Enjoy 9 Months {Montgomery, AL Baby Photography}

I think the 9-month session is my favorite in the baby's first year. They are interacting and sitting up and growing into their own little unique personalities. I had so much fun with this little sweetie when she came recently for her session. Mom had the cutest little outfit for her!




Sweet big sister is always so helpful!



As the day heated up quickly, I was glad to be able to move inside to complete her session.




Her full gallery of images is uploading, so this is just a little sneak peek for mom and dad of what is in store for them later today. Enjoy!

Enjoy Bridals {Montgomery AL Bridal Portraits}

I've had to keep these bridal portraits tucked safely away until Andrea's wedding yesterday, but now I am so excited to post a few of them! This was Andrea's choice for her enlargement which was displayed at the reception.



And here are a few more of my favorites:




And this series was so much fun and is so much like Andrea! I love it!



Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Heath Sexton. Wedding blog will follow in about 2 weeks!

Enjoy Next Steps {Montgomery, AL Photography}

This is year 4 of a 5-year business plan I began, well, 4 years ago. I have tried to take each step cautiously and have been so blessed by this adventure called "being a photographer." I've checked off one of the big goals this year: passing the Professional Photographic Certification Commission requirements to be a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP).

Now, it's time for the next step.

Since April 16th plans have quickly been falling into place to open a studio. Today I signed a lease for a suite of offices in the Historic Bell Building in Downtown Montgomery. This is the main studio room, with beautiful natural lighting:



as proven by this picture taken earlier this week with no flash, no studio lights, and no color correction.



While I will continue to offer location photography, the studio will offer much needed space for rainy day (or 105-degree day) relocation as well as traditional studio photography. The suite offers additional space that will be dedicated to low-key photography, consultations, and a changing room. There will also be a seating area. And I have two wonderful associates who will be with me in this venture. When the vision comes together, it will be a lovely place to visit.

The location of the Historic Bell Building is within walking distance of beautiful locations for photography at the Riverfront Park, Alley Station area, and Union Station.

I'm very excited about the possibilities. I'm looking forward to posting samples of studio sessions in the next couple of weeks and really getting some hot summer introductory collections together for you :)

Enjoy Being 2 {Montgomery, AL Children's Photography}

It was a pleasure to see Miss Hadley again to document the important milestone of being 2.



She is a well-loved little girl with the sweetest, calmest mom & dad ever.



It was a big play date for Hadley...



but the heat, humidity, Smarties, and running was worth it all for these two captures:



They just make my heart stop!



Thank you, mom & dad, for the delightful session. The remainder of Miss Hadley's gallery is uploading and will be available to view tomorrow morning.

Hill-Ward Wedding {Montgomery, AL Wedding Photography}

Jessica and Danny were married in a beautiful celebration recently at First Baptist Church in Montgomery. Here are just a few of my favorite images from their special day.























After the beautiful ceremony, Jessica and Danny were off in style for their reception at Montgomery's Visitors Center at Union Station.



Instead of the traditional bride's cake, they had a yummy cupcake selection.



And this groom's cake was nothing short of phenomenal!



Although I totally agreed with Jessica's reaction to it:)



Jessica had some great ideas for the traditional reception events. Instead of throwing her bouquet, she gave it to the couple present who had been married the longest. She then asked them for their advice. Their wise reply was to always put Jesus first.

I have often wondered why we continue the garter and bouquet toss at weddings because it is so hard to get people to participate. Jessica had the perfect solution -- she had light-weight boxes with gift certificates inside and all the men and all the women were invited to try to catch it in turn. Talk about your crowd participation!!



After the fun-filled reception, Jessica and Danny exited in a flurry of flag-waving well wishers.



Jessica and Danny, your gallery is uploading and should be online for you to view and enjoy this weekend. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek of what is in store for you.



Many thanks to Jeri Gulsby for assisting, helping photograph, and being the good-natured pack mule for this wedding.

The delicious cupcakes were provided by Cooper Cupcakes of Montgomery, Alabama.



And this unforgettable groom's cake was designed and prepared by Kaysie Lackey, owner & chef, of The People's Cake.

Enjoy Nashville

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Nashville, Tennessee. I stayed locked in my hotel room most of the time preparing for the professional photographer's certification test. After I got that behind me I enjoyed a couple of Nashville's beautiful parks. These are a few snaps from the Bicentennial Capitol Mall.

I couldn't resist a self-portrait in the 18,000 lb granite globe floating on 1/8 inch of water. It is part of the WWII Memorial. The lines from Tennessee show the mileage to different places connected to the war. Please note: the roundness of the globe makes me look larger than I really am ;)



This is a detail from the River Walk. There are 31 water fountains - one for each of the main waterways in Tennessee - and the granite wall with inscriptions about the waterways.



Old columns from Tennessee State Capitol:





And the most delightful part of the visit ... the 95-bell carillon representing Tennessee's musical heritage. I was walking around the park and suddenly heard them ring out "Love Me Tender." It was beautiful. I tried to ask a tour guide how often that happened and he said only at 10:00. Not sure he understood my question. He was definitely not from Tennessee!





If I lived in Nashville I'd definitely be tempted to schedule a few portrait sessions here.