Emi and Franklin Engaged! - Knoxville Wedding Photographer

I have to admit that I had not met Emi or Franklin before this shoot.  We were referred to each other by a mutual friend.  Gotta love those referrals!   I had only spoken on the phone with Emi a few times. When I finally met her for the shoot, she was the same sweet optimist in person. From the moment I arrived, Emi and Franklin were upbeat, ready to hit the road, or rather grass, on their tandem bike! Spending an evening with these two was like playing outside with my neighborhood friends after school when I was younger.  It was nothing but fun, silliness, and exploration until the sun went down. Emi and Franklin have such a playful friendship and undying devotion to one another, it's exactly what you hope for in a relationship.  I can't wait to see what life brings them as they continue their journey together as husband and wife!  Also, a HUGE thanks to the Smith's for allowing us to use their farm for this shoot and for their upcoming wedding in a MONTH!  It's almost here!

Franklin's tongue is hangin' out! LOL! I think he's doing all the work!

Honeymoon's over, Franklin . . . Emi's found a new stallion.  haha!

Rossini Festival - Knoxville Event Photographer

I am really exhausted for a Monday . . . not a great way to start the week.  I have come to the conclusion that as long as I'm married to Nathan, I will never be overweight or stupid.  haha! Boot camp began friday night the instant Nathan walked through the door.  Before I could blink, I found myself walking around Lakeshore Park.  From there we went grocery shopping until about 10 PM.  

Once we got home, Nathan and I made a pizza from scratch . . . which was REALLY good.  The ingredients were pesto sauce, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh red peppers, olives, spinach, feta and parmesan cheese.  The next morning Nathan went to work until noon.  From there I met up with the ole bugger downtown for the Rossini Festival, Knoxville's italian festival.  We had a great time walking around listening to local musicians, watching craftsmen, people watching, and of course eating.  Although it was an italian festival, we opted for some greek food.  From there Nathan and I parted ways.  He went to the gym and I went home to do some work.  Later that evening Nathan took me to the bookstore and then to see the movie "earth" by disney.  It was essentially like the discovery channel's "Planet Earth" episodes.  Actually, it had a lot of the same footage.  Nonetheless, a tree was planted in our honor for watching the movie opening week.  Sunday felt just as busy.  Nathan somehow convinced me to go to this "Body Pump" class at the gym!  This is basically an aerobics class with weights.  So there I am . . . all 97 pounds of me pumping some iron with the "meatheads." And when I mean "iron," I mean the bar with maybe a pound plate on each side.  Honestly, there's no point in over doing it.  After the vigorous workout, Nathan and I went for another walk around Lakeshore Park.  By this time we were starving so we came home and made a hawaiian chicken dinner.  And for dessert I made a pineapple upside-down cake.  It was my first one.  I was so proud of myself :)  

Anyhow, here are a few pics from the festival:  

Wire trees . . . neat, huh?

I love this girl!  She was singing all my favorite classic love songs!  She's only 13 and already sings like a star! Her name is Logan Murrell.

Sitting outside "Coffee and Chocolate" . . . gotta support those locals!

I told Nathan that belly dancing would be my next endeavor! He laughed and said, "Absolutely not." I'm not sure if he was trying to say that I wouldn't be any good or that he just didn't want to finance another one of my great ideas. hmm???

Nothing like a street full of children giving themselves an enema

LOL!

Model Night! - Knoxville Photographer

Early this week I got together with some fellow photographers for a low light/night shoot.  We felt so lucky to have such great models to photograph! Each girl came out ready to put her best face forward despite the night's creeping cold.  I loved their different personalities and finding a way to portray what makes them unique through my camera! And, of course, the city of Knoxville gave its best for a few night shots.  Here are a few pictures from the evening:

It was getting a little cold . . . haha

A Warm Day Requires a Little of This!

Today feels so hot to me! I guess it's just because I'm not use to the warm weather yet.  Maybe I should try a little mini-skirt action.  I'm about to rip off these jeans! Ahh! As I've been finishing up the edits on Brantley and Jen's E-Session, I wanted to post one last picture from their session . . . very appropriate for this warm Spring day!

Heather and Ryan - Chattanooga Wedding Photographer

A few months ago I met up with Heather and her mother to discuss wedding packages.  I was so excited to see Heather and to hear about this wonderful man she had met!  Heather and I actually go way back to junior high/high school.  Although we never really hung out in the same group of friends, you pretty much get to know everyone over the course of 6 years through class.  Did I mention this was an all girls school?  I know!  We actually survived and we're able to find men!  LOL!  Anyway, after Heather told me about Ryan, how they met, and how he proposed, I knew it was true love!  I love how Heather allows God to lead, giving Him control of what is meant to be.  Easter Sunday my husband and I finally got to meet Ryan and Heather together.  Ryan was an absolute riot!  He was crackin' everyone up!  Heather and Ryan have such a charming and natural relationship.  I'm so glad these sweet spirits found one another.  I'm honored to be photographing their wedding this August! 

One can dream! - Knoxville Photographer

I could pray that my mid-life crisis comes sooner than later but that wouldn't be very practical.

Oh well . . . (sigh).  

Easter Celebration! - Cleveland Photographer

Last Sunday was a busy but fun day!  My husband's family met up with my family at church, which was very exciting for me because Nathan's parents had never seen the church where my papaw used to preach! Mom led the song service, played the flute during communion, and then conducted the choir in their Easter cantata.  I know . . . she has MANY talents.  After church everyone met at my parent's house for Easter dinner.  It was so nice to have Nathan's grandfather, we call him dee-daddy, to join us for church and dinner too.  This man is amazing!  He is 88 years old and more "with it" than I am when it comes to history and current events.  I think my husband must get his smarts from him :) 

After dinner Nathan and I headed down to Chattanooga to meet up with Heather and Ryan who had flown in from D.C. for their engagement session.  I'm so excited about their pictures so check back soon to see a sneak peek of the couple.  Anyhow, here are a few pictures from the day:

Pre-dinner play time with Zoe, mamaw's poodle!

Appetizer provided by Nathan's mom!

The dining room

Pork loin

Potatoes

Vegetables

My mother, always the perfect hostess :) I think I'll always remember her this way.

Dee-daddy and my mamaw . . . I love old people!

Coconut-Pineapple Cake! I could eat 100!