A Golden Family | Shelby Farms | Memphis Tennessee Wedding Photographer

THE GOLDEN FAMILY

Every year since Bray was just a sweet little babe, Chris, Alika, Bray and I venture off to have a fun family session. This time we picked Shelby Farms so that Bray could totally let loose and have some fun exploring. I was so eager to see how much Bray had grown since we last saw each other and boy did he have some stories to tell!

One of my favorite things about my job choice (because I don't have to do this but I choose to, I want to!) is watching each family grow. Each year they have new stories to tell, new tricks to share and new adventures to explore and I get to hear it all. I love it. Having fun with my clients is my top priority, along with documenting your precious moments, of course. As I was showing Alika and Chris some from the back of my camera, Alika would say things like "Yep. That one is going up in the living room." and my heart just flutters every time I hear that. The fact that I can give these families beautiful portraits of their everyday life for them to remember and pass on for years to come, is truly the sole reasoning I do what I do. 

Memories are priceless. Prints, canvas, photo books, all of it..... Print your memories. Whether it is an iPhone snap or one from a camera you've had for a few years now... PRINT them! Your kids will thank you, your family will thank you, your great grandkids will thank you. A picture is worth a thousand words and sometimes a picture is all we have. 

 

Here are my favorites!!

A Dreamy Desert Romance in Tucson, Arizona | Kellon and Jenna | The Hatches | Memphis Tennessee Wedding Photographer

KELLON + JENNA

TUCSON, ARIZONA

Where do I even begin with them? I met Jenna online through a photographer community site and we instantly hit it off. We talked about what we loved about the business side and what we wish we could change. We talked about why we started in this business and why we choose to stick to it each and every day. The very first time I ever met Jenna in person, I wanted to put her in my pocket and tote her around with me everywhere. She was one fiery ball of inspiration. One that was so contagious to be around. I am SO glad I found her and that we share an equal love for Arizona. 

Kellon and Jenna have been married a little over a year now and are coming up on their 2 year soon. What a marriage these two have. It's people like Kellon and Jenna that make you want to write romance novel after romance novel. Or at least just keep taking pictures of them LOL. They were so inviting to us and were gracious enough to offer to let us stay with them for a few days while we were in Arizona on our adventure trip! Jenna is one BOMB ASS cook, y'all. Seriously. 

I had always had a love for the desert. I grew up hearing stories about it from my mom's side of the family. I still find myself flipping through old family pictures from AZ and obsessing over the vast landscapes that it has to offer. After talking with Jenna about our plans to visit Arizona, she then informed me that her and Kellon were actually moving out to Tucson a few weeks before we were coming..... HELLO. Yes this trip was happening way sooner than we planned. And I am so glad it happened. I have had one of the best experiences of my life going to this state. I am quite shocked that my husband even got me to come home!

I have tons of blogs to post from our trip to Arizona but I am wanting to space them out in sections so you guys can experience it the same way I did. In the meantime, here are my favorites from a sweet little romantic sesh we set up while we were in town. <3

WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! <3

 

**** FUN FACT : These were edited with a brand spanking new preset I made and would LOVE feedback on it! I may have some to sell later :) ****

Senior Portrait Photographer | Jessi New - An Artistic Bohemian Senior Session | Memphis Tennessee Senior Photographer

An Artistic Bohemian Senior | Jessi New Class of 2017  

Memphis Tennessee Senior Portrait Photographer

Jessi came to me with a brilliant idea and I jumped at the chance to do something a little different than a normal senior session. 

Jessi was full of laughter, and as you can see had one very contagious smile. She would have me laughing more than taking the photos themselves! It didn't take much get Jessi to open up and she completely K-I-L-L-E-D her session. BAM. Every shot had so much personality. 

By sunset, the sun was fading fast so we made the most of it by running through a cornfield covered in paint. I even have a little reminder on the front of my camera (it's blue to be exact) from how much fun we had! I really can't pick one single image that I love more than the next, I apologize for the lengthy post of images, lol.

Here are my favorites, Congrats to Jessi on her senior year!

Memphis Tennessee Senior Photographer | An Artistic Bohemian Senior Session | memphis-tennessee-senior-portrait-photographer-an-artistic-bohemian-senior-poses-inspiration-modern-corn-field-facepaint-tribal-unique

A Garden Sunrise Anniversary Session | Meagen + Mike | Memphis Tennessee Wedding Photographer

Meagen + Mike | A Garden Sunrise Anniversary

MEMPHIS TENNESSEE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

 

I honestly don't even know where to begin on this post. It's probably why it has taken me so long to write it. 

