With 2008 peeking around the corner, I can’t help but reflect on the wonderful journey that I’ve taken this year, both personally and professionally. I photographed a wedding completely on my own for the first time in March and have since had the extreme pleasure of joining three more couples to celebrate their weddings. I have photographed weddings in North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, and have been able to laugh and learn alongside some really amazing photographers, like Scarlett Lillian and Diana Nash. I traveled to Los Angeles (twice!) to visit Kyleen, and during my stay I watched several awe inspiring sunsets, bumped into numerous celebs, and splashed into the Pacific ocean for the first time that I can remember. I spent five weeks studying Spanish in Madrid and was able to travel to Morocco and Portugal during my stay. God has blessed me exceedingly and abundantly beyond all that I asked or thought, and as I look into the future I can’t help but be excited to see where He leads me next in our grand adventure together.

I have dedicated a lot of thought over the last few months to considering how I want to present myself and my style to current and future clients, and I am finally at a place where I believe that I can really share my personality and my vision with all of you. I look forward to launching my new web presence soon, as I feel that it definitely reflects who I am as a person and as a photographic artist. Part of sharing my vision with you includes making time to shoot for myself. The following session represents the direction that my style is headed for the new year. I would love to hear your thoughts on these images and find out what your plans are for the new year!

My friend Crystal and I joined Shannon and Eric on Friday evening to photograph and celebrate their wedding, and I cannot imagine a better way to finish out my first year pursuing wedding photography. Shannon and I shared an apartment last year, so I have known these two for quite some time. I was so excited when she came to me and asked if I would photograph their wedding, because they are such an amazing and Godly couple. When I asked her to describe how she wanted her wedding day to be, she responded, “Anything but traditional.” Everything about their wedding celebration reflected who they are as individuals and as a pair.

While she was getting ready, Shannon went from preschool room to preschool room in search of toys to play with and include in pictures. When the guys went hunting for something to keep them entertained, they came across a child’s bowling set and quickly set it up in the sanctuary. Once Shannon and Eric were both ready, we headed outside to brave the rain so that they could exchange the vows that they had written to each other. It was such a beautiful and special time, and it was a touching moment to be a part of. Here are some of my favorite images from the afternoon.

Shannon and Eric, thank you for including me in your wonderful wedding. Your love for each other and your passion to pursue and honor the Lord together inspires me and many others. I wish you the best in your adventures together and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the two of you.

Last night God gave me (and everyone else willing to notice) a very special gift- a beautiful sunset that reminded me of the ones that I got to experience on my trip to LA. It’s not very often you get to see these kinds of colors around here.