emily alane

where have I been?

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:56:17 CDT

I know, I have been very MIA over here. Things have been busy with finishing up wedding season and really getting full swing on our house rebuild. (we're rebuilding our home that got pretty well served when the tornado came through in April) I'm also planning a total overhaul of this here blog when I finish up my weddings. Expect it around the end of the year. Yay!!

In the mean time, forgive my absence and visit me on facebook. I'm there all the time!

I miss you too. I'll be back soon. BETTER THAN EVER!

Sharon and Brandon

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:47:05 CDT

Here's a few of my favorites from a session as of late. Brandon's mom bought my gift certificate donation to the big bad ball last year and gave it to them for Christmas. yay! We had a lot of fun and I'd like to give a shout out to this couple or braving the 100 degree temps and the swamp like humidity that is the south this time a year.

thanks ya'll!

Sarah and Sean get married

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:41:24 CDT

This is a big set! I couldn't help myself. I just love this couple so much so it was hard not to share a lot. Sean was one of my high school classmates at The North Carolina School of the Arts. When he and Sarah asked me about being a part of their wedding day I was beyond excited. It's such a beautiful experience to photograph the weddings of people you know well.
I've known Sean since he was 16- and he's always had a place in my heart. It's been awesome to see him in the last few years really grow. Through graduating college, finding his faith, meeting his life partner, getting accepted into graduate school and committing his life to helping others through his clergy work he's become quite an inspiration to those around him.

Sean is awesome, it's no surprise he found himself a woman who is funny, kind, super smart and, well, I don't need to tell you- beautiful!
Thank you guys so much! It was such an honor to be a part of this day.

Sean's sister in law Hannah does Sarah's hair.

Sean and Sarah read letters from one another.

Gift from Sean's Dad.

One of my favorites from the whole day!!! Sarah's Mom reacting to her in her dress. So sweet!!!

Sean's Dad doing a reading at the ceremony.

Everyone signs the marriage license! I love this.

Ring Sean made for Sarah and proposed with. beautiful!!!!

Love this shot Erin caught. Not sure what I am telling them but I think it proves that I am indeed as funny as I fancy myself.

I realize this shot might not excite everyone like it does me. I just love it! The lighting is so great. I felt lucky!!!

Isn't Sarah's brother a cutie!!! I think so!

We forgot to tell the Limo driver it was time to go. The car door is locked. It's funny.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!
Love to you both!!!!!

just a few of my nieces

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:06:03 CDT

Just a few photos of my nieces taken last weekend.

Sean and Sarah

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:14:44 CDT

Here's a few photos I captured of the lovely Sean and Sarah just a few weeks before their wedding this past Saturday. They just wanted to get some fun pictures together and to kind of loosen up in front of the camera before their big day.
Can't wait to share the wedding photos with you in a few weeks. This wedding was maybe of of the most touching weddings I have ever been to (of course I am a little biased since I've been friends with the groom for 12 years) but I've been floating on air since this ceremony- something about being around a group of people giving love so freely has brought me such a sense of peace these past few days.
So congratulations to a couple I love so much. I am lucky that Sean has found himself such an awesome lady who I now get to count among my friends.

running away...

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:52:15 CDT

We disappeared. Just for a few days. Right smack in the middle of a work week. We needed it. We needed to honor Ernie turning 30 and honor what's important to us. Right now what's important is

staying sane through this post tornado house re build. It's exciting and totally irritating all at the same time.

appreciating the beauty that is this great state

eating good food (and lots of it!)

drinking good drinks (and lots of them)

and remembering how much we enjoy each other's company. Though we've never forgotten this it's nice to not have any distractions.

Shelley and Phillip

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:09:01 CDT

Shelley and Phillip were married in New Bern in a beautiful water side ceremony. Love this couple. Super sweet bride (who knows how to have a good time) added to fun groom, who doesn't mind having his photo taken. Toss in a laughing and dancing bridal party with some proud parents and you've just made a beautiful wedding (and a photographers dream)
Thank you guys for letting us be a part of this day. We had such a great time and loved documenting this group.

getting that dress just right.

Shelley's bridesmaid gets teary seeing her in her dress.

Shelley decided she wanted to see her dad before it was time to walk out. She knew they'd both start crying and she wanted to get it out of the way.
LOVE this series...

and the bridesmaids react to Shelley and her dad.

Shelley get's her Dad straightened out before the photos.

bustling the dress. Always some of my favorite photos.

Shelley and Phillip between shots after the ceremony. Love this photo- gives us a glimpse of a little silliness.

The band, The Rubberband was seriously a great time.

oh guys, what a great day and what an honor to be a part of it. I hope we captured your day just how you remember it.
(and to Phillip's Dad- who is also a photographer, I hope we didn't disappoint. It's nerve wracking to photograph for other photographers)

Love to you both- and to your wonderful families!! Hope you had an awesome honeymoon!!!

Ben and Renee

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:14:14 CDT

Ben and Renee got married.
Not going to lie, it was a little hard for me to wrap my brain around it. Once upon a time Ben and his two younger brothers Zach and Jacob were little boys that I used to watch after school everyday. So hard to think that no one is little a boy anymore and are in fact very much young men these days.
Ben has graduated college, Zach has finished his first year of college and Jacob is now a sopmore in high school. Young men indeed.

It was such an honor to get to be a part of this day that very very very much meant a lot to me.

Ben and Renee went to high school together but Ben was always too shy to talk to girls. When she appeared in his freshman english class wearing a world of warcraft t-shirt (someone had to explain to me that this is a video game) it gave them something in commen so he got the nerve to strike up a conversation.
and boy aren't we all glad he did...

might be my favorite from the whole day.

Mom gets the boutonniere just right.

love these red shoes.

I love the wedding day flair the horse has in her hair. She is ready to escort this bridal party in style.

Ben and Renee steal a moment after the ceremony.

stunning cupcakes!!

awww... baby hugs always make you feel good.

Renee hugs her little sister after her toast. I love Renee's face here. So sweet.

I mean, if you're going to have a big pretty princess dress then I think it deserves for you to take it for a twirl.

we catch a little glare off a car windshield. happy accidents.

Thank you all so much for letting us be a part of your day. It meant so much to me to get to be a part of this wedding. This family has always had a place in my heart and it was an honor to capture the day.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

happy marriage to Ben and Renee! Congratulations!!!

Shelley's bridal portraits

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 00:45:25 CDT

Now that Shelley is no longer a Miss I can share a few of her bridal portraits taken back in April.
Such a beautiful girl with an awesome new husband and an amazing wedding day to start the journey.

Can't wait to share the whole wedding with you. Congrats guys!

Rachel and Corey

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:36:10 CDT

Here's a few photos from a recent engagement shoot of the lovely Rachel and Corey. I mean really? Could they be any better looking? Makes my job too easy.
Yates Mill Pond was a perfect backdrop on a beautiful day- might be my new favorite location.

Congrats guys, I am so looking forward to this fall wedding! Thank you!!!!!

niece sweetness

Mon, 30 May 2011 13:35:51 CDT

I take photos of my nieces every month. Here's just a few from our may session. Such cutie pies!

Shelley and Natasha

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:21:54 CDT

I met with Shelley and Natasha on UNC's campus early on a Sunday morning since Natasha is an alumni and Shelley began the nursing program a week later.

They are working on an adoption packet to begin the process of an open adoption. Their adoption counselor recommends a couple of professional photos to show the best you.
I was so honored to be a part of this process and to help show Shelley and Natasha their best them. I know they will make such a wonderful home for a baby. A home full of light, love, jokes and joy.
I had so much fun with these ladies that after our session we stood in the parking lot for over 20 minutes chatting away about everything besides adoption and photography. (turns out we share a love of good beer and wine!)

Good luck ladies! I know the journey you are beginning can be a frustrating one but the end result is the greatest gift. Hope to have the chance to snap some photos of the new addition to the family. Thank you!!!!

Summer and Stephen

Wed, 04 May 2011 12:59:11 CDT

Patty and I recently had the pleasure of photographing the wedding day of Summer and Stephen. Stephen is an accomplished percussionist who plays with about 500 bands in the area. (ok, maybe not 500 but it seems like it) You may recognize him from two popular local bands Peter Lamb and the Wolves or The Beast. (both are seriously fierce!)
So what happens when a prolific musician gets married? He brings in all his talented musician friends to help create the reception to end all wedding receptions. Four different musical groups entertained us and helped make it a day to remember.
What a beautiful day for a seriously stunning bride, her new husband and all their talented friends.

bridesmaids get their primp on! These were a seriously good looking group of ladies!

mother and bride are looking beautiful!

necklace Summer's grandmother wore on her wedding day

nothing like a little pro UNC jab at some guests at the Washington Duke Inn.

the ladies are cautious not to spill any champagne on those pretty dresses.

Mr Coffee and the Creamers. Loved these guys! They were so fun!

The Beast brought down the house!

The Beast initiates a "bridesmaid huddle" and it was pretty awesome. I can not say more about how much fun The Beast and Mr Coffee and the Creamers were. Seriously made for such a great reception. The crowd went wild!

Thank you guys so much for letting us be a part of your day! What a blast we had!

happy marriage!!!

We got tornaded

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:25:53 CDT

It's been over two weeks and I keep waiting for something clever to come up with to say. I have yet to come up with it but I do need to produce something so here I go.

Tornado touched down in our neighborhood on my 29th birthday- about 4 hours before we we're expecting about 25 of our friends to come over and help me ring in my new year. The tornado damage on our street was minor but did, unfortunately, cause a 60 year old oak tree to come crashing down on our home right over us while we crouched down, under a comforter in a closet.
our home is a total loss but we're all intact to it's hard to even complain really. We're settled into a rental now- and it's cute. All the transition has been hard on the animals and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard on us too. There are boxes everywhere and I just don't care. I don't care to unpack too much hoping we won't be here much longer than 6 months. And I really just don't care because all the life movement has been overwhelming to say the least.

anyway... what I really want to talk about is my gratitude. The worst in life brings out the best in people and I am so reminded of this everyday. People are amazing and I feel so blessed to know the ones that I do. I feel confident in saying that I couldn't find a better group to know. What I would like to do is thank several people for all they have done for us in this confusing time.
our parents, thanks to them all for just getting shit done. packing up our home when I was too confused to know that was the next step, loading boxes, getting storage space, getting lunch for the crowd, keeping our dog and well, keeping us. I know it's hard to have people move into your space and be around all the time but my parents have just been so dang gracious.
thanks to Kate and Damian for not even calling or texting us but just showing up to move us out of our home. For loading furniture, for packing books and for wrapping my dishes ever so nicely. Thank you for having us over for dinner when we just most needed to get out of our heads and do something normal and for helping us find a new place to live. hey neighbor!
Nona and Tracey for getting us moved and helping me celebrate what was left of my birthday.
George for swinging by on moving day and helping.Dan for showing up with your truck and loading boxes.My sister for always having a totally inappropriate joke to lighten the life load.Suzy for leaving your house- although I know you were terrified, to celebrate my birthday with me. Marshall and Brad and Jennifer, Boston, Tia and Jason for all coming over to play birthday party with me.
Patty for being such a great friend- for throwing some cocktails back on my birthday and then showing up the next morning to pack boxes when I know you kind of felt like staying in bed.

To David- If Ernie and I ever had a knight in shining armor it would be David. David showed up to our house 30 min after the tree fell, (who knows how he was able to get in) we hugged it out over our ridiculous situation, he helped us check on our friends Peter, Jessica, and Donna's house and then helped us navigate out of our neighborhood. Since then he's put on his architect hat to help us navigate this home rebuilding process and calmed our woes every step of the way. We feel so blessed to have him on our side and to have him help make us a new home. (that will undoubtedly be much cooler than the first)

and to the countless others who texted, emailed and facebooked me. I didn't even get back to a lot of you but checking in was awesome of you.
So thank you everyone. I love you all so much.

and prepare yourselves for a most epic housewarming party in the fall.

Ernie pries the drawer fronts off my wardrobe with a crowbar to save my jeans and skirts.

brand new miz moos shoes bought that week in NYC.

rescuing books from the bed side table.

hot dogs and cheeseburgers curtesy of my dad! thanks to all those who helped so much!

this photo makes me tear up every time. Look at my friends packing up my life for me. It's humbling to say the least.

there goes the camper shell...

removing the tree

Ernie stands next to the closet where we rode it out. I take nothing for granted!

our bedroom

we ended here. for the next little while at least...

Lyla and Brynn

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 10:25:16 CDT

Here's a few photos of our nieces Lyla and Brynn. Brynn is now 2 months old. She looks so much like Lyla did at her age. So precious!

This might be my favorite from the day.

Lyla hugs Brynn when she starts to cry.

awww...

Lyla's uncle Ernie has caught her a butterfly. It goes straight for her face before flying off.

Victoria and Kevin get married!

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:03:57 CDT

What a lovely day this was.

laid back and beautiful day for a laid back and beautiful couple.

and maybe THE MOST FANTASTIC getting ready scenario I have ever seen. I guess that's what happens when you're the manager at Benefit cosmetics. You bring your awesome and talented friends with you to get your ladies looking fierce. There were so many fake eyelashes and colors of eyeshadow that the tiny diva in me squealed. (my husband would claim that the diva is not so tiny but whatever)

Loved it.

