We continued with what I would call the most epic props for her parents. They rocked those sunglasses to the max. 

A literal 2 minute headshot session ensued after that. 

In the background, grandparents at their best. 

venue: @pelicanclub_jupiter
second photographer: Teresa Nguyen
videographer: @pineapple__films
wedding planner: @yoursparklingevent
florals: @dalsimeratlas
cake: @johnsonscustomcakes
makeup: @kateblakeartistry
entertainment: @theheadlinersband

Palm Beach is jam packed with variety. That means a lot of different options for pictures. It's a win win because you can get so many different looks done in one spot. 

See what I mean? It helps that she has such a wonderful personality that shines through the camera! Positive attitude, loving life and willing to have fun make for the best sessions! 

If you've been looking for a headshot session or have been on the fence about it out of fear, please reach out! I am here to help! This isn't a "get your act together and then you better not mess up" type of approach. We work together, dream together and then tackle the session together. Don't let your fears stop you from capturing your God-given beauty. It's already there and we get to work on showcasing it! 

There's not a specific way to do your wedding. This is a day set out to celebrate the union between you and your spouse. It is unique, special and traditions are not necessary and only beautiful if they mean something to you. 

There is so much pressure put on couples today with ideas exploding from Pinterest and landing in your inbox for suggestions on the "best way" to do your wedding. The ones I have enjoyed the most are the simple ones. The ones that slow down and enjoy the day. The ones that have heart and meaning to the little things that matter in life. That's the key to a happy day. All the rest is wonderful but doesn't define it. 

Take these two for example. They called and said they'd be doing a small wedding with family and friends in a backyard. A Jupiter backyard, that is. Locals know that can be wonderful. And it was.....but it was wonderful because their love was wonderful. 

What's a wedding during Covid without some masks?

Grandkids for the win!

Dancing with her wonderful friend who married them, the phenomenal John Maxwell. 

What a day. What beautiful moments. People are just spectacular. 

These two were so at ease on their big day that nothing seemed to sway them. Starting off with a toast in the groom's room seemed to get the party going and it never stopped! 

It's always fun starting with the guys and usually an extreme change to entering the bridal suite for some getting ready photos. The contrast is evident but each one of them knows how to enjoy the day and bring on all the memories to capture! 

Sometime a room is crowded with food, supplies and people like it was for this wedding. When that happens, it is alot easier to take the bride out to put on the finishing touches in a spot away from the chaos. This wall of windows allowed for the light to pour in over the bride and create that moody light that drapes over her hair and dress. 

The first look is always a success because it is such a beautiful moment for the couple. Picking the best option for a quiet environment is key to this and I would say is more important than the scenery. You could have the absolute best spot but be surrounded by people who ruin the moment and make the bride and groom feel like they are on display. For this particular moment, we chose a shady spot with a cool breeze where the bride could walk up without the groom seeing her. These two were so sweet and the moment was super special. 

The rest of the day was a breeze....literally. Beach air and waves made for a cool and crisp wedding which ended with a beautiful reception right off the sand overlooking the ocean. 

These two chose to end the pictures with some drinks at the bar. Totally their style and well worth taking the moment to capture it!

The times I get to experiment and push myself to really use my camera's capabilities is always a refreshing experience. It's like pushing a reset button and working from the ground up.

For this session, even when I thought I'd packed my external light source and found it missing from my car as the night set in, I had to try. Thankfully, this was just a fun session with people willing to do whatever happened. This meant: rooftop parking lots, street lighting, stairwells, sign lights and water fountains.

The end result is always rewarding because it is about art. Finding something to say with what surrounds you. It looks different to everyone and perfection is never the goal. Excellence is important but a unique perspective is always the winner. I'll take a night session any day with people willing to experiment and have fun! 

While I have been basking in the world of home life and all its necessary chores, I love the start of the new year with new sessions! Families like this one have been such wonderful blessings to my life and add a spark any time I get to do them!

I especially love when our time starts out with a little one who spontaneously adds props into the mix. Nature and kids always mix well.

This one right here was not in the mood for me sticking my lens close to his face. I get it. I wouldn't like it either. I always try and remind my families that it is absolutely okay to go with the flow. Candids always make for the best memories in a camera, anyways!

Also, grandparents. They are the sweetest!

It's the candids for me. And the smiles and the wildflowers. Why clean the oven when I can be outside? I may go on strike. But for now, does anyone know Mary Poppins' number? 

