I had the great honor to photograph these two important events for Ben and Haley. At the rehearsal dinner I finally heard Haley’s beautiful singing; once upon a time she’d gone to Nashville to pursue a singing career, so I knew she had to be good… and she is! Of course, all the evidence I’ve seen shows Haley to be great at everything she does… and the brunch and dinner both had many fantastic “Haley” touches (though I’m sure Ben helped out as well ).  The dinner was amazing and its always gratifying to be able to document the beginnings of a new family, and  Ben and Haley’s family & friends got along beautifully and mingled so much I’m still not sure who was representing which side  But, as beautiful and meaningful as the dinner was; the brunch was our favorite to document… there wasn’t a dry eye left in the room when Haley was done telling everyone how special they were- as women specifically, but especially to her.  She wasn’t even talking to me or Chyrel and we were both bawling like babies along with everyone else…. Haley is definitely a gifted storyteller! And, to go with the theme of Haley pretty much rocks at everything- her outfits for the weekend (I counted 4 total… 5 if you include her “Soon-to-be” robe) were all beautiful and so fitting for her New Year’s wedding weekend!  Haley & Ben, thanks for allowing us so much access to your lives; even though it was only for a few days, we feel like you are some of our best friends now

When Haley first told me she planned on doing her bridals in December to catch the beautiful  ”on the  bayou” winter sunsets, it was still the sunny days of summer… and I thought she was crazy to wait for the cold! But, she proved wiser than me for certain… the day of her bridals was absolutely perfect- from the weather (high 60s, just a hint of clouds, and the perfect amount of wind to blow her veil lightly), to the highly awaited red (and orange and pink!) sunset.  I’ve seen many pretty winter sunsets, and I knew why Haley wanted to wait for them… but  I also knew they weren’t a certain thing, and as sunset began I still wasn’t sure we would get what Haley really wanted.  I tell my beach clients that the best sunset skies happen 5-15 minutes after the actual sunset… but that’s only true if there IS a sunset.  Haley’s sunset was pretty but barely perceptible at “sunset” time with just a hint of pastel pink and light yellow; deep blue and pink at 5 minutes after; and by 10 minutes after, the whole sky had exploded in color- and Haley just shone in the beautiful golden light! But, even before the sunset, we’d captured a beautiful bridal session at the very cool “oyster-shell” house… a home Haley’s mom sold a few year’s ago.  At the time Haley hadn’t even met Ben but she loved the house so much she asked if she could come back one day and have her bridals shot there.  And I’m so happy she did!  We had a fun time and got some great images!

So, this post is a “Thanks Haley”- for knowing better than me, and being right  You looked beautiful… and Winter was the PERFECT time to do your bridals!

I’m sure no one would be surprised to hear me (or anyone else) say that photographing newborns is one of the most delightful ways to spend a day.  But little Ms. P was sooo incredibly animated for such a tiny thing- full of smiles, cries, and wide-eyed wonder… she’s definitely the most aware baby I’ve ever been around (and I’m including my own kids!).  People can say all they want about “gas smiles”… but I am quite convinced Ms. P knew exactly who she was smiling at and why…. and she was full of smiles all day.  Still, my favorites are always the sleeping images, where they look so peaceful and lovely; as well as all the tiny, wrinkly, flakey baby parts, so I had to share some of those as well

Erin and Jimmy, your daughter is incredibly beautiful and was a joy to spend time with.  Thanks so much for allowing me to document this important time in her and your lives.  I hope these bring a smile to your face!

This was such a fun and unique wedding!  It all started with a phone call from Justin… the first “groom” to call me on behalf of his bride-to-be… most of my grooms are quite happy to leave all planning details to the brides, just wanting to know where and when to show up for their wedding day  Justin was so fun and personable on the phone- I knew this wedding was going to be special, and I wasn’t disappointed! This was our first visit to Port St. Joe, and it quickly become a favorite destination of mine (by the way, just in case my in-laws happen to read my blog… I’m now going to hold you to your promise, made 13 years ago, to take me to Port St. Joe for a vacation!). Chyrel and I had a blast at their rehearsal dinner held at the Sunset Coastal Grill (food was amazing!), which gave us a great preview of what the next day would bring- lots of fun games, meaningful details, with love and laughter in abundance.  The next day was beautiful and sunny, a perfect day for a wedding. Maggie had many unique and fun details picked out for her wedding, and we had so much fun trying to find them all (there were so many, trying to track them all down to document felt like a scavenger hunt!  I feel pretty confident we managed to capture them all… but I wouldn’t bet on it either ).  A unique element of their wedding that I thought was truly special- Justin’s own father married them, which was a beautiful and touching way to begin their life together.  Unlike Pensacola, in Port St. Joe you’re allowed to have a small bonfire on the beach, and the reception was split between the “s’mores” stations down along the water, and the eating and dancing taking place up at the two beach homes.  Many friends and family members came from a great distance to be a part of this special day, and it led to an incredibly sweet and intimate wedding, with everyone having a wonderful time.

Maggie and Justin, thanks so much taking a chance on us without having an opportunity to meet us first!  Your wedding was unique and beautiful and I was touched by the obvious connection between you.  Maggie, you truly light up when Justin walks into a room… and even better, Justin, you do the same when you see Maggie.  I hope we have a chance to meet again in the future!