emulsionsphoto.com by Melissa Esterline

Keeping up is hard work :/

2010-06-28T18:18:00.001-07:00

I feel so bad that I've been a blog neglecter. Turns out keeping up with my Facebook page and my blog is pretty hard to do. If you haven't been to my facebook page you can do so here:

I really need to do a blog catch up post soon! For now I will post a preview from a recent wedding:

Check my facebook...

2010-06-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

If you've been wondering what's up with Melissa Esterline Photography, check out my facebook (keyword: Melissa Esterline Photography)

For now I'd like to share a few from a super sweet wedding from a week ago!
Tina and Josh!

Renee and Jeremy: Engaged

2010-04-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

CAN...NOT...WAIT for this wedding!!!

Stuff I've been working on.

2010-04-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been MIA

2010-04-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

Life as of lately has been extremely difficult....

Virgil Lewis Jr.
December 25, 1954-March 28, 2010

My Dad passed from this life on to a life eternal in Heaven with his son Mikey.
I have wondered for awhile what to say, because every time I venture to write this post, I freeze up and my heart aches. I look at the dash between his birth date and death date and I am angry. That little dash could never account for the life that he lived. It was a life full of strength, devotion, love and so much happiness. He was my best teacher. In fact he continues to guide my life. I have asked myself several times during these last few weeks what Dad would have thought or what might he do in a situation. He taught me to be strong and endure struggles, to square my shoulders and bear the burden. He also taught me in recent years about tears and struggles as I watched him grieve the loss of my brother. I think his heart never healed from that, he was broken and I didn't have the power to heal him. I wish with all that is inside my heart that I could have.
I would have loved to wake up and this was all just a dream. Maybe Mikey would be out in the garage with Dad and Lonnie and I would hear the familiar sounds their laughter as they teased and picked with one another. I would have loved to have my Dad there with me as we watched the boys become old enough to drive and take the camero out for the first time. Maybe we would have thrown a big party for Mom and Dad's 40th anniversary. Maybe we would have all packed into a car and drove up to Amanda's for the birth of her baby. That is how I had it all planned out in my head but that is not the plans that God had in store for us.
I know that His ways are not my ways and I am finding healing in knowing that He did not intend to hurt me with this. I think Dad asked God if He would take him. Dad often told me that he was ready to die and he wasn't afraid. Ever since he asked God into his heart and asked forgiveness of his sins, he had been at peace with death. He knew that his brother and his son were waiting for him in Heaven and he was happy thinking about the reunion.

I don't know how it all works once you get there but I can just imagine the hugging and rejoicing of such a sweet reunion between Mikey, Dad and Uncle Lonnie. Three men that loved each other beyond anything I've ever seen. So I do not morn for that part of Dad passing but oh how my heart aches for the hole that has been left in my life.

I loved him big and deep and I think when you love someone like that there is a root that grows deep into your heart. When they leave us and that root is pulled out...oh the hole that it leaves is painful and empty for a period of time.

I could say so much more, but my heart is aching as it is. I do believe that pictures say my words much better than anything I could type. My Dad bought a point and shoot camera after Mikey died and I believe he wanted to leave us special memories. So I'll leave you with these thousands of words he left me ♥

Mom and Dad on their wedding day

Mikey and Dad (I remember this day)

On Mikey's wedding day

On my wedding day

This moment couldn't be bought with the finest gold

Mom and Dad after my wedding

Dad, I was always thankful that I gave you the grand boys

They made you more happy than I've ever seen

They were part of the healing after Mikey

Love you Dad, you believed in me and I knew I could always count on you.

My first great love story

And boy was it a beautiful story

All the struggles are all passed now Dad. Rest and squeeze Mikey up close to you and tell him how much he is missed and how much I can't wait to see you all again.

For now I'll square my shoulder and continue... just like you taught me.

See what I'm up to on facebook!

2010-03-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'm posting a lot of things on facebook lately but I promise as the season picks up that I won't totally neglect my blog. For now you can fan my business page on facebook by searching for Melissa Esterline Photography!
♥Melissa

Is facebook replacing the blog??

2010-03-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

Well I'm becoming a horrible blogger because of facebook lol. It just so easy to connect and clients love being tagged in the albums. So if you are wondering what I'm up to you may want to look me up on Facebook. Search for Melissa Esterline Photography or I think you can use this link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Brookville-OH/Melissa-Esterline-Photography/331139196444?ref=ts

Alas I haven't given up. Here are a few from my last baby session:

Baby Christopher!