It was a quick and fun pre wedding session that offered moments that will last a lifetime! 

This intimate home wedding was just what the doctor ordered. I could spend my time only showing you the "best" most "picturesque" weddings. But, I'd be doing you a disservice. Gorgeous weddings come in all forms and every wedding can be beautiful. It is always about the celebration and never the surroundings. 

It was such an honor to be welcomed into this family's home and capture such special moments. Their personalities were fantastic and having time to try out creative spots around the area and get to know them a little more than on a regular wedding day gave more space to have fun! 

Wedding tip: focus on the WHO. The what, how, when all come after. The WHO always shines in the pictures and memories. 

For you parents out there afraid to attempt family pictures....go for it! These moments do not have to be "picture perfect". Throw that out the window because I am a photographer and I don't even know what that is. What I do know is that the camera is a tool to capture the way you are presently. My job is to celebrate who you are in this moment. Of course we aim for those ones where everyone is looking at the camera and things are going smooth and smiles abound.....but strive for the candids, the images that tell stories of your kids' personalities. As they grow up, you should be able to look back at how much they've grown into who they are made to be. These moments happen in sessions through laughter, joking, playing, walking and just being. 

These are the best moments from our time together. It wasn't all bliss and smooth but it was pretty dang fun! It can never be easy all the way through because life isn't easy like that. However, if we could capture highlights of each day, every day would have incredible memories! That's what you have to remember when planning a family session. You don't have to have the best, behaved children. You don't have to have perfect hair that doesn't get blown by the wind. You don't even have to have a perfect smile. You just have to be present and willing to experience joy. 

There's so much beauty in our lives that we forget years later or even in the day to day. Being able to remember it for years through images of one hour is worth the sweat and patience to plan it! 

This guy is one of those individuals you should get to know in your life.

Let's be real: photo sessions can be scary, awkward and unknown especially in the beginning. When a photographer calls you to hang out for no reason and capture you, it can make it even more awkward. But this guy was more than willing to talk and take the time to capture his personality through my lens.

I'm grateful for these moments where I get to celebrate life through my art. The best art I've captured are the ones where each person from the session walks away a little more developed [pun intended] and better than when it first started. That's always my goal and the heart behind my ministry. 

There's been so much unrest these last couple of months as our world has watched a pandemic arise and ongoing social and racial inequalities come to life. As a Christian, I believe in trying to see things in a redeeming perspective.....taking time to reflect on how God allows things to unfold. I believe He wants the best for those who love Him and I hold fast to that. As a sociology major, my heart aches for people regardless of religion, country or socioeconomic status. I crave peace. I yearn for unity. I want change. 

I believe this pandemic enabled us to see things globally for a time and observe that we all for one point in time had something in common. We were all trying to learn how to deal with a new normal of social isolation and protect our health. Then, as we were unified in some measure, George Floyd's murder catapulted us to different sides as we reacted to the video feed. For many, this was not a new normal. It was life.....or the continual loss of life. Many have grown up with the knowledge and normal, sometimes daily interactions with social and racial injustice. But many of us have not. George Floyd's last moments on this earth shed light on something that was only accepted in a smaller percentage of the nation and world. This moment no longer allowed other social circles to look away. It can't be ignored and I'm glad it has led to the outcry of the heartbreak that has gone on throughout history.

I felt the need to write something in those first days after news of George Floyd's death:

I'm sorry I failed you. I'm sorry I haven't stepped up and spoken up more for you and every human before you. I'm sorry I always wait for the details of an incident to decide whether a person should be manhandled. 
I have never stood for racial division or social injustice. I have tried to teach my kids to love and respect every human being and appreciate what our Creator has made. I believe every life matters. Every life. 
But I started to write this post as "I'm sorry WE failed you". That won't get me anywhere. Unity is essential to human failure in society but focusing on a "we" gives me a little ease and takes the alleviation off of ME. If I want change, it has to start with ME. It has to be ME looking at how I have contributed to the problem and begin to build a better world by starting with how I can be better myself. 
It starts with finding the prejudice in my own life. The drum major instinct used for the wrong purposes. Martin Luther King Jr. explains, "The drum major instinct can lead to exclusivism in one's thinking and can lead one to feel that because he has some training, he's a little better than that person who doesn't have it. Or because he has some economic security, that he's a little better than that person who doesn't have it. And that's the uncontrolled, perverted use of the drum major instinct." He goes on to say, "But this is why we are drifting. And we are drifting there because nations are caught up with the drum major instinct. "I must be first." "I must be supreme." "Our nation must rule the world." And I am sad to say that the nation in which we live is the supreme culprit. And I'm going to continue to say it to America, because I love this country too much to see the drift that it has taken."
I have to look at my life and find where I have perverted the drum major instinct. Dr. King got it right....and delivered these words 2 months before he was murdered. It's worth the read if not every week, at least once. Dr. King's words are crucial. He says, "If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long. And every now and then I wonder what I want them to say. Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize—that isn’t important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards—that’s not important. Tell them not to mention where I went to school.
I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others.
I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody.
I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question.
I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry.
And I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked.
I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison.
I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.
Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won't have any money to leave behind. I won't have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind. And that's all I want to say."
 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave one of the most incredible speeches I have ever read in my life that you can catch up on here. Since this post, I have learned more about myself and others and that the best thing I can do in this time is to listen. I need to know I will not doing everything right and that I can learn to do better by listening. These events gave me an opportunity to think about how I live my life and who is in it. How my life is shaped by my race, neighborhood and who I interact with. Even more so, who I do business with. My business is my ministry but I have also noticed my business reflects a predominant amount of white individuals. There's nothing wrong with photographing people but I want to intentionally interact more with a diverse amount of people. I have been thinking and praying about ways to interact with my town and the people in it and also allowing my work to showcase the rainbow of skin colors that God made. It will be a process and a continual evaluation of how I live life but it is important. It is one way I can help bring change. I believe Black lives matter. I believe all lives matter but that all lives don't matter until those trampled on matter. Right now, we know black lives aren't being treated equally and that means they need to matter. 

 In all the chaos and strife, there has been beauty in this outbreak. I have seen people rise up together, speak with passion, people embrace over values that only love creates. I don't want to miss the moment. This life matters and what I do in it matters. 

Clyde is just one of those great examples of clients who surround themselves with a community of great people. We connected for a session I was doing for Proactive Advisor magazine. I've done a number of photo sessions for them capturing professionals in the financial industry and I have enjoyed everyone!

One thing I love about the magazine is they embrace the photos that take the professional outdoors and out of the office. The magazine also encourages capturing any hobbies the professional does which is always so fun to do! Clyde is an avid cyclist so we were sure to include him and his family with that in mind! 

You can check out the article and learn more about Clyde's background here

I have been finding creative ways to stay comfortable while contained to one area of the world and these things have helped my home feel a little better each day. 

HOW TO FRESHEN UP YOUR SOCIAL DISTANCING SPACE

1. Reset your space

This one is popular in our house. We don't particularly like the word "clean".....but we can make do with "reset". In fact, it feels pretty darn good to reset a space and put everything back in place. We are so used to this being done for us in stores and areas outside of the house we usually visit. Putting things away and having a clean space can really help to feel refreshed and clean. My usual space I like to clean up is the living room where I spend a lot of the day but some other areas that make a huge difference on your mental space is the bedroom and kitchen. Having clean counter space and washed sheets to make the bed are so helpful as you walk through the house! 

Some of my favorite laundry detergent and cleaning products can be found here: here
 

There's also something wonderful about diffusing essential oils to make a home feel cleaner! A smell in a house can make or break a mood....am I right?

Our favorite essential oil company can be found here

2. Bring in the plants

Adding greenery to my indoor living space has transformed my home. I have never been a plant girl especially because I figured I couldn't keep them alive but there are so many options now! Even some of the faux plants look real! If you want to boost your non-existent green thumb's ego try some of these hardy and forgiving plants: snake plants, money trees, indoor olive trees and ZZ plants. These have all done well in my house even when I forget to water them!

Lowe's and Home Depot have delivery and store pickup options that make shopping easy! In these hard times, working with a local nursery could also help to support businesses in your town if they are still open. 

3. Decorate!

Experimenting with color, adding in natural wood elements, trying out wall mirrors and so many other projects can be done around the house. So many times, just trying a new arrangement in the room by moving furniture or moving colors in or out of the room has made a huge impact on my living space. 

