An Angel named Amelia { East Tennessee | Newborn | Photographer }

You are about to see one of the most precious newborns I have ever photographed! If you read back a few posts you will see The Smith’s. I have photographed this sweet family quite a few times over the last year, and it has always been such a pleasure! I few weeks ago I did Julie’s maternity session for her very last baby. This whole family was so anxious to welcome a little baby girl into the world and shower her with their love. Amelia was an absolute delight to work with, and she practically slept almost the whole time. Her beautiful skin and thick black hair was beyond gorgeous and made me just wanna bundle her up and take her home with me! I’m sure The Smith’s would have a problem with that as she is already the center of their world. Her nursery was amazing and looked like the home of a princess… which, it is! The grandma’s were both there swooning over their little model as I photographed her and were helping the new mommy and I out with whatever was needed. They also brought out a few props that were near and dear to them to include in Amelia’s session. Here are a few from the day…

 

 

 

The Gilbert Family { East Tennessee | Child | Family | Photographer }

Last Christmas I held a sort of contest if you will… I asked my friends and clients on facebook to nominate a deserving family. This family could have been having a “rough patch” in their life in financial or emotional issues or just simply doing a good deed. I received a nomination from one person in particular that really touched my heart! Here are a few excerpts from her email:

“The person I would like to nominate is Katie Gilbert. I have known Katie for about 5 yrs now. She is an LPN at Laughlin hospital and is an exceptional nurse. She is the most caring, compassionate person I have ever met. Everyone who meets Katie falls in love with her. Katie is also going back to get her masters in nursing to help people who have no insurance and cannot afford good medical care because of their inability to pay. She does things because she loves to help people and doesn't care about the money. Katie has been through alot the past 2 years though. Katie's sister and best friend, Dottie, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and was told it was cancerous. Katie never left her side. While working full time, going to school full time, and taking care of her sister full time, she also took on the
responsibilities of Dottie's two children.”
Dottie’s older daughter now lives happily with her father.

 

”To sum up the past two years, Dottie lost her life battling the cancer. Katie has struggled financially, emotionally, and physically. She became a mother overnight. In a new marriage and at 27 years old her husband also became a father… and a wonderful father at that.”
By this point I was in tears!

You can clearly see why I picked this wonderful and deserving family. Katie was totally thrilled when she received word that not only had she been nominated but she had won a free session from me! I was excited to meet them all, and after her life slowed down a bit she was finally able and ready to have their new family portrait made. Here they are: Katie, Justin and the beautiful Lilly (who looks alot like her mommy!)

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Gentleman { East Tennessee | Newborn | Photographer }

One of my most favorite types of sessions are my newborns! I have so much fun shopping for new and usually interesting props. Since the moment he was born, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Ryder. He is such a sweetheart and was such a little gentleman throughout his session. He was very patient in letting me use him as a guinea pig for a couple new props! I walked away pleased with what we had done that day and hoping the Roystons would be thrilled and cherish these images and memories for years to come! Here is the sweet little gentleman.

 

 

 

And Baby makes 3! { East Tennessee | Maternity | Birth | Newborn | Photographer }

Months ago I met with Chad & Sheila Royston to do a b-e-a-utiful Maternity session. This couple was anxiously awaiting their very first child! Just a couple weeks ago I was fortunate enough to witness the birth of their son Ryder Jack. This was not your typical birth session because due to complications, and a little stubborn streak on Ryder’s part, Sheila was scheduled for a c-section. I arrived at the hospital a little after 10am and family was already gathered around sitting on pins and needles. Sheila and Chad were very calm and collect right down to the hour. Only when donning their scrubs did daddy’s emotions start to catch up with him. It was then that he realized this was REALLY happening and he was about to become a father! I watched and waited with the rest of the family outside and laughed as they laughed and paced as they paced… for I was just as excited! Finally at 12:29 on August 9th Ryder Jack made his grand debut! Welcome to the world little fellow…

Amelia ~ Coming Soon! { East Tennessee | Maternity | Photographer }

You remember the Smith Children from a couple weeks ago… Well this is “Momma Julie”! Momma Julie’s “momma” was just dying for her to have some maternity portraits done before it was too late as this will be the last in line of Julie’s brood! So today we went down to Ebbing Flowing Springs and had a great session full of laughs and smiles. Miss Renee came along again and, as always, made a great little assistant for me! I’m sure she’ll be a big help when we do little Amelia’s newborn session in just a few short weeks. She will be making her appearance on August 24th  and I for one can’t wait to get my hands on her! Be sure to stay tuned for her first photo shoot…

Townsend ~ Herron Wedding { East Tennessee | Couple | Wedding | Photographer }

Yesterday I drove to Weber City, VA to witness and capture the amazing bond of this sweet couple as they said their vows and united themselves as one. Rebekah and Tyler contacted me a few months ago to photograph their wedding because, out of alot of photographers they had seen, they liked my “style”. I was flattered and absolutely excited because this gave me a chance to play! Rebekah voiced that she loved all the textures and editing that she had seen and the in the moment photos so for the day I tried to give her exactly that. The wedding was beautiful, and the entire wedding party… well… lets just say they’re all one of a kind! I think I was laughing the whole day through as was anyone else around. Here’s to you Rebekah and Tyler… I wish you luck in love and life!