2010-02-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

Can you even believe he is only 1 month old! Ahhh I love a good solid baby lol!

For some reason this one just cracks me up!

Goldie and Alex: The wedding

2010-02-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

Coming out of the temple, so so happy

Fave

another fav

Goldie and Alex: Wedding Sneek Peek

2010-02-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

For Kendra =)

2010-02-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

More bellies!

2010-02-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

Jo and Jerry

2010-02-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

I have the most compassionate clients and I am truly thankful! Jo and Jerry thanks so much for all your patience, here is your preview. So much more to follow!
♥Melissa

Updates on my Dad

2010-01-24T23:18:00.000-08:00

I'm finding it hard to keep all my sites updated on the progress of my Dad so I decided to open a caring site here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/virgillewisjr I will be attempting to update it daily.
Thank you all from the bottom of this broken heart ;)

Maternity: Amber

2010-01-24T23:05:00.000-08:00

Like I said before Amber, I hope you are having a wonderful time with your new little baby! I can't wait for that part of the Bumps and babies session!

Hot!

You know I have to have some fun at these sessions!

;)

Maybe my fav of the whole session!

stunning!

Maternity: Amber

2010-01-23T23:57:00.000-08:00

Amber! I hope delivery went well and baby is doing good. More to follow soon.

2010-01-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

It's been a rough week for me. My Dad had a stroke near his brain stem region and we've been with him in the hospital praying for a miracle. I'm trying to keep up with pictures but alas I'm falling terribly behind. If you read this please pray for our family and my Dad.

Don't want to post without a picture or two so here is Kendra's sweet baby girl:

Baby Urijah

2010-01-14T07:49:00.001-08:00

Amber and Joel: Engaged

2010-01-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to finally meet you Amber after months of emails. You are really a sweetheart (Joel I guess you're ok ;) lol). Can't wait for the wedding guys!!

My fave!

It was so very cold but we had a blast!

The beautiful ring!

Goldie and Alex: Sangeet

2010-01-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Truly a once in a lifetime experience! When I met Goldie and Alex I knew they were special people so I was super excited when they decided to have me take part in their wedding celebrations. Some readers may be wondering what a Sangeet is so check out this site and read up http://weddings.iloveindia.com/indian-weddings/pre-wedding-functions/sangeet.html . When preparing for the Sangeet I researched all I could to make sure I could understand what was going to take place, but I don't think anything could have prepared me for the splendor of what took place! Also the order for the night was all candids only please. I thought sweet! This will be perfect but I didn't realize how tuff it was going to be to not pose anyone lol. All night long I kept thinking of great shots to set up, but I talked myself out of it and stuck to the order and I think it was wonderful! It's always so awesome when I find that one shot where the couple didn't know anyone was watching (or in the room for that matter), they are just wrapped up in one another and enjoying their time together. I found more than a few of those!

This is what was waiting inside!!!!

So amazingly beautiful!

Henna

Then the women relatives gathered to play instruments and sings songs.

Goldie and her grandmother enjoying the festivities

Alex wrote and performed a song for Goldie! It was so sweet.

The women relatives again gathered and performed a dance for the Bride and Groom

Favorite shot of the whole night. Such comfort and happiness.

Look at how they look at each other!

Then some of the family put on a funny skit about Goldie and Alex

lol! I think this was the ME ALEX part ;)

They danced a Somoan dance (Alex is Soman)

Then the entire room joined in for some fun!

So much more to come from this celebration!

Danielle: Senior session

2010-01-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

Froze our butts off but totally worth it!

One of my favs!

Second fav!!

Look you can even see the snow in this pic

Jenn and Tim

2009-12-29T19:08:00.000-08:00

Taking the dive!

Of all the items needed on a wedding day.... nothing can compare to momma's hands

GASP! Those eyes....

We had some great light!

Sizzle!

Jen's precious Mom and Dad!

Little Angel's

I really like this one

One of my favs

Ok... do I just bring this out in people?? lol

Beautiful reception

Fairytale ending

More baby goodness =)

2009-12-22T11:18:00.000-08:00

Perhaps new slide show song??