Rewind back to 2013 when Meagen Montgomery sent me a message filled with questions she had found from an article on Pinterest. I answered each one as best as I could and even though I had no idea at the time, we would become best friends. Not to mention the second time I ever met her, was for her boudoir session as her wedding gift to Mike so we got pretty comfortable with each other fairly quickly LOL. We spent a lot of time talking and it later became about things other than wedding related activities. We were on the road to sisterhood (Mrs. Lisa, Meagen's mom, calls us something different haha) that would later develop into one of the most genuine friendships, I've ever encountered. Meagen and I have way more in common than most people think and it's quite hilarious to watch us act similarly without even knowing it. Just ask our husbands LOL. Meagen has taught me what true friendship is and how you can't get a good friend until you become a good friend, yourself. Who knew, right? ;)

Meagen and Mike own a small business, Alexander's Mobile Pet Grooming Service and are actually the very reason we have both of our dogs! Meagen, on the side of working at her parent's medical office in our hometown The Cockrell Family Medical Center, helps immensely with the process of rescuing and fostering dogs in the Mid South area. She has three pit bull dogs of her own and two of those beautiful beings gave me my sweet, brindled Pitbull/Mastiff BABY. Because that's what he is, one big baby. Meagen has one of the BIGGEST hearts I've ever seen when it comes to these precious animals and I am forever grateful to say that I am friends with her gentle soul. 

Fast forward to now, 2016. They've been married for 2 years now and are expecting a baby girl in December. You'd never know in the images because Meagen just has a rockin bod. ;) These two people, Meagen and Mike Alexander, have been one of the greatest blessings to my husband and I. I don't know how we grew up in the same town, lived DOWN THE STREET from each other and didn't even meet until we were in our 20's. Heck, our parents went to school with each other! So much for the small town life, huh? HAHA. I love her parents dearly and I am so thankful to be considered part of their family, The Cockrell Family, and continue to watch them grow. 

WE LOVE YOU! Of course we had to end the session with a tasty treat because what pregnant lady doesn't want cupcakes? Happy Be-Lated Anniversary! <3

Rusty + Maury | A Modern-Folk Sunset Romance | Memphis Tennessee Wedding Photographer

A MODERN-FOLK SUNSET ROMANCE

 

Guys, meet Rusty and Maury. Two of the most romantic souls. Two of the most humble souls. I first met Maury through a mutual friend and I photographed her oldest daughter, Chevelle, 3 years ago when I held lemonade minis. I instantly became fond of this precious little family and later developed a friendship with Maury that is still alive today. We're actually going to Jerry's Sno Cones tomorrow :P
 

Maury and Rusty were so enthralled with each other that their emotion seeped through these images. They have that shy, intriguing romance that pulls you in and boy was it hard to stop taking photos of them together. I always enjoy getting to catch up with The Fletcher's because they genuinely are some of the most down to earth people. We always have lots of laughs and love getting our kiddos together. 

It's always a pleasure working with Maury and Rusty <3 Here are some of my faves!!


 

 

"I am so grateful for that random summer day in July 2008 when I saw Rusty for the first time. I didn't think for a second he would be my future husband! It took us three months for us to have our first date, on Halloween night! Ever since then, we have been quite literally inseparable. It's the absolute best thing being married to your best friend (cheesy but true :)) Rusty and I mainly just want to be the best examples for our kids. We want to love each other the way God has called us to. It isn't always easy, but we choose each other everyday." 

_ MAURY <3

Embracing the Adventure of Marriage | Emily + Jacob Photography | Memphis, TN Wedding Photographer

EMBRACING THE ADVENTURE OF MARRIAGE

By : Jacob & Emily Hatch

“I’m not interested in light little flings, skin-deep attractions, or long loveless marriages. With you, I only want raw, full-blooded connection, to share a bond full of passion and breathtaking adventure. After all, love is not a pastime, but a privilege.”  - Beau Taplin

The journey into marriage is exactly as Jacob and I want to document it; an adventure. What better person to take on this remarkable and moving quest with, than your best friend.  

One of our favorite things to do when we have free time, is to explore. It doesn't matter where we go initially, we just want to see and see it together. It seems funny now, but it never fails that we wind up having a day to ourselves at just the right moments in life. We've both had an exhausting and trying last few weeks with life in general that we had began to close up and become frustrated with ourselves enough that it affected the other.

Marriage is hard, but marriage is worth it. 

Every single time we venture out together just to walk in silence side by side we find a new piece of ourselves falling in love all over again. The bond that we have when we dedicate our full attention on each other, is unlike any bond I've ever experienced. We've managed to discuss our future and things we were hesitant about. It's made for intriguing conversation and some hilarious stories to share with our kids and grandkids one day. We discovered new weaknesses and strengths. We found ourselves again. That one on one time with each other is so vital to your relationship. Yes we, as women, tend to need a little more attention than normal but men need it just as much, if not more.  

We can get so caught up in today's advantages such as social media, tv and internet that we tend to neglect those who matter more to us than how many likes we can get on a picture we posted. It's so easy to get distracted because it's all right there at your finger tips, but so are the hands of your partner. 