The Hyde Family { East Tennessee | Infant | Baby | Family | Photographer }

What a cute little family this is! Today I met the Hyde’s and had a great time playing with little miss P. We started our session down at the pond and a beautiful weeping willow made the perfect backdrop! Let me tell you, little P might love to crawl around and play but today her love was of Cheerios! I must put that on my list of tips for parents when they bring their wee ones out! It was so hot and we were all seeking for some shady spots including P. She did so well putting up with the paparazzi and the heat this evening. So… here is the lovely clan!

 

The Smith Children { East Tennessee | Child | Sibling | Family | Photographer }

Today was my third opportunity over the last year to photograph these three beautiful children! We thought we might get rained out but at the last minute the skies cleared and it was such a beautiful day. This little family is so sweet and shares such a special bond. Big sister Renee, along with mom, was so great with her little brothers in helping out with setting up the shots. Garrett and Alan are a couple of the cutest little boys ever! Alan has a little baby face that makes you wanna pinch his cheeks and big brown eyes full of expression, and Garrett’s sweet smile just beams! Momma Julie will be welcoming a fourth Smith into the world soon. You will see that precious little bundle in a few weeks when she makes her debut here on my blog!

Cutie Emmalin { East Tennessee | Baby | Child | Photographer }

I am absolutely LOVING getting to photograph all these beautiful children lately! I love it when parents see the images and they just melt looking at their babies.

Emmalin here is no exception to this either! She has the most adorable chubby cheeks and funny smile (when she’s not giving you the serious stare). Do I even have to mention the eyes. They just explode out of the frame and draw you in. Her mommy and daddy are so proud and you can see why!

 

Miss Briley Jane is turning ONE! { East Tennessee | Baby | Toddler | Sibling | Photographer }

This little cutie is Miss Briley and she will soon be celebrating her very first birthday! Her mommy told me she would be having an ice cream themed party and my mind went racing. So I called up my friends at Sweet Creams here in Downtown Rogersville to see if they could help me out. Sandy had the perfect little props that you see here in the background! Aren’t they cute?! Her big brother Chase joined us later in the session for some oh so cute sibling shots. Enjoy!

 

Sarah & Miss Ryley { East Tennessee | Infant | Family | Photographer }

Sarah wanted a little Mommy N Me session this summer and I happily obliged! Both of these girls are beautiful inside and out. Little Ryley has some wild but oh so cute hair and b e a utiful eyes!  She has the sweetest smile when she’s not sleeping too… Mommy Sarah has the most gorgeous shade of hair that just glows in the sun! Don’t take my word for it just look at them.

 

The Stanifer Boys { East Tennessee | Child | Sibling | Photographer }

This was a fun little session! We played with their big boy toys… ALOT! The session started out at their tree house and then we moved onto the big tire swing (how cute). Later we went down the hill to their grandparents’ house where little Emerson pulled out his big green gator cart and was decked out in jeans and plaid completed with cowboy boots and hat! Big brother Drake brought down an ATV even I was jealous of, and we parked it in the trees that covered this family’s beautiful piece of Mother Earth. At the very end the boys were dying for Grandpa to pull out HIS big boy toys… a silver Corvette Stingray and a yellow Camaro SS! Just wait for those pictures because you will drool. Yeah, this session pretty much covered every young boy’s dream. And of course I had fun as well!

 

Dean – Nelms Family { East Tennessee | Child | Sibling | Family | Photographer }

These two have such a wonderful and sweet family right down to the littlest one!

 

 

Baby Millie… { East Tennessee | Infant | Toddler | Family | Photographer }

… isn’t a baby anymore! Almost a year ago is when I had my first encounter with the little bundle, and she is responsible for sparking my passion for Newborn Photography. Here she is roughly a month old…

And here she is today!…

 

 

 

 

Fresh from the Leek Bakery… Honeybun Everett! { East Tennessee | Newborn | Photographer }

And boy is he SWEET!

I couldn’t wait to get back from vacation and get my hands on this little guy. Let me tell you this was no easy feat… he’s a strong one and made me work for the money! How precious he is though. He grunted and sang me songs with his coos… ugh just melts the heart. Peaceful is a sleeping miracle!

 

 

Stump Family { East Tennessee | Child | Sibling | Family | Photographer }

I finally got back behind the camera today after 2 whole weeks of much needed vacation! I want to take just one minute to thank all of my former clients in helping me grow and giving me this opportunity to do a job that I ABSOLUTELY love! A year ago I would have never thought that I would be where I am today in this business. It has grown so much, and I have met some wonderful people. I whole-heartedly look forward to the many new doors it will open and of course my fabulous clients! Now on to today’s session…

This was one sweet little family. Little miss “B” there definitely has loads of Spunk! She can steal your heart in an instant if you’re not careful!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leigha + Jeremy = LOVE { East Tennessee | Couple | Engagement | Photographer }

 

 

 

Sheila & Chad have a bun in the oven! { East Tennessee | Maternity | Family | Photographer }