Archive for the ‘Personal’ Category

Mandy + Ron = Love

August 20, 2010

We all have them. The friend that you’ve known for so long that you honestly cannot remember even when you met or how old you were. That is Mandy to me! While growing up, she’s always been like another little sister to me. She has just always been around. Her family and my family grew up together, vacationed together every summer, lots of fun memories! And, now that we are all grown up, Mandy is a true friend whom I dearly love. And, for the record, my friend Mandy has one of the single most AMAZING voices on earth…girl can sing like an angel, y’all, no kidding! She’s is just so beautiful inside and out. And, now, she’s madly in love, too and is getting married next weekend! I had the pleasure of photographing Mandy and her handsome hubby-to-be this week for some casual before the wedding shots, an engagement session if you will! It was a joy getting to spend time with Mandy and Ron and just photographing for the pure joy of it. Mandy, I love you, honey and couldn’t be happier for you and Ron! Happy Wedding!

I had so much fun working with grownups that didn’t require me to sing a silly song or give them a bribe. Therefore, lots and lots of fun photos for you to enjoy tonight! :) But, it’ll be easy on the eyes because Ron and Mandy are just beautiful….seriously!

Raaawr!! :)

A quick change to some black and white…love it!

And, a few with Ron’s beautiful daughter, Amber! What a sweet family!

And, finally, please note the shoes! Stylish from head to toe! :) Love you!

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Happy 4th of July!

July 4, 2010

I love, love this holiday! I love the fun colors. I love that it is in the midst of summer. The 4th just feels like summer, doesn’t it? More than anything else, I absolutely LOVE the fireworks!! I am so grateful to have the privilege of living in this wonderful land of ours that God has truly blessed. I am so thankful to those that have served and are serving now to give me the freedoms that I so enjoy. We sang “My Country Tis of Thee” this morning in church and the words have been ringing in my head all day…”long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light, protect us by your might, great God our King.”

The other night my family got together to celebrate our littlest cousin’s third birthday! Happy birthday little Kallen! We ended the evening with my favorite…FIREWORKS! But, before the darkness set in and the fireworks began, I snagged all the cousions for a quick picture of them in their cuteness of red and blue. See, even the photographer can’t get a perfect shot…but I still *heart* them…a big, fat, puffy red heart!!

In birth order, from oldest to youngest…

In these next two I love the snaggletooth, the tounge hanging out, the snickers, the gum showing thru the forced smile! LOVE these kiddos! Maybe not perfect, but perfect enough to all of us. Happy 4th, sweet children! Now…let’s go see those fireworks!

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“Since he was born…”

April 30, 2010

“I’ve known him since he was born.” That’s a common phrase around the South that we use when we have known someone a long time. However, in this little guy’s case, I have literally known him since he was born! I was in the delivery room the moment he made his first cry and I have loved him ever since. Mr. Grayson is my adorable little nephew and he just steals my heart. I have four nieces that I adore; but Grayson is the only little man around to play with tractors and cars (besides my own little man, of course!).  It kills me how much he looks like my 9 year old son at this age. I could hardly concentrate on photographing him because he kept cracking me up with all of his funny faces, cute smiles, and just plain adorableness!! Gray-Gray, Aunt Julie loves you! Krissy and Brandon, sooo sorry it’s taken me for-ev-ah to get these on the blog. And, because you have been so patient, you get a few more than normal! Hope it was worth the wait!!

Posted in Children, Families, Personal | 4 Comments »

A picture of my heart…

March 22, 2010

Thirteen years ago on this date was the most exciting day in my life up to that point and still ranks as one of my favorite days ever! On March 22, 1997 I married my high school sweetheart and very best friend! Without him,  my life as it is today would not be. He is my biggest fan and without a doubt the one reason that 1:17 Photography even exists! About five years ago, I happened to mention to him one day that I would love to be a children’s photographer. And his response to me, “well, why aren’t you doing it then?” . I came up with 1,000 reasons why it would never work. Within a week, a brand new Nikon dSLR arrived on my doorstep…a gift from a very loving and supportive husband. From that day forward, he has been cheering me on and pushing me to do things that I never would have dreamed possible. God knew to put this incredible man in my life. I really don’t embrace change at all…in fact, I hate it. Jack, on the other hand, loves a challenge. We make a pretty great team! Even today, Jack is such a huge part of our business. He takes care of ALL the things I cannot stand that come along with a business such as accounting, bills, taxes, business licensing, bookkeeping, etc. Yuck! Without a doubt, I couldn’t continue to do what I do without him taking care of that side of things. I get to do all the fun part! ;)

You might wonder why I put this out here on the blog for the world to read and the reason is simple. The love we have for one another as well as the belief that he is a true gift from God is so important to what I do everyday in this business. My camera and photographs are an extension of my heart. With every click of the shutter, I am seeking to capture for my clients the love that they have for one another and their children. The love and joy that I have in my personal life is a part of every photograph I take. It has been 13 years of marriage, and I am happier than I ever thought possible back on that spring day in March. I am beyond grateful to the Lord for granting me with this amazing man with which to share this journey. Happy Anniversary, baby!

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