But what I really loved is how beautiful the ceremony and reception was and how much fun everyone had. Makes my job such a joy.

Rachael, Victoria's good friend does her hair. I loved listening to these ladies chat with each other. They were so kind to each other- I just found it very touching. Like they were each others own cheerleaders. It made me appreciate how awesome my own girlfriends are.

love this! flowers were gorgeous!

Victoria gets two handsome men to escort her down the isle.

gettin' all married...

love this shot Patty caught.

The sparkle Kate Spade's get put away for something a little more ready to hit the dance floor.
(remember the photo from the engagement session of Kevin and Victoria's shoes? yeah, I love that story)

Hey Traci!
once upon a time...
a long time ago...
I worked with this pretty girl.
small world, huh?

Grandpa burnt a hole in this dance floor. For real.

What a great day!

I love love.

Once again, thank you so much for letting us be a part of it!!!!!

Victoria's bridal portraits

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:20:03 CST

Here's a few photos from Victoria's bridal session. Now that the wedding has passed I get to share them with you.

Wedding was as wonderful as I knew it would be.

I kind of love this photo. Victoria brought her girlfriends with her to help her make sure she looked amazing. They took their job seriously. I love when people bring friends with them, it's an extra set of eyes and their attention to detail is always spot on.

The Matthews house in Cary was an awesome backdrop for the portraits and they did an amazing job on the wedding day. Highly recommended!!

Thanks so much Victoria and Kevin! Congratulations!

sparkle shoes for the weekend!

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:45:50 CST

here's a little sneak peak of a wedding I am shooting next weekend. Everyone needs a little more glitter in their life and these Kate Spades do not disapoint.
This wedding is going to be so lovely and I can't wait.

Happy weekend ya'll!

Amber and Brad

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:17:47 CST

I so enjoyed my afternoon spent with Amber and Brad at their home in Fuquay. The afternoon winter light was gorgeous and the weather was kind enough to let us hang out in short sleeves. (love you NC!)

Amber and I worked together in my family's restaurant while we were both in college. It's tough for me to see people my age, that I've known for a while, start their own families. I feel way too young for this! (we are, in fact, very much old enough to be doing this. As is being reminded to me by my own dad wondering when he is going to get grandchildren. Don't hold your breath dad!)

Amber and Brad are such a fun couple, it's evident in the photos how much they enjoy life and each other. The day was full of jokes and ridiculousness. I so look forward to meeting this little lady and know that her life is going to be full love and humor- two of the things that make it worth living.

Congratulations guys!

scenes from a steam... and oyster steam.

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:20:28 CST

this past weekend we went to our friends Kevin and Michelle's house to eat some oysters, drink some beer, and fantasize about summer.

we rode down with my parents. I nerded out a bit while sitting on our stoop waiting. There's our little house in the background.

Scarlet is an excellent hostess.

my mom is daydreaming about when we'll get to swim in this pool again.

spring is so so so close!

the fellas- they like a good cigar.

little of this, little of that...

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:18:10 CST

Just a few little head shots and what not for my friends Mark and Kelly. Mark owns Corrective Chiropractic and they're working on some marketing stuff.

mmm...

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:18:27 CST

we seem to have entered a shedding phase over here. Although Baxter seems unconcerned.
I am embracing it by taking it to mean that spring is right around the corner.

complain complain complain

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 08:57:46 CST

I swept this yesterday.

sigh...
I love my st bernard but you really have to be a laid back individual to let a big ole furry dog hang out in your home.

Brynn Leigh

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 10:56:24 CST

This family has been blessed with another new addition!

Ernie's sister Erika and her husband Dan welcomed a new bundle of joy yesterday. Brynn Leigh was born yesterday weighing in at 7 lbs 2 oz.

Welcome to the world miss thang!!! We're so happy to have you!

Ernie and his new niece.

Love this face!

Look at all that hair!!!!

Victoria and Kevin

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:56:04 CST

I met with Victoria and Kevin at a park near their home where they like to walk with their pup Luna.

Super excited about this wedding, which is right around the corner!

I don't know that Luna fully understands her size.

Kevin and Victoria met 10 years ago while freshman in college. He was wearing these shoes and she stopped him to tell him she like them. They struck up a conversation, were friends for a while, and then romance bloomed.
I think it's really touching that he's kept these shoes all these years. They've seen better days for sure but the history behind them makes them irreplaceable.

Thanks guys! I can't wait for this wedding, right around the corner and on the cusp of spring. Should be a beautiful day!!!!

happy weekend

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:49:43 CST

yay for the weekend!

Not much new around these parts (except that I will be sharing an engagement session of a really fun couple on Monday- so stay tuned!)

When Ernie and I landed in Hawaii this weekend last year for our half a year adventure I didn't realize that it was humpback migration season there. They come down to warmer waters to mate and raise their little ones. We spent so much time sitting on the rocks, while the waves crashed, watching the pods of humpbacks far off in the ocean. It's one of my most favorite life memories. Needless to say, whales have found a special place in my heart since then.
I found this little guy on sale at Furbish Studio and had to bring him home.
This is a terrible picture as he is precious in real life. He's got a sparkle mouth and fins and he's made of felted wool. Loves!

So, I hope you all have a great weekend. I am helping one of my favorite people celebrate her birthday on Saturday night with appetizers and cocktails out followed by a cupcake/pajama/dance party in. There's nothing I like more than a midnight dance party with my mom and friends.
Happy weekend!

guess who's going to be a big sister?

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:56:53 CST

that's right. Our niece, little miss Lyla is about to be a big sister.

Erika and I walked around town on Monday to get a couple shots of little miss and that baby bump since our new niece will be gracing us with her presence in less than 2 weeks!

ok, so maybe we bribed Lyla a little with pop pops. Girl has a serious love of lollipops and it was worth it to get some smiles.

Crazy to think that my next session with this family will be in 2 weeks and in the hospital when they welcome a new addition to the family. yay!

man, it is a gross and cold day here...

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:24:26 CST

I think I'll stay inside where it's nice and toasty.

Saturdays and dog toes

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:35:35 CST

Here's to a nice weekend doing things you love.
Me?- I am going to a basketball game on Saturday (I am as surprised as you are) but I was just thinking I needed to do more different things. Be careful what you wish for I guess.
also- Ernie's momma turns 60 on Sunday so we will be celebrating that with a bunch of family that has come all the way up from Alabama and one of my favorite bands ever will be entertaining us- The Darnell Woodies out of Winston Salem- they are awesome!!!! Very much looking forward to it.
There are also some rumors of a ladies brunch Sunday...
So, while this weekend (and what seems like every weekend) will be packed I hope Ernie and I take a minute to just hang out and relax.

Having a big ole floppy dog can often be a good reminder that taking it slow is a good thing.

ps- we seem like neglectful dog owners but Baxter simply will not have anyone trimming his nails. We tried cutting and we've tried a dremmel tool. He will let me file them with a nail file but let's be honest, who wants to sit there for forever and file away at st bernard toes.
He seems totally un-bothered but we have guilt.

pss- dog feet are one of my favorite things. I love their rough skin and when tufts of fur shoot out between toes- so cute to me. I like to shake my dogs paw like I am shaking a person's hand. Doesn't hurt that he is person sized.

Matt and Sallie gettin' all married!

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:57:31 CST

Here's a few that posted on facebook a few weeks ago but I thought I'd post here too just in case.
These are from Matt and Sallie's glorious wedding day here in Raleigh. Patty and I had such a great time and you can't hate on any time spent with one of the funniest ladies in all existence.
Matt and Sallie met at a bar near the university of Clemson, where they both work. She had seen him out and about and referred to him as the "hot professor". Finally one night while out she "accidentally" bumped into him. Literally knocked into him so he would have to acknowledge her. Get it girl!!! Aren't we all glad you did? The rest is history ya'll!!!!

through the tiny window in the door to the sanctuary since we're often not allowed in.

Matt and Sallie were married in a church right behind the Hillsborough st bowling alley so we hopped over there for a second for a couple fun shots.

the trolly takes us to the reception.

loved these bridesmaids! they had spunk, sass and skills on a dance floor!!!

ain't that the truth ya'll!!!!!

Thank you guys for such an awesome day!!!

As always I am always so so so so so honored to be a part of anyone's wedding. It is truly a blessing. Peace and love to Matt and Sallie!

The Lockett Family

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 09:29:07 CST

This is one of my favorite families...
Anna and my sister have been best friends since they met in 6th grade. When Anna's family moved to Italy in high school my sister went to visit. When Anna married Ryan my sister was a bridesmaid. Our family, especially my sister, who relishes her role as "Aunt Julie" have so enjoyed watching this beautiful family grow and expand. This year Fiona joined the Lockett family and she could not be any more beautiful. Congrats guys!!! I so enjoyed my afternoon spent hanging out in your backyard.

2 things...

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:42:16 CST

This photo I took was in the paper. You can see it here.

http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/12/26/879523/you-can-dance-to-this-groove.html#storylink=misearch
(I feel special)
and I am so proud of these guys who I am lucky enough to count among my friends. Congratulations Peter Lamb and the Wolves!
You can buy their new album (that features my photos in a really cool booklet designed by Kimko Tomorrow http://kimkotomorrow.com/ ) at Quail Ridge Books or at Marsh woodwinds.

Buy it... you won't be sad.

The birth of cool. Happy Birthday Mr Al Strong!

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 09:32:03 CST

I was lucky enough to be included at my friend Al's surprise 30th birthday party a few weeks ago.
What happens when a professional jazz musician has a birthday party? Well, all your jazz friends come and you jam. So many musicians and so many people having a good time. Thanks so much to Al's beautiful leading lady Cicely for including me! You guys are awesome!

that is a cake. yes, really. http://www.theartofcake.com/

Al get's a look at that cake. That, my friends, is the face of disbelief.

This poor woman. She totally knew I was trying to get a picture of her. (I did it all night) I just loved the light on her and her hair was bangin'. She played it cool though. So I thank you!

Get it Al!

Jill and her little fellas

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:07:23 CST

Jill missed her own baby shower.
Instead of celebrating with her girlfriends at a brunch in her and belly's honor she was holding her little bundle of joy, who surprised the world by showing up about 5-6 weeks early. (and I bought a new pair of shoes and everything)
Having a preemie has had all of it's challenges but the world is blessed with this sweet little man to keep his big brother busy.

Thanks Jill, your little boys are beautiful!

Christian makes my job waaaaaaay too easy.

Meagan and Trey

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:22:06 CST

Here's a few photos from Meagan and Trey's big day in chapel hill. The ceremony was at Orange Methodist church in chapel hill and it may have been one of the prettiest churches we have ever had the pleasure of shooting in. Just absolutely drenched in light. It spoiled me.
We had such a lovely day and so enjoyed our time spent with Meagan, Trey and all their friends and family.

Mom helps Meagan get everything just right.

and now Dad get's everything just right.

the ladies are looking good!

I think Trey was a little excited to move in for that kiss.

The bridesmaids always wait patiently for their turn in front of the camera and for that I am always so grateful.

Meagan's little sister looking all kinds of glamorous.

Meagan and her grandfather having a turn on the dance floor. Could possibly be one of my favorites.

bridesmaids break it down! get it girls!

Patty gets in the middle of a dance circle!

So, much like myself, these girls aren't afraid to let the tears flow. Since we all know that crying is like yawning to me you can only imagine how much of this day I spent wiping my eyes.

Thanks guys so much for letting us be a part of your day!!!!

congratulations on your beautiful marriage!

Lisa and Gerard

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 09:06:50 CST

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

Lisa and Gerard are good friends of mine. I've seen Lisa go from swinging single lady to meeting the man of her dreams to starting the family she always wanted. Little man is such a blessing in their lives and a welcomed addition to our mexican dinner outings.
so happy for these three, I could not think of 2 people who deserve this beautiful little boy more.

(and yes, now I am crying just thinking about how happy I am)

When I came across this photo while editing it made my eyes well up. There is just something about the way Lisa is looking at little man that reads as pure joy. This is one momma who loves being one and I just found it so touching.

Lisa sings to get a smile. Gerard said that little man is just like his Daddy and happiest when he hears Lisa sing.
Well guys, I am happiest when I get to be around people whose love is so big and open and generous. So thank you for giving me that for an afternoon and bigger thank you for being such awesome friends.

Amanda and Mark, the real deal.

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 23:08:48 CST

This is a looooong entry. What can I say? I just love this wedding and I couldn't narrow it down.
Amanda is a Raleigh girl (I actually went to high school with her older sister. Hey Julia!) who met the man of her dreams in college at Georgia Tech. He is dreamy, in fact they both are- hence my desire to show you so many of the photos.

Love this bouquet.

bridesmaids get their glamor on!

Amanda wrote her parents a letter that they read before the ceremony. Not sure what it said but I think that's for the best. Crying to me is like yawning- once someone else starts I can't help myself. (In fact I just simultaneously started crying and yawning)
If I know Amanda (and I do) then I know it truly was beautiful. It's very special to get to watch a family so generous with their love to each other.

