A year ago an excited girl stood up at a wedding to catch a bouquet, no sooner than that her life changed forever.  If you ask her, he sat along the sidelines and did not notice her at all, not even when she was dancing.. but in just a moment fait came into play when he caught the garter. A year ago today, they are still celebrating their love for another. Ihsiah is a Sailor in the United States Navy, getting ready to deploy on a submarine (and before you ask..no, it is not yellow! haha) and he was not suppose to be home until December.

Anna thought Ihsiah was taking her to a special anniversary dinner, but little did she know he is the king of surprises. 

As he pulled in the Shabby Chic Barn where they met, and another huge milestone was about to take place, and  he leads her to the dance floor, where he first laid eyes on her.
 

But before I continue, let me give you a little back story.

Ihsiah managed to...WHILE IN TRAINING ON A SUB reach out to Crystal, and the AMAZING staff at the barn, get a ring, and coordinate with me to make this come to life. FREAKIN' IMPRESSIVE RIGHT?

Anna is told to take off her blindfold, and finds Ihsiah in the last place she expected.

On one knee, and kinda my fault cause I pretty much convinced Anna it would not happen until December by the hints he gave me.

Are you crying yet? Cause I am.

If you did not guess by now.. SHE SAID YES!!

"There's a want and there's a need. There's a history between

Girls like her and guys like me"

They danced and relived that moment they connected a year ago.

"I'd die for her and she lives for me."

"We ride side by side. A cloud of dust, a ray of light"

Cowboys and angels."

Everyone, the story does not end there, so please make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what happens next.

I made a big post on Facebook about getting in front of the camera like a month back, after I got photos back from a session I did with my bestie Sam with Samantha Hayn Photography.  If you did not see it, this blog might make less sense, so I will copy and paste it for you ! ALSO pop on over to Facebook and check it out, and follow Sam, cause she pretty much is the bee's knee's and SUPER DUPER talented, and I love her. 

"FB RANT" 

EVERYONE...GET IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA! I am one of the most awkward humans when I’m on the other side of the camera, but I am going to be REALLY transparent and tell you why...first let me tell you, I have quite the blessed life. I have an amazing support system, a very close- to ideal single parent situation, my parents are pretty great, and want nothing but the best and success for me and will push me more than I realized I could be pushed.

My business is thriving and no setbacks stopped my drive, and God’s will to have me doing this...but I still struggle, I still cry myself to sleep some nights, wondering if I am a good mom, wondering how can I retire? What will happen if I get sick, etc... wondering if I’ll have clients to support me to keep going on this journey, wondering what is the next step in my company, new ways to market, how can I engage on social media... furthermore, I can get REALLY DOWN on myself and isolate myself (especially since my two besties moved away) and get depressed. I am EXTREMELY CRITICAL of myself. It’s a side very few see, I am a VERY happy person, unafraid to be myself ... but let me tell you I AM MY OWN WORST CRITIC... and can really struggle with self worth and self esteem... as many of us do.

So what does this have to do with being in front of the camera ?

This particular day Sam captured this... I was in an AWFUL mood, I didn’t see myself in a good light, I felt alone, unworthy, and just not my usual self.... when I got these images a few days ago I got the reminder how beautiful life is, and I can be. I got to see myself the way she saw me, one of my closest friends who had no idea the impact of these. EVERYONE DESERVES TO KNOW THEIR WORTH and to see themselves the way others see them.

THIS is why everyone should make the time to get in front of a camera.... take away the mirror, the self doubt, the emotion and hardships we often put/cause upon ourselves.

Do yourself a favor and invest in yourself, get in front of a camera for YOU. Allow yourself to see you trough someone else’s eyes... you’re so beyond worth it, and your story deserves to be told. Thank you Sam for these photos, they came at just the right time.
 

OK.. SO...I don’t put my serious business out there too much on social media .. it’s not the platform for me.

BUT, I will say one of the BIGGEST things I struggle with is my confidence in the type of mother that I am, and those in my life know a LARGE part of my identity is found in being a mother to Malachi... Yet, this post is not about him at all, it is about me...

I allowed someone to come into my life and change my opinion of being a good mom, they did it inadvertently, more of a reflection of the person they were at the time. I second guessed every parenting choice I made, I developed (changed) a thought process that good moms don’t need breaks... FALSE THEY DO, and they deserve it! But I allowed someone make me think I was wrong. Again, a good person.. just in a bad season.

