I don't make it up to Cades Cove nearly as much as I used to, but Robbie and Brooke came down from West Virginia for their session and wanted to do their engagement photos in the Smoky Mountains. We started early in the morning hoping to avoid the heat and traffic but ended up with both about halfway through the loop. We had fun though and were happy to finish before the afternoon rain showers moved in.

I've known Brooke her whole life (our mamaws were sisters), and I am so happy for her to have found such a great guy to share her life with. I'm looking forward to their wedding next summer (if they'll ever decide on a location!) and am honored to be their wedding photographer.

Engagement session tips:
Bring several outfit changes. Even if you don't wear them all, it is always nice to have options. After it got warm, Brooke was happy to trade her sweater for a short-sleeved shirt. Also, be sure not to leave anything behind because the loop is one way (and it is too far to drive back around for a shirt or a pair of socks). Finally, always look ahead of you when running through the woods. I learned that one after coming within inches of stepping on a big snake!

Here are a few of my favorite photographs from the day.

My favorite season! I hate hot weather so I'm super happy that the temps are finally going to start cooling off. Fall makes me think of sitting around a campire, laughing and eating s'mores with my family. Of course it's also a gorgeous season for photography. I do still have some availability for October and early November if anyone wants to fit in a portrait session with their family, pets, kids, friends etc. Fall photos are great for Christmas cards, and it's not too early to start thinking about those.

Here are two fall snapshots of my favorite photography subject to get everyone in the Autumn mood.

It is officially the last day of summer so get out and enjoy it! Go barefoot, eat some watermelon, and sit in the dirt like Hayden or just take a little walk. We'll all be wearing coats and boots before you know it!

Most brides appreciate a photo of their wedding gown before they put it on, and it's a photo that I like to try and take whenever I can. However, I strongly encourage brides to think about the hanger that the dress is on. Usually the dress is hanging on an ugly, plastic hanger that is just not very photogenic. A wooden coat hanger is always a better choice, but there are also really cute, personalized options.

I've seen monogrammed hangers online, but I just ran across the most unique silver hangers on etsy. They can spell out the couple's name or have a design. Check out LilaFrances shop for photos of these cute little wedding keepsakes.
 
If you're super crafty and can find the right gauge wire then you may be able to make one yourself. However, the woman lives in Nashville and donates 10% of profits to ovarian cancer research so purchases from her shop support a semi-local artist and a good cause. You could also buy them for your bridesmaids, but shop early because there is a waiting list.

Last week I had the opportunity to work with a beautiful family of seven as I photographed their newest addition. Baby Lydia Grace was born on Labor Day and weighed 8lb 13oz. 











Of course we also wanted a few photos of her with her sisters and brothers. Check out all the hair on her little head!







The oldest child, Ethan, is just five. It's a busy household, but there is obviously plenty of love to go around. Photographing babies and large families is always time consuming, but all of these kids were very patient and well behaved. In addition to photographing Lydia, we were also able to get some individual shots of each child and a photograph of the family to document this important stage in their lives.







Thanks so much for allowing me to photograph your family, and congratulations on your newest little blessing!