Last year I started getting inquiries from girls at UTC, and they told me that Sarah Thompson had recommended me. The confusing part was that I didn't know a Sarah Thompson. So after booking a couple of her friends, Sarah finally got engaged and contacted me about her own wedding. It turns out that I had photographed her soon-to-be-sister-in-law Jenni's wedding back in 2004, and I had even taken a photo of Sarah with her future husband Ben after he caught the garter.

Sarah & Ben had a holiday wedding at Keith United Methodist Church in Athens. The church was decorated with candles, wreaths, and red pew bows. The bridesmaids wore red. It was very festive and beautiful. Afterward, there was a dessert reception in a renovated barn at Mayfield Dairy Farms with red velvet cake, chocolate cake, delicious cookies, and even fruit cake in honor of the holiday. On their way out, guests chose a favor from the various Christmas ornaments on the tree.








I don't usually post posed formals, but this one is cool because it includes Gabrielle & Nate, Jenni, and Clay.





I really enjoy my job and get to know some wonderful couples. It's tough once the wedding is over because I've spent so much time emailing and working with them only to have it all end. After working with the Kennedy family on three great weddings, it's a little sad that they don't have any more weddings to plan, but I'm grateful to have been there for the beginnings of what will hopefully be three long and wonderful marriages.

I am currently working on orders and sessions through November 19.

I hope to have all of this year's sessions proofed before taking off for the holidays on December 20. Remember that I do process orders in the order that they're received. If I am waiting on photo choices for your album or engagement book then the sooner you email me your list, the higher up you will be on my "to do" list in January.

I'm feeling the holiday spirit today so everyone wins! Zach, Cayci, Meghan, Emily, Sara, and Tiffany took the time to leave a comment so they all get a free 5x7 (just put it in the notes section of your next order).

Why is it that people let the stress of the season get to them and end up being so unhappy and rude? Instead of focusing on the religious, family, charity, and all-around happy aspects of the season, too many people are busy shopping, planning, and stressing out.

Yesterday I stood in line at the post office for over half an hour, but what do you expect this time of year? There were two people working the counter, and one of them had the flu and was obviously feeling really bad. At one point he had to close his "window" to go out and put a sign on a stamp machine that wasn't working, and the people in line behind me about threw a fit. They were all extremely rude and carried on about how they shouldn't have to wait and he didn't need to be taking a break when there was a line etc etc. It was embarrassing.

Later in the day, I drove along behind a car for about 2 miles and saw him honk at no less than 4 different people that he was unhappy with for one reason or another. I even had someone honk at me because I came to a complete stop at a stop sign instead of just getting out of their way.

So I'm thinking that everyone needs to try to relax and cheer up. I know that getting a good bargain or especially getting things for free usually cheers me up so...

I'm going to have some random "happy days". Everyone who qualifies for a given day will be entered in a random drawing to win something (winner announced the next day). The entries will start anew each time, but you can win more than once.

* Today's winner will receive one free 5x7" print with their next order.
* To qualify, you need to share some holiday cheer today by leaving a comment on a photo session post. You can choose any session you want, but those in the last month or two are more likely to be found and appreciated. If you're feeling nice then you can leave several, but it won't increase your chances of winning.

ETA: The "day" will end 24 hours after being posted.

One year ago, Marcus and I were in Birmingham photographing the wedding of Michelle and David. I had photographed a Montgomery wedding for Michelle's friend Mandy in spring 2005. Mandy was a bridesmaid in Michelle's wedding so it was nice to see her again. The ceremony was held at Bluff Park United Methodist with the reception at The Tutwiler Hotel downtown.

The couple's flower girl was so excited and happy the whole day, but she got a little emotional after watching her uncle get married.

The reception food was really good, but the desserts were amazing. In addition to the wedding cake, they had a large grooms cake and a table covered with all sorts of chocolate goodies.



In honor of his birthday, Michelle surprised her dad with his own cake.