more matt photo love

It's Matt appreciation time again! Here are some shots he took at Chad and Cathy's wedding in November. He's really getting some swell detail shots and fun candids. I'm convinced that this will turn into another "guitar incident". When he and I met, I could play the guitar relatively well (enough to be dangerous). He just picked it up one day and started playing around. In no time, he completely surpassed my skill level without a single lesson. If he gets too good at wedding photography, I'll make him tie one hand behind his back.

The Pequignot Family

Hooray! More holiday shots! This is the Pequignot family. I've known Heather for ages. We knew each other in college, worked together at a pharmacy, and then worked together for 10 years at a biomedical company. I was so thrilled about the arrival of Alex, who couldn't wait to launch his cuteness on to the world, so he showed up a little early. He's one healthy, happy little fella these days.

Our shoot took place at the home of Heather's parents. Their house is famous for having the most extensive holiday decorations. Now I understand why. Every room in the house was decorated for Christmas from top to bottom. I've never seen anything like it. It was something to behold.....and they were just starting on the outdoor lighting!

Heather, Bill, and Alex.....thanks for putting me in the holiday spirit with your wonderful family!

the collins family

This is the lovely Collins family. I feel so fortunate to have met them. You'll struggle to find a family with more warmth and kindness. Their interaction with each other is beautiful to watch....so completely natural. They're just a dream to photograph!

I'm proud to say this is the third time I've photographed this fun bunch, whose numbers are growing! It was so neat to hear Keira talking, and I loved that she pronounced Stacey as "Daisy". I just know she's going to be a wonderful big sister.

Isn't this the best face ever?

Gorgeous little Kirsty

She must have said "tah-dah!" about twenty times. It was so cute!

the sylvester family

This is one of my favorite families, the Sylvesters. It was time for our annual holiday photo extravaganza. I've known them for a very long time, and always have a super time at our sessions. It's a fun, collaborative process as we all come up with ideas for shots and then play around with them. My face hurts from smiling when I leave, which is a nice reminder of why I love working with such great families. Thanks you guys.....I'm still smiling!

Here are a few layouts I created with some of my favorite shots.

I can't take credit for the "overworked" and "underpaid" sayings. That was all them, and downright hilarious.

Oh.....to have this much energy again!

cousin debbie

My cousin Debbie was in town for a brief visit. She works for an airline and had a stop-over in Atlanta. I think of her whenever I get nervous on flights. I just think "Debbie does this all the time, so I'm sure everything will be cool". She's a super sweet, super fun lady, and my mom and I had a blast spending time with her. There was shopping, eating, and catching up. Mom and I managed to turn her on to the joy of Crocs (the cute ones anyway)! I always look forward to seeing her, and I wish it could be more often.

Here's Debbie and me (thanks to mom for filling in as photographer). I know I'm a pale gal, but next to Debbie, I look like you could practically see through me!

let's hear it for the boy!

My hubby Matt has been working as my second shooter at weddings, and I thought it was about time to post some of the awesome fruits of his labor. It's so nice to have his company and his help. I also love that he and I take very different types of photos, yet our styles go nicely together. Here are some of his images from Jeanie & Shawn's wedding in San Antonio. Soon, I'll post some of his shots from Chad & Cathy's wedding too!

I love the backlight he got on this

Matty, you're a rock star.

Chad & Cathy's Wedding

What a beautiful November day. A bright, blue sky surrounded by delicious shades of autumn leaves. Certainly an acceptable setting for Chad and Cathy's big day. I've been working with Chad for several years now, and knew that his wedding would reflect his personality....fun and relaxed. Those words rang true. Even Cathy seemed remarkably calm as she waited to walk down the aisle. She looked so elegant. The only thing that drew attention away from her gorgeous gown, was her lovely smile.

A huge congratulations to you both, and I know you'll enjoy a lifetime of happiness!

A shot of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. It's gigantic!

The lovely bride...

These were some fun bridesmaids! At the reception, they even sang a special song written for the occasion. Nice job, ladies!

These flowers were so perfect for a November wedding!

This may be one of my favorite photos. Ever.

Ah, the first dance....and there was fancy choreography!

CAKE!! So, this was a cheesecake! I even heard that there was pumpkin cheesecake. I don't know why I didn't head straight over and steal a piece. I was probably too busy stuffing my face with the incredible pasta dishes (the reception was at Maggiano's.....mmmmm).

Abandoned bouquets

The ballroom lighting was pretty spectacular.

For a slideshow of additional images from their super wedding, click HERE

memory xbox and happy new year

I decided to play around this eve and take some goofy photos for our 2007 holiday card. I think the nice, seasonal touches help make our obsessions not only seem normal, but downright inviting. Suddenly, I feel as though we've cheated my parents and Matt's mom. Instead of getting a cute card with a grandchild wearing a santa hat, they get this. I'll have to get them really good presents.

girls gone crafty

My mom and I love to make cards. It started out as something fun we could do together, and has gradually turned into a full-blown obsession. I swear, a few hours of making cards while chatting, drinking, and listening to dorky music, is better at stress relief than bikram yoga. Today, mom made some lovely cards with lots of yummy autumn colors. Typically, I don't like to make the same card twice since creating the design is my favorite part. However, I'm putting together packs of cards to give as gifts, so today I was a one-woman assembly line. I got a lot done and had a blast chillin' with mom.

Here's mom workin' hard in craft town

Two essential supplies for making great cards: wine and cheese!!