Another one of my favorites. Grandma was so moved by how beautiful Amanda looked that her eyes welled up as soon as she saw her.

I always love the photo of the girls bustling the dress. Bridesmaids should take a seminar on this- boy does it take a lot of smart women at least 10 minutes to get this done. Without fail.

Beautiful cake made by the groom's mother. Mountain of cookies made lovingly by family and friends of the couple. It smelled so good to be in this area of the reception.

I'd like to take a moment to discuss this series of photos. I'd like to thank these groomsmen for BRINGING a dance party. Patty and I loved these guys. So nice, charming, funny, and agreeable- and not to mention straight owning a dance floor!!! A good looking group of fellas who liked to have a great time.

I'm not going to come out and say that the groom is fist pumping to a Miley Cyrus song, but let's just say I was there and the possibility is strong. Very, very, very strong. Let's just say his hands are up because it is indeed a party in the U.S.A...

On the bottom left the fellas are warming up the dance floor to coax out a dancer.
On the bottom right I'd like to think that a moment of appreciation is being given to the dance gods.

Every good party must come to an end and unfortunately this one was no exception. Congrats to an awesome, awesome, awesome couple who will forever be in my heart.

Patty and I so enjoyed our day spent with your hilarious bridesmaids, your charming groomsmen, your kind and loving families and all the fantastic people that came out to celebrate you and the beginning of your married life together.

Love is kind of great, isn't it?

peace and love to Mark and Amanda and thank you! thank you! thank you! for including us!!!!

Amanda and Mark

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:20:10 CST

Here's a few images from Mark and Amanda's stunning day that I just couldn't keep to myself. I mean seriously stunning day. Everything was gorgeous, the weather was perfect, the bride and her ladies beautiful and wait till you see these groomsmen break it down on a dance floor- I've never been so charmed by a group of fellas.
so until the rest post next week...

Sallie is a married lady!

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:17:47 CST

Sallie got herself married this past weekend in a very lovely ceremony and a VERY lovely reception. Beautiful day!
Now that this ensemble has made it's debut I can share her bridal portraits.

Emily and Jody!

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:14:54 CDT

What a beautiful rooftop wedding Patty and I had the privilege of shooting last month. The weather was beautiful and so is the bride.

Emily gets her girls perfect for a walk down an isle.

Emily is looking pretty perfect herself.

I'm pretty sure they said "ballin'' at the end of this. Not gonna lie, kind of love that.

You may recognize the lovely lady on the far right as Mrs Annie Williams- who kicked off our wedding season 2010. Hey Annie!

There are better cake photos but I like this one because you can really see that the lady cake topper is wearing Emily's dress and veil. Too cute!

Patty is always good for getting great photos of kids- this wedding was no exception. Patty can always get a smile.

one of my favs ever. Emily has a stunning ring but I think they're being a little animated on my behalf.

So thank you everyone in the Hunter and Mckay family for letting Patty and I be a part of this beautiful day. We had such a great time. Many years of beautiful love to Emily and Jody!!

"the cure for love is marriage, and the cure for marriage is love again" anonymous

spooky Halloween party

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:34:29 CDT

Hugh and Jamie were kind enough to invite Patty and I into their home for a spooky children's portrait party. Portrait parties are a great way for parents to get photos done for a a little less dough, which everyone appreciates as the holidays approach. (check out my website for more information) Oh yeah, and they're also a ton of fun!!!!
Thank you so much for having such a great party for us and all the little ones. I just wanted to post a few detail shots to show how cool this gathering was.

Jamie gives out chocolate bars dressed as ghosts for halloween.

Hugh as the toddler wrangler and Jamie as a dinosaur.

thanks again guys!!!! We had SO MUCH FUN!!!!

Sneak peek from Emily and Jody's wedding

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:23:05 CDT

I LOVE this photo. I felt kind of awesome when I took it. This was a gorgeous rooftop wedding overlooking downtown Greensboro. More of these to follow in the next few weeks.

Cullen and Ashley

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 23:38:57 CDT

I'm constantly reminded that I have the best job in the world. Every few days I get a sweet note in my email inbox our through the snail mail and nothing beats that. NOTHING.
I form such awesome relationships with my girls and I consider it such a blessing. But one of the biggest blessings I can think of is getting to be present and document the wedding of a good friend.

Cullen and I went to college together. We both transfered in older than the other students (she is a previous UNC graduate) and we traveled those 2 years together in all our classes. She was the epitome of a star pupil. Seriously, whatever this girl touches is gold. So when she asked me to document her wedding I was beyond flattered. I mean, for reals. This girl has ridiculous taste and is a design rock star. So, uh, yeah- I'll be there!!!
Cullen found her a home town New Bern fella- a man who happens to be the chef/owner of the newly opened 247 Craven in New Bern. (better her than me, I COULD NOT be married to a chef!!!- I'd have to live at the gym)
so anyway, best wishes to such an awesome girl who will always be in my heart and to her new husband, Ashley. May you find joy in your marriage and in your delightful new restaurant. Love to you both!!

The day was as beautiful as she is and this group knows all about bringing a party.

The ring in the middle is Cullen's "something blue." It was her grandmothers.

The Jimmy Choos get a post of their own. I mean, if I had them they might get their own facebook page. Love them!!!

So every wedding has a thing I have never seen before and this one was no different. Both the groom and the brides brother got "iced" This was new to me. I googled it and the internet says
The game involves Smirnoff Ice, some creativity, and some humiliation of your “friends”. When you get “iced”, you must accept the Ice, drop to one knee, and chug the entire Smirnoff .
Which is really why Cullen's brother is making this face in the bottom column and why the groom is on one knee in front of his new mother in law. It's a case of the "icing." Momma iced them both. Get it girl!

Also- The Soul Power Posse played this wedding and I LOVED THEM. Could not recommended them more highly. They were such fun. Check them out.

Such a great day for a couple near to my heart. Congrats guys!

Can't wait to come check out your new restaurant and watch where life takes this incredibly talented couple.

Meagan gets married

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 13:50:00 CDT

finally...
Meagan and Trey were married this past Saturday on such a glorious fall day. Everything was perfect. The church was bright and beautiful and this was one good lookin' bunch of people. I'm a lucky lady.

Here are her bridal portraits that I've been hanging on to for over 2 months now. Talk about torture.
Congrats Meagan and Trey! We had such a great time at your wedding. Can't wait to share those photos.
Until then...

Trey is a high school baseball coach so we had a little fun shooting at a ball field with a few props. On their wedding night she gave him a photo of her on the pitchers mound holding a baseball bat.
awww...

Sallie and Matt

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:03:30 CDT

I had such a great time photographing these two at the fair. Sallie and I went to high school together and she might be one of the funniest people I have ever met. Seriously hilarious.
I think the love Sallie has for life is evident in these photos as well as the love she has for Matt. It was infectious. I had no problem getting these two to smooch and hug. Quite frankly, they couldn't stop.

Let me get three cheers for love ya'll!

My favorite shot from the whole day. You'd think I brought a modeling fan with me the perfect way the wind has picked up Sallie's hair.

I love this photo on the left- I took it while I was waiting in line for food (it was the fair guys, you haaaaave to eat) So they had no idea I was snapping these. That's just how in love they are. Even with no camera around the place they most want to be is in each others arms.

Thanks guys so much for a great day! I can't wait for this wedding!!!

the fair...

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:32:07 CDT

Has anyone been brave enough to try the krispy kreme cheeseburger?

Amanda

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:54:22 CDT

Boy have I been dying to show you these bridal portraits.
Amanda and Mark are such a sweet couple. They were married yesterday on the most perfect of all fall days. Perfect day for an awesome couple.

remember these sweet pink shoes? I promised you that Amanda is stunning and I tell no tales. So tall and delicate she reminds me of a porcelain doll.

Oh yea, and the dress is fierce!

Jennifer and Jason

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:11:00 CDT

oh geez... I don't even know what to say about this wedding. I AM HUMBLED. Any time in my life where I thought I looked real cute on a dance floor, when I thought I was totally bringing it, where I was owning it- it was a lie. A BIG LIE. I have never ever seen a group of people hit the dance floor like this and really truly OWN it. In stilettos no less. This group danced all night and they were goooooooooood. No tipsy dance floor grooves here- controlled, perfectly executed hip shakes that comes only from a life time of knowing how to do it. So yeah, I'm kind of scared to ever hit a dance floor again. I can't bring it like this group did.

Jennifer and Jason met in summer school in 2001. A 3 year friendship sparked romance and here we are 6 years after that.

Happily ever after...

Patty and I LOVED getting to know Jennifer's dad. He's hilarious. We're hoping to get a chance to drink some of this with him in the future.

might be one of my favorites ever. Dad's three girls were on him all day about his crooked bow tie. Jennifer gives it one final straighten before they head down the isle.

sassy...

sexy...

look how much fun this dance floor is!!!!

Jennifer faked the girls out by tossing handkerchief first.

Patty and I could have spent a whole day taking photos of the beautiful children.

Dance floor getting low. I love the grooms face here as he looks at his bride. I also like how low the kid on the left has gotten. That's loooow.

Thanks guys for letting us be a part of this beautiful day and thank you so much for showing us white girls how the Dominicans do it.

Congratulations to an awesome couple!!!!

Cullen and Ashley sneak peak...

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:07:25 CDT

here's a couple of photos from a wedding Patty and I did September 18th. Needless to say sunset beach photos of a super awesome couple make my job too easy.
Cullen looks like she walked right out of a magazine. LOVES!

the rest of these should be posting in a few weeks...

my ernie...

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:07:32 CDT

happy one year of marriage and 10 years together to an awesome life partner. thank you for everything. Thank you for being my rock and telling me jokes when I most need to hear them.

thank you for
-for letting me borrow your old nikkormat for my photography class when I was 18.
-buying me a darkroom for my 19th birthday (that I still can't part with despite the fact I haven't used it in about 8 years)
-buying me a diamond bracelet for our 3rd anniversary (that I wore on our wedding day)
-for singing the 3's company song with me while driving in the car
-for helping me study in college (remember how confused you were to find out I write from the back to the front in notebooks? it makes sense to a left hander, I promise)
-agreeing to let me rescue a saint bernard and then agreeing to let me rescue another.
-buying me that 35mm canon
-talking me into buying the house we did, you were right.
-all the late night, early morning and mid afternoon dog walks where we hash out life, figure out a plan, and daydream about the future.
-all the sweatpant mexican dinners
-for singing all your made up songs
-going to costco with me even though you hate it because I need you to load the cat litter
-cleaning up the cat puke
-for rebuilding the toilet when it started to sing
-for being so motivated in your life and expecting me to keep up
-for always replacing my headlights because I forget to turn them off in the daytime.
-for never making me feel guilty about being broke when I got laid off
-for letting me take a life break and travel to hawaii with you for 5 months
-for all the beers
-for always reminding me "we're not motivated by money" even when there's not a lot left.
-for being so excited for me whenever I book a wedding.
-and for always encouraging me to do what I love for a living.

I'm a lucky lady. Love you sweet sweet man. Thank you for putting up with me for 10 years.

wedding day October 10th 2009. So glad to travel through life with someone that can make a joke.

photo by Megan Fazekas

ocracoke

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:48:24 CDT

I might be a little MIA over here for the next week or so.

We had such a good time at our wedding last year that a group of us are going back for a week. So, Patty and I are shooting what I think will be a super great wedding on Saturday in Greensboro and then I am getting up at 6am to hit the road on Sunday.
Don't worry about me, Ernie will be driving (and I will be sleeping) Looking forward to riding the ferry and having a group of my friends and family greet us on bicycles when we pull off. (last year, at our wedding we tried not to let a group come off the ferry without the proper welcoming committee to greet them with cocktails in hand!)

Looking forward to being the bicycle brigade next week with 4 of my favorite ladies in the world: my momma, my sister, my cousin Jamie and our adopted family member Michelle. I am fantasizing about cruising around with the wind blowing in my hair through the live oaks and along the harbor. This might be my favorite feeling in the world.

So looking forward to getting back to Ocracoke to have a little down time till I get back to all these gorgeous weddings.

Ernie and I at Ocracoke for our wedding last year. Notice the cup holder with coozie on my handle bar. That is indeed how I travel!

Robin and Travis

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:46:36 CDT

A few weeks ago I got an email from Robin. When she and Travis were married a year ago funds were low and they didn't really get the kind of wedding photos they wanted. So when she asked me to take photos of them one year later with their wedding clothes back on I squealed.
Seriously, sat at my computer and clapped my hands and squealed. I love getting pictures of brides and grooms but there never seems to be enough time on the day of and people's minds are always somewhere else (like how bad they want to go hit that dance floor at their reception. wut wut!!)

I was so excited to spend some time with a couple at a slow pace and get some photos, totally stress free. We had such an awesome time wandering through unc's campus. Robin and Travis met their freshman year at UNC. She is currently in graduate school there and Travis is working on a law degree at Campbell.

Oh yeah, and these two are mega hot. Just an FYI. You may need to slip off an outer layer to cool down.

carolina blue is well represented.

something I noticed on the day we took these is how much Travis places his hands on Robin's hips and in the small of her back. It touched me then, I found it to be so husbandly, intimate and proud- and well, a little sexy too.
(told you these guys were hot!)

whoa! sexy was just brought back.

this is the church where Travis and Robin were married. It's also the church where Robin's father is a minister so it's extra special.

