Amanda and Kevan

 

I love being able to photograph my friends!  It's one of my favorite things.  I especially love capturing their relationships and ones that I respect so much.  Amanda & Kevan, and I set out on one of the first hot spring days this year to Amanda's Grandfather's land to take some awesome couples portraits.

Amanda's Grandfather has an amazing place that shows all the beauty that East Tennessee has to offer.  We also had a variety of setting to shoot at from woods, to a pond, to gorgeous grassy fields.

I have known Kevan and Amanda for little over a year now and have loved seeing their relationship grow.  They are truly dedicated to each other and their love radiates off of both of them.

And then there is their dog Hank.  Hanks has big personality and is always (did I say ALWAYS?) ready to play.  A day is not compete without hanging out with Hank.

Hank had his first encounter with a horse and I think it went well.  As a matter of fact, I think it might be true love!

Thank you so much to Amanda and Kevan for letting me spend a wonderful afternoon with you.  I hope you had fun!  I know I did.  Check out more photos below in the gallery!

Still Moments 4.4.14

 

To me, there is absolutely nothing like starting my day off with a warm drink.  It's one of my few daily rituals that I stick to.  I also realized this morning that it's one of the few Still Moments that I have everyday and it always starts the day off right.  My morning usually starts very early and there is something about making coffee or pouring tea that calms, rejuvenates, and prepares me for the day ahead.  It's a time where I contemplate the dreams that are still on the edge of my consciousness and turn my thoughts to what's in store.

We all need morning moments that speak to us whether it's coffee, prayer or meditation, or maybe lacing up your shoes for a run.  What is yours?  I encourage you to revel in your personal still moment this morning and start today feeling reawakened.

Snapshots

 

As a professional photographer its incredibly important to me not to forget to capture my everyday life.  Don't get me wrong, there is a side of my brain that never stops taking pictures.  I see them EVERYWHERE and try to capture the most I can.  But there are times when I get so focused on work, bookings, editing etc, that I forget to take a breath and look around me.

Like at this little guy, who is just begging to have his picture taken...

Seriously...

He loves the camera.  I was surprised how comfortable both my niece and nephew were with the camera.  I don't get to see them as much as I would like to so I was a little worried they would shy away from it but instead they went right for it.  Which made my heart happy.  I would love to look back years later and have many photographs of these normal moments in their lives along with the great achievements.

I'm sure there will be times when they get tired of their crazy Aunt with the camera but in some way I hope it teaches them to keep doing the things they love, to struggle through the mental blocks and fatigue, and to strive to make their passions happen even in ordinary moments.  So for now, I plan to just keep clicking away.

Meeting Maddox

 

Earlier this week I was so excited and thrilled to get to meet the newest addition to a client and friend's family.  On my way over to The Women's Pavillion I was full of questions.  What is this little man going to be like? Does he look like his Dad?  Does he look like his Mom?  I couldn't wait to meet this new little person.

And the answer to all those questions is, he's perfect.  He is completely himself.  Meet Maddox!  You may remember his big sister from Meeting Macey.  They look so much alike!  Although Maddox favors his Mom's darker hair.

Big Sister Macey is still adjusting to the change.  But she was more than willing to lend her pacifier when Maddox was crying.  Seriously, the sweetest thing ever!

Angela is a stunning Mom!  I have always been impressed with how laid back and calm she is through this entire process.  I love this photo of her and Maddox.

She and Dustin work very well together as a team.  Something I am sure they have perfected with Macey.  I can't get over the look on Grandma's face in the background, so much love!

Congratulations Dustin, Angela, and Macey!  I know you guys have some long weeks ahead as you get to learn this new member of your family but I am so excited to watch and see this little man grow up.

Let's talk Beauty

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...famous saying but something that I don't totally agree with.  As a photographer one of my favorite aspects of my job is to show my clients (and the world) the beauty that I see in people.  So, bear with me for a moment as I get on my soap box about how beautiful you are.

"Thank you for sending me those pictures.  I have been having a real hard time with self esteem lately, and seeing those pictures helped me a ton." -Amanda

We all struggle with self esteem issues.  I know for me it has always been that if I thought of myself as beautiful then that meant I was vain and big headed.  This is something I have struggled with my whole life and I know it's not just me.  We all have something that when we see ourselves we think, "Well, that's not flattering."

But the truth is most people have no idea how absolutely stunning they are.  Seriously, you're stunning.

One reason I got into photography is to reveal that beauty and that light to the world and the people I am photographing.  It doesn't matter if it's a man, woman, child, couple, old couple, or even animals.  I want people to recognize and embrace their beauty.

In my career I have found that one of the most beautiful times that this happens, when people truly get it, is during boudoir sessions.  Now you might think boudoir is scary or maybe even inappropriate but I like to keep my boudoir classy.  However, boudoir takes a lot of trust.  You're literally baring yourself to someone you might not even know.  I have always had that moment with my boudoir clients when they finally relax, trust me, and start to feel confident and beautiful.  That is the moment that absolutely fills me with joy.

