13 going on 30

Dear Lauren,

Happy, Happy, Happy 13th birthday!! I can't tell you how old I feel when I say that. I remember going to see you in the hospital when you were born, rocking you to sleep many times, you visiting us for the weekend while I was in college, the bug episode in my car, and so much more. You are so precious to me and I am thankful to call you my niece.


You have a smile that is not easily forgotten, a sweet laughter that comes from deep inside, a kind heart and sensitive spirit. You have a confidence that will not be shaken, a beauty that radiates, and a purity that will remain.


I'm thankful for the time we were able to spend together last weekend to celebrate your birthday a little early. I would have loved to have taken you away for the weekend with a $1000 shopping spree, but our few hours together will remain just as precious to me. Next time I promise we won't run out of daylight!


I love you.

{gracing the stage} cary family photographer

It seems like I've been trying to plan an official photo shoot with this family for over a year now. When you get together with friends almost weekly for park dates, prayer groups, and late night hair coloring sessions, it's sometimes hard to remember to schedule something like this. But here they are finally, not just one of my closest friends, but my husband and children's as well. We sure do love this family!

Just to give a glimpse of what they're like, well, imagine U2's Bono meets Martha Stewart ;-). Yep, oozing with talent and creativity! And although we didn't necessarily plan it, some of my favorite images from this session ended up on the Koka Booth Amphitheater stage, right where they are at home. Enjoy a glimpse of this amazing family!







He already owns the stage doesn't he ;-).


Oh, and this sweet little girl just turned four! A very good reason to celebrate with photos and a huge pink tutu!




And I couldn't leave this series off, he gets my vote for one of the cutest smiles around!

{senior formula} fuquay varina senior photography

So, here it is, one more formula to remember:

great location + cool prop + confident senior= AMAZING relaxed senior photos

When I recieved the email informing me about using the 'fire-engine' red VW jetta as a prop, my mind started racing with fun ideas for photos. B's mom came across this really neat location, so all he had to do is show up and be the cool, confident guy that he is... with his cool prop of course.

Here are just a few of the many favorites I had from this recent senior session.









Thanks for letting me shoot your senior photos! Congratulations!

{brown eyed cutie} cary baby photographer

Those big, brown eyes; those cheeks; that smile... this little girl can't help but be adorable. And if the sweet little smile doesn't give it away, I'll confirm that she has the sweetest disposition. You would never guess from the photos that an impending storm and nap were about to ensue.

Here are a few of many favorites from our session. Enjoy!



Grandma and Grandpa were there to entertain and get a few photos taken as well. What a great looking family!

{first time pros} morrisville baby photographer

I'll never forget the life changing day I brought my first little bundle of joy home from the hospital. I'll never forget the sleepless nights, the feedings, the diapers, and that overwhelming feeling that I had no idea what I was doing. I'm sure that this is probably the most common reaction of first time parents... all that I've known up until now.

My most recent session was with a set of first time parents who are truly naturals at parenting. They didn't seem the least bit phased by all the newness of parenthood. They are super patient, incredibly flexible, and have tons of love to give this sweet little boy. What baby could ask for anything more?

Enjoy these favorites!

{Vintage Baby} mebane baby photographer

There's just something about old, vintage photos that I love. I have tried to reproduce every photo that belonged to my parents, grandparents, and my husband's family that I can get my hands on. Some are just everyday photos taken 50+ years ago, while some hold this amazing quality of art frozen in time. I want to create photos like that each time I do a session, photos that will be held onto for generations to come, photos that someone's great-grandchild will ooh and ah over nearly a century later.

Well, all that came to mind as I started working on this latest session. When I started to process these photos I just had to add a little texture for that vintage feel. Little Hallie was so small and precious, I could just imagine how these would turn out when I was taking the photos. Enjoy!

I Heart Snow

Being that I was born, raised, and have lived in the South my entire life, I can count the number of times it has snowed here ;-). So one can understand why I get so excited over a little white precipitation. Snow has always been the one redeeming factor to the cold weather; allowing us to see the world covered in white, playing until your extremities can no longer take it, and warming up with some hot cocoa.

How exciting that we have had not just one, but two snows this winter! My kids have enjoyed seeing it for the first time (at least more than 1/4") so, of course, I had to take lots of photos.

Enjoy these... I sure am. The snow has already begun to melt and the forecast for Saturday is 70 degrees! I heart North Carolina weather ;-).