Friday, December 18, 2009

What some people will do for great photos!

Alright, I KNOW you want to get great shots of the kids for Christmas, but it's 40 degrees outside?!? But Beverly and Valerie's family were troopers. We tried some fun action shots to get the kids' blood pumping and raise that body temperature. After all is said and done, no one suffered from frostbite...just little red noses. Hot chocolate for everyone!!!

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

I'm comming out a shoot-in!

I feel like I've won the battle against the crashed hard drive. Luckily I have an in house engineer that resored my computer to working order in 24 hours. But having to reload every application setting and prefferences took for-ever! Now I only have two more family sessions to catch up on. But no need to fret, for there are more sessions to come. Newborn, bridal and engagement sessions await next week! In the meantime, enjoy this sneak peek of Shelly's family photos!

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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

VIRUS!

Chicken soup and some Tylenol isn't going to help this time! My computer is very sick! So, speedy is down and now I'm working on this old dinosaur. But to look on the bright side, I had saved the weeks worth of work that I have done on Tiffany and Jason's wedding. Whew! Thank goodness for those external hard drives!

To see Tiffany and Jason's "Real Wedding" gallery click HERE.

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Monday, December 14, 2009

PMP is featured in Atlanta Weddings Magazine

Thanks to an awesome bride, one of my photos was featured in Atlanta Weddings Magazine! I was just browsing the magazine and looking for my ad when I saw one of my photos from a summer wedding! I was stoked! If you want your wedding featured in a magazine, just contact the magazine editor for instructions. Thanks Jen!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

You're invited to the Atlanta Weddings - Wedding Party!

I attended another "party" in the summer and what a classy event! And, I'm lucky enough to be able to go AGAIN! It will be January 13th at the totally awesome Georgian Terrace Hotel, across the street from the Fox! I was so worried about parking because it's right downtown, but when you pull into the hotel drive, you can go right into their parking deck. Whew! I'll be there at 6pm if you want to stop by and chat! They'll have complimentary coctails and hors d' oeuvres. Yum! I'm super excited to see how they'll top the last one. Can't wait! Tell your friends!

Click here to purchase tickets to the event!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

My friend Amy!

Amy asked me if I could take her family photos for Christmas. I have been booked up all the way through Christmas since October, but what kind of friend would I be!?! I HAD to squeeze her in. And I'm so glad I did. Their photos turned out awesome! See you Friday Amy!

Raincheck!

When it rained on the day of Marci's family photo session we were all dissapointed, but what a beautiful day we picked for their raincheck! We shot their family session at Roswell Mill. They were willing to try anything I asked and I think it paid off with some great shots of their family!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Tis the first day of December and my photographer gave to me...

I loved working with the Weber family at White Oak Park in Dallas. They were soooo layed back and we got all of their photos done in almost 1/2 hour. I think that is a record for me! We just got EVERYTHING! Did I mention they were so layed back! I love working with people like them. They really make my job so easy. And from the photos, you'd never notice that it was like 50 degrees outside. What troopers!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and took lots of naps! I'm still finishing up the pumpkin pie and can't fit in my jeans, but oh... it was worth it! Meanwhile, I finished up Rebekah's senior photos over the weekend. We go to church together and have been trying to schedule her session for-ever! We finally got it together and took her photos...and....got her car stuck in the mud.. literally. Sorry Dad!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Just Married!

Congratulations to Halie and Kenneth! Their wedding was an all-day extravaganza starting at her hair salon, Split Ends, in Rockmart! Halie had so many great ideas for her wedding which made photographing it so much fun. Some of my favs are when she surprised Kenneth by driving to the isle in a shiny, black, vintage camaro! And another is when she and Kenneth choreographed a dance number to “Brass Monkey” at the reception. Seriously, it was the funniest and most entertaining thing I’ve ever seen at a wedding. And BOY could she move in that dress! Especially when she had a dance-off with one of the guests and showed her “coffee-grinder” break dancing moves with her friend! REALLY! In her dress! Thanks for all the laughs…

To see Halie and Kenneth's "Real Wedding" gallery click HERE.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Engagement Photos!