I tried to get this shade as close to a unc blue as I could without distracting from the photos.

Thanks so much to an awesome couple! I had such a good time and you guys are just beautiful!

Special thanks to Robin's sister Paige who came along and helped us all out.

Peace and love guys.

Jennifer and Jason

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:05:26 CDT

Here's a couple to tide us all over till I bring you the rest of this wedding in a week or so.
I sooooo love Jennifer and Jason.
I have never felt more un-sexy or so un cool than I did at this wedding- surrounded by so many beautiful, saucy Dominican women who knew exactly what to do on that dance floor. And in stiletto's no less. The fierce-ness was brought! (and I was in no way a part of it) I am humbled.

Meredith and Brad get married!!!!

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 23:26:43 CDT

A garden party to delight all the senses...

That's what I called this wedding in last weeks bridal portrait entry and it stands strong. A garden party with a serious side of glamour! Patty and I arrived at the Haywood house at 4pm for Meredith and Brad's 6pm wedding. We were greeted with one of the most gorgeous receptions I have ever seen. The flowers. Oh, the flowers! Woah!!! Stunning orbs of floral perfection hanging from the trees with long strands of orchids hanging down. Took my heart right back to my Hawaiian home. Just perfect.

I've gotten to know Meredith and Brad pretty well over the past several months with an engagement session, bridal portraits and even a couple of beers. By the time this wedding rolled around I felt like old friends and I was so tickled to see them tie the knot. These two might be one of the nicest couple I have ever met and I am excited to now count them amongst my friends.

I'm such a lucky lady that I get to meet all the awesome people I do.

gorgeous dress on a gorgeous lady. Could not have been more perfect. Sometimes you just see a bride in a dress and you think "oh yes, you did just put that on, get it girl!"

Meredith's beautiful sister Ginger looks on.

the bridesmaids and the lady of the day round the corner to make an appearance.

the beautiful Haywood Hall made a fantastic location for this day.

so happy...

all I have to say is this group knew what to do with a party.

the boys sang a song to the bride. If she was embarrassed (and I think she could have been a smidge) then she handled it with the utmost grace.

sigh... what a great day. Joyous all around. Congrats to an awesome couple!!! Looking forward to getting together again. (what? you thought I'd go away after this wedding? Sorry Meredith and Brad- I have infiltrated your friends. See you soon!)

Special thanks again to my wedding day rock, Patricia of Patricia Alder Photography. (www.patricaialder.com)

My Alabama Gramma

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:23:59 CDT

Hearts hang heavy today.
Ernie's grandma passed away. Although I knew her for less than 10 years she filled the grandma sized hole in my heart left from when my Grandma Hill died 7 years ago.

She was everyone's Grandmother.

There's a whole community in Alabama that knows her as Granny and she took on that role with utmost dedication.
I feel so blessed to have known her while I did, I feel so thankful she was able to make it to our wedding in October and that our last remaining Grandparent was able to share that joy with us.

When I first met Granny she didn't know the first thing about me but loved me with a love complete and whole. It's comforting to know that people are put on this earth with the ability to love so unconditionally.

I really hope that's the legacy that Granny leaves behind, it will be with me at least.
Now go hug your grandma if you're lucky enough to have one.

photo courtesy of Lauren Mann Photography

oh snap...

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:35:19 CDT

Being around all these beautiful brides has gotten me second guessing myself all over the place.
Like, why didn't I own these shoes? (oh yeah, cause I couldn't walk in them) but I mean, daaaaaaaaaaaang.

Just wait till you see Amanda sashay around in these things all tall and gorgeous. Girl is GLOWING and owning every single second of this dress. I mean woah! BEAUTIFUL!!!!

but you guys are going to have to wait until about mid October to see the rest of this stunning ensemble.

Yeah, it's as good as you think it's going to be.

Meredith and Brad sitting in a tree...

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:41:55 CDT

K-I-S-S-I-N-G...

Seriously, Never seen a couple sneak so many kisses on the dance floor. Kind of warms your heart doesn't it? Love this couple. I have had so much fun with them through engagement sessions, bridal portraits and finally a WEDDING! Beautiful day for a super beautiful couple.

Rest of these to post next week.

Happy weekend ya'll. I have Saturday off and we're firing up the grill on Sunday. Good times!!

ernie

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:17:46 CDT

Ernie's been back for a little over a week now and it's been glorious! I came back to NC from our Hawaii adventure June 9th to catch a dear friends wedding knowing that he wouldn't be back till August 26th.

It kind of killed me.

I will never forget the way he stood on the other side of the glass at the airport and watched me go up the escalators to catch my flight. I kept checking back to see if he was still there and he never once walked off till he knew I was out of sight and not coming back. I didn't come back and I cried myself all the way to take off.
We knew it would be almost 3 months till we saw each other again and well, it broke my heart. Even now that he's sleeping in the next room as I type this I am crying about it. I was stoic about it for so many months. I wouldn't let it get me down. I went out and about and hung with my lady friends and had dance parties and cookouts and went to jazz nights, but I won't lie, sometimes it was hard. Sometimes it was really really hard.

Sometimes you just wish you had someone to hug and someone to hash out the day with on walks and someone to wander around lowes home improvement with and someone to eat mexican food in your sweatpants with and someone to pawn trash duty on. I'm so thankful to have him home, even if it is only for 6 weeks till he heads back out. I'm trying to soak up every single second of it.
I mean, I haven't taken the trash out for the past 2 thursdays and we've already been to lowes once. Livin' the dream ya'll, livin' the dream.

We've been doing a whole lot of this.

and a little of this.

Baby Hunter

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:55:13 CDT

Remember Patrick and Diane, the couple in July with the exquisite taste? You remember...
Well, I went in to their home to do some maternity photos in July. Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of going back to meet the new baby who was only 12 days old. We had a great time and I left feeling like such a lucky lady- this little man kept his eyes open almost the whole time I was there. Such a cutie and such expression!!

Love these little faces.

Meredith and Brad

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:54:34 CDT

got married last Saturday and it was grand. A garden party to delight all the senses. I will bring you those photos soon but these will have to tide you over.

Mark and Annie got married!

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:37:38 CDT

Mark and Annie got married. I cried.
I teared up at the ceremony. I cried at their first dance. I cried when they took their families hands and danced in a big circle with each other. Four generations holding hands and dancing around just enjoying the day and feeling the love. I felt the love too, and it made me cry.
I teared up so much during the best man's and maid of honor's speeches that I hard a hard time hiding it and kept having to pull my camera away and wipe my face, all while praying no one noticed this crazy photographer sitting there crying.

As I type this I am crying.

You just can't fake wedding day love. It's there and it permeates everyone and everything. I fall in love with families and I imagine myself taking hands and dancing in a circle with four generations and just getting to be a part of that great big huge love. It is HUGE love and everyday I pinch myself that people invite me into their big days and let me be a part of such infinite joy.

Mark and Annie live in winston salem nc. I met Mark several years ago because he plays music and he and my husband and some other young fellas would get together to play old time music. (according to my husband he's also built a bangin' banjo.) When Annie contacted me a while back about doing her wedding I sent so much energy into the universe hoping that I would get it. We made such a connection and I so wanted to be a part of this day. Annie is a metalsmith and jewelry maker. It's the art school kid in me that feels so at ease with creative people. Annie's artistic touch was all over this wedding and it made it so gorgeous and special. I nerded out with the detail shots of this day because all kinds of little projects had been lovingly made by Annie, her friends and family.

ok, ramble ramble... I got to let you guys get to the good stuff.

A friend of Annie's made her super gorgeous and super unique engagement and wedding rings.

One side of the tent was a whole wall of folded paper cranes. So beautiful and so amazing of her friend(s) to take the time to do that for the reception. This is what I mean when I say so many things lovingly handmade by friends and family. Oh, and how can I forget the handmade ceramic birds as thank you gifts for guests. (dang, I totally meant to see if I could take one home with me!)

Jackson, the Grime's pup. Something tells me this guy is well loved. (and maybe a little spoiled, much like my own pup) Sweet boy!

The beautiful girl on the right is Emily. Keep your eyes open for her art deco themed wedding on these here pages in October. Sure to be stunning!

Mark's Mom and Annie have a moment while getting ready. Might be one of my favorites ever. So sweet.

Annie puts on the diamond earrings Mark got her in time for her bridal portrait. I know right? Say it with me- awwwwwwww!
Seriously sweet of him!

Mark's nephew.

you know I had to post those shoes. LOVE!

The Grime's home makes the most perfect backdrop for the ceremony.

These would be the speeches that made me cry. You guys have the best siblings ever!

oh yes, they had a fire dancer. pure awesomeness.

Thanks again to the Williams and Grimes families. You made me feel so at home- I may just show up for a Sunday dinner sometime!
Annie- next time I am up in Winston I am so making you go out for that glass of wine we talked about.
congratulations to an amazing couple and your amazing day and thank you so much for letting Patty and I be a part of it.

Super big thanks to my awesome partner in crime, the fantastic Patricia of Patricia Alder Photography!

just a lil somethin somethin'

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:50:56 CDT

that I am working on. I should have some more to show you early next week. What a lovely day!

all my favorite little guys are turning 3...

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:33:04 CDT

A few weekends ago I was out near Winston Salem photographing some bridal portraits for the lovely Annie Grimes. (now Williams)
Whenever I am out that way I always try to swing by my friends Bryan and Ellen's and visit for a bit. Since I had my camera I snapped a few photos of this little guy in honor of his third birthday.

Love this little dude. He's so sweet, and friendly and FUNNY and just a joy to be around. Much like most 3 year olds he just go's and go's and go's until, of course, he falls asleep in his high chair in mid chew of his dinner.
Kind of nice to be around someone with that kind of enthusiasm for life. Thanks Bryan and Ellen for a lovely dinner and for reminding me why it is I love Winston Salem so much!

bout time ya'll

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 10:40:54 CDT

I've been sitting on these bridal portraits for several weeks now waiting for the wedding day. Well, that day was yesterday and I am pretty excited to share them.

Wedding was so wonderful and laid back and so full of love that I felt really blessed to be a part of it all. I've never seen a family so gracious and welcoming amidst throwing a wedding in their own front yard. (pretty sure my family would shut down)

Mr and Mrs Grimes are truly lovely people and their kindness is translated into the two beautiful, funny and sweet girls they have raised. I so enjoyed my time with the Grimes and Williams family.
What an awesome day.

Congratulations Mark and Annie Williams! Have fun on the outer banks for your honeymoon and I can't wait to start going through all these photos and reliving the joy.

another frogger rescue success!

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:09:28 CDT

poor little guy found his way into a dirty dog water bowl.

Peter Lamb and the wolves.

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:20:21 CDT

I'm going to make a bold statement. It's cool, I do it all the time.

I'm going to say that I have the coolest friends. ever. period. end of story.

Last week I had the honor of being invited to see my very good friends Peter Lamb and the Wolves do a live recording of their very first album. It rocked my face off. Not only was I pretty excited to be considered a "special friend" and score an invite to a closed concert, I was honored to be asked to take their photos in the hopes (fingers crossed) that one of them would be a good fit for said album.

I had such a lovely time and am beyond humbled to know the talented people I do. I mean, it's pretty awesome to kick around with such good looking and talented group of guys (not as talented or good looking as my husband, of course) but still a group of lady killers all the same.

You can catch Peter Lamb and the Wolves every first and third Wednesday of the month at Humble Pie at 9:30. It's a great time and I never miss a show.

So thanks again Peter, George, Al, Mark and Steve. May your album do as well as I think it will. I can't wait to buy it.

See you all wednesday at Humble Pie.

Ansley is 1!

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 15:50:41 CDT

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of capturing some photos of this sweet lil' thang! I mean, what a cutie pie!

Ansley is a few weeks away from turning one and just so full of expression. Just makes my job too easy.

such expression this little beauty has.

this cute little chair belongs to Ansley's grandmother Gail and was in her own play house as a little girl.

awwwwwwwww...........

poor pup, she couldn't stand all the fun happening and not being a part of it.

Ansley is really good at waving bye bye.

Thanks again grandma Gail for having me over. I had a ton of fun and I'm loving your beautiful granddaughter!

I'll be the first...

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:42:08 CDT

to admit how easily I am amused. True story. This is so not interesting but it tickled me to the core.
We have frogs here.
lots
and lots
and lots of frogs.
We live right off the greenway here in Raleigh and our lil' house is surrounded by woods so the frogs come out at night. In droves. Baxter is so accustomed to it that when my friend Suzy and I watched a big ole fat bullfrog climb over my saint bernard the other day he hardly flinched. He turned his head to look at it, sighed, and then flopped his big heavy head back down. Par for the course at the old hacienda.
anyway... so yesterday I got up to let the dogs out and this little guy had accidentally fallen into an open cooler I had out. Bless his heart- he was stuck and he may have been there for a while.
so of course I helped him out a bit but not before grabbing my camera.

and he's off...