2009-12-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

Baby Mason: sneek peek

2009-12-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

Beth and Tim: ALL FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

Another great wedding at The Legacy Center in Xenia

Beth, Tim and family,
I think it's important that you know how wonderful you are as a family. I was moved to tears many times as I edited this wedding. The love you have for each other is so visible, no words were even needed. So to you I says thanks for giving me a bit of my inspiration back. ♥♥♥

The beautiful chapel! (loved the pumpkins)

**sighhhhhhh beautiful rings and amazing flowers!!!!! Love♥

Beth you are just beautiful!

This right here is something you find only once in a life time... cherish it Beth and Karen

***Caution... may be hot to the touch***

What can I say... sometimes you just gotta smack a little booty ;)

One of my favs of Tim

Oh wait maybe it's this one, he has a great smile!

Playing with the fish eye

Hardcore

Yes ladies and gentlemen... the perfect fairytale wedding had the perfect ending as well!!!!!!!

Just like a page out of a fairytale story

Couldn't resist a quick post from Beth and Tim's Wedding

2009-12-09T21:18:00.000-08:00

Beth..... WOW

Ervin Family Preview

2009-12-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

It's always good to see one of my brides return for a family session! Jessica and AJ are also expecting so that was wonderful news as well. It was very uplifting to walk into their beautiful home and see my work everywhere! I am so thankful that I could capture these meaningful memories for you and I hope this session will join the others on the walls!!
Thanks Jessica, AJ and family you are such a sweet family!

Great brother and sister moment!

The girls ;)

Ok so I'm working on learning studio lighting and this one is so funny. The cat looks like he's posing lol!

To all my bloggies

2009-12-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

A quick funny from the Esterline house....

2009-12-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

My 6 year old son thinks kids that are missing their front teeth are
ugly.... much to his dismay he discovers his front tooth is loose. In
this video he is checking with Daddy to see if it is in fact loose.
Watch his reaction =)

One more, I just can't resist ;)

2009-12-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

Today's baby!!!!!!!!

2009-12-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

Marcie and Tyon: Such sweet people

2009-12-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

Blessed to have sweet clients like these two.

obviously I think Marcie is beautiful

More from a little doll session =)

2009-11-23T21:14:00.000-08:00

Marcie and Tyon: Part 2

2009-11-21T21:11:00.000-08:00

One of the nicest couples I've meet. This was such a fun session, we ended up talking and laughing through most of it. Poor Tyon was so sick but he held up great, hope you are feeling better and didn't transfer it on to Marcie lol

Love this one ♥

Marcie works in the Schuster building so we got to use this great balcony that over looked Dayton

Marcie and Tyon: Sneeky Peek

2009-11-21T13:32:00.000-08:00

Marcie, I'm hoping to have a bigger preview up sometime today but for now here is a little tidbit =)

Marcia and Ryan

2009-11-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

First glimpse

Dad with his boys

Jenn and Tim: Preview

2009-11-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

Such a sweet family I got to work with and would you believe it was one of the warmest day in November! Who has that kind of luck lol.

The beautiful church

Jenn.... WOW

Julia and Jeremy

2009-11-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

The beautiful church

And reception

Hotties

This is what happens when you try to have tiny girls pick up a 6'4 guy(give or take a few inches)

Like this one

Trying to be tuff

NOT trying to be tuff lol!

L♥ve this one!

♥ This one too!

Baby sneak peek!

2009-11-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

I love wonderful weddings with wonderful couples

2009-11-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

This was such a beautiful wedding at Drees Pavilion in Covington KY.
Such a sweet couple too, it rained on and off all day and still toughed it out and got awesome pictures!
Thanks James and Sarah for being wonderful when I need a bit more editing time. You are wonderful!

Love this one that my lovely assistant Shannon captured

One of my favorite father and daughter moments (we just won't say what Sarah did lol) ;)

FAV!

Another FAV

Just for you Jules:

2009-11-15T21:28:00.000-08:00

Hotness!!!!!!!!!!

Senior: Aerial and the daring prom dress session

2009-11-13T20:11:00.000-08:00

I miss doing baby sessions

2009-11-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hello blog friends! I so miss my snuggly warm baby sessions! I have some down time coming and I would like to build my baby portfolio back up (plus I have a ton of cool ideas and new hats to try!)
So if you know of anyone in the area who is due to have a snuggly between the follow dates November 20th - January 20th have them get in contact with me! This is a fun opportunity and I don't expect appoint times to stay open for this so hurry!!!!