Erin, Trent and I met at Roswell Mill for their engagement photos. The day was just perfect and after sneaking in to a couple of places, we came out like bandits! Their photos turned out awesome! More to come of Erin and Trent in July of 2010.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Natoshia + Jeremy

There is a time in just about every wedding I work that something touches me. Yeah, I know, I'm just the photographer... but I have feelings too! Usually it's the Father/Daughter dance that gets to me because I have three little girls. But at Natoshia's wedding it was the Mother/Daughter dance that got me choked up a bit. I tried to keep it together to capture the moment, but I think everyone would agree that there wasn't a dry eye in the room! Thanks Natoshia for sharing your special day with me!

To see Natoshia and Jeremy's "Real Wedding" gallery click HERE.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Derrika + Jason = Engaged!

Derrika contacted me a few weeks ago to book her wedding in May of next year. Before we got everything booked, along came another bride for her date! As much as I hate to turn someone down, I had to let Derrika know and we finished her paperwork immediately to get her official! And now she is! Spring and Fall of 2010 is very hot now, so book soon!

Ironically, I shot Natoshia's wedding Saturday and Derrika was one of the bridesmaids! I had them do some sassy shots before the ceremony! WORK IT GIRLS!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Lauren and Kyle are engaged!

Some people will do anything for a great picture! Even laying in the wet dirty leaves because their finicky photographer insisted it would be a great shot. And the shot of Kyle dropping Lauren in the leaves was a great one too! Thanks guys for being such good sports and I can't wait for your wedding in February!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Robin + Matt

I've always heard that ladybugs are good luck. So it cracked me up when one landed on Robin's forehead while we were shooting her bridal photos. So?!? What does it mean?!? I did a little bit of research via Google and found out that in nearly every country around the world they ARE good luck. From France to Asia, they are thought to take away ailments, bring good weather and predict a good harvest. But my favorite is from Brussles. In Brussels, the black spots on the back of a Ladybug indicate to the person holding it how many children she will have. So I counted..tee hee! Twelve spots Robin! Count them... TWELVE!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Fabulous Fall!

The last few weeks have been super awesome on Paris Mountain with all of the leaves changing, so I took it upon myself to get the family out for some photos on the road. After a couple of close calls with the tripod and some cars, we snapped a couple of keepers!

Then this morning after the heavy rains, I took a hike down to the creek to see how much water was down there and boy I was excited! Although I almost had a heart attack hiking back up and my jeans were soaked to the knees, I got a great shot of the creek too! I LOVE FALL!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Don't mess with the dress!

And what a dress it is! Ok, so it doesn't hurt when the bride is absolutely gorgeous too! I shot Magan's bridal portraits at her friend's house in Cumming last week. She's getting married in January, but we were so excited to get her bridal photos done with the beautiful fall colors. It was the perfect day and she is STUH - NING!

I posted just a handful of her almost 90 images. To see Magan's mini gallery, please click HERE.

Shannon's Family!

I shot Shannon's girls just a few months ago and they had the most awesome tea party photos. Shannon liked them so much that she asked me to shoot her family photos. This time little "Butterfly" went by the name of "Ladybug" though and I really had to try hard to remember her new name! This time of year the sun is setting much earlier and I've scheduled most photo sessions at 4:30p at the latest. In Shannon's session the sun was setting at just the right time and we got such gorgeous warm lighting. I'm giving her CD to her on Friday when we have a girl's night out at the Melting Pot! Whoo hooo! See you Friday Shannon!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Rockmart!

How many times can I say it?!? I LOVE shooting in Rockmart! There are so many choices for backdrops and everything is so close together. I really enjoyed shooting Amy and her four boys Monday. They were all so well behaved and played along with me perfectly. I wish every photo session went this smoothly! Amy just couldn't wait to get her photos, so she's coming to my house in the wee hours of the morning to pick them up tomorrow! Here's a sneak peek Amy! :)

Shooting at the Crane's house in Stone Mountain

It's not often that I'm lucky enough to have someone take a photo of ME! But when they do, I often remember WHY I stay behind the camera and NOT in front. But these turned out really good considering they're both of my butt! ;)
Thanks Jim for sharing!