FastForward::: year(s) have passed and I’m slowly growing to know myself again in my parenting.

Remember when I said in that post about getting in front of the camera let’s you see yourself how others see you?

Well everyone, this leads me to part 1, of part 2..meet Amanda...

Amanda and I had seen another at a wedding I covered, and at one point attended the same church Mission City Church ..but up until a month ago didn’t know each other, until she asked me for photog advice ... we met over coffee at The Haus, texted, etc and planned to work on some Awesomenesss together to help her gown and me learn how to teach others in the industry to grow.

This weekend we went out shooting (for one...she is amazing in front of the camera not just behind, but for two magic happened) ...

This image is only half the magic ... the other half is what Amanda (Amanda Kohl Photography) captured...

I received this image of Kai and I... I felt a connection, and then I started laughing from my trying to run in that dress with a 80lb kid (4 foot 3, and I am only 5'2 child), as it started to rain... and how we made a memory that moment.

Then everyone started commenting on the Facebook post of the pic ... I then started to feel brave, and that I’m doing better than I think I am...

A few of y’all made a funny comment about being a super hero...

*Colin: #supermom #epic #wonderboy

*Neal: 300! Strong

*Emily: You look like Kai’s superhero! So beautiful

*Alexis: the love of a mother and son love you both

*Khanh: You look like a superhero in this picture! Supermom!
 

YOU KNOW WHAT I AM A FREAKING SUPERHERO, at least in his eyes... and you know what THAT IS WHAT MATTERS!

I AM DOING BETTER THAN I THINK I AM (Thanks Dustin... I tried to add the clip of you calling me out in service, but its not working)

IF SOMEONE WHO I HARDLY KNEW SAW THIS SUPERHERO IN ME WHY DO I NOT ACCEPT IT AND SEE IT MYSELF! God made me this way, and I need to own it!

Amanda,

  If you are still reading this, I am so glad to welcome you into our lives, you will have a forever friendship with me, and I CAN NOT thank you enough for seeing something fierce in me. I thank God for you, for almost a stranger to show me this, to remind me who I am and my worth even though it was right in front of my eyes. Who would have ever imagined. I hope and pray I can give you half of what you have given me through that image. 

Just a few weeks ago, I walked into a total strangers home, and they greeted me with open arms. This is when I met the most magical unicorn, Mabry, and her fearless Lion King loving brother, Colom (and lets not forget Mom and Dad, who well... just rock!). The Scally Family had answered to a model call I had posted looking for family to capture in their natural, everyday life, just being them. Their definition of who they truly were, and y'all are in for a treat. 

As I walked through the door I was invited to a tea party with Disney's very own, Simba, a Ninja Turtle (by the way incase anyone wanted to know, my personal favorite Ninja Turtle is Raphael), and various other stuffed friends. We sat and enjoyed Tea, Cheese, and Crackers. 

 It was both delicious and messy. Yet, incredibly fun. 

We had pillow fights, and a little boo-boo, but luckily mommy with all her love and practical parenting swooped in to save the day.

I think the thing that impacted me the most was then Maybry asked to take some photos of me! As I handed off my camera to her I instantly got into a tickle war, of which I won, sorry Colom, but your belly was just too cute! The magical unicorn Maybry was able to capture an image I well treasure forever.

AND GUESS WHAT WAS PLANNED NEXT!!!!!: Melina (mom) managed to find these awesome smashable paint balls... and the whole family went to town!

I will let the video take you from here.

But before I go, I could not leave without Sharing my two favorite images from the session, and the fact that I know I made a life long connection with this family, and I am so blessed to have met them and to grow a friendship.  

Thank you everyone for checking out my blog!

     It's pretty much like clockwork, every Friday is pizza Friday. My son, father, and when am not working me, all head over to our FAVORITE local, family owned pizza place Monty's Pizza with about half of Pinellas County. See this isn't just a pizza place, this is where strangers turn into friends, and where friends become family. I do not think there has been a time when we have not seen the owner, Scotty and his wife, Eleanor come hug everyone in the booths and call them by name. You run into Mr. Hudson, the man who volunteered at your grade school, and taught you how to tie your shoes, as he says hello to your child. You run into the women you chat with as you walk every morning, and you get to see your favorite waitress Syreeta. 

