming!"

Side Note: If you ever feel like you need a little attention from people then walk around a gorgeous flower field with your camera following a beautiful young woman in her Mom's wedding gown. We were not looking for any attention but we sure got more than our share of it. It was a memorable evening for me and I had a lot of fun with Abby.

Sweet Kyleigh Kate

2009-06-23T01:00:00.001-04:00

Scott and Katherine have been given the sweetest gift from God and her name is Kyleigh Kate. As I shot her photos I thought about how God is the most amazing artist. Her tiny feet and ears are so sweet and even the fuzz on her little ear is beautiful. As I posted these photos tonight I studied the little prints on her toes and thought about how God has made her to be unique and no other prints look like hers. He made her exactly the way that He wanted and she is gorgeous just like her Mommy. Kyleigh lives out of state and her Daddy was not on this short trip but I look forward to having him in our photos next time they are here to visit.

Katherine And Kyleigh Kate Coming Tonight

2009-06-22T11:41:00.002-04:00

My New Friend Luke

2009-06-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

I was so glad to be invited to Baby Luke's home to spend time photographing him. He is a very sweet nine month old boy and I just wanted to snuggle with him. It is summertime and the kids are home so they traveled to this session with me to help with Brooke. The teenagers and Brooke hung out in the backyard too so Luke had plenty to keep him occupied. As we shot the photos in the back yard, I noticed a rack that was being used to dry the cutest cloth diapers and other linens of Luke's. I never used cloth diapers but I sure admire those that carry through with that commitment because I know it is extra work. Luke's cloth diapers were extra cute and I included a few photos so you can see. Joel and Katie are so blessed to have this cute little guy and I hope I will spend time with him again one day. As a side note: Luke's Mommy is so sweet and I have really enjoyed emailing with her leading up to our session. She is bright and cheery and lights up these photos. She is just a natural in front of the camera.

Emma Grace

2009-06-21T23:30:00.003-04:00

This beautiful young lady is Emma Grace. She is the daughter of one of my oldest friends, Erin and the niece of Tara. Many of you will remember these names and I hope you do but in case you need one more reference point--she is the great grand-daughter of my childhood neighbor, Grace. Grace was already a grandmother when I met her and I loved her a lot. Grace used to call my house when I was young and ask me to come over. She always said that she needed my help with something. I would race out of the house and after I was over halfway across the street the screen door would just be shutting. I remember seeing how quickly I could get there. One day I especially remember--she called and I raced out as fast as I could. I got there in a blink and it caught her by surprise. She hunted around quickly for something to put in a bag. Even at that age I realized that she did not really have anything for me to do and was just finding anything to send over because she enjoyed making me happy. She was so nice to me and gave me a quarter each time I would come. Years later I thought about how simple that was and how much I loved getting those calls. Note to my friends . . . my price has gone up just a little and I am no longer working for a quarter. :o)

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T03:14:00.003-04:00

A bit of big news to share: My parents are now using a computer and have one in their home. This is big news to me since they have never seen my blog until now. I'm not saying they haven't seen some photos I have shot over the years of my kids but this is the first time they are seeing any day to day work that I do. It is exciting and special to me that they can view it anytime they wish. I want to wish my Dad a special Happy Father's Day. He is the very best there is and I share that feeling with anyone that knows him. My Dad retired from the Postal Service and to this day I have people tell me that they miss him, he was the best carrier they ever had and that he was so kind and friendly. Happy Father's Day Dad!

The sign below is a tribute to all Dads. My Dad always says that he is a lifetime member of the "PP Club" after raising four children. That means "permanently poor."

Granny Weeks

2009-06-21T02:15:00.004-04:00

I love these pictures. Not because I took them but because of how they speak to me and make me think. I believe that they are the perfect example of the old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words." I look at them and think of the night that she let me come and shoot a session on her vast country property. I think about how she had family gathered there that evening because her sister had passed away. I think of how when they invited me in I felt like family. I think of how the entire family was shelling peas when I came in the door. I think of how seeing that made me want to pull up a chair and grab my own tin pan of them and begin. I think of how beautiful her hands are. I think that they must really look beautiful when she is turning the pages of her Bible. I think of what all they have been through. I think of how many diapers they must have changed, how many loving spankings they probably gave, how many clothes they have hung out to dry and then folded. I cannot even begin to imagine how many peas they have shelled. I think of how one day these photos may be extra special to someone when they think of how much they love Granny. I think about how much I love them now. I also think that I am so lucky to be around to catch moments like this that I think are special. Have I mentioned lately that I love taking pictures and telling your stories?

Meet My New Friend Ella

2009-06-20T01:27:00.003-04:00

I had so much fun spending time with sweet Ella and her parents, Jason and Bridget. They are the most beautiful family and I was flattered to be asked to capture some images of them as Ella is on the edge of turning two. I am so excited to tell you that I have also booked Ella's second birthday party at the beginning of July and will be showing you details of happy kids, cake, balloons, hot pink Hello Kitty things and gorgeous colored striped table cloths, etc.. I told Bridget that this kind of party is right up my alley and I am already looking forward to building inspiration board collages to show you on here. That is just a fancy way of saying that I will put a bunch of pretty photos together and show you all of the fabulous decorating done by Bridget.

Happy Father's Day To Chad

2009-06-19T16:25:00.004-04:00

I am smiling as I type this because I am thinking about the very mighty Hand of God and all that He is able to do in just one year. This particular post is a miracle in so many ways and it is just such a pleasure to be able to wish Chad a Happy Father's Day in photographs. Many of you will know this family and you will smile and think all that I am thinking. Many of you will not know this family personally but you can just trust me that they are living examples of God's protection, mercy, grace, miracles and love. I love them and they are special to so many.

More Coming

2009-06-18T16:32:00.002-04:00

I have several posts coming in the next 24 hours that will include several children and babies that are so sweet. I will leave you for now with this precious little guy's photo. James is very loved and just as cute as he can be.

I will also be returning to the flower field to finish up showing you those and also to Ethan and Anna's wedding. You can never see too many photos or at least that is my philosophy.