Danielle and Tommy

The best thing about Danielle and Tommy? They couldn't stop smiling! Even for the "serious" shots, Danielle had a little grin on her face. You can't hide true happiness. We shot their engagement photos at Berry College last week and the fall colors were amazing! It was the perfect backdrop for gorgeous photos!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Kara and Jared are engaged!

I had the pleasure of meeting Kara, Jared and her mom today to book their September 2010 wedding. There are a few reasons I love this couple.
#1 Now I only have two Saturdays left in September 2010 to fill!
#2 Kara is GORGEOUS!
#3 Their wedding is at the McGarity House...my #1 fav wedding location!
#4 Kara dotted her I's with little hearts on her paperwork! How cute is THAT!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Booooo not Boo!

Cold + Rain + 2 sick children = a very sad mommy on her favorite holiday EVER! So, they dressed up in their costumes, I took them to Berry College, rolled down the windows and looked for deer all over campus. We had a blast! The kids said it was the best Halloween ever! Yay US! Who needs stinkin' candy anyhow. We did make a stop at the DQ on the way home. :)

Erin and Randy are engaged!

I'm SUPER excited about Erin and Randy's wedding at Carl House next May. They are such an awesome couple and I can't wait to go back to the Carl House. It's such a pretty place for a wedding. Thanks so much for inviting me guyz!

Icie + Ricky = Married!

This was my first time at Flint Hill and everything went so smoothly! My favorite thing about Icie's wedding was all of the great details. I love it when brides put a lot of details into their day because it gives me an opportunity to get creative! Thanks Icie and congratulations!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Crane's

I've been shooting the Crane family for 3 years now. It's so much fun to see how their little girl has grown up! I've always been a sucker for blue eye babies...until she came along. I think she's the cutest kid on the planet! (And I have pretty cute kids myself!) The first two shots are from the last two years. See how she's grown! Next time I come to visit maybe she'll have a little brother or sister!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Euharlee Bridge

Shooting at the covered bridge isn't all about the bridge. It's also about the lighting, the colors and the textures! I love the rock wall, old wood buildings and the sunlight coming over the hill. It was the perfect place to shoot Gretchen's family. How cute are those kids! And we were so proud of Dad for playing along.

They like me! They reeeeally like me!

Erin and Trent are getting married in July of next year at Primrose Cottage. I'm so excited because some of the details of their "all-day" coverage sounds awesome! But you'll have to check back in July for the photos! Thanks guys!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Ahhhhhhtumn

I couldn't resist using my little models for some beautiful fall photos. I just love the changing colors!

Kids!

I just love it when kids' personalities show through in photos. One photo is my favorite, but the other is priceless. Just LOOK at their expressions! Love it!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Carrie and Luke

The day was just perfect at Hightower Falls for Carrie and Luke's wedding. Unless you decide to put your phone down for photos and it falls in the creek! Poor Luke. But now he has an excuse to get a new phone! And their photos turned out super awesome! Renty Haney did the flowers for this wedding and Alison's wedding a few weeks ago too. It was great to get to work with her again! Her info is on my Vendor Link.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Breck + Kyle

To say this couple was "laid back" would be an understatement! They were coooool (I say as I tip my shades to the end of my nose). I hung out with Kyle in the men's bathroom while taking his getting ready shots till Breck was ready for her's and he was the most relaxed groom I've ever met. I guess when it's right, it's right. Thanks for sharing your day with me!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Working on Sunday!

I made it a point when I started PMP NOT to work on Sundays and I've done a very good job of that...even when I have to turn away the Sunday weddings. Ouch! BUT, I have my rules......except when it comes to my babies! It's FAMILY! That doesn't count as work right?!? :) Friday we went to Carlton Farm's pumpkin patch in Rockmart on Friday and I got some great shots of the girls and I couldn't wait till tomorrow to post them! Happy Autumn!