Amazon, Cost Plus World Market, Target, Kirklands and Hobby Lobby are some of my favorite places to find some extra items to spruce up my look or even get inspiration. Sometimes all you need is to be reminded of some ways you can use what you already have in a new way!
Now is the time to find special areas or rooms in your house that are neglected and create a new and invented space! Even creating a corner in the house for an office space will help separate work from the rest of the home activities and help your brain to set boundaries on places to relax, work or play. When I have a clean desk that is set apart from the rest of my space, it encourages me to work and I feel motivated to get stuff done! Even a spot on a table cleared out for a notepad and coffee cup can help you get ready for a productive work at home kind of day! Then when you've finished, you can retreat to your sofa to settle in with some shows!

I've learned so much from watching Margaret (pictured above) decorate spaces with her company REH interiors. She's such a creative individual and knows how to create the most calming and effective decorated spaces from condos to mansions! 

You can visit her site here

Hope you all have enjoyed some of these ideas and can implement them as you wait out this social distancing! 

As we begin to realize normal life may look a little different in the coming weeks, I'm reflecting on a refreshed perspective. I am so thankful for a daily routine and job that allows me to work flexibly and create art. I'm also thankful for some new space to be still and learn something from this pause we are all forced to take. 

While braving the stores these last couple days, there seems to be two different people I always see: those with masks on 50 feet away from people and those who are telling everyone to “stop worrying because germs have always been around”.

I think I fall in between. I’m going to stock up in case things get hard to buy (which they already are) but I’m not going to assume the world is ending. I’m going to take this seriously because I believe we need to take social measures that benefit those around us. I’m going to take precaution, strengthen my immune system and stay at home as much as I can. BUT I’m also not going to dismiss that God is a miracle worker. He calls me to speak hope and life to those around me but not to be ignorant to the pitfalls of viruses. I’m going to use sanitizer while I pray for peace and restoration. I’m going to organize my house and check emails and read the Bible. I’m also going to take walks and marvel at sunsets like these that remind me that God is in control. He creates a sunrise and sunset every day with no fail. When things around us are in confusion, God is not. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will turn graves into gardens.

This venue is minutes from the beach, has phenomenal restaurants and shops around the area and has a walkway bridge with windows from end to end. Talk about a variety of places to capture pictures! 

The getting ready pictures took place in one of the hotel suites that overlooked the ceremony venue and intercoastal. It was spectacular. 

What a view!

The wedding timeline was a fun, typical day:

Groom pics

Getting ready and finishing touches

First look

Ceremony

Bridal party and Bride and groom photos

Reception

I like to share this for interested people researching wedding photography so there's a little help along the way. Weddings can seem daunting but I always recommend making it your own. Everyone has their own twist on things and it is part of celebrating one special day unique to the person. So sit back, take a look and enjoy some inspiration. Then, figure out what you like and go from there! 

There's your Jupiter, FL wedding. Yachts, bridges and all. It's a little flair of the water, gorgeous wedding attire and a whole lotta fun!

To visit their wedding day click here

Serious props to one of the Breakers West....one of the smoothest venues I have worked with! They care so much about their clients and vendors and do their best to accommodate everyone. Not only that but then they welcomed this couple with open arms back to the venue for us to invade and take pictures again! 

This is the icing on the top tier of the cake (pun intended). Such a wonderful way to celebrate one year of marriage! I highly recommend it to anyone trying to find something unique to do! 

Happy Anniversary you two!

A Palm Beach zoo wedding: talk about a unique place to have a wedding! Having a lot of kiddos coming to the wedding, the bride and groom were brilliant to make the environment as fun and intimate as possible. The kids loved the atmosphere and the adults had just enough scenery to make it an epic wedding. 

We started the day out capturing some of the getting ready details which never disappoint. It gives an opportunity to breathe and document everything that surrounds the ceremony. 

From there, we headed to the zoo for the first look!

The ceremony was held near the entrance of the zoo and gave a great backdrop for the waterfall in the courtyard. That sunset glow was just the right lighting for a beautiful exchanging of vows!

After the ceremony, the animals came out! While the bridal party took photos on the carousel, the guests interacted with some of the creatures up close!

The reception was held at the zoo's restaurant and had the most topical getaway feel to it!

These two enjoyed every bit of dancing together. It was such an honor to see them united in marriage and start their amazing journey together!

I love her heart and charisma. She has the kind of character that reaches for the broken and is authentic in every way. Her mission is to help heal the hurting and guide them on a path to discovering what they were made to do!

Capturing that in a session means a lot of laughter, chatting and trying out different poses to highlight her fantastic spark!

One thing I get asked a lot when clients are preparing for a headshot session is: "What do I wear? "

I follow that with: "What are you trying to say (capture)?"

