Sisters - Apex, NC

“Childhood means simplicity. Look at the world with the child’s eye - it is very beautiful.”

— Kailash Satyarthi

When William told me he wanted to surprise Ashley with a photo session of their girls for Valentine's Day I was so excited! I love getting to be sneaky for the purposes of bringing someone joy. William snuck the girls out of school, bought new clothes for them and changed their outfits before we went on an adventure into the woods behind their neighborhood answering all of sweet Rylan's questions along the way. 

Rylan and I became instant BFFs. She introduced me to Hank the hippo, showed me all the books in her room, her favorite shoes (flip flops), showed me how she rides her bicycle, and even gave me the little flower on her bicycle at the end of the shoot! (I gave it back to William in secret later). She asked me to move in next door so we could have sleep overs. So adorable.  

Emery on the other hand...while equally adorable... preferred to show us just how quickly she could run in the other direction and do exactly the opposite of what we wanted every time. Lol. Gotta love the independence of an 18 month old. 

Here are a few of my favorites from the afternoon, hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

A Wedding Proposal at Pullen Park!

“When you meet the one who changes the way your heart beats, dance with them to that rhythm for as long as the song lasts”

— Kirk Dietrich

Ok. So. You know I love weddings. You know I love engagement sessions. But oh my goodness! I LOOVVVVEEE secret proposals where I get to plan and scheme with several people in on the secret and then hide in the bushes while it all plays out perfectly!!

When Matthew called me to see if this was something I'd be interested in I jumped at the thought, rearranging other things I'd had planned for the day and calling Damien to make sure he could video.  Matthew had arranged for his friend Trey to fly in from Atlanta to play the saxophone in the middle of Pullen Park while they were walking around and as they got closer to him he would switch songs to "You Are So Beautiful" and Matthew would pop the question. Damien and I would of course be capturing every moment from the bushes. 

Hollie was ecstatic! They were just supposed to be up here on a Valentine's getaway weekend and she had NO idea. It was amazing. As Damien, Trey and I ran around the area trying to get everything set up several people started asking what was going on and when I told them, THEY got excited and by the time Matthew and Hollie came around the corner there was a whole crowd of people waiting in anticipation for the moment and when she said, "Yes!" everyone erupted in applause! AMAZING!

Ok, without further ado, here's a few of my favorites from the big moment! 

Hollie's family was hiding in the bushes as well and came running to congratulate them. She was SO sweet with her dad, I almost couldn't see to shoot through the tears! I know I'm going to just be a hot mess during the father daughter dance at their wedding!

They both have purity rings and hers fits so perfectly with the new engagement ring. So sweet. I'm so glad we had some blooming trees to work with, the day was perfect in every way.

Gabriel Turns One!

“Girl, n. A giggle with glitter on it.
Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it.”

— Not Your Average Dictionary

Oh my goodness, I've been capturing memories for these two since little Noelle was still in her momma's belly. Now Gabriel is turning one and it's hard to imagine where the time went!

We planned this shoot months ago for the NC History Museum expecting it to be freezing outside so Gabe and Noelle could marvel at the dinosaurs and we could all stay a little warmer. That ended up not being necessary though; it's almost 80 degrees outside today! I will take it, love me some spring weather in the middle of winter! We ended up hanging out on the Capitol Building's lawn so we could include some green trees and grass with Gabe's one year balloons.

I just love how these two already love each other! Sometimes kiddos don't respond well to snuggling and kisses but Noelle was more than happy to stay right by her Gabe and make sure he could walk around without falling. I hope you enjoy a few of these favorites from this morning! 

The West Family Expecting! Pullen Park

“We do not remember days, we remember moments”

— Cesare Pavese

I have never had so much fun learning the gender of a new baby! Oh my goodness this joyful bunch could not be more surprised to find out that they're about to have a new little lady to brighten their lives even further. 

When Ivy said she wanted to reveal with a big box of balloons I was so happy! I love love love how children interact with balloons so I just knew Porter and Mary Elizabeth would be delighted. 