Rachel: Senior

2009-11-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

A few more from Aubrey and Brandon's wedding

2009-11-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

One of my faves!

Music: Images that move me....

2009-11-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

Music This song makes me feel.....

2009-11-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

I love it when a song does that...

This is so beautiful

2009-11-02T19:42:00.001-08:00

Senior Ben

2009-10-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

I was really surprised with my session with Ben.... My camera made it though without breaking lol! ;) FYI (Ben is a brat I used to teach so I'm allowed to tease him!)

The real Ben!

More from Cori's session

2009-10-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Beth and Tim: Married

2009-10-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

This was a beautiful wedding, every detail perfectly planned. It played out like a beautiful love story and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it!

The wedding took place at Xenia Christian Academy in Xenia and it was so lovely arrayed in fall colors.

She has an amazing old hollywood style

More from Rachel's session

2009-10-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Rachel: Senior

2009-10-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

Kim, while I'm looking through Rachel's pictures there has been more than one that has stopped me cold in my tracks with those blue eyes....WOW
Also I keep getting a Michelle Pfeiffer vibe lol! Needless to say I have just oodles more to post soon!

Shelby: Senior session

2009-10-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

My sweet little Shelby is all grown up and becoming such a beautiful woman. I love you sweetie and it was a blessing spending the day with you.

I told you I'd get a few with a real smile! ;)

Ok this is my first try at a high key image and I must say I do like it!

So much more to come!

She's been bitten by the twilight bug

Brit and Allen: Final post

2009-10-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Yes this is going to be a HUGE post! How could it now? It's all about the sweet couple Brit and Allen! Sorry some of these I didn't get to move my watermark but it's so late i just can't bring myself to go back and move it. I need to get to bed.

HOT shoes!

If those men actually knew how tuff getting all prettied up is! lol

Wowzers

One of my favs!

Very beautiful sisters!

lol!

Brothers!

This family was all smiles and giggles all day!

This makes me laugh

Precious

again with the male bonding lol!

So happy to be the new MR and MRS!

just another one that makes me laugh

Brit getting down with her bad self!

so much fun

Apparently Brit wasn't the only one getting down

Love this one!

Baby it's cold outside!

2009-10-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

We are entertaining a guest =(

2009-10-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

It's not a happy visit. It's the sickies =( My boys are pretty sick. Mason has had strep for a few days and was put on antibiotic then he spiked another fever and we had to start him on a stronger antibiotic. Now Branson has come down with it. Needless to say all I've done for about 2 weeks now is strip beds and disinfect the house. I have a super fab wedding on Friday so I'm trying very hard to keep from getting sick. Please remember my family in your prayers this week we need it.

Just wanted to let all my wonderful clients know that I am still squeezing in a bit of work at night. I'm trying to keep up with the previews, but I have still fallen a few weeks behind. I will do my best to catch up once we are all feeling well. If you have any questions, email is the best way to reach me. Take care everyone and try not to get sick!
♥ Melissa

Marcia and Ryan

2009-10-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

When I shot this wedding I just purchased the 100mm macro so it's going to be full of lots of detail shots! I had fun playing around with it.

Love this one

Another fav

Cori: Senior

2009-10-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

Cori toughed out rain for this session and still ended up looking this HOT! All I have to say is WOWIE!

Brit and Allen

2009-10-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

To a very sweet couple! I just love you guys bunches, and I'm still working. I hope to have the whole wedding finished very soon.

Jen and Tim! Engagement

2009-10-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

This session was so fun and sweet. Jen and Tim told me about how they met and I remember Jen just loves that Tim is a farmer. That was all I needed to hear, LET'S GO TO THE FARM!

One of my favs!

Another fav!

Love this one!

♥

The furry children!

Julia and Jeremy's preview!

2009-10-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

Bouquet shots!

Somebody sound the hottie alarm! Seriously was she smokin HOT or what!

Love this one!

A bit of fall color

One of my fav shots!

Not so bad yourself Jeremy!

Brotherly love goin on here =)

This one makes me crack up every time

Male bonding?

Julia and Jeremy

2009-09-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

I had the wonderful privilage of photographing one of my friend's weddings and it was so amazing. This isn't the full preview but I just had to put one up!