Pick ME!

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Friday, October 16, 2009

Wedding at Berry!

I have shot so many engagement sessions at Berry College, but believe it or not this is only my second wedding there...and it was awesome! I call this my wedding marathon because I worked from 8am till 9:30pm, but frankly, I enjoy these all-day gigs. Things are so much more relaxed, including me and the bride, and there's more time to get great pictures! Jennifer broke the record for having the most photos, over 800 on her High Res CD. Take THAT to Wolf-Camera! HA!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Kudos to the Vendors!

This week I got to meet with two of the vendors from Ashley and Neil's wedding. Michael from Proctor Farm and Gail & Kayla from A Perfect Wedding Floral Design. I gave them both a CD full of images from the amazing wedding so they can use them on their website and brochures. I love sharing photos with awesome vendors like this who don't mind passing my name along too! It's a win/win for everyone! Thanks guys!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

To throw, or not to throw....that is the question.

I have been wanting to blog about this for EVER! But I've been so swamped with fall weddings. But, since I finished my wedding early this week and I just wrapped up two albums and three thank you card orders...and the kids are asleep...I can take the time to chat... and if you know me, you know I LOVE to chat!

This blog's topic is to throw or not to throw. At your send-off that is. First I should mention, even if you've booked me for a short amount of time, but you want to party the night away, many couples opt for the "fake leave." Everyone congregates about 10 minutes before my out time, throws the whatever, cheers as the happy couple drives off...then a few minutes later they sneak back in for some more dancing and whatever else goes on in the late hours of a reception.... ;) This way you don't have to book me till 1am (thank goodness) and you get a great send off photo! Ok, now to the nitty gritty. What to throw.

We'll let's go with the good ole traditional, RICE. Er, um.... no photos of rice? Actually now days no one uses rice anymore! It was a great tradition till we found out about all of those poor little birdies. :(

BIRDSEED.
I realize we are trying to give back to the little birdies mentioned above, but please... think really hard before deciding to use birdseed.

1. They hurt!
2. They are hard to see in photos.
3. They get in your hair and other places you won't find till the next day.
4. They are sticky when it's hot.
5. And you always get that punk kid who thinks it's funny to throw it at your face...Poor Annie!

FLOWERS. I LOVE flowers!
Flowers are great because
1. They don't hurt.
2. They smell good.
3. They are colorful.
4. Biodegradable...yay earth!

As a photographer I only really care about #3. Flowers are so colorful and are perfect for making those photos where only the color stands out! Just remember, don't use white flowers for the send off for the obvious reason. Mix them with another color. I've seen red, yellow, and pink flowers. They all work well.

BUBBLES
Bubbles are always good especially when there are restrictions at a venue on other send off items. There is only a couple of downsides to bubbles...because they are kinda pretty. On a dark night bubbles don't stand out much in photos because there isn't much color. And there's that punk again who thought it was funny to splash the bubble soap at the brides face. Poor Jamie!

BUBBLES + FLOWERS!
Yay, Aundrea for thinking of this one! If you really have your heart set on bubbles, but you still want that splash of color, do both! I can't think of one reason NOT to try this!

SNOW anyone???
If you are having a winter wedding you could try this creative idea. Thanks Cori! She found her "snow" at Party City. The bride and groom did have to pick snow out of their hair and mouths after. Especially when that punk chucked a wad of snow at the groom. (That punk was MY husband by the way).

I know what you're thinking. She left out the best one! No to worry grasshoppers! I saved the best for last.

SPARKLERS! I LOVE sparklers! Whoo hoo for sparklers!!!
If your venue allows for it then use it! They are colorful and sparkly! :) And if you are game, you can try some cool tricks too! There is some orchestrating with these tricks though. I'll walk you it, but if you want to do the cool heart, you'll have to stop for a few minutes and get it just right before you continue to your get away car. This shot took about 10 takes for them to get the timing and shape just right. I've had some couples make an "M" shape and an apple. So this is trickier than it looks.

