sweet caroline

No friend is safe. Everyone ends up in front of my camera at some point. Fortunately, I have so many pals who understand creative whims and support them with gusto. This lovely lady is my dear friend Caroline. Fabulous actress, skilled musician, beautiful soul. She was kind enough to "play photo" with me.

In these images, you'll notice three of my favorite things: Caroline, fake birds, and hats with veils. Represent!

I finally got to do the bird-in-cage shots! Woo hoo! Now I can get that wire thing out of the yard.

I can't take credit for the awesome bird hat. That's hers (she could open a costume shop with all her cool stuff).

THANKS CAROLINE!!! You're the bestest!

Amanda & Dom

He's a Brit. She's a Yank. They're in love. Amanda and Dom both have effortless smiles that show up often. That's what those of us around them get to see. If you look a little closer, you'll spot the special smiles and looks that they share only with each other. I was lucky to witness a little of bit of what they share while snapping some photos. She has a sassy side that I'm sure Dom knows better than anyone, and he has such a gentle way with her that I'm reminded that chivalry does still exist. What a fun day it was. I particularly enjoyed the first dance. Not only was it a Nina Simone song, but the choreography was awesome......there were lifts, people!! Congratulations Amanda & Dom, and thank you for allowing me to participate in your blissful day!

For a look at some of Amanda & Dom's wedding photos, click HERE

Marshall & Susan

Jed and Nikki are two good friends of me and my hubby. Jed wanted to do something really special for his parents, Marshall & Susan, for their 40th wedding anniversary. So, they planned a party. But this wasn't just any party. You see, Marshall & Susan met while serving in the Peace Corps. Because they were busy helping others in need, they had a very sweet, simple wedding ceremony without all the traditional rituals and pageantry. So, for the big anniversary party, Jed and his brother Henry flew in some out-of-state friends and even some of the friends their parents served with in the Peace Corps all those years ago......as a surprise.

As each surprise guest was announced, it was so wonderful to see the emotions between family and friends who had been apart for too long. It was a beautiful evening filled with laughter, tears, music, food, stories, and memories.

Happy Anniversary Marshall & Susan!!

For a slideshow of some of their images, click here

The next day, we all hung out at the pool and relaxed. That pool was not only fun, but offered some relief from the unrelenting Orlando heat. We had a good time splashin' around and being silly. Here are some of the poolside antics.

Jed and sweet little miss Leola Rose

Nikki and Leola chillin in the pool

We all got fake tattoos (Jed's is the real deal). Mine (not pictured) was an adorable dragon wrapped around a battle axe.

Super-sassy time!

Ozzy is a better swimmer as a toddler than I am now. It's a blast to watch him swim like crazy and then say "I did it!"

Katie & Matt

Katie is an adorable, bubbly gal and Matt is a sweet fun-lovin' guy. Their big day started at Sacred Heart Church in downtown Atlanta. The sun was shining through the stained glass and Katie walked down what seemed to be an endless aisle to her soon-to-be husband. After saying their "i-dos", everyone met at the Park Tavern in midtown and entered a giant tent lit up and decorated like something from a fairy tale. With the Atlanta skyline as their view, everyone ate, danced, and celebrated the start of Katie and Matt's new life together.

Tom & Kerry...Continued

Tom & Kerry continue their adventures traveling around Europe, and those of us here in Atlanta eagerly await some good stories upon their return. Their wedding photos are finished, and continue to remind me of the fantastic day they had. To me, this event was a prime example of an elegant, fun, intimate celebration. I can't wait to see the happy couple and share all the images with them. That is, if they decide to come back from their super-duper vacation!

To see some of Tom & Kerry's images in a slideshow, click HERE

"The Rick and The Rack"

That's their nickname (according to Denise). Rick and Denise are far from the traditional husband-and-wife-to-be, and I love that about them. They are planning quite a wedding, which will include an Elvis impersonator!!!

For their engagement shoot, they wanted to play around their home, which is the source of a lot of hard work and enjoyment for them. Rick sported a tux, and Denise wore a very Marilyn-esque white dress. She had some really fun ideas for shots, and happily kicked off her shoes when asked to jump around in the street. It was definitely lots of playtime with a little photo time mixed in. After the camera was put away, the wine came out and we chatted, laughed, and told stories for a while. These two are fun on wheels. I can't wait for the wedding!

The super-cool car had to get in on the action.

Denise gettin' all Tina Turner in the street.

Here comes the bride!!!!!!

If you'd like to see a slideshow with more of Denise & Rick's photos, click here

Project 365

I've been a bad, bad blogger. I'm not sure which is more neglected....my blog or my split ends. So, it's time to post some stuff (and get a haircut).

Even though I've been crazy busy (blah, blah, blah), I decided to start a 365 Project. There are a bunch of other photographers who are doing this too. It's where you take a photo a day for a year. Sounds easy? For me it's not, but I love that it pushes me to get out my camera and get my creative juices flowing. It's also a good excercise in not beating yourself up for taking a less-than-amazing photo.

I am gonna have to get some friends over soon though to pose, or there will be 300+ photos of my feet.

I'm only on "day 15", but here are a few of my favs so far.