I'd also like to add that my wedding season kicks off next week (go Mark and Annie!!!- can't wait!)

so I will actually have a lot more interesting things to post here very shortly.

another day, another beautiful bride that I can't show you...

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:44:15 CDT

but I can show you what she held in her hands at her bridal shoot.

Beautiful bride but not such a beautiful day. We stuck it out through the rain and managed to find some dry spots to get a few shots in. Meredith is GORGEOUS and I can't wait to show you her wedding in a few weeks.

good morning!

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:17:04 CDT

the pup and the kitty have breakfast together...

Patricia Alder as the virgin mother of the light meter

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:25:36 CDT

This week Patty (of patricia alder photography and http://www.venus-photography.com) and I have been taking a week long workshop on lighting with the supreme leader of all that is lighting Tony Corbell.

Tony was in charge of photographing all the worlds leaders at the 2000 UN meeting. Can you imagine being the person called to photograph every president in the world together in one room? I mean no pressure right? Tony also does a lot of commercial work, if you've ever flipped through a crate and barrel you may have seen some of his work. Or if you've lusted over a Brad Pitt photo then that might have been his too.

What was so refreshing though is that as big and important as Tony is he is also just a regular dude. A guy that tells bad jokes (like the rest of us) and really likes people and remembers everyone's names and takes time to meet with us all one on one and gives everyone lots of hugs. Patty and I had a ton of fun this week, it was work and I was exhausted at the end of the day but nothing is better than being around people who also feel so passionately about your craft.

It was such a life boost to be surrounded so many fellow photographers so eager to learn and I can't wait till next year. (it's also a life boost to be surrounded by so many desserts! I ate pie and cookies everyday like it was my job. I'll be spending some time at the gym next week for sure!)

oh, and this is my favorite picture from the week. Patty and I were doing some test shots and she has that pensive look on her face because she is deep in thought about lighting.

here are some other photos that I liked from the week...

Patty gives direction to the model and tells her how to work it.

Hudson turns 3

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:43:40 CDT

Little man Hudson turned 3!

We celebrated in style with a farm themed birthday party.

see? 3. Which is this many.

after cake and ice cream all the kids went for a hayride in the ford tractor my uncle has lovingly restored.

(it's awesome)

Pinata. Little kid style- you pull a string for candy instead of hit it with a bat.

(It's probably best not to arm a herd of three year olds with bats.)

we had a lovely day.

Happy 3rd birthday little man! Love you so much!

the fierceness has been brought...

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:23:20 CDT

This is a little sneak peak if you will of a bridal session yesterday.

The shoes? yeah, they blew my mind too...
(seriously fierce)

speaking of fierce- you should see the bride. I have... and she done brought it! We had such a great time and Annie looked so beautiful!

Can't wait to share with you after the big day next month.

Till then we'll all just have to lust after these shoes.

The Murph Park Resort...

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:19:19 CDT

My friends Kevin and Michelle have a pool. They also live near the beach. They're also incredibly hospitable.

So, needless to say I make it down to their house several times a year to beat the heat and enjoy their company. I've been doing this for years. So much so that my family lovingly refers to their home as the "Murph-Park Resort" (after their last names) because it really is like going on vacation when we visit.

Over the years I have enjoyed so many weekends here of good food, good drinks, great card games, late night round table gossip and just overall good-ness. It's just nice to know such great people.

While I was there last weekend I got some photos of the four-legged members of the Murph-Park Resort. I am trying my best to make a dent in returning the generosity and friendship that has been extended to me.

I mean, I have to earn my keep if I want to keep coming (and boy do I want to keep coming)

So let me introduce to you Chloe the basset hound, Cruiser the mutt, who was smart enough to show up at their door and Scarlett, the poor hound who risked running down a highway to ensure that Michelle would pick her up and that she would get to call such a swell place home.

Patrick and Diane...

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:45:11 CDT

Diane has exquisite taste in everything. Her home, her furnishing, her clothing, and everything else- it's all to the nines. I know this because once up a time I worked for her. So, needless to say when she asked me to come over to photograph her and her husband and their expanding belly I was beyond humbled and so honored. We had such a good time, it was so great to work with someone I am so comfortable with. I was at ease, she was at ease- it was laid back.

It's also so great to spend an amount of time with a set of pictures where the love between two people is just so prevalent it beings me to tears. Seriously- I have spent at least half the time editing these photos while sobbing. LIKE A BABY. I am just so overtaken with joy. (just so you know, if you invite me to your wedding- as a guest or as a photographer I will cry. openly. I will not embarrass you but I will cry. The only wedding I have EVER been to where I didn't cry was my own- and my own wedding blew my mind. go figure.)

So it is my pleasure to share these photos with you. I have so so so enjoyed my time with them. Patrick and Diane are a lovely couple and I so look forward to seeing their journey into parenthood. They are going to rock it.

things that are happening...

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:26:30 CDT

here's a little sneak peak of a super fun maternity session I did last week to tide you over till I get them posted next. Beautiful couple, lovely day. A girl just can't complain...

ahh... summer...

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:32:05 CDT

Here's what my summer has been looking like since I got back into Raleigh 3 weeks ago...

summer abundance in all her glory...

too hot for the b-boy in the south...

(don't feel bad for him, it was actually pretty cool this day and he spends his days loafing around the a/c with me in my office)

Kirby Derby Day! annual street festival in Raleigh. This year was my first year and sooooo not my last. What a glorious day of beer, burritos, derby racing. The day finished up with The Small Ponds playing in a backyard amphitheater and a hot tub! Not hating!

(I feel the need to point out that I do not know the guy passed out. I'm sorry I took a picture of you in a compromised state. I did see you walking down the street a couple of hours later so I know you're ok.)

what's your summer looking like?

Remember Patrick and Diane, the couple in July with the exquisite taste? You remember...

Well, I went in to their home to do some maternity photos in July. Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of going back to meet the new baby who was only 12 days old. We had a great time and I left feeling like such a lucky lady- this little man kept his eyes open almost the whole time I was there. Such a cutie and such expression!!

Love these little faces.

texas family...

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:56:26 CDT

Ernie's texas cousin Amy and her husband Allen came up to visit us north carolina folks last week. They had their super cute kids in tow and I was able to snap a few photos of them with my niece Lyla.

playground time!

Dad gets in on the photo taking action too.

Seriously? Is he not adorable? That last photo might be one of my favorites ever!!!!

Christopher has maybe the cutest ears ever! but I have a soft spot for a big eared kid as I was about 15 before I grew into my own. My sister used to tape them down to my head when I was a kid- that's how bad they were. (or how mean she was. whichever)

too much...

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:16:26 CDT

I mean seriously...
How cute are they? It's too much. I can't handle it. They're wearing matching dresses... AH!!!!

more of these little ladies coming later this week. I just had to share just a lil bit till then.

surprise!!

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:33:12 CDT

I feel like I've lied to you...

It's been eating at me and I am so relieved I can finally confess. My secret is now in the open. I've been living in hawaii for the last 5 months following my husband on his life adventure. Then I left. It was sudden and secretive. I planned on staying until early July but I just couldn't take it anymore. I bought a ticket a week before I left and hauled it back to the east coast incognito. I brought several of my close confidants into my circle of deception but there's one person I left out.

This person.

This lovely lady is a dear dear friend of mine. In another life she was my boss but in this life she's a best friend. So much so that she blessed me with her presence as a bridesmaid on my own wedding day.

I just could not sit here in tropical paradise knowing the most special of all days was unfolding for one the most special of all ladies. So I left hawaii and surprised Ashley and her new husband at their wedding in Kiawah Island SC (I traded one paradise for another) I couldn't help myself. I even pulled her mother into my circle of deception.

I don't regret a thing, you know what it feels like to surprise one of your leading ladies on such a special day? It feels awesome, and I wouldn't take any of it back even for a second, even an 18 hour plane trip.

love you girl and bless your beautiful union.

Here's a sampling of some images I took along the weekend.

this little lady is the niece of the bride and a total ham. She's never met a stranger and loved having her picture taken.

bride's 88 year old grandma (who also came in from hawaii) and her boyfriend.

If I look half as good at 65 as she does at 88 then I will count my blessings.

this little guy was very interested in the food that was being set up at the rehearsal dinner.

Dear South, I missed you so so much!

Lisa and Jason made beautiful music for us every night back at the house.

gift to the guests at the rehearsal. They told us to help ourselves and help ourselves we did!

all I gots to say is
Derek you are a lucky lucky man...

oh these two...

I caught them dancing by themselves out from under the reception, just doing their own thing and appreciating the time spent together. Melted my heart a little.

The little nugget in the next 2 pictures is the 8 week old addition to their family. I rode down to South Carolina with the 3 of them and cherished every second I got to stare at that little man.

what a lovely weekend full of beautiful love and super great friends. I can't even fathom for a second not being part of it all.

thank you to the wright and farmer family for having one kick-ass amazing weekend and making that journey so so so worth it.

love to you all.

guess who's back on the east coast?

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:03:15 CDT

It's true. I'm back. It was last minute and impromptu. One of my main ladies was getting married and I just couldn't miss it. (you know I can't miss a party) It was a great time. Pictures to come later this week.

mmm... huli huli chicken...

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:18:21 CDT

This is huli huli chicken. This dish is to Hawaii what pulled pork bbq is to North Carolina. It's how they do.

What was most interesting to me is the chickens were rotated with a bicycle chain and a tiny little motor on the other side. Keep it simple ya'll.

the dole plantation

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 01:57:38 CDT

This is the whole reason we stopped at the dole pineapple plantation. Other people on this team have a deep love for all that is a dole whip.

who knew there were so many varieties of pineapple...

this tree looks like this close up...

Whoa!!! Crazy Dr. Suess tree! Super cool!

I'm going to go ahead and get my snob on and assume that I don't care much for pineapple wine. It just seems wrong...

north shore in oahu

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:38:53 CDT

This is where all kinds of important surfing events happen. Oddly enough there were no waves the day I was here. The water was so blue and so so clear. At waist deep I could see my toes like I wasn't even in water. So beautiful!!!! I saw several sea turtles here and a whole huge pod of spinner dolphins forced everyone on shore while they played in the bay. I've never seen a spinner dolphin and they're really quite cool.

The spinner dolphin is famous for it's acrobatic displays in which they spin longitudinally along their axis as they leap through the air. (via wikipedia)

bodysurfing...

oahu in the night...

Fri, 28 May 2010 14:56:49 CDT

Elmo keeps it real ya'll.

street artists

oahu in the day...

Thu, 27 May 2010 20:54:58 CDT

big beautiful banyan trees that grow all over hawaii.

view from our lanai on the 11th floor.
This is taken from the doorway because like Richard Gere in Pretty Woman I don't care for heights. Unlike Richard Gere in Pretty Woman I was not in a penthouse suite.

this was quite possibly the most depressing condo I have ever stayed in. It didn't have a separate room for the shower and bathroom sink. Just a shower curtain...
but really who cares. I was in Waikiki ya'll!!!! and I lived it up!!
I ate amazing food in inexpensive restaurants and drank cocktails in a bar. A BAR!!!! Do you know how long it's been since I've been to a bar? (I'll tell you, it's been almost 2 months!) (Hilo is a tiny city with not a lot of nightlife to speak of)

So honolulu, you and your food, your insane nightlife and your ultra chic japanese tourist women are in my heart. I love you.

waikiki

Wed, 26 May 2010 03:29:43 CDT

I took these photos of a mural at the zoo in waikiki...

Considering all the fun around him and the fact that he's doing the hula that sure is some sad monkey.

See? This would be the fun happening around him.

Poor sad monkey...

dirty birdie...

Mon, 24 May 2010 16:30:39 CDT

This doesn't soften the dislike in my heart for birds. Anything that flies at my face is automatically on my dislike list. By default.

Despite my dislike I was kind of obsessed with this mangy pigeon. I followed him around waikiki beach and he was gracious enough to let me take his picture.

Then he found his little dirty birdie companion. Seriously, what is up with these guys?

In Maui I met a homing pigeon (he was tagged) and he sat next to me on the beach for at least 15 minutes waiting for me to do something. When I didn't do anything he went and sat next to Ernie for the better part of an hour. Then I watched a man dump a bottle of water in a bucket top and that pigeon drank out of it like a dog.

That was a big pretty pigeon. Nothing like the hoodlum pigeons of Waikiki...

a waterfall in maui

Sun, 23 May 2010 20:50:59 CDT

not a bad place to stop for a a lunch break...

cra-zazy clear fish...

Wed, 19 May 2010 21:15:04 CDT

whoa! weird little guy. Those two darker dots on the right are his eyes.

This little guy was totally see through. Not sure how Dan the intern was able to catch this little guy along the sandy bottom.

nature has some neat lil' things going on...

the first to admit...

Mon, 17 May 2010 18:50:48 CDT

that I might have a little too much time on my hands.

We spent the last 2 weeks travelling. It was nice to kick around on some of the other islands. I LOVED Kauai but Maui didn't find a home in my heart. It was crowded and I felt a little choked.

I loved the laid back and quiet vibe of Kauai. Our last night there Ernie and I ate at a Saimin restaurant. (Saimin is traditional noodle dish native to Hawaii. It's a fusion dish of Japanese, Chinese, and mainland cuisine.) DELISH!! It was a little hole in the wall locale in Kauai and on the register of historic places. I really enjoyed it and eating Saimin can now be crossed off my Hawaii to-do list.

