Justin & Kelsey Married | The Barn at Big Oak | Franklin, GA

This past weekend, I was given the wonderful privilege of capturing Justin and Kelsey's wedding in the little town of Franklin, GA. It was a quaint, quiet little wedding venue in the middle of the woods. The Barn at Big Oak was surrounded by trees and located a cute little country dirt road.

I have known Kelsey for a long time, and it was a sweet surprise when she texted me one day to ask if I would photograph her wedding. I was ecstatic of course. I first met Kelsey at a camp called Global Youth Camp when Jason and I brought our students up to Fort Mountain where the camp was located. Little did we know, we would eventually move up to the mountain where Jason would work, and Kelsey decided to join the Institute. During her time as an intern (college student), I had the sweet "unofficial" privilege of mentoring her for a few months. She would randomly show up at our little duplex, and we would have conversations for hours talking about Jesus, life, & the future. She would eat all my food, watch all of my chick flicks, and babysit Julia so I could have some "me time." I was totally okay with that.

Kelsey, I am so proud of the woman you have become. I am thankful that the Lord brought you into my life (most definitely at the right time), and it has been so sweet that we have kept in touch over the years even though we have been miles apart. Your friendship has been very special to me and my family. You were a beautiful bride, and Justin is one lucky man to have you. He definitely "married up!" While I do not know Justin very well, I do know that he loves you and adores you. He loves Jesus, and that is most important.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Sellers! I pray God will bless your marriage and your future family.

 

The Stanland's | Maternity Session | Fruit Cove, FL

This past weekend, I had the best time capturing some sweet moments of my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, & my nephews! Our whole family is so excited to have another sweet baby boy to love on very soon...this will be the fourth Stanland grandson to be exact! LOTS OF BOYS - LOADS OF FUN!!

Originally, this session was suppose to be a beach session, but Hurricane Irma decided to rain on our parade and basically destroy the beaches in our surrounding areas, so who knew that the entrance to my housing community would make such a perfect spot for a maternity session?? It could not have been more perfect and beautiful that day.

Thank you Matthew & Erin for trusting me with these photos and for letting me spend a few minutes clicking away with the camera! It was fun, and I cannot wait to give little baby Devon Cade some Aunt Nicole sugars!

Love you guys! Enjoy!

Adoption Day

A couple of weeks ago, I was given the sweetest opportunity to photograph an Adoption Day for a family that are very dear friends of mine.

For the sake of their privacy, I will not be using any names in this blog post. If you know them, I respectively ask that you would NOT TAG OR COMMENT with any of their names, but send them a personal message if you would like to send congratulations. I have been given permission by the family to share this special day with you on my blog, but please respect their privacy. Thank you, friends.

I was so honored that they contacted me and asked me to be a part of this day. I have never experienced an official adoption day before this one. It was definitely a sweet, exciting, emotional day to say the least. There were moments when I had to wipe tears of joy away just so I could see through my camera lens!

It is reasons like this that I do what I do. I am thankful God has given me an ability, talent, and the resources to capture lifetime memories like these, and to use photography as a ministry to love on people and share the love of Jesus.

Adoption is so much more than a legal action - it is the foundation of our faith in Christ. He gave His life to make a trade with us. He took our sin and gave us His righteousness. Through salvation, we have been adopted by the Most High God, and we called His sons and daughters!

          "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive
           the Spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of
           adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears
           witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs -
           heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order
           that we may also be glorified with Him." --- Romans 8:14-17

Friends, if the Lord is leading you to adopt or foster a child, don't refuse His will for your life. There are so many children in this world in need of a mommy and daddy to who will love them and, most importantly, give them the love of Jesus. I believe this family followed God in obedience and are now enjoying the rewards of their obedience as they love on this precious child! Don't miss the opportunity if He is leading you in this way!

Thank you dear friends for allowing me and trusting me to take these photos for you. Even amidst the chaos that took place before the court hour, I believe the presence of God was with you all in every aspect of the day. It was such a gift to be a part of such a special moment in the lives of your family. I don't think I will ever be able to forget this day. It will always be etched on my heart and mind, and a constant reminder to pray for your family as you begin this new journey as a family of six. Thank you for being such solid, godly mentors & role models to my family. We love you all and look forward to serving alongside of you in the days ahead! I pray you enjoy these photos as much as I do!