Darla Bryd's Bridal Session

Darla and I couldn't catch a break when it comes to rainy days...it was raining on the way to her engagement session, it was raining on the way to her bridal session, and yesterday it was raining on the way to her wedding. I guess this goes to show what the power or prayer can really accomplish because both of us prayed for just the smallest of breaks in the weather...and all three times the rain stopped for a moment so that I could photograph what no doubt has been one of the greatest moments of her life...marrying her best friend.

Darla envisioned a southern plantation theme for her bridal location and the most obvious choice was Pebble Hill Plantation in Georgia. Despite the dreary weather it was stunning and as perfect as she imagined...the first time she posed for a picture her mom teared up and in turn I teared up which was about the time Darla jokingly rolled her eyes at us...

All I can say is Darla has it all: sweet southern charm, humble confidence, and a faithful outlook on life!

Welcome to the gun show. Yeah, it had to be said.

The Vance Family

By this time, a lot of you are pretty familiar with the Vance Family. Brandy was my first client, my first boudoir session, my first bridal session, my first maternity session...well, you get the idea. Flip through the blog and you will find a lot of her and the family in here!

You might already know that Lex is the guitarist for Tobacco Road Band and Brandy was the lead singer for The Audience. Most people who know them would tell you that they are bold and outgoing, urbanized and citified. Which is true...but there is a softer side to the Vance family and I am one of the lucky ones who get to experience it when we hang out...whether it be kayaking down the river, hanging out by the bonfire, or hiking through the woods. You can see from their holiday pictures that the two sides of who they are, while completely different, are perfect mixed together.

Not even gonna lie, they were warning me for a month leading up to this session that they had no expectations for Dru. He is much like his parents: curious, busy, and fast...and they knew the chances of him even looking at the camera were pretty slim. Being the mother of 3 boys, I know a lot about this though and given my photography style, it wasn't a problem at all to plan a session that gave him time to play and capture what we most wanted from the session. It was easy, fun, and at the end of the session I promise you on a stack of cameras he told me, "I love this!" Best photographer ego boost EVER! Brandy and Lex, what can I say? Once again, you guys rocked your session! (Yes, pun intended...cause that's how I roll)

The Bentleys {Family}

When you know, you just know, and I knew before I even met April and Jim, I knew that I was gonna love them. They are the kind of people who always have a kind word to say and find the greatness in everything. They feel most at home in the woods and spent many years as a camp director and horseback director. As we strolled around the land April grew up on we talked a lot about their experiences they had together working at camp and my childhood growing up immersed in the woods. We all agreed we all felt like we were most at home surrounded by trees and dirt. Their session was truly lifestyle, not full of formal posing, and thus reflected exactly who they are. I walked away tons images to deliver to them and it was hard to narrow it down for the blog. I chose my personal favorites in hope you can see exactly what I saw during their session...

I could tell from one morning that as a family they appreciates all the little things in life. They are patient and thoughtful with one another...so much so that even life with twins seemed effortless. Their kindness shines through the lens and the adoration you see on all of their faces is genuine and undirected. I loved seeing how the twins always reached out for a hug from Jim or to brush their hand against April’s face. It’s as if the twins could not believe how amazing their parents are and could not get enough of them. Oh, and the laughter. The twins have the most amazing starts in their belly and rumbles up laughter that is by far the BEST child laughter in the whole wide world. I swear, if they could bottle that sound up and sell it they would be gazillionaires.

April and Jim, I had an amazing time with you during our session and I hope we can do this again over the summer at the beach! You are so blessed to have one another and be the parents of such wonderful children!

The Meadows {Family}

One of the greatest things about the Meadows family is their bond. Watching their family together is amazing because it seems like they intuitively know what the other person needs without actually asking for it.I wouldn't go as far as to say they can read minds (wait, you can't right?) but I would say it does go to show the type of people they are...once you ask for help it will be given that time and from then on.

Kelly is one of the most goal driven, determined, hard working women I've ever met. If you ever need inspiration or motivation when trying to accomplish a goal, she can be your cheerleader too. She isn't gonna sugar coat things for you though. Nope, Kelly will give you a big ole smile and motivate you to bust your butt because she believes you can do it. She is a fantastic role model for her girls who no doubt will grow up strong and confident women because of her. Make no mistake though, there is a soft side within her that Brandon and the girls bring out better than anyone else.