What that means is that an outfit can say a lot about what you're doing in a moment. If you are wearing a sweater and walking around the beach, that suggests that you're comfortable, cozy and ready to chat and read a book. All good things if you're a writer and ready to help people tackle things going on in their personal life.

If you're an attorney or real estate agent, you may want to create a more professional look that lets your clients know how you'll be best identified on the job. 

When deciding on what to wear, it is always best to go with colors that bring your hair and eye color and stay away from patters. 

This particular headshot session gives a great example of what two different looks can give just by changing the jacket. A blue blazer aims to show a polished, professional look while a light olive sweater tones down the background environment for a softer look. Both are great options and give different approaches to the final image.  

This color chart has been wonderfully helpful when trying to come up with color palettes for a variety of sessions. The earth tones and darker colors can be great inspiration for a session. I never mind getting some pictures from clients on what they would like to wear and seeing what I think would work best! It makes my job easier in the end!

Either way, the best thing you can wear on a session is confidence. When you feel comfortable and strong, you'll remember that feeling when you look at the images. Always aim to pick clothing that feels good and doesn't distract you from having a good time!

Our meetup at the Cheesecake Factory sealed the deal. She was a keeper. 

We have been watching them grow stronger and more beautiful each day as they have navigated life with grace and renewing spirits. Their wedding day was just as exceptional!

Can we stop and talk about wooden flowers for a minute? How great did these turn out?! Then the bride gets to keep them and they don't dry out like a regular bouquet!

I loved this idea, too. The bridesmaids went around and talked about how much they love the bride. Such special moments with special friends!

The bride and groom sent each other a letter and gift which added to the wonderful anticipation and excitement. Even while apart, their connection was apparent as they read their words of love and admiration for one another. 

The first look said it all if anyone doubted their eagerness to wed! Bliss, sentimental moments and beauty with each click of the camera!

Such a stunning and memorable day! 

Venue: The Breakers West

Second Photographer: Gwen Fisher

Wedding Dress: Bacio Bacio Bridal- Justin Alexander

I'll be honest. I was having a less than easy day when I showed up for this session but these girls brightened up my day! Every one of them was special in their own way...such a privilege to get to know each one! 

A wedding on the beach is always a great idea....if Florida weather holds up. The bride had such great ideas and while windy weather didn't allow for all of her plans to be fruitful, the best ones did!

Where to put the dress for those shots on display is always a fun challenge. Sometimes, indoor lighting doesn't make for great pictures so if it is a light dress and there is very little risk to move it, we can get creative. But it is always best to proceed with caution because the whole idea is to wear the dress for the ceremony....not get pictures of it before!

But if you have two sons willing to dance with it, sometimes it is worth the risk. Kids over dress every time. 

The setting for this wedding was out of a dream and allowed for the most beautiful sun kissed light!

The sun started to set behind the trees right after the ceremony which is what we had planned! We were willing to take a little bit brighter light for the ceremony so that the portrait shots would allow for the end of the day glow.

The reception could have been right out of the Camila Cabello song, "Havana"....which is what I basically had playing in the back of my head. 

"Half of my heart is in....". It's still in my head.

So there you have it: a wedding full of bridal dreams playing out with some careful planning and creative scheduling. Having it be small and intimate only made it that much better for those special moments on the sand all the way to cake cutting at the very end. "Havana (Ha-Vero?) ooh na-na."

This particular family were candid pros! I loved being able to sit them down for some posed shots and then follow the kids around to let them do what they do best….explore, admire, laugh and just be kids! Every time I do family pictures, my goal is to capture that season of life. Life is never perfect and I don't aim to create a facade but rather enhance the beauty of every family I meet! Candids are key to that goal and are some of my favorite images! 

I love the beauty of simplicity when it comes to candids. Sisters holding hands, a family getting ready for a picture (little girls and their daddies get me every time) and the idea that not every single photo needs to have the subject looking at the camera and smiling. Our true personalities and character sometimes shine through the most when we are just being ourselves in the moment and enjoying life at whatever angle that might be!

2018 has already been flying by and I am so excited for what this year will bring! I love new seasons of life, a blank canvas, enjoying the present and hoping for the future. What better way to sum that up than with a high school senior session!

I loved every minute of this session. Wardrobe changes and different scenery allowed for so much creativity and a lot of laughs. Honestly, if we don't laugh in a session and enjoy ourselves, it will show through the lens. A photography session should be filled with some joy, memories and lots of fun. 