That moment happens so many times, not just in boudoir, but in lifestyle, bridal, couples, and even family shoots.  I am so flattered that my clients trust me.  Embrace it, love it, and find joy in your beauty.

Know today that you are beautiful inside and out.  If you don't think that can happen, let me know, I'm here to show you the way.

Jacob & Morgan's Surprise Engagement Session

 

One of my favorite parts of being a photographer is getting to share in those intimate and epic moments in my clients lives.  Moments like the birth of a child, their first kiss as husband and wife, the anticipation of a new child, or in this case, the moment they decide to spend the rest of their lives together.

I was absolutely thrilled when Jacob contacted me and asked me to take part in his proposal to Morgan.  I had done Senior Portraits for Jacob's sister Claire last summer and been able to get to know the family better.  Jacob had everything planned weeks in advance, so all we had to do was set up, and wait for the big moment.

Jacob wanted to propose at a quarry outside of Oak Ridge that he and Morgan had often taken walks at.  He ordered sunflowers, had a blanket by the water, and had lined the path with photos of them together throughout their relationship.  It was perfect!  I found a spot to hide and then just had to be patient, which was pretty hard.

The big moment arrived...

And it was like the whole world just got still for that short moment...

And then she said yes!

It was really a beautiful moment and one I know they will cherish for years and years.  After a few moments for the reality to set in Morgan turns and goes, "What's that clicking noise?"  I popped up  like a total creeper from the woods and was like, "Hi! Congratulations!!" To my surprise, and relief, she was excited and took it all in stride.  We then spent the rest of the afternoon reveling in their excitement and doing several engagement photos.

It was so much fun to do the engagement photos right then when emotions were high and everything was so exciting!  Jacob and Morgan are so perfect for each other and compliment each other so well.

Jacob and Morgan congratulations!  I loved getting to know you and your love story better.  I can't wait to see where life takes you and the amazing time you are going to have together.  Jacob, thank you for being a romantic and including me in a truly beautiful day.  I'm so excited to get to know you both better.

Four Generations

I absolutely love when I hear from a client that I have worked with several times before.  It's so much fun to see their lives change, families grow, and be part of some really big moments in their lives.  So I was thrilled when I heard from Tiffany, asking me if I would do a Four Generations shoot for the women in her family.

We met up at the greatest little coffee shop in Seymour, TN called Brewed Awakenings.  If you are ever out that way I highly recommend it.  Great coffee, friendly atmosphere, and cheese cake that is to die for.

I could tell right off the bat that I was dealing with some pretty tough customers here.  Didn't want to smile, hard to work with, no fun at all......NOT!  These ladies were amazing from the get go.  Our whole session was full of stories and laughter.  I honestly felt like I was having coffee with them at their house and chit chatting the day away.

Mrs. Lille Rose is a hoot.  Her quiet demeanor is just a cover up for a truly amazing, beautiful, and fun loving nature.

Her daughter, Donna, is just the same.  Fun loving, beautiful, and full of spirit. You can tell the traits of a good sense of humor have passed down the generations.

And of course, Tiffany and Avery have a very special place in my heart.  I have enjoyed getting to know Tiffany better as a friend and to watch Avery grow into a beautiful little girl.

A special thanks to everyone at Brewed Awakenings for letting us invade the space and for the delicious cheesecake and coffee.  Thanks to all these ladies for letting me be a part of your day and peep into your lives together.  Love really does last generations and that is something so lovely and so worth passing on.

Fish Tacos

You might be thinking that I'm on some sort of Mexican food kick.  And in some ways you would be right.  Really it's just a matter of convenience.  I hate when ingredients go bad, so these two recipes had similar ingredients, so I made them close together.  But I promise you will enjoy both! When I first heard the term "fish taco" I thought, "Ew gross! Who would want fish in their tacos!"  My husband looked dismayed at my outburst.  BUT thanks to his prodding and poking, my tastes have expanded and I now love fish tacos.  And these were particularly fabulous.  This recipe is also from www.eatingwell.com  I'm kinda stuck on them right now.

Again, this serving is for 2 people so you might want to double it up.  It took me roughly 30 mins! Yay for fast food!

First you want to make the Tomato Avocado Salsa.  Dice a large tomato, add 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/2 jalapeno minced (or dried jalapeno), 2/3 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, 1/2 diced avocado, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and cayenne to taste.

Next in a small bowl you want to combine 3 tbsp flour, 1/8 tsp ground cumin, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp cayenne.  Whisk in 1/3 cup of beer to make batter.

Add two tsp oil to pan on medium high heat.  NOTE: This recipe calls for a nonstick pan and they mean a nonstick pan.  My first go at this I used a regular pan.  I had fish, but all the batter was stuck to the pan...not fun.  Dip your 1 inch strips of tilapia  into the batter, let the access drip into the bowl and then put the pieces in the oil.  Fry into golden on each side (doesn't take to0 long).  Place fish into warm corn tacos (I used flour tacos because I think they're tastier) and then add salsa on top!  That's it.  I added sour cream and hot sauce for a little extra flavor.  What I love about this recipe is it's tasty AND quick, just remember the non stick pan so your not doing dishes for the rest of the night...like me.

