{me} in a nutshell

Hickory, NC, United States
First I love GOD! He has me where he wants me in life and I am happy! I am a wife, to a wonderful man named Kevin. I am a mother of two healthy, beautiful, loving, make me smile *everyday* children! I am a photographer who also happens to have a full time job {on the side}. Being behind a camera is something that I found out that I truly enjoy about 6 years ago when my son started racing motorcycles.

My style of photography is fun! Fun for me to do, and fun for you to enjoy! I take pictures best in an atmosphere where you or your family are doing what you all do the best... being yourself! Whether it be at your home, my home, a park, or even if you are planning a hike in the mountains. You want memories? Let me help you remember them!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Love is all you need!

I was not going to post these, but Amy really wanted everyone to see for themselves how quick something can turn terribly wrong...so after she insisted, I agreed.

Amy and Ryan lost their home along with probably 97% of their belongings. It all started on a morning with a power outage, and lit candles. We ALL do it...the power goes out, you light candles so you can see. It only takes a matter of minutes. So a couple pointers that I know they would want to remind you of.

1~ Fire Extinguisher....you may have one, but do you know...really know...how to use it? If not, Click HERE to learn the P.A.S.S. instructions. Also, make sure that you have it inspected. If you have a fire extinguisher that has been sitting in the same spot for several years...chances are it may not work correctly.
2~ Even if your smoke detectors are wired into the electricity, the batteries can go dead!!!! Since Amy and Ryan's power was out, the smoke detectors did not work (or so everyone thinks because no one ever heard them) because the batteries that had been in there for quite some time...were dead! Even if they are wired into your electricity...CHANGE THE BATTERIES. Luckily, their CPI worked.

These were some flowers in the kitchen. The only thing that affected the kitchen was heat and smoke....but nothing was salvageable. The kitchen, just to put things in perspective, was on the opposite end of the house where the fire started.
This is a wine rack on the refrigerator. The wine bottle was unopened, but it was so hot in the kitchen that it shot the cork out, and you can see where the wine poured down.

This ceiling fan was in the living room. This room is also on the opposite end of the house from where the fire actually was. The heat just melted it.

This is the door to the basement. It probably was touched a little by the fire itself. The part folded down is the front of the door.

This is the hallway.
I had to throw this one in there. This is the master bathroom where it all started.
Amy is a camera collector...and this was a really cool old camera that was in the living room.


I took quite a few pictures of the inside, and I just wanted to share a few.

I do want to throw in one more thing. I am EXTREMELY proud of Amy and Ryan for their outlook on this. Amy and Ryan have both ALWAYS been wonderful people. These were just things...they are OK...everyone is OK...and they will replace the things. They have a huge amount of love in their hearts, and from a quote from Amy's sister's wedding...love is all you need...if you don't have love, you don't have anything.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

The Honor of your Presense...

is requested at 315 Papers. I think it is quite awesome to see someone start a business that has great potential! Here is a local company that makes custom invitations. It is focused around weddings, but the sky is the limit! I thought I would pass the info to some of you...it seems like 2009 is going to be a big year for weddings. Check them out and pass the information along!

On another note, I have not updated in a while so I thought I would give you a quick little note. 2009 is going to be SO much fun for me. From a wedding to the cutest little INN around, to a wedding on a River Boat in DC, and possibly (fingers crossed here) a wedding in MEXICO :). The year is going to start with me taking a trip to a wedding photographers convention in Las Vegas, where I will get to meet, and work with (ok...so they will be teaching me, but that is "working with") some of the most famous wedding photographers from around the world! Can you feel my butterflies? I want to thank everyone who has pushed me to persue this passion!!!! 2009 is dedicated to all of you!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

I am a SkateMom!

So Addison will only let me take photographs of him if he is doing something that he thoroughly enjoys. So yesterday, I took him out with two of his best friends and we went to our local skate park Board Paradise. You can visit them at by clicking here. He barely knew I was there and I got some cool pics!


You can see some more here!

Day before wedding day Bliss!

This is Jenn and I at the absolute cutest Bridal Luncheon I have ever seen! She treated us like queens all day long...as after lunch we went to get pedicures and enjoy champagne all day!
Jenn relaxing getting her pedicure!
She made us all our very own unique wine glass!
This was my little high heel cupcake! I am not real sure who made them (shame on me), but I will find out and edit this post so check back!
The setting just set the mood for the Ultimate girls day out!

Thank you again Jenn for making me a part of your special day! I enjoyed every minute of it!

For pictures of the actual wedding, visit my friend and partner on occasion Joy Davis at www.joydavisphotography.blogspot.com.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Jenn is a Bride!

All I can say is that this was one B-E-A-Utiful bride! Jenn and Justin tied the knot on January 3rd 2009. What another great way to start out a new year. Talking about a resolution...I guess Jenn's was to change....her name! :). I did not have the opportunity to photograph their day because I was the Matron of Honor, and oh what an honor it was! Thank you so much for making me such a huge part of your day! Everything turned out beautiful! I did get the opportunity to take some Bridal Portraits of Jenn and I wanted to share a few with you!



See a few more HERE!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Starting the year out with a...J-O-B! Oh wait, I meant BANG!

Huge Congratulations goes out to my sweet little cousin "T" who just graduated from Clemson University! We are all so very proud of her! What a great way to start out a new year! She took a job in Atlanta and is now living in my favorite part of Atlanta, Buckhead! T, Best of Luck to you in your new adventures! I can't wait to come visit!