Erin and Jeremy Engaged! - Chattanooga Wedding Photographer

Two weeks ago I met up with Erin and Jeremy for their e-session! We kept it classy by meeting up at McDonald's.  After getting into my car, we circled around a few hot spots along the river walk.  I have to be honest . . . I wasn't sure exactly where I was taking them.  I'm pretty sure they caught on.  LOL! Seriously, things look different when you're riding bikes on the river walk and not driving to it! That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.  The good news: I got to play catch up and learn a little more about Jeremy since it was my first time meeting him.  Erin and I met in college and are sorority sisters . . . so, of course, I already knew I liked her :)  And I give Jeremy an A+ for being such a great sport being all lovey-dovey for pictures in 92 degree heat! Much love to both! Here are a few of my FAVS:

Emma and Joey Married! - Chattanooga Wedding Photographer

A few weeks ago I was honored to be a GUEST at Emma and Joey's wedding!  My husband and I have been friends with this couple for quite some time.  They are absolutely perfect for each other and individually some of the best people we know.  I cannot believe how emotional I was during their ceremony!  I thought, "Oh Lord . . . make these tears stop!"  The moment Emma rounded the corner with her father, it was all over for me.  Emma was trying to keep it together as her dad escorted her down the aisle using a walker and leg braces.  Emma looked completely dolled up . . . which I'm not used to seeing.  I mean it was her wedding day but still.  The whole thing was so emotionally overwhelming, I completely fell apart!  Although I did not take any pictures during the ceremony, I was able to snap a few at their reception at the Country Place Restaurant . . . which by the way has AMAZING food!  I only brought my camera body (no flash unit) and my smallest/most convenient lens so that is why there is more grain in these pictures.  However, I actually like the way these pictures turned out.  I made a quick SLIDESHOW for Emma and Joey using one of my favorite (non-modern) love songs . . . I can't help it . . . this song makes me want to fist pump the air!

First dance

Love this one!

Father-daughter dance . . . I could have burst into tears again!

I love these tender moments with dad (a favorite part of weddings for me).

Love the light on Emma's face!

  My heart is falling apart right now!

Mother-son dance . . . 

Hello! Time for the garter toss!

Our friend Tank trying to give the garter away.  I'm not quite sure what he is saying to this young boy but I'm sure it went something like this:

"Simba, everything you see exists together in a delicate balance.  As king, you need to understand to balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant, to the leaping antelope, blah, blah, blah"

AND CUE ELTON JOHN'S "CIRCLE OF LIFE!"

Atta boy!

Sophie Turns 3! - Cleveland Pet Photographer

Last month Sophie turned the big 3!  For her birthday present, mom told Sophie that she'd take her to Petco to get a new toy.  Sophie thought she better seal the deal buy ripping her ducky to shreds!  LOL! She looks cuddly but she's a real tiger with her toys.

You're goin' down ducky!!!

That's right . . . I'm gonna get you!

No one can save you now . . .

Oh wait! Please hold . . . (cue elevator music)

That's right ducky . . . it's SO over!

Squirrel? Where?

Aerial view: God bless the fallen! (Cue trumpets and American flag waving in air)

Emi and Franklin Married! - Knoxville Wedding Photographer

Well, here I am awake at almost 2 am.  I am quite determined to get this blog post finished today, which is actually tomorrow . . . which makes me a day late.  I have been sifting through LOTS of pictures ALL day trying to decide what I want to post.  Emi and Franklin's wedding was absolutely FABULOUS! In fact, once the night was over, I couldn't sleep (shocker) because I was on such a high!

First of all, this was probably one of the most creative, "do-it-yourself" weddings I have seen. There's something very appealing about a "homemade" wedding.  Emi's grandmother made all the bouquets and flower arrangements! The bridesmaids were told to where a yellow or blue dress of their choice.  Yep, no designated bridesmaids' dresses.  Hairstylist . . . friend.  Emi's veil . . . her grandmother's.  Wedding coordinator . . . friend.  Music . . . ipod.  Live music . . . friends.  And the Smith's provided their home and farm (Living Hope Farm) for the wedding site . . . absolutely beautiful and well-maintained!  It was GREAT!  Being the hired help, I felt honored to be part of it all!

I have been going on and on about how moving Emi and Franklin's ceremony was for the last few weeks.  The ceremony is held outside under the blue sky.  Emi makes her way over the grassy green hill.  Standing at the aisle are her two fathers (biological and step) ready to give her away.  Emotions are running high.  Franklin's face beams the moment he set eyes on his bride-to-be.  And as Emi's fathers give her away, tears roll down her mother and grandfather's face.  Emi and Franklin join hands and the ceremony begins.  Guests have been prepared to sing a few worship songs with Emi and Franklin.  As the singing begins, the wind blows, carrying the Spirit through the audience.  Hands are in the air!  As I walk around the ceremony site, trying to get as many angles as possible, I find myself singing the words to a song that I don't even know.  The ceremony continues to the moment Franklin lifts up Emi's veil.  She falls into his arms and Franklin romantically kisses Emi.  Sigh . . . 

All guests then make their way to the tent for some BBQ and fun! I urge everyone to check out the slideshow!  Here are a few favorites from the day:

Emi . . . getting ready.  I love the quiet moment.

Emi's grandmother's veil

So happy . . .

The cows joined the guys for some pre-ceremony pics! haha! 

Nathan took the following picture as I hitched a ride over to the ceremony site with the guys!

This was a seriously bumpy ride but the guys made it fun! 

The flowergirl and ring-bearer . . . he was carrying a bird's nest.  TOO CUTE!

Can't get enough of them!

Emi's majestic entrance over the hill!

Emi's grandfather's reaction as she is given away : (  Made me think of my own papaw who watches over me from heaven now.

I loved that I caught this moment! There's such a peace and comfort in this picture.

Man and wife baby!

If they were a boy band . . . this would be the album cover.  LOL!  So much fun!

I loved watching these girls get ready.  It was like they were all four years old, getting ready for a tea party! They all had fishnet gloves, little veils, and chunky jewelry.  Such DIVAS!!! :)

First dance . . .

Grandmom needs to party!  LOL!  She's been workin' hard on those flowers!

Best man caught the garter! Hilarious!

The ceremony site after fireworks and sparklers!

Andrea: Boudoir Shoot - Chattanooga Photographer

A few weeks ago, Andrea came over for a boudoir shoot.  A month or so prior, Andrea and her husband met me for a couple's love shoot.  I love having return clients! They have been so much fun to work with and allow me to experiment! Anyway, Andrea and I had a blast at her shoot that lasted several hours . . . maybe it was the wine. LOL!  Andrea was so great in front of the camera! I can't wait til she shows her husband all the REALLY good stuff.  Adam bought Andrea this shoot as a gift to her because it was something that she always wanted to do.  Whateva Adam! This was a present to YOU! haha! Andrea, what can I say??? You're HOT!

This was taken while she took a jacuzzi, bubble bath . . . so fun!

The many saucy faces of Andrea . . . love it!

Gotta have some thigh-highs!