Mary Elizabeth was convinced they were going to be blue which made the rest of us think they would be too so we were all a little surprised at first then super excited! I can't wait to meet her you guys! You all have such great personalities, I know she'll fit right in and be so so loved and protected.   

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Best of 2016 Weddings and Engagements

“What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life – to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories.”

— George Eliot

After racing through the busiest season of my career followed by an intense family roller coaster of love, pain, joy, sorrow, death and new life, I am actually pretty excited to coast into this first week of the new year with little more to do than reflect on what has been good, what needs improvement and dream of all that might be in 2017. 

A.J. and I have had the incredible joy of meeting new couples whose love overflows for each other and makes our own love stronger from witnessing it. It never gets old. This will be my tenth year capturing love and memories for couples, and the lover-of-new-things within me thought I'd be tired of it by now.  But I can say with all the honesty I possess, I cannot get enough. 

When Jon teared up watching his beloved Abbie walk toward him in all her radiance, my heart exploded and I loved them both even more. When Heather and her dad, Bryan, shared a father-daughter first look through tears, light teasing and perfect joy I could barely see through my own tears to even capture the moment. When Alaria and Drew found themselves at the very end of the night surrounded by all their beloved friends whom they rarely got to see due to distance and the trajectory of their future I burst with happiness for them.

Watching our couples revel in each moment and knowing that they trusted us to capture each one for a lifetime of joyful memories brings me more joy than I know how to put properly into words. I'm excited to see who is going to walk into our path this year and to hear all the love stories that will undoubtedly make our own love continue to grow. 

Thank you for an incredible year!

The Mayhew Family at Jetton Park

“Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime full of adventures”

— Lewis Carroll

Amid all the Christmas festivities happening this week Brentlee, John and Hamptyn were able to get away with me for a sweet family session at Jetton Park. We're all so familiar with each other at this point that we fell right into the rhythm of play, laugh, smile, chase Hamptyn around, play some more, adventure, laugh and smile again. I love it.

Hamptyn has ever been fond of finding shiny new rocks to pick up, but this adventure also included leaves - which brought some of the biggest smiles we've seen yet. It makes me so happy when things we regularly take for granted light up a child with wonder and magic. She was always also just a few steps away from blazing her own trail through the forest with her daddy right on her heels. My favorites are always the ones keen on adventure. Love this little one so much, I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from the day. :)

Baby Viola!

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder”

— E.B. White

It is with all the joy I have that I'm able to share this story and these precious moments with the world! The first Viola grandbaby (and our first nephew) was born this week and we are all simply over the moon in love with him!

After a mournful but beautiful trip to Florida last week for the funeral of A.J.'s beloved grandmother (and another devastated trip just 3 weeks prior due to the destruction of Hurricane Matthew on the Viola Family Restaurant) we were more than a little surprised to get the call late Sunday night that Amber's water broke two weeks early and even more surprised to find that little Anthony graced the world with his presence just a few short hours later. We rushed down and haven't been able to keep ourselves away from him since. 

We might be a little biased, but we all think he is perfect in every way, his tiny little button nose down to his adorable baby toes. He rarely cries and that's only if he's unswaddled, he even sleeps right through all the boisterous Viola jokes and gradual volume increases as everyone talks over each other in classic Italian style. 

Amber and Tony have been so great with him of course, allowing instinct to guide them in knowing how to hold him and change his clothes, what each little sound means and the perfect amount of sway needed to rock him back to sleep.

Mr. and Mrs. V (now affectionately Grandma and Grandpa V) are simply awestruck. They argue over who gets to hold him next and for how long and they just stare at his little face without blinking, unable to get over the grandness of it all. All of us plan to thoroughly spoil him and I can't wait til he's old enough to adventure with me through the woods to find buried treasures or perhaps skydive...you know...just when he's ready ;) 

We're all so proud of you Tony and Amber! We'll be here right beside you the whole way if you need anything and you'll never have need of babysitters, I'm sure of it! Love you!

