Thankful for The Nothings by Asheville, NC Portrait Photographer

Sometimes when I am feeling sorry for myself or just having a rough day I like to think about all of the things I have to be truly thankful for. Last night was a night that I chose to do that.  I was sitting with Stephen and our dog Will on the couch, watching t.v., which isn't anything special or extraordinary, but it is something we enjoy doing because it is relaxing and helps us unwind at the end of the day. I was cuddled up in as small of a space as I could be because we have a tiny couch from ikea that we bought when we first got married and couldn't afford anything bigger.  We were just talking and laughing together and I realized how truly blessed I am to have a husband that I can talk to about everything and about nothing! Even when we are talking about the "nothings," we are still totally enjoying the company of each other, in that moment I was so blissfully happy and thankful to have a happy marriage where I can be myself! I think sometimes all it takes to have a grateful heart is to look for the little "nothings," in our everyday life because oftentimes when I do that I find that the nothings are the special somethings that make my life truly blessed. Today here are the nothings I am choosing to be thankful for: time spent cuddling on the couch with my husband, the laughter, good food and conversation that is shared around the dinner table at my parent's house, my nephew Beckett who is always excited to see me even when I may have seen him the day before (or at times just a few hours before), the way my niece Ella lights up when she hears her dad, my brother Shane, singing, my grandparent's who remember to give us a card on every holiday and who always are willing to share what they have with those around them whether it be canned goods, wisdom, or just a warm meal, most of all I am thankful that God has blessed my life so tremendously, I fully realize that every good and perfect thing comes from Him and for that I am eternally grateful.

River Arts District Stylized Motown Vintage Prom Senior and Mini Me Session by Asheville, NC Portrait Photographer

Bowties, bouffant hair, retro 60's clothing, gingham, and giant balloons, what more could a person want??    When I began planning this stylized session I knew that I wanted it to have a retro, 60's feel, I have been inspired by the 60's ever since I was 11 and went through a phase where all I would listen to were the Motown great's: The Jackson Five, The Supremes, The Tempations, etc...  Back then ladies dressed like well...ladies with hemlines well below the knee, clip on earrings and belts that emphasized their tiny waists.  Guy rocked the debonair look with fitted pants, button down shirts, and bowties or ties. I also knew that the graffiti decorated streets of The River Arts District would have the perfect feel for the shoot!  It was when my sister jumped in with the idea of doing mini me's of the my highschool models that I had real moment of inspiration and knew that this session had to be brought to life! There is NO way this session would've been possible without the wonderful people willing to help bring my vision to life! HUGE THANKS to Twice Round Vintage, The Green Goddess Organic Hair Salon, Tracie Robinson, Amy Deal, Miles Woolcott, Kerry Wright, Adison Wright, Nisha Evoy, and Beckett Evoy!!! And without further ado I give you the photos:

Vintage Clothes/Jewelry: Twice Round Vintage http://twiceroundvintage.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Twice-Round-Vintage/140722105978851
Hair: The Green Goddess Organic Hair Salon https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Green-Goddess-Organic-Hair-Salon/175081625924296
Makeup: Tracie Robinson tracierobinson97@gmail.com

Shane & Melissa's Pack Square Park Family Session by Asheville, NC Portrait Photographer

One of the things I love most about photography is that it gives me the opportunity to see my clients and their families as they grow and change, that is why I was so happy when I got to do a family session with Shane, Melissa, and Ella at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville.  There is nothing I love more than a cuddly, squishy, dimpled baby face and 6 month old Ella fits that description perfectly!  Ella has many varied facial expressions and I had a blast capturing her spirited little personality alongside her parents.  And hello?!!!! Who doesn't love a Harajuku Mini Sailor girl dress with bright colors :) I now present to you, the many faces of Ella.