Josh and Sarah's Engagement Pictures

Last weekend, I was able to spend some time taking engagement pictures for a really great young couple. Josh works with my husband, so I had met him before, but until last Saturday, I had never spent any time with him and Sarah together. 

Turns out, they're adorable. They have a relaxed, comfortable way of interacting with each other, and it was fun to be in their presence. The day wasn't exactly warm, and they were outside for quite a while, but they didn't seem to mind too much. 

I also have to mention their cute little dog, McFly. They adopted him from Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, and let me tell you, that is one loved little puppy. I think it's great when families bring their dogs to our sessions, and McFly seemed pretty excited to be there. There were so many things to smell!

Josh and Sarah are getting married in September, and I can't wait to be there to help memorialize their special day. Congratulations on your engagement, you two!

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Troutman Family Pictures in Mills River

I always enjoy my photo sessions. Taking pictures is my favorite thing to do, so of course I enjoy it. Every now and then, I have a session that just goes perfectly. That's how Saturday afternoon was with the Troutman family.

For starters, we had amazing February weather. It was 60° and sunny with a slight breeze. That's the kind of weather that makes you remember why you've been longing for spring, you know? And I know that everything is lush and green and colorful come April or May, but I love the neutral background of a winter landscape.

Adding to the great weather was the awesome personality of this family. They were sweet and happy to be there, totally willing to walk around the farm and let me experiment with different lighting and poses. Their little boy smiled and looked at the camera and did all of those magical things that I usually have to work really hard to get kids his age to do. 

And then there's the obvious--this family is beautiful, inside and out, and they get along so well. I can do a lot with a camera and light, but I can't make people look happier than they are. 

Sometimes, everything just comes together and we end up with amazing pictures. I think that happened on Saturday in Mills River. Thank you so much, Troutman family, for letting me take your family pictures!

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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!

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.

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

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

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.

Sometimes the whole family joins in.

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

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!

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.

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

I love that colorful cake.

I love that colorful cake.

Look how comfortable she is!

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 :-)

The Mains Family Session at Carl Sandburg

Were you out and about this past Saturday morning? The weather in Hendersonville was absolutely perfect for family pictures. The sky was blue, the humidity was low, and the temperature was just cool enough to put a little spring in your step. 

I met the Mains family for the first time at the Carl Sandburg house, and besides being charmed by the adorable kids, I was immediately impressed with their outfit choices. I often have clients ask me what they should wear for their photo shoots, and I'm going to start referring them to these pictures as an example. Everyone is comfortably dressed, they coordinate without being too matchy, and the colors chosen (lots of neutrals with a pop of color) complement the beauty of the setting without detracting from it. And the accessories are perfect, too: they add personality, but they aren't distracting.

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Apart from wearing amazing outfits, these guys were altogether enjoyable. The baby hardly made a peep, and the little guy was so fun and full of life. He had me completely charmed before I'd taken the first picture. 

Really, all of that is to say that I would have enjoyed this Saturday morning even if I hadn't been taking photos, but getting some awesome family pictures at one of my favorite places in Hendersonville made it even better. 

Thanks so much for letting me spend my Saturday morning with you guys!

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