Lucky

2009-09-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

I've always considered myself lucky to have this wonderful opportunity to do what I do. Photography is so much more to me than just taking pictures. It's an emotional release and a creative outlet. It's an avenue for meeting new people and traveling to exciting new places.
Most of all photography is an opportunity to give a beautiful a lasting memory, not just on paper but in the heart.

Today at an engagement session, we were walking through a field and I started a story about 4 leaf clovers, right while I was telling it, the bride looks down and says "IS THAT A 4 LEAF CLOVER, RIGHT THERE?"
Sure enough it was lol! I couldn't believe it, what are the odds of just walking through a field and finding a 4 leaf clover? Especially while talking about it. Just another way God reminded me of how lucky I am. =)

Sarah and James: Married

2009-09-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

This was a beautiful wedding at Drees Pavilion in Covington KY
Rained cats and dogs but this bride and groom were dedicated and they braved the rain! You just gotta love that!

Sarah... seriously you are so beautiful it's hard to look at this shot!

Awwww

Love this one!

Caught this during prayer at the reception

Tina and Josh: Engagement Session

2009-09-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

This super cute couple was so much fun to hang out with! Thanks for being so stinking adorable!

Tina told me that Josh loves blueberries and also that they had picked a huge amount together this year, so I thought this would be a fun shot!

Mindy and Wes!

2009-09-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

This was such a sweet wedding for me. This location is where my brother had his wedding. I couldn't help reminiscing all that day. I did a pretty good job of keeping my emotions under control while I shot the wedding but when I started editing that when the flood gates opened =(
I sure do miss that guy, but I don't want this post to be all about me so I'll just get to the good stuff:

First thing I noticed was this great spot by the window

Rings were A....MAZING!

Funny moment during the ceremony!

Had to rock the red brick when I saw it!

love this!

The end!

A little more close cropping =)

2009-09-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

Just beautiful

A little close cropping

2009-09-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

And sometimes you'll get some magic emotions. (Sigh) Beautiful...

Aubrey and Brandon: Married in PA part two!

2009-09-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

I know you are excited dear! So this is just for you ;)

I found a pretty!

2009-09-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it just make you smile

Patrick Swayze died today....

2009-09-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

I grew up on Patrick Swayze movies, so this really took me down memory lane. I sat and thought about all the fun and growing up I did while watching Dirty Dancing. I fell in love with him in that movie. My sisters and I would watch it over and over. To this day we can still say all the lines. I can't help but think of his family and what they must be going through in this difficult time. He and his wife have been married for over thirty years and were still so in love. I went to youtube to watch the Barba Walters interview he did when he was first diagnosed and what struck me was the love he and his wife have for each other: This is the last segment of the interview but I think it will be worth it for you to watch all 5:

Aubrey and Brandon! Married in Pennsylvania

2009-09-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't forgot you dear, here's a quick teaser

I'm in ♥ with this wedding I'm working on!

2009-09-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Seriously!

My sweet boys!

2009-09-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

One thing I've missed the most this year about blogging is connecting with you guys! I miss you lol! I haven't had much time to blog about my personal stuff. So here goes and get ready cause my babies jumped into boys in a blink of an eye!

This is so their relationship

Had to end with a "REAL" smile from Branson lol!

Brit and Allen: Preview!

2009-09-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

Well we made it home safe and sound! I wanted to post a few from Brit and Allen's wedding! So many more to come from this AWESOME wedding!

What can I say they are hot! Proceed with caution!

Out of town notice!

2009-09-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Just wanted to let you know I will be out of town for a few days. We have no cell service (lol) out here. I've received a couple of phone messages so as soon as we can find a service area I'll get back with you. Thanks Melissa

I see the coolest things...

2009-09-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

while blog stalking!
Ok so while checking out a few blogs today I saw the coolest send off idea. K so you know how people do rice and birdseed and bubbles? Well this couple had a balloon send off. While they walked along the path to the car their guests released balloons with tiny strips of paper on which they had written a special wish for the couple!!! LOVE it!
Hey 2010 brides.... (begin whisper tones) psssst come closer K (one of you guys should totally do this) I'd love you a bunch more ;)

Blogdiggity! Cassie and Robby's Daring Bridal

2009-09-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my daring bridal sessions and this one had all the "it" factors! (ie. hot couple with skilz, old hollywood style♥ just to mention a few)
Cassie and Robby I loved doing this with you guys! Had a blast!

