I had so much fun meeting this family. They are beautiful and so sweet! This is Audrey at about 2 weeks.
This just melts my heart. 
And this one too.
This is Dodger who loves to play with that red ball.
Mom and Dad time with baby Audrey.
So sweet....
Getting a smooch from grandma!
Silly face and sweet face. Welcome to the world Audrey!
Sweet little Maggie just six days old napping on the porch in her momma’s arms. Welcome to this earth sweet baby!
Check out more sweet earth babies here!
Meet Nibbles. Nibbles came to our neighborhood last year looking for a family to love him. He found a few nice people on one street block who fed him, named him and welcomed him on their porch but no one really claimed him as part of their family. Nibbles was a skinny, not neutered, whinny kitty. Then one day he took a trip to another street block, this time by the lake where birds, raccoons and ground hogs abound. He happened upon a really nice lady who took him in, gave him shelter, a safe place, took him to the vet where it was found he had worms. This explained why he ate so much and never gained weight. She had him neutered and now Nibbles is relaxed, enjoys the air conditioning in the hot summer and the deck in the cooler weather. He has also learned to sing. Well, it may not sound like singing to the human ear but he for sure gets out there and belts a tune that maybe the raccoons understand or the birds or the groundhogs, not sure. The one thing I am sure about is this kitty is very happy and is cute as a button!
This past Saturday among the threat of inclement weather, Lola and Sid celebrated their marriage with 250 friends and family at Aden Branch Farm in Fairview, Tennessee. The day started out not bad weather wise. I know that here in Old Hickory it was party cloudy skies and as I sat with my friends Seana and Michael at their home Saturday morning for the annual Historic Old Hickory Village home tour, I noticed folks walking in, sweating…. the only thing worse for me than rain is hot, muggy, damp weather! This day also brought challenges of a sick dog and finally storms moving across the area. On my way down to Fairview, about an hour from my house, I traveled through rain, thunder, crazy lightening! But this was good because this was all that the wedding location and folks involved had to deal with. There were other little hitches but in the end those things do not matter, everything works out and the bride and groom get married. I just have to say that these two are so perfect together… both have lovely smiles and their faces just light up when they see each other.
Aden Branch Farm is Lola’s family farm. The hill where Lola and Sid tied the knot overlooks the barn, house, pastures, woods and 200 plus year old cabin. Lola wrote in the wedding program, “At the end of a long day of riding, my mother and I would often ride our horses to this field and let them race up the hill. The horses galloped to the corner where, out of running room, they stopped and turned, as if to survey the expanse of the farm below them. Over the sound of their blowing, my mother would talk to me about our connection with each other and this land, our sanctuary. That sense of spirituality in the outdoors is one that Sid and I share.”
I present the sneak peek for the couple and their family and friends! Also, the doggy is feeling much better!
Lola and Sid after their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs.-- such a great connection!
Lola's present to Sid, a sterling belt buckle. Sid was beside himself!!
The dress and bride's boots.
The ladies wore dress shoes for the ceremony and then changed into their boots. These are real cowgirl boots!
Amazingly simple floral arrangements by the Tulip Tree graced the tables. This is birch bark covering a clear glass vase and filled with not only blooming flowers but also rosemary and I think mint.
So cool!
The lush, green ceremony site. The couple was married by the Rev. Becca Stevens.
The bridal party, well part of the bridal party, on the side of the really old cabin. I say part of as Sid had his brothers and father stand with him but actually had 16 groomsmen sort of like honorary groomsmen.
The reception was in the riding arena. The ceiling and walls are draped with burlap to make the space more intimate.
From inside the barn looking out to the cocktail area.
Lola and Sid walking into their cocktail reception in front of the barn. Guests were greeted with bluegrass music. The flag that graces the barn was flown by Sid's brother, Greer during Operation Iraqi Freedom on Sid's birthday, December 5th of 2006. The flag had not flown until this day, May 15th, 2010 and will be retired and displayed in a case in Sid and Lola's home.
First dance.
The paper lanterns over the dance floor.
The cake by Lealand Riggan. Deep purple climatus, purple spanish lavendar, grape colored lilac, hyacinth, peonies and roses rested on the tables among candlelight on the tables.