(interesting side note- Saimin was the first ethnic food EVER introduced at a McDonalds. It's the number one selling item on the menu here in Hawaii)

Went to the car to call my mom on mother's day and these happened...

(see? too much time...)

Hey guys!

somewhere on kauai

Fri, 14 May 2010 20:54:28 CDT

I took this picture last week and on the same day I was flipping through a photography magazine and saw the same lighthouse in an advertisement for posters. neat.

out and about in kauai...

Tue, 11 May 2010 17:49:45 CDT

It's not against the law to abandon cars in Hawaii. As a result there's a lot of old cars floating around...

I believe this is the island of Ni'ihau. It's a privately owned island and not generally opened to the public. According to wikipedia it has approximatively 130 permanent residents, nearly all of whom are native Hawaiians. They support themselves through fishing, farming and welfare. The residents lead a rural, low tech lifestyle. There are not telephones, radios, cars, or televisions and visitors are not allowed to bring them on the island- even for personal use. Horses and bicycles are the main form of transportation and all electricity is provided via solar panels.
There are no hotels or general stores and groceries are often shipped by family members.

I can understand why you'd be inspired here.

taro fields of kauai

Tue, 11 May 2010 18:37:01 CDT

kapaa kauai

Sat, 08 May 2010 00:47:22 CDT

We're on a journey north- staying in the town of Kapaa Kauai. We went from the southern most inhabited island to the northernmost. It's real pretty. Thus far I've hung close by the hotel so I don't have a lot to show for in photos but I'll bring the goods this week. I promise.

view from our hotel street.

this is the beach across the street from our hotel. The beach is not terribly appealing but the view is certainly worth soaking in.
What I like about Kauai is how different the geology is here vs the big island. Mountains break out of the earth in a immediate and jagged fashion and go straight up instead of the more rolling hills of the big island.

Hey, that's not a palm tree!

and it's not.

It's an Ironwood Pine. It grows along the coast of Hawaii.
It was introduced in the late 1800's as a means of reforestation. It's invasive (of course), depletes the soil of moisture and out competes anything trying to grow in it's canopy.

And it's kind of ug. Just my personal opinion. (I've always held a strong prejudice to the coniferous trees, much to my husbands chagrin)

anyway... it just feels kind of wrong to see these gnarled pines grow along the shore of this beautiful tropical island.
to each his own...

field next to our hotel. (this feels like hawaii- not some busted pine trees)

for a better momma than I could have ever asked for...

Sat, 08 May 2010 23:14:12 CDT

The Lanyard by Billy Collins

The other day as I was riocheting slowly
off the pale blue walls of this room,
bouncing from typewriter to piano,
from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor,
I found myself in the L section of the dictionary
where my eyes fell upon the word lanyard.

No cookie nibbled by a French novelist
could send one more suddenly into the past--
a past where I sat at a workbench at a camp
by a deep Adirondack lake
learning how to braid thin plastic strips
into a lanyard, a gift for my mother.

I had never seen anyone use a lanyard
or wear one, if that's what you did with them,
but that did not keep me from crossing
strand over strand again and again
until I had made a boxy
red and white lanyard for my mother.

She gave me life and milk from her breasts,
and I gave her a lanyard.
She nursed me in many a sickroom,
lifted teaspoons of medicine to my lips,
set cold face-cloths on my forehead,
and then led me out into the airy light
and taught me to walk and swim,
and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard.
Here are thousands of meals, she said,
and here is clothing and a good education.
And here is your lanyard, I replied,
which I made with a little help from a counselor.
Here is a breathing body and a beating heart,
strong legs, bones and teeth,
and two clear eyes to read the world, she whispered,
and here, I said, is the lanyard I made at camp.
And here, I wish to say to her now,

is a smaller gift--not the archaic truth
that you can never repay your mother,
but the rueful admission that when she took
the two-tone lanyard from my hands,
I was as sure as a boy could be
that this useless, worthless thing I wove
out of boredom would be enough to make us even.

Me and my Momma at my wedding last year.

She managed to make that week even more remarkable with her ability to host even the biggest function with grace and flair. (not to mention her uncanny ability to fend off a drunken drove of people by producing a spaghetti feast out of thin air)

So Happy Mother's Day to a mom who always has the right answer, a kind word, a witty com back and who will always stay up past 2 am for the sake of good conversation.

I love you!

photo by Lauren Mann Photography

lil friend...

Mon, 03 May 2010 01:24:50 CDT

This lil guy came to visit me while I was reading on the deck today.

Isn't he handsome?

weekly affirmations...

Mon, 03 May 2010 23:02:03 CDT

dang, Ernie eats a lot of raisins...

a bit about why we're here...

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:22:03 CDT

I have my first ever guest poster today!

My husband is here to tell you a bit why we're here. (well, I'm just along for the ride. I don't actually do anything.) So I guess my husband is here to tell you why he's in Hawaii.
Here are a few pictures of science related things I have taken since we've been here because you can't have a blog post without a photo!

Take it away Ernie...

Emily, Dan O, and I are out here looking at freshwater fish in Hawaii. There are only 5 native freshwater fish species in the islands, and numerous exotic species have been introduced. All native species have an obligatory oceanic stage. This means that as larvae, they spend some time in the ocean before migrating back into freshwater to mature and eventually breed. We are interested in impacts of land use, habitat, and introduced species on the native fishes. We are also using genetic and microchemistry techniques to explore patterns of dispersal and migration.

The native fishes are all gobies. Local term is o`opu. When the larvae return to freshwater, they are called post-larvae, or hinana locally. Here I am near the mouth of a river trying to catch these little guys, which are only about 15-25 mm, or ~1 inch in American. I made the net out of a fishing pole and window screen. Not long after this photo, I lost my net while climbing down a waterfall. Pele giveth and Pele taketh away.

Here's a little feller of the species Sicyopterus stimpsoni or O`opu nopili. This is the species featured on Life, the tv show. They are excellent climbers, using a suction-cup on their chest (really a pair of fins fused into a disc) to stick to wet rock faces. They'll also stick to your finger when you hold them.

Just like fish in a bucket. Only these guys will climb out if you let them.

Hinana. This little booger just recruited from the ocean. He has not yet developed the markings of the adults. In fact you can see through his skin. We've collected lots of these guys from each of our study streams. A group at Tulane is comparing genetics of hinana to the adults in the same stream. We are trying to find out whether these fish return to streams they are born in, or disperse to other streams/other islands. I'm told they're great in scrambled eggs.

grillin' out...

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:18:35 CDT

Last few days with Claire...

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:29:25 CDT

a lot of this happened...

a lot of tipsy girl talk happened around these...

he's not always so gracious about letting me take his photos...

this is one of my favorite places in Hilo. The farmers market. It's the biggest in the state of Hawaii and always full of fun and new things.

Claire and her bounty.

Sitting down to dinner to eat on that bounty.

Sorry, I nerd out on those reflection photos.

and then we hit that botanical garden again

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 01:57:45 CDT

Claire and I headed back to the botanical garden while she was in town. What can I say? It's one of my favorite places here on the big island. So much so that I have a season pass.

So what did we do?

We stood there!
but not for long- that sign is no joke. It's like tiny little torpedoes falling from 100 feet.

This is our unfortunate interpretation of the tour group in front of us.

It's mean, I hate to out myself as a big meanie like that.

(but Claire does look cute and sweet)

ok, the interpretation ends there. The next 2 are just us being doofuses.

down in the valley... again...

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:12:12 CDT

For my birthday we went back to Waipi'o valley. (cause that's what I wanted to do and that's how I roll) (also, some science needed to happen there)

anyway... we had a lovely time and got accosted by the "wild" horses. They're supposed to be wild but they sure are awfully friendly and very very inquisitive.

so... yeah. Inquisitive. The horses wanted to know what we had in the back of our car...

at least they're really sweet...

hey, what's in yo pocket? Let me get a taste!

Claire drinks a margarita and gets cozy with a pony.

nothing like being run off from where you're relaxing by a team of ponies...

black sand beach. ahh...

claire comes to hawaii

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:52:28 CDT

My dear friend Claire came to hawaii this week to
a- have a vacation and
b- celebrate my lil ole' birthday.

We had such a great time and I will be posting pictures all week. Here are a few of the beautiful Claire standing in front of what is for sure my favorite place on the big island. This is the rim of the Waipi'o valley and where I chose to spend my birthday. Lucky for me the boys had some sampling to do here so we all got to go together.

I will have more pictures tomorrow of our close encounters with the wild horses.

And I do mean close- we had to heckle a horse to get Claire's shoe back...

parade part 2

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:35:49 CDT

here's the second and final set from the Merrie Monarch parade.

this is my friend that I met at the parade. She told me that:

St. Joseph's is the best school ever.
There are over 100 kids that go there.
They learn about Jesus and God and that's the most important thing ever.
All mermaids are named Ariel.
Ballet is her favorite thing.
Then I did a demi plie for her and she did one for me and then we both twirled.

Then Ernie said he wished he was a 6 year old girl because everyone kept giving and throwing her candy.

(don't worry about Ernie, I'll buy him some candy this week. Although he eats plenty anyway)

umm... I think you're riding a rabid horse. Might want to be careful on your dismount.

damn, all this time I thought I was the princess of Hawaii. Way to break the news to me via a parade.

harsh!

I think the body of christ could work on their signage. (is that mean?)

of course, what's a parade in Hawaii without a ukulele band?

and I'm off...

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:00:17 CDT

Forgive me if I am a little absent this week. My friend Claire is coming to town and it's my duty to show her a good time, so blogging may slip by the wayside.

It's also my birthday!!! I LOVE a birthday (I love any excuse to throw down) and I probably shouldn't think mine is as big a deal as I do. (but I do)

Thanks for checking in on us here. I really appreciate it!! I just know that my 28th year is going to blow my mind.

peace and love to you all and I'll be back in a few days- with lots of lady hawaii adventures to bring to you.

ps- we upgraded to a convertible from an economy car. It is SO on...

parade part 1

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:58:00 CDT

I am sorry that I don't have a whole lot of thrilling things to bring to the table but just being in hawaii should be thrilling enough. right?... right?

Here's a few from the Merrie Monarch Hula festival. One thing is for sure- I love a good parade! So please enjoy.

crowd gathers...

best view in the house.

This band came all the way from Wisconsin to Hawaii.

Who's a band geek now?...

these flute players are light on their feet!

being given out from the float. Thanks Mauna Loa!

try it again but with feeling this time...

waitin...

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:52:39 CDT

he's waiting for a parade to start and you're waiting for me to post the pictures. You'll both have to keep on keepin' on.

Parade pictures to come tomorrow.

Merrie Monarch World Hula Festival!

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 01:22:53 CDT

This week Hilo has played hostess to the world Hula festival. (yes!) It's a week long event culminating in a hula competition and parade. It's a HUGE deal here and I had so much fun. We weren't able to get tickets to any of the three nights of performances and competitions but we we're able to go to the free expo night. We got there right when it started so we actually had to sit behind the stage. bummer. So the pictures aren't totally amazing but we had a great time.

I just feel pretty blessed to be a part of such an old and unique tradition!

the one good thing about being behind the stage is my glimpse of the dancers getting ready.

dancers from Tokyo.

gettin' schooled...

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:11:27 CDT

this right here is my argument for going to college. Because maybe if you go to college (and work real hard) then someday someone will pay you to do the very thing you most want to be doing.

north end of the big island

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:12:10 CDT

we took a little road trip to the north side of the big island. The boys took fish samples and I lollygagged.

hey crabby!

these are all taken at a beach park somewhere north. I've been here before and I think it's my favorite of all the beach parks I loiter at.

As Elizabeth Gilbert said in her book Eat, Pray, Love
"the mosquitoes here are big enough to rape a chicken"
I mean seriously- if you're not armed with Off then you might as well go home.

yeah, I don't know either...

jazzy!

there's our car. isn't she a beauty? notice the duct tape holding the molding on...

guess what's back?

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 02:22:05 CDT

ta da!
played out? maybe...
Seems like you guys liked them though and I just love getting life advice from a raisin box.

I promise that I will do something interesting this week (like go to the Merrie Monarch world hula festival) and bring you some pictures of some interest.

lava fields...

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:55:08 CDT

on Sunday we went and snorkeled in the tidal pools in a lava field. You really have to know about this place because it is hard to find and way out of the way. I didn't actually snorkel so much (I got a little freaked out) but I really enjoyed climbing all over the big lava produced boulders that separate all the pools. Really a very cool place.

eels may become aggressive...
you see why I didn't want to get in?

lagoon that stays a solid 90 degrees all year long. Heated by volcanoes.

Yes please!!!!

The only thing missing for me was a floaty and a cocktail.

dangerous earth and cracks in park areas...

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 01:10:50 CDT

most of the time I delight in the joyous union that is marriage.

other times, not so much...

hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Today we snorkeled in the tide pools in the lava fields outside of Pahoa. Very beautiful. I'll be bringing you some photos this week.

happy weekend...

