Young Love

Ah, young love....sigh....don't you wish you could turn back time to that first year of marital bliss? This adorable couple just celebrated their one year wedding anniversary but they still look like newlyweds to me.  We had fun trying lots of different poses and locations in and around Cullman Park.  "D" and "S" were so easy-going and fun to work with.  I hope you enjoy your sneak peek pics as much as I did.

Sugar-n-Spice

What a mix these two are! My babies are growing up so fast. Rachel is keeping up more and more with Layne these days. It is amazing to watch their differences in personalities emerge too. Layne is my detail-oriented, organized and artistic child. Rachel is well....Hurricane Rachel who leaves a path of destruction in her huge wake. Perfect example, when I give them each Froot Loops for breakfast (save me the nutrition sermon please!), Layne will spend 10 minutes sorting the cereal by color and then proceed to eat them in the color spectrum order of ROYGBIV- yikes! Rachel on the other hand will inhale all of her colorful loops in about 4 honkin' bites. Oh, so different! The great equalizer for them both is the park. They both love to run, jump and yell until their sweaty little bodies can't go any more! Such a mix of sugar and spice these two. Gotta love 'em!

Classic Americana

Recipe for a classic look- one goregous family, perfectly appointed outfits with a touch of plaid, and a dash of hometown charm. Looks like classic Americana to me! This family is as sweet as they are photogenic. We had lots of fun parading around downtown Waxhaw to get some creative shots. Thanks "G" family for being so adventurous- sorry about the bugs though. At least we didn't get rained out, huh?

The details

Wedding photography is truly it's own art form.  You must calm the bride's nerves, keep the groom from seeing her accidentally, locate the needed family members for group shots, YELL to get people's attention, keep a tight schedule and oh, don't forget about the details.  I tried to focus on the small details of this wedding in addition to the traditional formal shots.  We all like looking back at the posed family shots or bridal party pictures, but I also want to give the bride and groom detail pictures which are distinctly theirs.  No one else will have the same poses and they will remember the little details fondly.  Such as.... the bride's bouquet sitting against the beautiful stained glass of this historic chapel, the bridesmaid's shoes in hand when her feet couldn't take any more, when the bride and her father stand ready to walk the aisle feeling so small in God's creation, or that blushing bride's look when the groom steals a kiss.  That is the art of wedding photography to me and I enjoy learning alongside Stikeleather Photography every occasion.  Congrats to Nia and Korey- what a sweet, sweet couple.

Sunkissed Family

This Mom could be a model for a Coppertone ad- just look at that amazing skin!   I know "K" from church and I was thrilled to photograph her little sunkissed  family.  2 and 5 can be challenging ages to capture but I think we got all that energy into some cute shots.  I'll admit, we bribed the kiddos a bit with lollipops and promises of chocolate, but in the end it paid off.  Thanks for the backyard fun!

Circle of Life

The past 7 days brought a lot of travel and an equal amount of introspection for me.  My grandmother, Hazel, lives several states away and we planned to visit her all summer.  Several factors threatened to alter out trip but I was determined to go.  My girls are so blessed to have a living great-grandmother and it is my role, as their mother and her granddaughter, to encourage that sweet bond between them in spite of the distance.  So, I traveled 5 hours to Atlanta to pick up my mother; then we traveled 8 hours the next day to see my Mammaw.  

We spent 2 days visiting with her- talking about old times, how our relatives were doing, the girls and how big they are getting, and the adjustment to her new home at a retirement community and whether they make a good carrot and raisin salad or not ;) For nearly 90 years, Hazel Fairchild has loved, nurtured and mothered 3 generations of children and she is a blessing to countless people who call her "Mama, Mammaw or Miss Fairchild".  What a joy to see my girls climb up into her lap, "hug her neck" and then ask her to wheel them (and their stuffed animals) around in her walker.  Time passes so quickly and I didn't want this sweet opportunity pass by while I could still have it.  What a treasure.

Then my husband and I traveled another direction to the funeral of his 53 year-old stepmother, Christine.  She fought so bravely against breast cancer for the last 6 years but it was God's time to call her home.  The memorial service was touching and many tender words were spoken about her bright spirit.  As I stood by her grave and pondered the fragile nature of life, I thanked God for all the wonderful people he has placed in my life.  I have loved all the seasons of my life and none of them would have been as rich without my precious parents, siblings, husband, children and friends to share them with.  Times like this remind us of God' providence for our lives- only he knows the number of days we have left.  Use them wisely, seek the Lord with all your soul and strength and above all, love the ones your with.  I'll see you at my Father's house someday, Christine.  You are probably busy decorating it already.  In loving memory- Julie

Back to School Special

Is it wrong for a mother to be giddy with excitement for school to start?  My reign as summer entertainment committee for my 3 and 6 year old is coming to a close and can I just say "yippee!!" We had a great summer and we are squeezing one more road trip in before school starts.  I will be out of the office until August 21 but I wanted to run a promotion while I am gone.  

Schedule a September appointment before August 25 and your family will receive a {Bonus Back to School Portrait Package} of:

(1)  8x 10, (1) 5 x7 , and (8) wallets of your favorite pose ($60 value) for FREE!!

Once the school bell rings, this deal is history so e-mail me at juliestaley@mac.com now.  Let the countdown to school begin!

All Grown Up (almost)

This session with the "R" family was a nice change of pace for me.  I am always shocked out how many great images you can get in a short period of time with older kids.  What??  You listen to me AND follow my directions- wow!  This night was far less challenging than my lovable toddler sessions but equally fun.  Mom, I hope you enjoy these sneak peek pictures.  Hopefully one will be hanging over your mantle in the near future.  So thanks to "M", "A", "B" and "E" for your cooperation.  A gorgeous family for sure!