When I tell you these people here become a part of your lives, I truly mean it. So much so that they are guests on one of the most important days of your life, the starting of your next chapter... Your wedding.

Who would have known that because of these three people above I had the pleasure of meeting Katie, Andrew, and their family, one of the most loving families I've met this far in the wedding industry, and the owners of Suncoast Renovations.

There was not a second from the time I arrived to the minute I hugged Katie goodbye at the end of the night that she did not have the most captivating smile on her face, and can we talk about her face and hair a little more? Creative Touches Hair + Makeup Studio NAILED IT!!! All the girls looked flawless, and speaking of the girls... 

A big part of our story as a company revolves around define yourself. Who you are, your family, your defining moments, everything about your being. Katie and her best friends had a pretty funny idea of how to share their own defining moments of what their friendship with her entails. 

Just after the girls reminisced it was time for everyone to make the long, 1/4 mile drive to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church .

Andrews Tux + Katie's dress were hand picked from All Brides 2 Be in Clearwater and they really turned them into a real life Disney Fairytale. 

It was that moment, Prince Charming met his Princess at the Alter and started their lives as husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.

YA'LL GUESS WHAT HAPPENED NEXT ? No, not a pumpkin turning into a carriage, or a magic carpet ride. It was none other the best chariot Pinellas has to offer...

THE JOLLY TROLLEY !!!!!!!!

and off to the The St. Pete Womans Club we go! 

where we got to indulge in any type of cupcake your wildest Cinderella dreams could ever come up with from Mmmm Delicious Cupcakes

Then Craig from  Grant Hemond DJ's stole the show... and I will let the slideshow doing the talking from here....

Thank you Katie + Andrew, for allowing me to be a part of your world.

I truly do love you both.

music provided by Ben Sound

I drove down several back roads containing hundreds of strawberry fields, with dozens of people hunched over picking berries. It was the start of the season, and the Florida Strawberry Festival just around the corner (both time and location). I had no idea what I was getting myself into until I turned right on a road with cute country homes and saw the magic,  this place is a gem off the beaten path and nothing short of magnificent.  

Ashley + James have been planning this wedding for well over a year. Down to every last detail. Family is so key to them they needed to make sure it embodied their big day, and It did just that with the help of the talented staff at  Wishing Well Barn in Plant City, Florida. 

Each place setting was unique and thoughtfully composted. So intricate and ornate. Michelle and her team really outdid themselves. It was a photographers dream.

Ashley a nursing student, and James a Firefighter/EMT who also served in the Military had a gaze in their eyes that was unexplainable. I have known Ashley since we were kids, on a youth missions trip to South Carolina, and we attended school together. It was so cool to be part of their day. 

Ashley's Dress hung beside her mother and grandmothers as she begins her preparations.

Her mothers veil was cut with precision to be able to wrap the bridesmaids bouquets tightly. 

Her father and her shared the most emotional first look I have ever witnessed, everyone was brought to tears.

To be followed up by such a touching moment between James and his beautiful 7 year old daughter. 

Every single moment of this day was full of deep love. Please get the tissues ready and watch the slideshow of the gallery below.

Hair + Makeup by Holy Chic Salon

Early in November I made one of the most radical decisions I have ever made, and it was to be Baptized. Sunday November 5th, Neal guided me to take the next steps in my walk of faith as I was lowered into the water. He was a part of one of the best choices I had ever made in my life. His wife Danielle always alone side of him at church was one of the many to congratulate my best friend (who was baptized along side of me) and I. I have been serving along side of them for six months now. 

Last Month Danielle pulled me aside and said to me " Hey so, we need you to take some photos for us." I'm all, Ok, what kind of shoot? Danelle: "We are expecting." BABIESSSSSS!!!!!! Oh and we got cute things for our dogs, OH AND they are well over your own weight haha.... BABIES AND DOGS!!!! HOOOORAY !!!!! Talk about excitement, but now to keep this secret for like a month, thanks guys.. that was hard. haha. 

Neal and Danielle have been married for eleven years (goals right?) and have parented a few GIANT dogs over the years, but this will be their next greatest adventure by far. What an honor to photograph their pregnancy announcement images. I can not thank them enough for the trust they put in me to share this emotion.

I say with the uttermost respect, and confidence that they are going to be AMAZING parents, and I am so excited to watch them on their journey.