The Viola Boys. Does it get any cuter than this??

The Goodwin Family at Treyburn Country Club

“Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life”

— Lisa Weedn

Dennis and I met at Iron Tribe a couple months ago and became fast friends. (Something that seems to keep happening with all the people I meet there, it's such a great community) :) Dennis always has such a great attitude though and is fun to work out with; when he asked about extended family portraits I knew we'd be a great fit. 

Their new home at Treyburn Country Club was the perfect backdrop with it's gorgeous course and the beautiful forest in their backyard. I'm so glad they were finally able to move in this year after a few construction set backs. It's truly breathtaking. 

I hit it off with Taylor right away. 10 years ago she packed a couple bags and moved to Denver to see what adventure awaited her and hasn't looked back since. Definitely my kind of gal. :) She met her love there and they'll be having their first little in April. When they arrive, he or she will have the best bunch of older cousins to guide them. Chase and Patrick's crew really know how to have a good time. Of course little Carter stole the show with his super fun personality and amazing laugh. Dennis and Jeannie you have an amazing family! Hope you enjoy a few of these favorites from the day!

I must say I've never had this many adults participating in leaf tossing schnanigans, but I am a HUGE fan. I think the adults had more fun than the kids!

The Jaworski Family on Beech Mountain

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.”

— Helen Keller

So, I must say, hangin at the cabin with the Jaworski's was incredibly fun. From the moment I walked in it was hugs all around as if I'd known them forever. (Technically Stephanie and I went to undergrad together *gulp* TEN years ago, but I hadn't met the rest of the fam yet). I immediately felt at home though, Matt was offering me coffee from the get go and when I told him I didn't actually like coffee he went out of his way to find and make some hot chocolate and brought it out to me while I was adventuring around with Steve and Ashley's family.

THEN there was this location! I know I was 'born and raised' as they say in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but this view never gets old. There were so many great spots around the cabin and when we found a hidden teepee in the middle of the woods I knew a serious adventure was about to begin.

I loved every one of these kiddos right away. Each set of siblings and the cousins had great relationships, happy to snuggle and inviting each other to participate in the adventuring. Tyler was so sweet as he consistently followed instructions and helped each of his siblings over the rocks. I'm also pretty sure Jensen and Luke must be related to me somehow. Never without a stick or paper airplane at the ready, they were the first to jump into each next adventure, unafraid to scale the rocks and walk right into the teepee even though we said it might have bears in it. Then Jensen gave me a hug before I left and I melted. I'll telling ya, the more little people give me hugs on photo shoots, the more they grow on me.  

You guys thank you so much for letting me participate in your holiday adventure! I hope you enjoy some of these favorites from the day! 

The Errato Family at Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden

A.J. and I have a special relationship with Maureen and Nick as we were able to guide them through pre-marital counseling a few years ago when A.J. officiated their wedding. We thought they were perfect for each other then and we think they are perfect for each other now. While their lives are immensely complicated, between acting and modeling with no less than six children to love; they are never without huge smiles on their faces and words of encouragement on their lips.

I was blown away when I piled them into their first photo and it went from happy chaos to eight instant smiles. Then it happened again and again. These cute kiddos are well prepped for a future in the biz if they want it. 

Today also happened to be Maureen's birthday! I can't imagine a better birthday plan than a photoshoot, a meal together and seeing 'Fantastic Beasts.' (Therefore we chose to do exactly the same thing...it was amazing in case you were wondering) ;)

I hope you enjoy a few of these favorites from the day! 