Too often we take for granted the time we spend with our better half. We want to change that. We want to help you guys practice putting down the distractions in your life and get that connection between you two, back to its roots. What better way to connect than in the middle of nature? 

Our focus behind : Embracing the Adventure of Marriage is a self explanatory title. We want to encourage you and your partner in your adventure together along your journey from relationship to marriage. We want to reveal your story from within you and bring it to life in photographs that you could hang on your wall for your friends and family to enjoy every time they come by for a visit. And think about the stories YOU will tell from those images! We know how important it is to have that one on one time with your significant other because no one understands you better than them. We want to give you that one on one time. 

We are offering a special session for our couples (married or not) in order to have that necessary bonding time with the love of your life. We call them; Adventure Sessions. You guys and Jacob and I will load up into our cars and head out to explore while documenting the chemistry between you as a couple and as individuals. We have a list of locations all around the mid-south that have walking trails, impeccable parks and breathtaking landscapes. 

If you are interested in doing an adventure session with your partner click the button below!

TJ & Amanda | Lifestyle Maternity | Memphis, TN

TJ & AMANDA | MATERNITY LIFESTYLE - MILK BATH | MEMPHIS, TN

I can't tell you how excited I am to share these!!! A while back before I ever stepped into photography, I had a basic job at Sonic. Tj was one of my first friends I made there and I am so glad to have kept contact with him and Amanda over the years. 

A few years ago they moved to Michigan and are now expecting a healthy baby boy! As a mom of boys, I'm sure you could tell of my excitement! TJ told me that they were coming down to visit so of course I had to make sure we got some pictures made of Amanda's belly! And some of them, too ;) 

It was so nice to catch up and hang out for the small amount of time that we had, but I definitely want to come to Michigan sometime and visit, too!! Thanks for letting me drag you guys into a creek. Here are some of my favorites!

Kayce & Matt | Lifestyle - Memphis, TN

KAYCE AND MATT | MATERNITY SESSION

SHELBY FARMS | MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Over the weekend I got to hang out with one of my favorite families!! I have watched Thomas grow for 2 years now and now I get to watch him and Hayden be big brothers to sweet little Caroline <3 To say that they are excited is an understatement. 

I am so privileged to have met Kayce and Matt and are forever thankful that they allow me to document their lives!

Urban Kidz

URBAN KIDZ

It's Tuesday. The sun is shining, and I'm pretty tired of sitting inside. My kids have been sure to let me know, too. 

You know what, guys? Yeah. Let's go exploring.

We trotted along the streets of Memphis and happened upon some awesome buildings with enough room to let them loose. They had an absolute blast! They fight often but they're best friends. No doubt in my mind.

I think it takes a very special person to be a mom to boys. They are one, wild ride. The most adventurous little beings I have ever seen. I imagine all kids are this way but I have never seen a pair of boys who love jumping off of any plato they can reach as much as these two. I think my favorite part about today was listening to them in the backseat while I'm driving to and from each place we stopped. The laughing and giggling and eventually snorting, they were laughing so hard! Over NOTHING! 

Boys are tough. I know some may disagree with me but boys are so rambunctious. They have an unlimited supply of energy. Makes me wish, sometimes, I was a boy, haha. There are quiet moments and they are rare, but it usually means they are up to no good. 

For those of you who don't know me personally, the tall lanky one is Braylen Gage. He is 6 years old and loves Superheroes and Ninja Turtles. And being a super ninja turtle hero. The short chunky monkey is Joseph Aiden (goes by Aiden). He is 3 years old and loves Paw Patrol and Thomas the Train. And anything Braylen loves. He is a monkey see, monkey do kinda kid. Gotta love 'em. 

I saw the many stages of "Brotherly Love" today as well.
 "Hey Aiden! Come over here and look at this!"
"Aiden, go look over there for something."
*sigh of irritation* "Aiden stop following me."
"Aiden! Are you okay!"
"Mama! Aiden is picking up that stick."
 

You'd never know that they didn't get along from the pictures because they had an absolute blast today. (And I wasn't necessarily shooting when I was having to separate them haha) There are days where Braylen wants to be independent and I try to let him have his independence from time to time because I want him to be able to depend on himself naturally and enjoy being on his own, so I tend to keep Aiden on a tighter leash around me. There are also days where I can't separate them far enough from each other to get anything done! HA. Lunch together in the living room unattended? Nope. That lunch will be scarfed down by the dog and Aiden will have found some activity that allows him to be pants-less. Simple coloring and coloring books? Not a chance. Crayons will be shoved into the Mega Blocks and couch cushions and lots of tiny "A's" (Aiden has learned how to write an A) up and down the hallway walls. 

I wouldn't trade being a mom to boys, for anything. They have told me some of the funniest stories I have ever heard. I'd give anything to live inside their world for a whole day.

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