Dish-o-the-Week: Barbecue Portobello Quesadillas

That's right friends!  It's been a long time, but there is finally another Dish-o-the-Week!  I think you will be particularly fond of this one, I know Speed Racer and I really enjoyed it.  It's an interesting combo, and of course I cannot take credit for it.  I found this recipe on www.eatingwell.com.  I changed just a few minor things here and there, but I think you'll like it.  ALSO, this is a two for one special, I'm also giving you my Green Green Guacamole recipe in honor of all the green grass outside and as a way of saying sorry it's been so long.  So now, less talk, more drooling.

Note: This recipe is for 2 servings, but I got 4 Quesadillas out of it...so you may want to make more if you're cooking for a group.  It took me roughly 45 min.

Dice 1/2 pound of portobello mushrooms as well as 1/2 of a medium onion.

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally.  The recipe says for 5 min, I did mine a little longer. Add onion and continue to stir until the onions are looking golden and translucent.

While the mushrooms and onions are sizzling away and making your mouth water, prepare your delicious sauce.  You will need.  1/4 cup barbecue sauce, we use Stubbs.  (Until I took this picture I never realized the moto was "My life is in these bottles."  It kinda creeps me out, just sayin'.)  Combine barbecue sauce with 1 1/2 teaspoons of tomato paste, 1 1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar (I actually forgot to add this, still tasted good), 1/2 chipotle chile in adobo sauce.  Our grocery store doesn't have the best variety so I couldn't find the chile in adobo sauce, so I added green chiles instead and they added a great flavor to the sauce.

Mmmmm, yummy yum yum yuuuuuuum.  It looks like it's not a lot of sauce, I have to admit I was a little worried, but it's actually just the right amount.  Never fear!

Once your onions and tomato's are done, add them to your sauce and mix until they are coated.  Then lay out your whole wheat tortillas (8-10 inch kind).  On half of the tortilla add Monterey Jack shredded cheese and your mushroom mixture.  Fold the tortilla in half.  Add another teaspoon of oil to your pan and then lightly fry your quesadillas on each side.  Mine took about 3-4 min total.  Now all you have to do is enjoy the cheesy goodness.  That's it..the end...bye bye.....

.......

Oh.  What's that?  I forgot the guacamole?  You MUST have the guacamole??  Okie dokie then.

This is my favorite guacamole recipe, it's so good! And one of the reasons I love it is that it's not a spicy guacamole, so it's nice for parties.  If you want to spice it up some though, you can.  Just add cayenne or red pepper flakes.

So! You will need 2 medium avocados, 1/4 cup of cream cheese (softened), 2 tbsp onion, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1/8 tsp salt, dash of black pepper, and 2 tbsp cilantro.

Mix all ingredients well in large bowl.  Simple.  I just mash mine until it's the consistency I want, I like it a little chunky.  Also, I would definitely add fresh cilantro.  A friend of mine recommended this recently and it has changed my life.  Cilantro is Fan-freakin'-tastic.

Now go stop drooling and enjoy!

March Mischief

Last weekend was Speed Racer's birthday!  The Padre, Mr and Mrs Hokie, and even Mrs Miami and Little Miss came down for the weekend.  Our house was chock full of people but we wouldn't have had it any other way. Everyone got in on Friday and we had a great time staying up late and catching up.  Saturday the boys went off for a manly pancake breakfast, and we ladies slept in and started on cooking the desert for that evening...delicious delicious banana pudding!  Mrs Hokie brought the double boiler and stand mixer (so jealous!) needed for the recipe, apparently it's a Paula Deane recipe and I highly recommend it.

Yum!

Little Miss helped out a lot and was a good sport because all the ladies did was talk, talk, and then talk a little more.

But we enjoyed catching up, it had been awhile since we had all been together.

Once we got all the cooking prepped and the pudding was in the fridge, we headed into town for a ladies lunch.

With all that girl time I think Little Miss was ready for the boys return.  She hung out with them outside while they got the brats and hamburgers ready.  She had them wrapped around her little finger though.  These next pictures of Little Miss and The Padre were all taken by Speed Racer.  I saw this out the window but was mashing up ALOT of potatoes for dinner, when Speed Racer walked by with his camera and starting shooting.  Great minds think alike, huh?

They were feeding this stray that has been around our house a lot.  She's suffered some abuse and we keep trying to get her to come to us.  She only will if you have food, and even then very hesitantly.  She's very sweet and I wish we could find her a good home.

Unfortunately, this is the last picture for the night though.  I had my hands pretty full for the rest of it.  So after this we dug in.  Speed Racer's special hamburgers, brats with sauerkraut, creamy mashed potatoes, and of course...banana pudding.  The girls and I put candles in the banana pudding and had Speed Racer blow them out.  Classic.  Soon after that Little Miss fell asleep on the couch, while the rest of us sat around the bonfire and enjoyed just being together.  All in all I think it was a good birthday, I know I had fun, and hopefully there will be many more like that to come.