One of my favs!

another fav

CRACK ME UP!

♥ this

Hot or what!

Ashley and Ben: all finished!

2009-09-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

During the ceremony Ben's candle wouldn't light so he had to light the unity candle with a lighter.

You be good Brooke ;)

♥ this

Lydia caught this! Love it!

Caught Being Kind

2009-08-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

Wow August is almost over and I haven't even done my Caught Being Kind for the month.

Just to refresh your memory as to what this monthly post is about:

This past year was Mason's first year in school. Often he would come home and say that he hoped that he would be caught being kind. I wondered what that meant. One day he came bursting through the door yelling "MOMMY, MOMMY! I was caught being kind". He then explained that if he helped classmate out without being asked, or did something nice for anyone else and the teacher noticed, sometimes she would send the name to the office and it would be announced over the loud speaker and a prize would be given. Needless to say he was so excited and I was so proud.

That idea stuck in my mind and as I progress through photography there are a number of people that have helped me along my way. Once in a while I send emails with questions and I'm always amazed by the kind response and time that these people take to help out. I would like to start a Bi-weekly or Monthly posting entitled "Caught Being Kind", to recognize some of those photographers who despite their success haven't forgotten the little people!

*Here is my only disclaimer.... I don't wish to target any photographer featured to be bombarded with emails. Help me honor them by taking this as incentive to reach out to your favorite photogs or maybe you can help out someone in your area.

This month's photographer(s)

David and Kim Baxter of Ohana Photography

K not only do they rock as photographers (I totally stalk their blog), but they are some of the nicest people. Every time I've had a question about how they did a shot or maybe how to do something cool on the blog, they have answered. I mean seriously do you know how many photographers I've emailed along that way that never answer? So thanks for being cool and helping a chick out! You've been caught being kind!
♥Melissa

P.S. If you guys have a pic I can use send let me know!

Tonight's wedding!

2009-08-29T20:51:00.001-07:00

It was wonderful, just as suspected it would be! I love it when a client becomes your friend!
Love you Britt

That point and shoot camera is coming in handy!

Mindy and Wes

2009-08-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to post a few from this wedding! It was chocked full of fun stuff:

Yummy creamy light
Red walls
Red and yellow caboose
Railroad tracks
Overgrown fields
Sunset
And just the sweetest people!

one of my favs

Smokin!

another fave

Ashley and Ben

2009-08-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

From the first meeting, I thought it was so sweet

♥ This

♥ this one too

I stumblemed across your picture today...

2009-08-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a year today.

My brother and my oldest son at about the same age.

it hurts so bad everybody tells me
all i need is time then the mornin rolls in
and it hits me again and that ain't nothin but a lie

Mason's first day of first grade!

2009-08-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Also my husband gave me a point and shoot camera! I love it. I keep it strapped to my purse and I whip it out in a flash when I need it! YEAH!

He was so excited all day!

What can I say....

2009-08-18T11:27:00.001-07:00

my friends crack me up!

Nicole and Joe: Preview

2009-08-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

So I think this session just may get my vote for my favorite session of the year! Nicole contacted me with a beautiful email explaining that she would like to get photos of she and her brother for her parents anniversary. I instantly knew this was going to be a session after my own heart. How I would love to have done this with my brother before he went to be with the Lord. How precious pictures with him would be to my heart now. Needless to say I shot this session with my heart on my sleeve.
Nicole and Joe were so funny, when they smiled I smiled. They are just the kind of people you just can't help but to do just that. I know they bring lots of smiles to their parents. So here's hoping that these will be memories to cherish for years to come!
p.s. This is a surprise for their Mom and Dad so if you know them mums the word lol!

Like I said they cracked me up! Nicole explained that baseball played a big part in their interests, so I had to try the next few shots ;)

Look at those smiles

Nicole... WOW

Not so bad yourself Joe ;)

Love this... I ask Nicole to do a serious pose and this is what happened (she just couldn't control the smile, it just jumped out)

Just like this one (cool focus stuff)

Beth and Tim: All finished!!!

2009-08-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

My favorite!

Second

Grieving today....

2009-08-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

for the future I always thought I would have with my brother. Pray for our family, would you?

2009-08-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people (Vincent van Gogh)

Amy and family!

