Fabulous Friday | Hanging Out

It's been a crazy few weeks with traveling across the country, shooting my cousin's bridal portraits in Charleston (can't wait to share them next month!!), stuffing myself silly with my brother's incredible cooking later that night and then just getting back into normal routine at home.

And today?  After a long-overdue run this morning, I hung out on my couch most of the day.  With my computer.  And I got some work done!  And now that I caught up on Grey's Anatomy tonight, I've gotten a little more work done and it's only 10pm!

Don't be jealous of my super coolness :)  It's just too bad that not everyone likes to hang out as much as I do.

The Mitchells

I first met Emma and her fiery red hair at a photo shoot for Upward Sports, not long after she and her family had moved to town.  We were outside on a soccer field, the clouds covered the sky, the wind was blowing and it was COLD.  But we had fun.  And I was on the other side of the camera that day (so weird).  But, I digress.  They had moved to South Carolina because her dad, Kevin, had just taken a job at Upward as part of the development team.  So, of course when Kevin's wife, Julie, mentioned wanting some family pictures after their newest little one, Riley, was born, I was of course thrilled!  It's always fun to see familiar faces and reconnect.

And that's what we did.  This sweet family met me in Falls Park not too long before sunset (which provided for some fantastic light) where we played and laughed and tried our best to get a real smile out of Nick :)  I hope you guys enjoy your pictures.  Thank you so much for letting me spend some time with you to capture your sweet family!

Nick's laugh was so sweet.

Emma was a pro at this!

Riley's blue eyes are going to stop traffic one of these days!

I love it!

They were so goofy... but so much fun!

His sweet side... next to his goofy side!

Don't miss out on more pictures in their slide show!

Sneak Peak | the Mitchells

Can't wait to show you more of this precious and lively family!

Fabulous Friday | Life in LA

So, I don't have much expertise in this category... Life in LA, that is.  Even though I hit all the high spots - LAX, Melrose, Hollywood Blvd, Bel Air, Chinese Man Theater, I even looked to the right and saw the Hollywood sign - one day in LA is just not enough.  But, it was a fantastic way to wrap up my trip to California, especially since the trip to LA meant that I got to see my friends Brandi and Ashlyn!!  They've both been out there for a while now and the question of "When are you coming out here??" had come up more than once in recent years.  So, I decided earlier this year that I was DEFINITELY going to make it out there in 2010.  Wasn't sure how that was going to work out exactly, but I was going to try my best.

So, when I signed up for a weekend-long National Geographic Photography Workshop in San Francisco (more on that to come later) it just made sense that I extend the trip a couple of days and fly down to LA.  I mean, how could I be all the way on the other side of the country, be a short flight away and NOT go see them?

I just had a couple requests (other than the standard tourist spots): 1) I wanted to get a good shot of the Hollywood sign and 2) I wanted a cupcake from any of the shops that I continuously was hearing about.  So, after spending the night with Brandi, going for a run, and then getting ready, we set out for a full day that did not disappoint.

Sadie Grace wasn't too thrilled about not going with us - but isn't she just adorable all the same??

You can't be at the Chinese Man Theater and NOT get your picture taken with someone's name.  Sadly though, John Travolta wasn't my first choice (no offense, John).  But they were getting the red carpet down for an event that night so a ton of the sidewalk was covered.  Oh well... like I said, I'll have to go back one of these days and that concrete isn't going anywhere!

I have a better picture of the Hollywood sign, but I like this one of me, Brandi and Ashlyn way more than one of a white wooden (?) sign.

And the cupcake... oh my, the cupcake.   It was a pumpkin one.  And I ate it before dinner... because I'm such a rebel. :)

It was a gorgeous day that led into a beautiful night.

Brandi and Ashlyn - thank you SO much for taking a day out of your busy schedules to show me around and hang out.  It was so great to see you and I can't wait to see you SOON!  The holidays will be here before we know it and you'll be on the east coast to celebrate.  Love you both... MUAH!

The McCreery's

This summer, I met Jeff, Melinda, and their daughter, Emily, when I photographed Jeff's family for his parent's 50th wedding anniversary celebration weekend.  I got together again with Jeff, Melinda and Emily last weekend for a fun mini-session in the park.  Emily told me all about being in the 4th grade and had some great suggestions for where to take pictures!  Watch out... I may have an assistant in the next five years!

Thanks so much to you guys for being so sweet and patient and just a joy to spend some time with.  I hope you enjoyed your pizza and movie night after our afternoon in the park.  Enjoy your pictures!

They looked so great in their blue and I didn't even realize until I edited the pictures that they matched the bridge!

After taking some shots of her parents looking at her, Emily wanted some of her looking at them!

Emily, I love your smile!

The Thompsons

Just over eight years ago I moved off of Clemson's on-campus housing into an apartment with Diana.  It was my "super-senior" year and her real senior year.  We were older, we were wiser, and we had a lot of fun.  Her boyfriend at the time was on FCA's leadership and in charge of the mission trip for spring break 2003 (Destination D.C.!!!) of which I had the privilege of helping plan.  But, through that and living with Diana, I got to know them and fall in love with them both... so much so, that the day Will bought that sparkly engagement ring for Diana, I got to see it (and then hold my tongue for two months!).  If you didn't know it, I'm the best secret keeper... ever :)

Last fall they came to stay with me and we were able to get some family pictures, but with a year gone by and Wyatt being two and a half, they needed some more.  I was super happy to hang out with my friends and their little boy.  Being able to take pictures for them is just icing on the cake.

The day after their session, Diana texted me and said the night before, Wyatt had told her he'd had a really fun day.
Diana: What was your favorite part?
Wyatt: Taking pictures on the fire truck.

My heart may have melted just a bit :)

This little boy is so loved.

Love this one.

Pure joy!

Swoon.

We had to get an updated foot shot!

Love you guys!  Hope you enjoy the pictures!