Palm Beach provides a fantastic backdrop for photographs and I love tailoring it to the specific person I am taking pictures of that day. It isn't a template you just plug each person into so you get the same look. It's an opportunity to capture the person amidst their surroundings. What's going on with their life in this season is so important and each angle gives you a different perspective into that time of their life!

Yes, she stopped traffic. Cause she's that gorgeous and has the sweetest personality to go along with it. 

What do we do with a change of scenery? A new outfit, of course. 

Last stop was the beach because that's so Florida and it never disappoints. What we didn't know was how symbolic it would be. Part way through the session, baby sea turtles started popping up out of the sand and making their way to the ocean. It was so surreal and relevant to the new journey of adventure and growth of what college brings! 

This was one for the books. Sea turtles and waves added quite the touch!

Worth Ave is a GREAT spot for engagement pictures if you know the area and are willing to get creative. Strolling down the street acting like you're going to buy a pair of Jimmy Choo pumps is part of the gig even though we sort of standout while posing for pictures. But the different colors, courtyards and walls make it worth it. Wandering around and exploring is all part of the process and makes for a little date session if you don't mind me tagging along. I'm a great third wheel!

It also helps when you have two people who are super duper in love. Gushy love stories are the cutest and I can totally make them dance in pictures. 

And if you're wondering: we escaped without buying the said pair of shoes.

It started with a soundtrack. My mom goes through ruts (love ya mom) and tends to fixate on one thing at a time to really let things soak in and appreciate them. Actually, it's brilliant. Ingrain it in your brain and it follows you forever. That's what happened when I was in grade school and we listened to the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack on repeat. At the time, my little brother was barely old enough to talk but he got one thing down to perfection. There's a high note in "Music of the Night" that captured my baby brother's attention. Every time the lyrics "Let your soul take you where you long to be" graced the car's speakers, he'd belt out the high note with all of his might.

Fast track a few grade school years in and he was picking up the violin. SO. MUCH. SCREECHING. STRINGS......they should send home ear plugs for the family. But my little brother persevered. And got way better. He moved on in years to the viola and for a long time started to work on mastering that as a major hobby.

There was so much that guy was interested in for his childhood. I joke that every thing he was ever interested in, God would basically throw opportunities at him. Take for instance, flying planes. My brother took an interest in that and paired with his love for Indiana Jones at the time, got the opportunity to FLY IN A PLANE ALONE WITH HARRISON FORD. You've got to be kidding me people. This kind of stuff happened all of the time.

However, whatever he put his heart into...he worked for it. When he's passionate about something, he will work hard and long hours. So, when he started playing classical music and pouring through CD's of famous opera singers....we knew something was up. He told us his passion in his early high school years to become an opera singer. At the time, it seemed a bit crazy and far fetched. We even had a conversation with his choir teacher about it but both he and his teacher were adamant that there was some probable reality to his dream.

Years passed with LOTS of singing....LOTS of singing. No one talks about the families but we are the sufferers ones who hear the constant vocal warmups across the house for HOURS. Guys, I wasn't the nicest sister at those times.

But it paid off. That little boy singing his heart out in his car seat went on to graduate from the Manhattan School of Music studying as a Baritone vocalist. It wasn't easy. Things didn't just drop in his lap. He fought every door that started to close and pushed open the ones that were just a bit propped open. If he got a no, he'd move on to to find the next yes. When he'd get a yes, he'd be met with another no somewhere else. The vocal world is always the nicest world. It's cut throat and you have to have some tough skin. All while practicing for hours every day.

He's still at it. He is now in grad school studying voice and getting ready to make his career flourish. While he's been home for the summer, we've been having a blast and working hard with these head shot sessions. His website is now live and worth the view. You can check him out here and give him some love.

So proud of this guy and eager to see his journey. He's a fighter, loves what he does and always seeks to follow God. A winning combination for success.

The beautiful bridal shower started out at the Four Seasons' Restaurant, Graze. Talk about the Palm Beach experience! Graze has an outdoor seating area that overlooks the pool and ocean, flocked with Palm Trees and lush grounds spilling out from all areas.

The bride and her faithful friends flew out from all different parts of the country to partake in a lovely lunch.

And what's a party without great food? Graze delivered on that promise with ease!

I mean, really….pancakes, french fries AND grilled cheese with dessert to boot ? I'm sold.