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 17:26:44 CDT

hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. Went to the farmers market this morning and basketball is happening this afternoon (although what basketball I am not sure, clearly I am not a devoted fan)

If the rain stays at bay then tomorrow we're going snorkeling in the Kapoho tide pools. What a lovely way to spend an easter sunday.

peace and love to you all.

final round...

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:32:12 CDT

okay, here's the last of the botanical garden photos. I'll have to plan something super fun and exciting this weekend so I can keep you entertained next week.

this is a loooooong post.

botanical garden continued...

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:38:50 CDT

here are some orchids from the botanical garden. I'm going to finish out the week with all the little randoms left.

the first wave...

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:08:08 CDT

Here's the first wave of photos from the botanical garden Ernie and I went to on Sunday. It's about a 10 minute drive from our house. The garden trail weaves through the forest for a little over a mile and eventually hugs the ocean for about 300 feet. It was a stunning way to spend an afternoon and we bought season passes to ensure that we'd venture back in.

ferns grow up a rock wall...

bromeliads.

The garden had a whole bromeliad section. (as well as an orchid section, but that comes later this week)

tiny tiny tiny little pineapple. measured maybe 4 inches or so.

an arm of a banyan tree reaching down.
If you don't know what a banyan tree is it's worth your time to google. (click on the link)
They're native to India and rampant in Hawaii. They produce shoots from the branches that hang to the ground and eventually root. It seems like they can get as big as you'd let them, there's one in the park in downtown Hilo that has to be like 40 feet wide.

Invasive but striking.

and a big ole' thank you to Ernie for being oh so patient with me in the garden. I mean, I took a ton of pictures and it took forever!

as a side note- the bromeliads here were so beautiful. I wish I could keep them in my home as houseplants (they make great ones) but I have a cat that likes to eat points off of plants so a bromeliad meets a sad and certain fate in our home. I've tried...

in case you forgot...

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:33:56 CDT

what an incredible dork I am!

It's been 2 months since we headed out and I miss my people so much. I've always known how important my friends and family are to me but there's nothing like being without them to remind you.

so can't wait to get back to the east coast and see everyone. Party at my house!!!

onions here is crazy!

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:25:18 CDT

Today we went to the botanical gardens and it was so beautiful. Needless to say I have lots of pictures coming this week from that. So stay tuned- if you're into flowers and what not.

To get you though your Monday I'll leave you with this picture. Onions here is crazy!! I can normally get through one onion before my eyes well up so much I can't see, because of that Ernie and I have an agreement- anything more than one he handles. The onions here though... they're a whole new breed. So when Ernie's been inside, typing away on his paper at least he gets to wear his snorkel mask for something...

just kicken' around...

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 03:48:18 CDT

these are just some pictures I took of our neighborhood while out on our daily walk. I have some new toys and I am totally nerding out with them.

hey buddy!

papayas growing at the sidewalk.

This is a stag horn fern. This has always been one of my favorite plants. I've never had one because I know they're really hard to grow but this is just hanging out in a tree in a yard right around the corner from us.

FANTASTIC!

but I think everything is fantastic...

good people...

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:10:30 CDT

it's something I've always thought true and now it is confirmed..

Photographers are a great people to kick around with. When I was scared to start this new life venture and felt foolish for even thinking it could work I had a group of photographer friends pushing me that way and cheering me on - The first to offer a hand and the first to say- You can do it!

So anyway... the point of this is to tell you I got the most lovely gift in the mail today from Amy Free (a phenomenal photographer and source of constant inspiration) this is the first and only bit of mail I've gotten since arriving in Hawaii.

It just warmed my heart and I can not wait to find it a home on our wall when we get back to Raleigh.

Thank you Amy!!!!!!

ps- my husband, mom and mother-in-law were also instrumental in being my own personal cheer leading team. I am lucky to be surrounded by the people that I am.

fronds from the backyard...

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:12:27 CDT

these fronds are from the backyard of our house. What I really love about them is that they are the branches of a tree that has fallen. (what looks like many years ago) They just weren't deterred by death and just kept right on going.

I love it.

Something that I have really thought a lot about here in Hawaii is how resilient we are all built. I have seen so many creatures that are made to endure the pounding of the ocean. So many creatures living in the tiniest spaces- just doing what they do with the opportunities given to them- for the good or the bad.

Remind me of this later if I need it...

back porch rainy day...

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:05:30 CDT

the nice thing about all the rain in hilo is the rainbows!!!!

here's a rainbow off our back porch.

here's a view off our deck toward the ocean.

dang, these raisin boxes are killin' it!

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:34:14 CDT

I have a new hobby and it's a little less than thrilling. Whatever, it's keeping my entertained. I just love these little bits of wisdom given to us in the these raisin boxes.
I wonder how many boxes were eaten here before we even noticed the notes?

sage advice from the raisin box...

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:26:58 CDT

just another life lesson.

wha?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:34:13 CDT

So these two images were taken from the same scenic overlook about a month apart. I wouldn't have believed it either had I not been the one to take them. In fact, I didn't even realize it was the same overlook until Ernie told me. So clearly it's at a slightly different angle but it's still from the same 100 foot wide pull off on the highway.

That's why I love to take photos because truly nothing is ever the same as it was in that exact moment you took a picture. That moment will never ever happen again...ever... for ever ever...

I feel a panic coming on... I better go document today since there will never be another day quite like it, and that's true of every day. So enjoy today!

(but only after I am done eating this sandwich- can I get an amen at how truly fabulous vegetarian baloney is?!- it's my jam!)

lomo no no...

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:43:41 CDT

Lomography-
the Lomography motto of "don't think, just shoot" presumes spontaneity, close-ups, and ubiquity, while deemphasizing formal technique. Typical lomography cameras are deliberately low-fidelity and inexpensively constructed. Some cameras make use of multiple lenses and rainbow-colored flashes, or exhibit extreme optical distortions and even light leaks." from wikipedia

so I've been meaning to buy myself a little toy camera for quite some time. The style of photography has one of the most intense and active followings on this here internet. I'm always so inspired by other lomo photos. The simplicity, the retro, the uncontrollable just gives the warm fuzzies about a bygone era.
So here's my first attempt... I'm going to give it a big ole' eh. Eh, it's ok. I guess I just thought this was going to change my life. I'm terribly optimistic so I think everything is going to change my life. So I guess I am not done. I just got started but it's not nearly as fun as I thought it would be.
so I guess I am just going to keep on keepin' on...

ps- I am waiting for ups to arrive with a new lens for me (today!!) and that is totally going to change my life. I'm just sure of it.

going for a hike...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:51:11 CST

down in the valley...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:07:04 CST

I think I might be done hiking down into valleys with these boys. It's nice going down but I kind of feel like crying coming back up.

this would be the big dead thing that rolled around in the surf in the valley.

From the overlook we were convinced it was a giant squid and we we're like completely running down the mountain because we we're so excited. Imagine our disappointment when it ended up being a big whale part. We haven't be able to identify it but it's spine was at least 25 feet long. It was too decayed to know for sure.

Oh yeah, and it smelled terrible...

monuments...

we amuse ourselves...

attitude of gratitude...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:34:17 CST

This may be the cheesiest post I have ever put out there but I don't care, I'm feelin' the love and I gots to spread it!

I am having such a super time here in hawaii. I mean, they don't call it tropical paradise for nothin'.
I feel like it's a downer but I just can not wait to get back to Raleigh and get my wedding season on. I've got such an amazing group of brides to look forward to...

Two of my beautiful meredith girls are getting married this year and I am tickled to death to get to be a part of them both (ya'll know how I love my meredith girls!)

I've got what I think will be a saucy and amazing dominican wedding with a super inspiring bride- she's getting a phd and working!?!?! What?- when does she come up for air?- much less plan a wedding.

I've got another wedding for a new couple I've met through an old friend and I think they're just good people and a ton of fun. I also can't wait to catch up with said old friend.

I've got a wedding with a bride that I know through Ernie's old time band playing. Old time musicians are are a fun people so I just know the whole day will be amazing- she's also a bride I just really felt a huge connection with.

I've got a wedding for a young women who wanted someone fun and youthful and decided to go with me- what a huge compliment!

Then last but not least I've got a wedding for the sister of an awesome girl I went to high school with. If this new bride is half as sweet as her sister (and I know she is) then this day will be great!

I just wanted to put a big ole' thank you out into the universe!! I feel so blessed to have met all the beautiful brides I have this year and I am so dang excited to be a part of them all!!! It's really all about YOU ladies and I CAN NOT WAIT to post your weddings here.
I've just got an attitude of gratitude and I had to share it!!

the old man and the sea...

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:25:43 CST

well, he's not old but he sure does act it sometimes...

I feel like this doesn't look nearly as impressive as it felt. We were trying to find the mouth of a stream and came across these beautiful cliffs where the ocean was just slamming the rocks- like really beating them.

I think it's safe to say we we're all a little floored by her huge power and how tiny we felt next to it. We were so close and it seemed as though it would be so easy to slip in and be taken away.

we just stood, in the midst of a rain storm, and watched for a solid 15 minutes...

I think the sky is bigger here...

I actually have no idea where we are here. (what can I say? I am just along for the ride) all I know is that I liked it. (and this beach park had the best port-a-johns I have ever been in)
It was raining so we didn't hang out too long. I think we decided that this is fantastic stream and we need to come back to sample. Not sure though- like I said, just along for the ride...

these boys are sitting on the wall and watching the ocean and the surfers.
Behind me lots of people are cooking out and having family gatherings. Everyone was having such a nice time it made me want to look for a Hawaiian family to join just for a bit.

Who wants bbq?

Sorry to do that to you...
It was just an interesting experience. We stood on this tiny tiny beach for probably 10 minutes before we realized we had some, um, visitors among us. I just thought it was pretty beautiful (totally not the right word for that) how her face just blended so seamlessly with the rocks.

tree roots cling to what they can...

final resting place...

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:34:29 CST

if I had to pick one, I think I'd be ok with this place...

bathroom graffiti...

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:04:57 CST

rainy days and life lessons...

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:40:27 CST

rainy day view from our bedroom window. Oh, how my love of this bedroom runs deep.
I'm going to have to have a stern talking to with my bedroom back home. It's really been letting me down.

The life lesson is that we don't sew fish nets on the deck without sunscreen on when we are so pale we're see through.
When one stays hunched over stitching nets in the mid-day they get a lovely sunburn on their belly rolls.

and lastly- BIG shout out to Dan the intern!!!! He was accepted into the University of Wisconsin Madison for grad school and he found out this morning! Happy day! I think he deserves a round on me!!

beach park bridge...

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:49:35 CST

as the sun sets...

monuments...

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:57:52 CST

here in hawaii people leave all kinds of little tokens behind on the beach. I'm not really sure why but in my mind I have decided it's a gift to the sea- a symbol of respect. Often I see flowers but I also see little monuments built out of sea stones. Here are a few from last week.

small...

medium...

large...

honolii beach park...

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:36:02 CST

Every few days we go down to Honolii park to cast drift nets. This means a lot of sitting and waiting. I normally take photos and collect beach glass. There's a lot here and it's something to do.
So here's a few photos of that and more are to come this week...

handsome husband...

beach glass...

I don't know who they are nor did they know I took this picture.

but I think they're in their happy place...

I just really liked the way all these little rocks just fell into that space...

see, some science happens here...

today was a good day...

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:39:48 CST

sing the title like the ice cube song. I'm listening to it now. I would have posted it but it's a little dirty and I try to keep this blog somewhat professional. (somewhat)

Today was indeed a good day. Ernie and Dan dropped me off in town this morning and I spent my day wandering. I bought 2 fantastic dresses for $8 each at Sun your Buns consignment boutique and spoke with the delightful shop keeper for a while. She asked me if I was "from down south somewhere"- she could tell by my accent. It totally warmed my heart. Then I went to the french crepe place and ate a most delicious veggie crepe. Came home and started some laundry and mixed myself a cocktail. Our landlord dropped off a grill today so I think a grilled fish is in order for dinner tonight.

just can't complain...

Happy weekend ya'll!

our clean sheets floating in the breeze... just discovered we had clothing lines here this week.

Hawaiian heat!!!!
Pineapple juice, ginger juice with a little cayenne. Delicious but is a little spicy so I think I'll just have the one...

(for now)

walkin around...

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:24:22 CST

Here's some photos I took on a walk downtown I made on tuesday. We live 3 miles from the downtown area so close enough to walk but not enough to want to do it everyday.

I feel like I've been waisting a lot of time just having cats and dogs...
this goat was super interested in me. In my mind he wanted me to pet him- maybe even give him a hug. In reality he was wondering if I had any food, and he was thinking about how good my camera would taste.
This little guy definitely did soften my deep dislike of goats (on account of them having crazy eyes- and I feel like I am validated in my dislike because my grandma raised goats and they really are a creepy animal- not smart like a pig...)

and this whole time I've felt the exact same way about you...

for my momma! (who loves her plants) - these guys were growing right up by the sidewalk

it probably would have been better had I never been introduced to this culinary delight!

the side walks here are black because they are made of lava rock. (I think- they look lava rocky)

ginger!