My last tip for today, as if I haven't said enough, is how quickly you should walk. Okay. Different photographers say different things, but here's my opinion. Walk briskly! If you walk slowly you look like you are strolling and you don't look like you are having much fun. If you run, you would probably look happy and excited if I could get the shot! That's why I like a brisk walk. You're having fun, and smiling, looking at your friends, not me, laughing and almost skipping your way to the car. Then you should stop and kiss, get into your car...look at me for another shot, look back for a wave, then take off into the sunset. You can even swing your bouquet out the window for a cool shot too!

You can't go wrong with any decision you make for the send-off, but this might give you some ideas to ponder for your day. No matter what your choose, it will be perfect!

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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

My last "A" bride is finished.

No, I'm not grading my brides. Although Ashley would get an "A+." I just thought it was funny because my last four weddings all had brides that start with an A. Alisha, Amanda, Alison and Ashley. I even stuttered a little bit Saturday trying to make sure I called Ashley with the right "A" name.

I really enjoyed attending her wedding and the day went so perfectly! Thanks so much and I posted some of my favorites on her "Real Wedding" page.

To see Ashley and Neil's "Real Wedding" gallery click HERE.

Happy Anniversary!

To Meeeee! Today I get to celebrate 9 happy years of marriage to my best friend/foe Mark. :) Just kidding. Our wedding was not nearly as eventful or glamorous and the ones I shoot now, but we are very much in love and although the honeymoon phase is over, the love always grows stronger...even when he doesn't pick up his socks. Tonight we'll celebrate over dinner with our three little girls!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Wow!

I try to keep a pretty humble attitude towards my photography. I'm pretty realistic about my look and style. And I completely understand that there is always going to be someone out there who is better than me...no matter how hard I try, how much I learn and how good I get. With that being said, I take no credit for how completely awesome Ashley and Neil's wedding photos have turned out! Sometimes we just get lucky. Beautiful bride, beautiful location, beautiful weather and lighting. I can't control any of those elements... but doggoneit I got it this weekend! Thanks so much, Ashley, for giving me such a beautiful canvas to work with! More to come at the end of the week.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

One down, another to go!

I just finished Alison and Grant's wedding photos and they turned out beautiful! I still have a couple of days to work on her proof album and finish up packaging everything for her, but the edit work is done... and just in time. In about 15 minutes I am off to Rome to shoot another wedding. I woman's work is NEVER done...

To see Alison and Grant's "Real Wedding" gallery click HERE.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

One more day till October!

This is definitely my favorite time of the year. The air is cool, crisp and perfect for taking photos!!! Holly, Mark and I toured around Atlanta to take their engagement photos last night and ended up at Piedmont Park just in time for some stunning photos of the skyline. My favorite though is our search for the 29th block in Centennial park since they will be married on the 29th of May! How cool is that! Thanks Holly and Mark for a great time!

Monday, September 28, 2009

I love kids!

After two weeks of postponing their session due to bad weather Kaylee and Kaden finally had their moment to shine. They are actually the grandkids of my neighbor and I just love seeing them grow up! We went to Euharlee Bridge to shoot their photos and what a good job they did just being cute!

Alison & Grant!

So this past week was the storm of the century.....SO the last two weekends were my first official wedding rain outs.....SO we had to strategically shoot the photos under porches and tents.....their photos came out awesome! I have looked at Alison and Grant's photos for the first time this morning expecting to see some rainy, gloomy shots, but to my surprise, and with the hard work of family members moving tables and grills of the porch, their photos are turning out great! I couldn't resist posting a couple for now. I'll post their full album at the end of the week! Congratulation Alison and Grant!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

They're done!

Even though the kids were home all week due to the school closings from the floods, I was still able to finish Amanda and Matt's wedding on time! Whew.. Ok, a little bit of Peter Pan and Finding Nemo helped too. :) To see a sample of their photos please visit their "Real Wedding" gallery click HERE.