Lola and Sid just after the ceremony.
The beauty of the Tennessee county landscape, all natural, beautiful horse farm and the sight of an upcoming special event! Pray that Mother Nature brings us sunshine and clear or at least party cloudy skies.
driveway to the barn
field of yellow wildflowers
sight were a new chapter begins
a lake and tall pines dot the landscape
wide open Tennessee spaces
horse stall
sweet, beautiful yellow wildflowers
up in the barn
one of the barn dogs, Katie
sweet Rue
Because this was the first day that the horses were allowed out of the stalls after the flood, they were going to town in the fields.
View of the barn from the party site.
the horseshoe collection
I photographed this session on Halloween of last year and figured I should post this as I have completed Tate’s Nine Month Session. Tate’s parents are documenting Tate’s first year as they did with their oldest, Ansley. I love going to their house and seeing photos hanging and sitting on tables. They buy small prints and Kaelin displays them with larger matts and beautiful frames. Must be her interior designing skills!!
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I first photographed these girls about two years ago, the youngest was just a baby! I see them about twice a year. I feel like I am part of the family. This session was especially fun and challenging. Fun because I got so many cool expressions, we got Daisy, the dog into the photos and mom loved my favorite light!! Challenging because the youngest would not cooperate at first as you will see in the first image.
Such a diva! We got her to loosen up by playing peek a boo!
A beauty!
love this!
This made the Christmas card and they just did this on their own!
This also made the card!
Exercise for dad, fun for kiddo!
Sweet girl!
We found ladybugs!
This makes me smile!
LOL!
time for Daisy's close-up!
nap time
It always does my heart good to be asked back into people’s lives to photograph their growing family. I first met Lindsay and Clay when they were married. Last year I went to their house to photograph them with their first baby, Yoko, a sweet little black and cream shih tzu bundle of furry goodness. They wanted some photos for the wall and a cool Christmas card to send to family and friends. So this year a little human has come along. He is just a little over a month old in these photos and is just the cutest little guy. He has a big name but his mom and dad call him Mister.
love his crooked yawn
Best friends and contemplating "how can I get that doggy back over here?"
A little break from shooting.
I love this as a casual family portrait.
Love.
Sweetness.
relaxing on the chair
Cuddling with dad.
Snuggling with mom.
on the porch
Madonna.
Had to include this image of Lindsay. She just looks so pretty and happy!!
Today I carried (this is a total souther expression and I like to use it on occasion) my mom to the fabric store, Textile Fabrics to be exact. I had not been in this store in at least 5 years, probably more. I used to LOVE to go there and look through the pattern books. I looked at.every.bolt.of.fabric dreaming of the garments I was going to make. Well today my sewing desire has been renewed. I can not believe how hip sewing AND knitting are these days. I am so happy, beaming really!
This got me thinking about all those places and things I loved doing as a child that really fed my soul, although at the time I did not realize. Anyone remember the Craft Shack in 100 Oaks Mall? or Sew Unique in Bandywood Village? There were so many more of these little craft places. I love PLA-ZA art supply but really loved the disarray when it was Griffins.
Another I loved doing as a child was swinging. I still like to swing. When I lived in my condo at Belle Meade Highlands the swing set was literally in my back yard. My neighbors and I would swing and let our dogs run around. A few weeks ago I went with my neighbors to Grandma’s house to get some cool swing photos. Imagine being 3.5 and swinging among the pine trees! How freeing and delightful!!
After the session we went down to the marina to feed the ducks. Here is Barnyard, the head duck, and his entourage!
After each session I always photo the pets. This is Oliver basking in the sun.
Blake. He was traumatized, attacked by two dogs a few months back and we are lucky he is still with us!
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet family. A great creative bunch they are! It was so much fun even though the weather was a bit dismal. Sweet kids with great style and Lucy, the dog who likes to hang out with the kids and is especially fond of chasing bubbles. Here are a few of my faves from that morning.
Lots of love for the pooch!
The youngest playing a vintage farm set that belonged to her mommy.
Reading to Lucy.
Lucy!
Bubble girl.
This is just too cute!
Reading
Beautiful window light.
with mom
Ballerina in the making?