Shhhhh!!

A couple of months ago a husband messaged me asking me to capture his wife's surprise 40th birthday - of course I was so excited for this opportunity and couldn't say no!  But I had no idea just how amazing this celebration would be!

  

                    The "Surprise Face"                           The "Oh-my-gosh-you-were-in-on-this-Face"

 The "Oh man they're gonna make me wear a crown" face...

 Realizing she could totally rock the crown :)

These three had a lot to do with pulling this party off! 

 Such a sweet moment of prayer between husband and wife.

 Everyone took some time during the party to write down encouraging words or special thoughts for the birthday girl, then they went around the room and shared them.  This was my favorite part of the whole celebration.  It was such a sweet time, there were many tears shed, and it was such a touching time to be a part of this moment and be able to capture it for Nickie!

 Happy Birthday Nickie!

 And a HUGE shout out to the man responsible for pulling off the best surprise ever... and honoring his wife in such a sweet way - this couple is truly amazing!

Thanks for letting me in on your special celebration Haas family!!

Two More Miracles

I was completely honored when the Gabriels asked me to photograph their little baby bump!  I've known Amber since before that bump appeared, and knowing the story behind it all makes me tear up just a bit even to look through my lens and see those two tiny lives growing and thriving inside!  

We can't wait to meet the sweet little boy and girl when they come into the world this August, but until then, the little baby bump, and the adorable big sister will happily fill my frame!  I only hope we're still around when the twins decide to make their arrival!  

   

Thanks Amber and Doug, for allowing me the honor of being a part of such a miracle in your lives. :) 

Dear Gabriel Twins- grow and get healthy and make sure you're ready to come into this world... and if you would be so kind as to come before we leave for Africa, I'd love to get my lens on you!! :)

From All Corners...

... or at least two of them!  It was fun meeting up in central Charlotte with the Johnson family, their kids and their grandkids traveling from South Charlotte for the shoot.  It was a pleasure to meet them all and despite the large number of people, it was a super fun and laid back shoot!  Here are a few of my favorites!

Thanks for letting me capture your family Kip & Bruce! :)

Capturing a Miracle

Every time I have the privilege of capturing an event at Freedom House I get excited.  Excited about capturing the moment, really getting the mood and feel of the event captured with an image or two... or sixty.  :)

But on this day it was more than an event.  It was a miraculous exchange between believers and God.  

It was belief that there is more to this world than what we see  in the present.

It was faith that if each person, each one would do their part, would be a part of the many, that we could change the city, and even reach across the world.  

This was Liberty 2013.

      

It was kids.  Fundraising.  Doing chores. Cracking into their piggy banks to give. To give toward wells being dug in India (via Joyce Meyer Ministries).  

         

To give toward the architectural drawings for their new building full of classrooms that will soon reside next to the main church building. 

It was worship.  Not just music.  But get-in-your-face-see-the-power-of-God worship.  

   

  

But mostly, it was about sacrifice and positioning.  Positioning oneself to catch the next big thing God has ready for us.  Making that sacrifice to get in the perfect position to receive the next step God's plan.

And the stories that abound from this miraculous event are endless.  I have two of my own, one of which occurred the same day we gave our offering, our sacrifice.  And the miracle that came from us placing that money in God's hands is worth far more than the amount written on that check.  Times a hundred million.  And it's not just our story.  It's each and every person that gave, and continues to give sacrificially, with a cheerful heart, expectant and positioning themselves to see God move - it's their stories.  And I got to capture this tiny glimpse of it.  And for that, I am thankful.  Humbled.  And thankful.  

Welcome Baby!

I was super excited to hear that shortly after our trip to Africa together, our good friend Aimee was expecting her second little one!  Then I was bummed because they were expecting him to arrive while we were scheduled to be back in Africa.  Well, you can imagine my glee when baby Benton decided to wait until we got home to introduce himself to the world!
Welcome baby Benton!!

I may have a small fetish with baby toes - I mean, they're just so wittle and cute! :)

   

 Love this beautiful family!!

Time for the 2's!

When I was teaching still there were three of us that were all pregnant very close to each other, so it's been really neat to be able to photograph all the babies and see them all grow.  It's hard to believe that all our babies are two now!
Here's some of my favorites from my session with the Mattingly family:

  

  

 Welcome to two Harrison!