Family Photography Sessions are always refreshing to me. I typically don’t shoot a lot of them during the year, a lot of families wait until the Fall. However, over the last year I’ve been pulled to document families in a very different way. A normal family session is a lot sit there and smile, Mom is panicking because the kids aren’t being perfect. Someone got a grass stain running from the car to me. Dad isn’t too happy to be there… and the kids, well, the kids just want whatever bribe was offered to them on the car ride to where we are meeting. Let me give you a different perspective on family pictures. Allow me to document your family, like you’ve never had done before.
If you have followed along with me for very long, you know that I strive to give you more than just “sit and smile” pictures. I want to capture the laughter (and yes even the tears). I want to document the missing teeth. I want to show you how beautiful your family is in it’s imperfect state. Let’s be real.. those family photos where everyone is standing just perfect and smiling perfect… that is NOT who your family is. If it is… I admire you and would love to know how you do it. For the rest of us… our lives are chaotic, frantic, stressful… but at the end of the day – it’s the little snuggles, the love you feel as your little ones crawl into your lap… these are the things that are important and have meaning. These are the things I want to remember years down the road.
So, let me introduce you to Life Inspired Sessions. We will talk in depth before your session about what makes your family awesome. We will dig into what your kids like at this exact moment in time. We will pick the perfect location, and plan fun activities and things to do together. We will customize this session JUST FOR YOUR FAMILY.
Let me tell your story with your very own Life Inspired Session.
We get it! Spring is a hard season to dress for. It’s not winter anymore, but it’s not quite summer either. It’s easy to skip this “in-between” season and dress to either extreme but we are here to remind you to embrace the spring trends!
One of the best ways to beat the changing weather throughout the day is to stick to light layers. Flannels are perfect because they can be worn as a cardigan in the cold morning hours, but can be tied around the waist as it gets warmer.
This one might be harder to accept but it’s time to put those UGGs away! Transition slowly from ankle booties to sandals as the weather allows it. There are so many styles and colors to choose from that will compliment your outfit perfectly. Be sure to roll up the ends of your jeans to show off those cute new shoes (stylists recommend about 1-2” between your hem and yourshoes in the spring and summer).
Let’s not forget about those nails! It’s time to deter from those dark reds and purples and bring out the bright yellows and pinks to make your hands spring ready! If color is not your thing, stick to more whiter colors on the neutral scale, as opposed to the black.
Don’t break out the short shorts and flip flops just yet. Remember you can still be cute and comfortable, even in the spring.
May is Mental Health Awareness month… continuing this series.
She’s your best friend; she’s been there through it all, she’s seen you at your worst and she still loves you to pieces. You may think you know everything there is to know about her until you realize, maybe you don’t.
When you come to find that your bff is going through some stuff and dealing with things you had no idea about, how do you help? How do you know what to say and what not to say? What is helpful and what is potentially hurtful?
The first and most important thing you can do is be present; listen, be there for her, and let her know that she is not alone. Sometimes it’s easier for her to push you away than tell you what is wrong, but make sure she knows that you are supportive no matter what.
Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say, but there is no harm in asking. If you are unsure about what your bff wants to talk about and what she doesn’t, just ask! Let her know that you have her back and you are there as much as she needs.
Another thing that never fails to make sure your bff knows you adore her; just do the little things. Send a text and tell her you hope she has a good day. Bring her a coffee to school or work, have a girls day: nails, shopping and food, of course!
Your bff is always there for you, so make sure she knows you’re always there for her too!
I know from first-hand experience, how debilitating stress and anxiety can be during everyday activities. I myself struggle with driving anxiety often. Anxiety and stress are not something that can be cured; it is a battle that will have many high and low points. I wanted to share some tips with all of you in hopes that it can help someone going through a tough time:
Acceptance- The first step to dealing with anxiety is to accept it for what it is. Realizing that my problems with driving were real and the effect of a mental disorder helped me so much in believing that my issues were valid and not crazy.
Avoidance- Avoid situations that cause unnecessary stress. This doesn’t mean to avoid what needs to be done, but to try to abstain from stressful situations that will negatively impact your goals.
Appreciation- take a step back and appreciate all the wonderful things you already have in your life. It can be easy to overlook the positive aspects of your life with all the stress of daily life taking your attention.
Alleviation- Find something that you relaxes you for those days when life gets overwhelming and stressful. Whether that is taking a hot bath, journaling, working out, etc., whatever you need to do, do it!
Life can be hard and a scary place, but when you accept that, it will be easier to appreciate the good times. Remember to take life day by day, and believe that you can overcome anything!
Nikki and Stephen were married on March 31, 2017 at The Laurel. It may have been a windy day – but there was nothing that would stop these two beautiful people from marrying each other. The Laurel was a perfect location for their day and the little details they pulled together told their story just wonderfully.
She was a bundle of nerves the day of. I expected it though… this beautiful girl worried about every detail all along the way. I had already been telling her for weeks that her day was going to be perfect and we would handle anything that came her way. I walked in and she was full of smiles and she beamed with joy, as she should… she had made it to her wedding day. She was in the process of transforming into a beautiful princess and was surrounded by laughter and love. Final details were being taken care of, girls were getting pampered… and the guys were having fun being guys!
Meanwhile… they guys were just hanging out, being guys. They had a great day and were having a great afternoon by the time we met up!
Ready or not ladies… here we go! Bottoms up!
As they stood before their family and friends – they pledged their love to each other. They vowed to always be together, thru better or worse. Today, they became a team that will be unbreakable. They held each others hands and stood side by side and vowed that no matter what comes their way, they will face it together. They professed their love in front of the ones they cherish and their family became one.
Nikki looked absolutely stunning and all of her worries washed away as soon as she came back down the aisle. A quick stop for one more kiss and then off to the reception.
Toasts were given, memories were shared, laughter floated around the room. Nikki and Stephen celebrated the night away with those that loved them. We were so blessed to be able to document the day and the night for them. Their love is something to be seen. Stephen adores Nikki and she will always feel cherished when wrapped in his arms.
Their little girl Madison decided she was dancing as well. A first dance between husband and wife, quickly became a party of three. However, I’m pretty certain it was perfect and just the way it was intended to be.
Toasts were given and more memories were shared. We learned a lot about the newly married couple and the life they have joined and will share together.
Nikki and Stephen, I hope that your wedding day was all you dreamed it would be. Thank you so much for choosing me to document your day. It was a complete honor to witness your love and the details of your wedding.
