Erin & Phillip's Blue Ridge Parkway Proposal

Proposals always get to me. I tear up and smile and get all melty every time I see a man drops down on his knee and pulls a ring box out of his pocket. 

You could say I'm a bit of a romantic.

So when my sister's boyfriend let me know that was planning to propose, and that he was going to let me take pictures, I was ecstatic. I've never photographed a proposal before, but being able to watch my little sister get engaged to the man that she loves? There have been few moments in my life I've looked forward to more than this. 

Phillip let me know that he was going to have Erin at their favorite overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway by 7:00. He brought me a card he'd written to put out on a table with her favorite roses, and the plan was set in motion.

My younger sister Brandi and I waited for them to get there, hidden as well as we could be, hearts jumping every time we heard a car.

We watched as they pulled in to the parking area. They got out of the car, and Phillip took Erin's hand and led her to the card and flowers.

(This is where my words end--the rest of the story is theirs, and it's best told through pictures.)

Congratulations to my sister and future brother-in-law. I am so happy to have been a small part of this occasion, and I can't wait to get to see them begin their lives together. 

Carlie's Senior Pictures at the NC Arboretum

I've known Carlie since she was a small, small girl. I've seen her grow up from a distance, but I don't think I've ever gotten to spend as much time with her as I did last Saturday when we were taking her senior pictures. As I suspected, she's lovely, and hanging out with her and her mom was an awfully pleasant way to spend a Saturday evening.

Carlie and her mom chose the location, and I think the outdoor setting of the North Carolina Arboretum perfectly reflected her love of the outdoors. Any girl who wears her Chacos for her senior pictures is a girl who's ready to go on a hike! I loved her outfit choices and her casual attitude--she made it so fun to experiment with poses and locations.

Thanks for letting me take your pictures, Carlie! I can't wait to see what the next few years hold for you.

First Birthday Sessions

The past few months have been hopping with first birthday sessions. Using the small studio space at my house, I've gotten to take pictures of three of my favorite one-year-olds. The studio space is great during these winter months. 

I love how all of the babies are wearing special first birthday outfits. They're all so different, but so cute! The shirts and accessories are a great way to add personality to the pictures.

This little lady was all dressed up for her special day. I love the coordinating bow and skirt!

I'm a sucker for bow ties and suspenders and smiling baby boys.

The shirt, the hat, the cloth diaper! Such a great ensemble!

Sometimes the weather cooperates and we get to go outside for these sessions, too. As long as the babies are happy, we don't mind to get a little bit cold. In my experience, babies are much more tolerant of winter weather than most adults.

Sometimes the whole family joins in.

It was a little chilly, but he was perfectly happy hanging out in that basket.

Gabriel had a special announcement to make. He may be little, but he's going to be a big brother!

Here are a few more of my favorite pictures from these sessions. I'm telling you, there is not a better way to spend an afternoon than taking pictures of a happy one-year-old!

Contemplating exactly what it means to be old enough to enjoy desserts.

I love that colorful cake.

Look how comfortable she is!

In conclusion: bring me all of your one-year-olds! I thoroughly enjoy these sessions, and not just because I sometimes get cupcakes out of them :-)