Fall Sessions

“Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future”

— Corrie Ten Boom

I don’t typically blog my smaller sessions because I can get the images delivered to my families faster without it, but when you have several in the same weekend it seems reasonable to me to just have a Mini-Party and blog them together! That said, here are some of my favorites:

From Saturday afternoon’s session at Historic Yate’s Mill: The Brown Family

From Sunday morning’s session at Lake Crabtree: The Polin/Hescock Family

And from Sunday afternoon’s session at Pullen Park: The Hutchinsom Family

The Ritch Family in Downtown Raleigh

“Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it”

— Danny Kaye

I don’t think I’ve ever had the pleasure of shooting a more creative and adventurous bunch than these three. From casual sessions in parks and back yards to a Pin Up-themed garage session to a colorful event at the NC State Fair, Courtney always keeps me on my toes with her next big idea and I’m always super excited to participate in the fun. 

This year’s theme was winter in the city. They got bundled up in these adorable peacoats and scarves and we played around with some Beatles-esque album covers and sipped hot chocolate while trying to keep our fingers from going numb. Starting at sunrise provided the perfect cold weather to make the peacoats not only comfortable, but essential for warmth. They are ready to welcome the winter season and I’m excited to show some of these fun images! 

The Arthur Family at Durant Nature Park

“I sustain myself with the love of family”

— Maya Angelou

I feel like I've known the Arthur's and especially Leslie for a decade. They are one of the kindest families you could ever know. Leslie spends her time at Lifepointe Church serving the community in a myriad of ways. She is never without a kind word on her lips and genuinely cares about everyone she serves. 

David tends to deal more in numbers and things I could never understand but it is always for the purpose of serving people and helping in amazing ways. 

Hannah who has always had a shy love of music (even though she is an amazing singer) has also recently discovered a love of cross country. Leslie and David fully support her of course and we're all amazed at what she's accomplished in her first year on the team. 

Their dog Tucker is just the sweetest! We were able to take portraits with him a couple years ago and he is as sweet as ever! I hope you guys enjoy a few of my favorites from the day, I had so much fun!

Carter Turns Two! Seagroves Farm Park

I don't typically write blogs for mini sessions because I can deliver the images faster without it, but I just couldn't resist, they're just so stinkin cute! Look at little Carter's shoes! 

Carter is a lover of turtles, the kind you can feed at the pond as well as Squirt from Finding Nemo...he might have been the most adorable Squirt on the planet for halloween...just sayin. He is also a lover of people and all animals. He didn't know a single stranger at the park, said hello to every person tried to hug every pup. I might have also melted when I went to give him a high five as we were leaving and he hugged me and gave me a big sloppy kiss on the cheek! The. Best. <3

Hope you guys enjoy a few of these favorites! 

Sloane Turns Two! Pullen Park

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

— Angela Schwindt

This morning started off a little crazy as I was traveling to Pullen Park for little Sloane's two year birthday photo session. Apparently the City of Oaks Marathon thought glowy sunrise light was good for race atmosphere. At every turn I was blocked until a nice police officer told me it was not possible to get to Pullen from downtown. Yikes! Fortunately A.J. came to the rescue and was able to reroute me and all was well. 

Before we had even taken our first photo though, we were welcomed by a lone goose who thought it would be fun to follow us around, this was a perfect birthday gift for Sloane who loves animals. She just talked to him and we decided he must be turning two today as well and wanted to participate in the festivities. 

I've had so much fun capturing memories for Kathryn and Thomas for the past six years, they have become part of our family and I'm excited for what the future has in store for them. Hope you enjoy a few of these favorites!  

You gotta love a little lipstick on the cheek <3

The Pace Family at the NC Museum of Art

This morning's brisk session at the NC Museum of Art was so fun with this sweet family of adventurers. I love it when knowing one amazing family leads you to meeting another amazing family which leads you to another... This world is just so big, it's amazing how small it can feel. 

This bunch loves to be outdoors and often explores the grounds of NCMA (three times this weekend actually!) Little Ellie even loves rock climbing already and was all too willing to climb any tree or wall or big rock we came across. I love that they encourage that in her, she's going to be so strong when she gets older. 

I hope you guys enjoy a few of my favorites from the day! 