Brandon and my husband, Eddie, have been good friends since middle school. The stories are hilarious, most are also unshareable in mixed company, and Eddie will tell you that Brandon was one of the best roommates he ever had. From the first time I met Brandon, I knew he was one of the good guys. He is kind, thoughtful and born to be husband and dad. There is not another person who could make him smile like he does when he smiles at Kelly. Seriously, she can walk out of the room to walk right back in and it is like he is seeing her for the first time. Sorry B...don't kill me, but it is sweet and had to be said!

Neither one of them ever stood a chance when it came to their two beautiful daughters. The girls had both Kelly and Brandon wrapped around their cute little fingers before they were even born. It was a great session and I am thankful they decided on holiday pictures this year at Dorothy B. Oven with me!

The Day Family {Family}

Before we get started with the blog, there is one thing I need to tell you. Coach Day does not smile for pictures. Ever. Not even for me. Not even when I beg. It's not gonna happen. So, while it may appear he is having a horrible time, he is actually having a great time. Promise.

The Day family is held together by this beautiful woman, Dania. Seriously, they would  be a mess without her. She is like the teacher at the head of the classroom, the guy that waves a flag at the beginning of a race, the power that lights up a city. Without her, nothing is possible. These boys can pretend they are big, tough, and gruff all day long but anyone who knows them can tell you Dania Day is boss. She has to be...that's a lot of boys to keep in line! She is also sweet as pie, very smart, and a loving supportive mom and wife.

Her husband's given name is Robert, but most people call him Coach Day. If you are ever looking for him, you can just check down at the ballfield. He will be the guy dressed in black and yellow giving all the orders. He might not get down and dirty showing the boys how to play baseball but he can coach the heck out of a group of boys who want to win a ballgame. Once they step in that dugout those are his kids. Like any great dad, he protects his boys and they know that he loves 'em more than his own life...but by God they better give it their all out there or else they are gonna get it! Haha! Seriously, we were blessed to have him Coach Brandon for 3 years and if your son is lucky enough to be coached by him you will see what I am talking about. He was the first person my oldest son called after he found out he made Myers Park 12U Allstar team, another previous player returns every spring to help Coach Day coach his team, and after every game you will see the kids grouped up around Coach Day's truck...even the kids who have never played for him. Not too many coaches can say all that.

All 3 of Coach Day's sons look like their dad but Honey Pot is lucky enough to have his mama's sweet expressions. All 3 boys also share the undying love for baseball that their father has-as if they had any other choice in it. I love how despite the age difference, the boys get along great and early on established a great bond with one another.

I'm so happy to have been able to take their pictures this year. It's been a long time coming and hopefully it wasn't too painful so that next year we can do it again!

Carla & Brian {Couples}

If you know Carla, you already know she has the sweetest southern accent this side of the Florida Georgia state line. If she was a superhero, her power would be the ability to make people relax and smile with the sound of her voice. Carla also has this amazing ability to make anyone she talks to feel like a million bucks and you can tell she just genuinely cares about people. 

Brian is one of those guys who from the moment you meet him you just know he is trustworthy, reliable, and honest...and all that is true too. But don't let him fool you. There is a mischievous side to just waiting until you least expect it and then BAM. There it is. A mild example of this is how Carla and I about died laughing when he busted out a model pose up on a tree during our session. 

I know what you are all waiting for though...you want to know about this adorable pup in the pictures. It's gonna sound weird, but it is true: as fabulous as Carla and Brian are...the real star of their family is Scooter. I laugh thinking about how when we all go out for a girls dinner all the girls will ask Carla about Scooter. We don't ask about how any of the other friends pets are doing...just Scooter. I think this goes back to all the research on dogs taking on their owners personalities. It makes sense that Scooter would be as wonderful as his owners. Just like Carla and Brian, people just immediately fall in love with Scooter the second they meet him and really do care about his daily life.

No doubt about it, they are two of the greatest people as individuals as much as they are as a couple. I am lucky to call them friends. Thank you Carla and Brian for asking me to take your family pictures this year. I loved our time together and hope you love your pictures!