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:50:38 CST

This post is really for my friend Suzy- who is gracious enough to be holding down the fort in Raleigh while we're on this little life adventure- Or, "keeping my life warm" as she puts it.

As far as food is concerned Hawaii is much like the mainland but with a twist. Like what I know but with an asian kick. Suzy and I have been talking back and forth about our love of all things ginger and where that shows up in Hawaii and not on the mainland. The thing that blew my mind the most was ginger Altoids!! What?! I know, right. Crazy!!! I promptly mailed Suzy two tins of that magnificent treat. So- here's what I bought yesterday, I am sure they're all over NC but I've just never noticed...

TA DA!!!! Newman's Own Ginger O's!!!!!!!

soooooo good.... (but not as good as the mint o's. shhhh!!)

Waipi'o valley. like woah!

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:31:08 CST

I know, right? RIDICULOUS! Could easily be the prettiest thing I have ever seen.

The hike down however was the hardest hike I've ever done in my life and I will never ever do it again (and I am normally a good sport about things but I kind of thought I might die) Luckily you can take a 4wheel drive vehicle down- that will be my transportation of choice next time around.

hey ladies look...

this is Dan! Isn't he handsome? I can vouch for the fact that he's nice, funny, easy to get on with and picks up after himself.

Just sayin...

oh, hey. what's up wild horse just hanging out in the valley?

black sand beach. fills my heart with delight.

he's pointing up because we get to climb that.

It's much worse than it looks. I promise. One mile and all the way up. I had to sit down twice and I almost cried once.

kole kole beach park...

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:50:06 CST

a few days ago we went to kole kole beach park. It's where the stream meets the ocean and one of ernie's sample sights. It's really a lovely place. While the guys were snorkeling through the stream I took some photos. (this is what I do while they catch fish) So I watched the surfers for a while- it's where the locals come and def not for the novice surfer as the coastline is very rocky.

W're actually going back here at dusk to cast drift nets. Right now I am roasting asparagus just like my mom does- with a bit of garlic, lemon juice and lemon zest. I'm going to toss it into a pasta for a little dinner picnic on the beach.

Please don't hate me.

a whole tree root drift wood style.

little sea snail sitting in a hole in a rock pretty far from the sea- gotta do what you gotta do.

I can't wait to swim here when the weather warms up about 5 degrees.

nap time...

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:07:53 CST

I've never ever been a napper. I'd go as far as saying I was a nap hater. I guess my brain has just never been able to wind down enough to take a nap and I've always hated getting over the nap "hangover" that I inevitably have.

There's something about this place though. Thus far I have taken several naps. Like a few a week even. I don't know if it's the laid back vibe of Hawaii, the lack of anywhere I have to be or that no one needs anything from me or (and I think this is the winning choice) is the view from our bedroom. It's just easy to want to be in this space. I already miss it even though I have several more months here.

The other night- I walked in to get ready to go out to dinner. It was dusk and the room looked so lovely that I had to take a picture. I had been reading here earlier that afternoon (which often lends itself to said nap)

(that book on the bed is about how to expose photographs properly. Had I paid better attention this would be a far better exposed photograph. Sorry- C'est la vie)

fronds...

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:18:56 CST

lava tubes...

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:54:45 CST

here we are walking through the lava tubes at volcanoes national park. A lava tube is "the natural conduit through which lava travels beneath the surface of a lava flow, expelled by a volcano during an eruption." (via wikipidea) It's a big dark tunnel under the ground and fairly impressive i'd say.

this is a fern growing by it's only available light source. a light fixture. I love it.

volcanoes national park...

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:19:47 CST

We decided to take a fun day on Sunday while Ernie's boss and his wife were still in town. We headed to Volcanoes national park to see some hot lava!! (there was no hot lava- much to my disappointment.) We did see older crater formation that is still steaming. Pretty neat experience anyway. I hear the way to see it is to helicopter fly over. That might be out of our price range for right now...

all that steam rising out of the earth makes for lots of rainbows!!!

remnants from a 1976 lava flow

the western frontier...

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:41:57 CST

a few days ago we headed to the western side of the island to check some watersheds (hit the beach). It's the dry side of the island and boy they weren't kidding when they call it that. It's like a barren desert in places. It's just a strange switch since we're here on the wet side and it feels like a jungle.

mother nature has a sense of humor and/or we have the mentality of 12 year old boys.

We named it mt. ta-ta.

can you tell I spent the whole day by myself?

I'm trying to show you how tan I am. Cause I'm like mega tan.

what the hell?

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:13:33 CST

Is this little guy?

Now as much as I love good food I am far from a foodie and by no means knowledgeable about what the rest of the culinary world has to offer. So I was kind of excited to try some new things here in Hawaii. Not that Hawaii is really that far off from the mainland as far as food is concerned (Hawaiians like a cheeseburger like the best of them) but the different climate lends itself to a new wealth of produce. So here is maybe the most bad-ass looking fruit I have ever seen. I mean, really... have you ever seen a fruit so amazing, so alien like? This is a rambutan. Verdict?- tastes kind of like a grape. Delicious but takes a lot of work to get through the tough shell and around the woody seed. Still a really really cool looking thing and very cheap at the farmers market.

some more clifs and some more whales and then some tequila...

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:03:49 CST

If you look closely you'll see these little magenta things clinging to the rocks. Little anemone of sorts just left high and dry and waiting for the tide to come in...

If I were clever I'd have something interesting to say about how it speaks of

patience

endurance

just sheer willingness to ride it out...

someone clever think of something for me.

Watching the humpbacks. Don't be fooled, these nalgene bottles are not full of water- for to nourish the body, but margaritas for to nourish the spirit. Nothing like a cocktail seaside...

ok... I just can't get enough of doing things like this and I should stop. It's kind of dumb and I know that- it just amuses me to death.

We've seen the humpbacks three consecutive days in a row. It's kind of breathtaking. We are now fully obsessed with them.

checking our watersheds...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:08:38 CST

Before the crew gets here Ernie has been checking out watersheds to see if they're accessible. I've been tagging along because it really allows me to get to see some things that a regular tourist wouldn't. So here are the shots from today. The most amazing thing of the day is that while we we're on our way home for lunch I spotted a pod of humpback whales. We pulled over and I was so in awe I didn't even grab my camera. We followed them back down the coastline but when we found them again they had gone much further out. Still the MOST.AMAZING.THING.EVER!

someone gets to live on this hill. Several people in fact. I hope they wake up every day and feel the awe I felt being here.

humpback whale pod!

This is coconut island in Hilo. It's a park where a lot of families get together for picnics and what not. You'll notice it's only children swimming in this tide pool. It's way too cold for grown ups to want to get in. I'm looking forward to going to the dry side of the island where things are a little warmer...

hilo hawaii!

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:14:14 CST

I've been here in hawaii for 3 whole days and I have not even posted the first photo on my blog. (what?!?, I know, I know) It's just that the day before I left my beloved camera had a little internal accident and I think I was so heartbroken that I pssshht taking any photos. So I'm working with my backup. (because of course I have backup!) to give you a few glimpses of the happenings here in Hilo Hawaii. Lord knows there are some things worth taking photos of here. Good gracious! I know why it's called a paradise.

and never fear- my dear momma sent my camera back to be repaired and I should have it within the month. Thanks momma!

and ps- big ole' dang shout out to canon for fixing my camera for free even though I bought it used. I didn't know any company stood behind their products like that these days. So there- that's my personal endorsement for canon products. Get you some...

our lil home in hilo...

sorry about that...

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:54:04 CST

meredith and brad

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:46:38 CST

Here's some more of the photos from Saturday's engagement session. Meredith and Brad are a ton of fun to work with. I can not wait till their August wedding...

someone's gettin' married...

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:18:59 CST

Here's a sneak peak from a super fun engagement session I had saturday. More to come later this week.

dang, I just love love.

someone might need this today...

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:04:23 CST

I need it most days...

"Every one of us is called upon, probably many times, to start a new life. A frightening diagnosis, a marriage, a move, the loss of a job... And onward full tilt we go, pitched and wrecked and absurdly resolute, driven in spite of everything to make good on a new shore. To be hopeful, to embrace one possibility after another - that is surely the basic instinct... Crying out: High tide! Time to move out into the glorious debris. Time to take this life for what it is." - Barbara Kingsolver, High Tide in Tucson

Where's your inner goddess?

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:18:25 CST

Today I am featuring a friend of mine- Patricia Alder of Venus Photography. I've been talking with a few brides here lately and I think this is maybe the coolest thing to do for a bachelorette party and maybe the sweetest surprise for your significant other. I help Patricia sometimes with these parties and I will say- I've never seen a group of women have more fun then at these parties.

Venus Photography specializes in boudoir photography, the art of capturing beautiful and sexy images of women. The company is owned and operated by Raleigh-based photographer Patricia Alder. Patricia believes that each and every woman has a sensual inner goddess that is just waiting to be revealed and celebrated. What better way to portray your inner goddess than through artistic and sexy boudoir images?

For a fun and empowering girls’ night out, gather together some of your best girlfriends for a Boudoir Photo Party! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while Patricia creates stunning and sexy images that celebrate your inner goddess! The parties are great for bachelorette parties.

To see Patricia’s work and for more information about photo parties, visit her website at http://www.venus-photography.com.

the stalker in me and bruce davidson

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:56:50 CST

I am stalker- a serious blog stalker. If I know you and you have a blog then chances are I check it several times a week. I have a series of photography blogs that I check every day. (yes, every day!!- did you see that Amy Free?) What can I say? I sit in front of a computer all day long and I am always looking for inspiration.

Several weeks ago, whilst on my daily stalk, I came across an entry from one of my most favorite photographers ever. It's here. I'm including it because I have had an almost identical experience and it very nearly brought me to tears. I too bought my first Bruce Davidson book at MoMa (I was 18 and a freshman in college). I think I bought it because it was 7 dollars and the cheapest book there so I kept my expectations fairly low. I had no idea how much this book would impact my life as an artist and inspire me as a photographer.

So while I am in the process of packing up everything for our move to Hawaii I think this little guy will find a place stowed away in my luggage.

oh, and go check out the post on Abigail Seymour. I can't write worth a dang and she is always so eloquent.

She is totally worth your time to blog stalk.

Claire

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:16:07 CST

Things have slowed down for me a bit (as far as taking photos is concerned) so I begged my friend Claire to let me take some photos of her while she was in town. ( I get restless if I am not editing) She was nervous and uncomfortable but was determined to be a "good sport" (she was an awesome sport)

There is something really lovely about taking pictures of your dearest friends, I guess you are trying to show the world just how beautiful you know this person is. I think Claire is so beautiful and I am sure you'll agree. I think every person deserves to have a really stunning picture of themselves where they're just owning it.

Girl- you own it!

So thank you, thank you, thank you Claire for being such a good sport and for being such a beautiful friend and lady.

what's your song?

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:34:35 CST

Everyone has one... your happy song. A song that can pull you out of the deepest depths of your most funk mood. A song that you just can't not dance around your living room to. Here's mine (for right now) I know it's up there on the cheese factor but I dare you to be in a bad mood while listening to it.

what's your happy song?

lil miss princess turns one

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:56:50 CST

best of...

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 11:22:56 CST

My friend Jamie at www.isuwanee.com has summed up 2009 to me way better than I ever could have. It actually brought tears to my eyes with how spot on I felt it was for me and I am sure for lots of you all as well.

"2009 was quite the doozy. lost a job that needed to be lost for quite some time. lost $. then found myself lost. picked up my mess, moved on, got over grudges, realized a dream, made a lot of new friends and now i'm riding it out to see where i end up." just perfect Jamie. thank you.

So in the nature of reflection- here are my favs from 2009

warning:this post is waaaaaaaaaaay to long.

happy new year!

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:11:50 CST

Happy new years!!! Hope you all have a safe and wonderful night. I have a kind of best of 2009 post coming later this week so stay tuned.

Love to you all.

tis the season...

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:42:44 CST

I hope you all are having an amazing holiday season- that you've had meaningful time with loved ones and maybe even thrown in a dance party somewhere.

Ours has been great. I packed us up and spent 2 days at my parents (on the other side of the same town) on account of us not having heat. (should be fixed today, huzzah!!) but I did forget my camera this christmas (I know, I know) but I still have some really great festivities to look forward to so pictures coming soon.

So anyway. May you feel blessed this season and find peace in your heart. I love you all so much and feel so lucky to know everyone I do. I am thinking we are going to kick 2010's ass! We definitely deserve it.

Get it!

Lyla is 11 months

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:56:02 CST

sweet little Lyla is 11 months! I'm a little behind on this so don't be surprised when you see her 1 year pics next week.

more of max

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:38:05 CST

Here are some more of Max. Happy 1st Birthday to a beautiful little boy!!!

new camera

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:15:57 CST

I got a new camera this week and all I can say is Yes Please!!! and more!!

Here's a few that I took just dorking around in the back yard about 5 minutes after opening the box. Poor Ernie- he ends up having to be my test subject way more often then he would like.

max

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:41:25 CST

Here's a little something I am working on of my buddy Max. Boy has curls so cute it could make you cry. I got to photograph this little man in honor of his one year birthday! Happy birthday buddy!!

More of this coming soon...

nick and stacie

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:38:35 CST