I snuck the bride out for some fun one on one time while we explored a couple parts of the resort. She was such a humble and kind individual! I love to get that time alone to experiment with different lighting, angles, etc. It always makes for a creative and fun time!

Isn't she just lovely?! She adds so much grace to that chic room….

We were sold on the location as a great backdrop for some group photos, so we quickly grabbed the rest of the group for some Kardashian like fun. 

G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S.

And super fun! A posh Palm Beach Bridal Shower, indeed!

How do you top that off?! With some bling…her beautiful ring!

The church (which has very close ties to their family) was beautiful with stained glass windows and a piano just begging for me to incorporate into the pictures. I love a small, intimate wedding because it allows for lots of time with the couple getting to experience their fantastic day and taking lots of pictures. More time with a couple means even more fun! 

Then we headed off to take some pictures outside with the family and of course…more of the bride and groom!

I can't wait to see where life takes these two! Their love is beautiful and I am so happy to have shared a part of their day!
 

I love the flexibility of what you can create in a session, too. Last time this momma was pregnant, she was absolutely stunning in this session! We had so much fun experimenting with different dresses and just enjoying the area. This time around? She's got a third one on the way and it is still fun, beautiful and full of memories. Just a different session altogether! I love that!

Every season is different and it should be captured with a real and authentic attachment to everyday life. That's just what we did here and it is a reminder that glam and glitz can be gorgeous but so are simple portraits of what a real family looks like! 

In all honesty, the idea of this session started out as a fun idea but oh my gosh I am so glad we made it a reality. I had one idea in mind: cotton candy. So, naturally, we opened with that. Everything else was spontaneous, random and full of laughs. I adored every moment. It helps that she is one of my favorite human beings, too. If you don't know her, you're missing out big time. She's insanely beautiful, immensely talented, full of faith and passionate about life. 

Did I mention this was her FIRST time at the fair?

Such a fantastic day and so many memories captured! This was such a great place to capture the authenticity of such a wonderful person in such a creative setting! This is her. 

In the hustle and bustle of the craziness that the holidays bring, trying to do a family session can be daunting.  There are no rules to how a family should look or dress for a holiday card and sometimes the pressure to look "just right" keeps some from doing anything at all. That's when a pajama party comes into play. Even better when it contains wonderful friends and a ton of laughter! 

Love this family so much! They make sleepovers look chic. 

I was eyeing that mug at Walmart and just had to get it!

What are your favorite sides to bring to family events on this holiday? I tried this recipe a few years back and it was a huge hit! I make it every year!

Check out the recipe here: http://overtimecook.com/2014/08/07/chocolate-cherry-pie/

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with lots of love, laughter and of course....THANKS! Here's to full bellies!

That's why I love fall and winter sessions! I love the excitement, bold colors, family gatherings and love displayed when I look through my lens. It's never too early to get holiday pictures done. If you're like me, you set out to do it months in advance and then plop down on the couch a week after the holidays and take a family selfie. I'm trying to be proactive this year and plan ahead. We shall see how it goes.

I love this family and had such a fun time at their session! They are a beautiful group and love each other dearly!

What I can say is that I can quickly lose sight of some balance in my life when work gets hectic, so I am really attempting to keep my quality side of life nourished. I have the best family and friends and I love spending time with them.....but I am not always so good at it. My introvert personality can kick in and sometimes I just want to sit on the couch and not think about anything! Binging on a This is Us marathon is sometimes my speed and I use those kinds of moments to recharge when I am at my max. However, family and friend time is the best. So, I have kicked it up a notch and found time to do the little things....like baking! I've got a dear friend who can't have dairy so when I saw these boxed ORGANIC cupcakes that could be made dairy free....it was a go in the kitchen.

I mean, even the packaging is cute. And can we talk about the name? JONES!? It was a done deal, people.

I mean, even the packaging is cute. And can we talk about the name? JONES!? It was a done deal, people.

These are seriously good. You'd think that doing the dairy free subsitutions like using coconut oil and coconut milk might be too much of a compromise but it was still that phenomenal vanilla goodness!

And the frosting....dairy free for the win again!

So, what really matters....the little baker's verdict.

I think a picture says more than words.

We enjoyed all the different areas Downtown Stuart has to offer.....the variety is great and the light was not disappointing! I loved getting to showcase each twin in their own way. They both are so unique and when you combine them.....Twins for the win! Their friendship is so evident and easy to capture in the lens!