Jordan and Alex Engaged! Fisher Farm Park - Davidson, NC

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage”

— Lao Tzu

These two have loved each other for a very long time, though I think perhaps neither of them knew it until little Joslyn arrived brimming with laughter, whipping out crazy dance moves and belting silly songs at the top of her lungs all while donning an elegant princess dress. 

They were both doing fine on their own with and without each other, but when Joslyn wrapped her little finger around both their hearts, she tied them together in a way that can't be broken. I've never seen the three of them so happy and it gives me great joy that they'll be tying the knot next year. 

Jordan is one of the strongest and bravest women I've ever known. She has faced multiple challenges in the few years I've known her but she's made all the best decisions, conquered her fears and is setting an amazing example of what it means to be a woman to her little Joslyn. I'm so proud of you Jordan, and can't wait to see what this next adventure has in store for you. I know it'll make you even stronger. 

Curiosity and imagination at it's finest. We told her there was a butterfly inside the camera, and if she got really close she could see it...she could :)

The Buscemi Family at Wallace Wade Stadium

“You’ll learn, as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it.”

— Mandy Hale

When Meme said Mike had access to Duke University's Stadium the "yes!" burst out of my mouth faster than I could type it back to her in an email. I've never had the opportunity to shoot in a stadium before, so this was an awesome first experience. As Mike pulled up to greet me in a golf cart, I knew an adventure was about to take place. What I didn't realize was that he had access to Duke Chapel and Duke Gardens as well, so of course we adventured in the golf cart to all three. 

Little James wasn't so sure about everything at first, but ended up having so much fun. What one year old wouldn't want to celebrate in style on Brooks Field?!? We may or may not have found ourselves in one or two places we weren't exactly supposed to be but I won't tell if you won't. ;)

They both said they are looking forward to his next season of being able to walk - which means the adventure is just beginning. Can't wait to see what you'll discover James! Hope you guys enjoy looking through a few of my favorites from the day!

The Fleming Family at Fred Fletcher Park

“When love is a habit, joy is a reflex.”

— Bob Goff

A.J. and I met Gorden at our gym a couple months ago and instantly knew we liked him. You know, some people you just like right away and you can't explain it. When he asked me to take family portraits for them, I couldn't wait to meet the rest of his family and they did not disappoint!

Kelly was quick to welcome me with a big hug right away and by the end of the shoot inviting us over for dinner. They both have such big hearts and you feel loved immediately in their presence. 

That is not unnoticed by their 4 amazing kiddos. Ware and Caroline Gray were both quick to help their younger siblings get into place and make sure they adjusted Hunt's hair and Bess' cute dress. They helped them when they wanted to climb the stairs... and the tree...and the wall...and the porch... you get the idea, love came effortlessly. 

Hunt and Bess are little fireballs of energy, never without a huge smile on their face, and always ready for the next adventure...very much my kind of (little) people. 

I had so much fun exploring Fletcher Park with you guys! I hope you enjoy looking back through some of my favorites from the day! 

The Guilfoyle Family at MacGregor Downs

“Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold”

— Zelda Fitzgerald

This day included so much perfection, I can hardly stand it! Kristi and Mike had access to the golf course at MacGregor Downs Country Club and asked about shooting there. I was, of course, ecstatic! Not only because I love shooting in new locations, but LOOK at it! Exquisite golf courses, beautiful landscaping, every spot we chose was perfect. 

The flowers they brought were a fantastic compliment to their beautiful dresses, the weather was amazing and and we were able to play in between holes as various golfers teed off around us. Mike said he has been playing golf for 27 years, it was actually one of the reasons they moved here, so this was an excellent setting for them. 

I actually feel like I've been friends with Kristi since we first started chatting about the shoot a few months ago, she is an amazing encourager and loves Keira and Mike so much. 

Keira was just so much fun right out of the car, we became fast friends and she even gave me a huge hug when we were finished. I melted. Can't wait to hang out with you guys again! I hope you enjoy looking back through these images!