2009-08-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

I had a great time with Amy and Mike. I really feel like I got a wonderful view of the love they share and I hope I was able to capture that and present it to all of you!

I love this one!

This is great! lol

lol!

Are her children beautiful or what?!!

Total boys

another fav!

look at this little pro with her legs all posed (on here own too)

♥ this

So this is what happens when you try to take Dad down!

This one cracks me up!

Aww reminds me of me and my boys!

More from Cassie and Robbie's Daring Bridal session!

2009-08-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

It poured but that didn't stop these two! They were true troupers!

What happens on a Daring Bridal Session......

2009-08-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this! Cassie decided to do my Daring Bridal Session! Couldn't ♥ her more for it! She opted to rent a tux and bring her new husband along! May I just say.... THEY ROCKED IT OUT! More blog worthy goodness to follow

P.S. If you are sassy bride and want to try out a daring bridal session give me a call for details... YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

Reuben and Amy final post!

2009-08-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

This wedding was filled with lots of friends, familiar faces and good times! Loved sharing this day with everyone! The entire wedding will be up on the client section of the site soon!

Taking the dive

Oh lala

Smoldering

Loving the dress

Funny girls

One of my brides from last year! Leah!

One of my brides from two years ago! Mandi!

Hardcore lol!

Like the line in this one

Can't remember what Jimmy was up to here but it was funny ;p

Jimmy (one of my grooms from a few years ago)
Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy haven't you learned anything about sticking your tongue out at me?

Loved this moment between Reuben and his Grandmother =)

During the ceremony his Mom and Dad were moved to tears and it was beautiful =)

Love this one!

What happens when you work amongst former clients and friends =)

You may remember Greg and Claire. They were just married in April (loved their wedding)

While we are on the subject

2009-08-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

I said that I photographed a friends wedding but I have a few pics that make smile/tear up when I think about them. I should have posted them with the final post but I didn't know if I could explain. I know I can now.

This one of Ryan and his Dad makes me tear up because what I think his Dad is thinking is so apparent... "I'm proud of you son"

April and I have been praying for her to find her husband for a long time now and this day was a fulfilment of all her prayers and dreams. I love it! Makes me smile =)

Seems like I find myself here each year...

2009-08-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

Do I lose sight of who I am along my way? Yes. I look through my work and I search for me. Am I in there? Is the passion there? Did I open a tiny spout to my heart and pour a bit into it? I struggle, I lose sight, I sink low but each year around this time I search for my original eagerness to pursue a moment and pounce on it like a cat creeps through the tall grass and captures it's prey. Then the ecstasy of the moment when I find myself alone, in front of the computer, in the wee hours of the morning staring at a perfect moment. Tears mist up my eyes and I am breathless.

Then wedding season creeps up and I struggle to deliver on time and I fear I rush to fast and those moments seem to be coming farther apart. I miss them. I miss who I am during those times. When the room is quiet, only the humming of the computer can be heard and I am honest. I admit just who I am and I don't run from it... a dreamer, a lover, escapist, fantasizer, idealist, and a romantic. For a small amount of time life is simple and I am happy.

Tonight I decided to take more time to pursue inspiration.
I chased a sunset.
Have you ever tried it? Get your gear, jump in your car around sunset time and just drive until you find THE SPOT. You will know it because you will see it with your heart and when you look through your camera you will feel it in your soul.

Summer sunsets with corn stalks blowing in the wind....

I know this one is a little grainy but it was a beautiful memory between me and God. It was a cloudy sunset and right as I found my spot the sun sank behind a dark cloud. I closed my eyes and asked God if he could drop it out just for me. If you look right above the sun you can see the cloud. It was amazing. Right before it disappeared behind the tree line God dropped it out just like I had asked. I was breathless...

Oh how I love shoe shots!

2009-08-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist posting these shoe shots from Amy and Reuben's wedding

God touches my heart with photography....

2009-07-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

Glad sometimes I can do the same with my clients. (*tears) Thank you for sharing Leah =)

Leah sent me this message on my facebook....

Today would've been my Mamaw's 81st birthday. We lost her in December. So, my aunt wrote on my facebook wall that she loves that picture of me and her mom. I wrote her back and said I love it too and I wonder if wedding photographers know how much their work really means. So I decided to pass this on to you!!! I'm so incredibly thankful for all of the pictures I have with her...especially on my wedding day. Your work really means everything...THANK YOU