I’d like you to meet my new mandolin. She isn’t really new but she is new to me :) I found her on craigslist (for an awesome deal) and I think I’m going to name her Amanda Lynn. (haha) Nothing fancy, but I love the color and sound! My old mandolin was bought on ebay years ago and after moving so much, it’s not in the greatest shape. I’ve played the guitar for years, but still need to learn a lot on the mandolin. My goal is to learn a few songs by Christmas :)
Bluegrass has been a big part of my life since I was young. Sometimes my mom played dance music or her fitness music throughout the house while I was in my room listening to Ricky Skaggs or Nickel Creek. Yes, I understand that this may make me sound realllly country but oh well. My absolute favorite…and I think one of the most talented is Chris Thile. I could sit outside, write, and listen to his music all day.
So, in honor of my little mandolin, here are a few bluegrass songs for you. If you don’t like bluegrass thank you for reading this post anyway. Love yall!
When I pulled up to where we would be doing this session, I got pretty excited. We took them on Kelsey’s grandpa’s farm and it was beautiful! Imagine Kentucky- rolling hills, barns, horses…lovely! I love places like that (out in the country) and I am SO glad that she mentioned taking them there! We hiked through the woods some where the lighting was great. Anywho, Adam and Kelsey are awesome. They are definitely a beautiful couple and I know that the Lord has great things in store for them. I’m excited for their wedding next June…it will be here before you know it! ;) Here are just a few of my favorites from the session…
My oh my, it’s raining and cold here today. It kind of feels like Christmas minus the snow and the fact that it is October. I almost forgot what cold weather was like and now that it’s almost here I am contemplating moving to Florida! Just kidding :) Anyway, I wish I could take the time to write about all of the things that I am learning right now….
One of those things is stepping out in FAITH and not in fear. I have lived with fear for so long and to be honest, it gets old real, real quick. I’ve realized there is no point in spending my life with my face to the ground and not take any actions in faith. I’ve realized there is no point in being so shy (I once was) and timid…is that the way Jesus really wants me to live? I read a quote the other day (this post is gonna be full of quotes by the way) “meekness is not weakness, it is strength under control.” For so long, I have been afraid of what others think and wanted to stay “small” when in reality that is not doing much for me and it is definitely not being a light for Christ.
Being a photographer, I have totally been learning to let this go. This fear. I know there are probably other photographers who read my blog and I can’t help but care to think about what they think about my work. I often feel inadequate and sometimes that fear and comparing stops me in my tracks- but I have to keep moving forward and press on.
These few quotes have blessed me SO much lately:
“you can’t live your life based just on what everyone else thinks”
“you cannot fulfill all the expectations of everyone you know, so you might as well go ahead and disappoint them and get it over with.” (yikes!)
“don’t depend on other people as the source of your happiness and for approval.”
and
“we are not free until we no longer have anything to prove and we are not living to impress people.”
…love those!! I want to be strong in Christ- to be fearless and a light for Him in all that I do. I want to be fearless in the work that I do- whether that is raising my son (which is most important) or photography. I’m not going to spend so much time worrying about what other’s have to think or comparing and spend more time meditating on Christ and His unconditional love for me. I am all He says is all I am- fearless, loved, and His own.
Chris and Jordan were married on a gorgeous fall Saturday two weeks ago. I was really excited to photograph this wedding because I have known Jordan for a while and knew that it would be a beautiful wedding. And it was! Everything about this wedding, the couple, the dress, the bridal party, the weather, the location…was gorgeous!! Jordan and Chris are super down to earth, (they look like models!!), they are an awesome couple and were so great to work with!! May God bless your new life together and thank you for having me be a part of your wedding day. Here are some of my favorites!!
Love it…
My dad photographed the guys (AWESOME!) & these next three photos are his….
I can’t believe our little guy turned ONE yesterday! His first birthday! It seems like just yesterday we were patiently waiting for his arrival. This past year has been such a blessing for us and our family! The Lord has taught Jay and I so much and it has been a year of growth, lots of learning, and joy! It has been a full year and I’m excited and eager to see our little man learn and grow. Sooo I am going to be a proud momma for a moment and post some pictures of his little birthday :)
These adorable cupcake toppers are from this etsy store. Too cute!
Getting ready to dive in….
MMMhmmm…
Lots of puzzles and books! (That’s my lovely mom in the background) :)
After his party we went over to a farm with our friends….
Haha….I think he was getting a little tired (and probably had WAY too much sugar from the cake!)
.jpg "little mandolin")
.jpg "2011-10-30_007")
.jpg "2011-10-27_015")
.jpg "2011-10-27_021")
.jpg "2011-10-27_022")
.jpg "2011-10-27_0170")
.jpg "2011-10-27_026")
.jpg "2011-10-27_025")
.jpg "2011-10-27_027")
.jpg "2011-10-27_023")
.jpg "2011-10-27_020")
.jpg "2011-10-27_016")
.jpg "2011-10-27_011")
.jpg "2011-10-27_009")
.jpg "2011-10-27_012")
.jpg "2011-10-27_013")
.jpg "2011-10-27_010")
.jpg "2011-10-27_014")
.jpg "2011-10-27_006")
.jpg "2011-10-27_030")
.jpg "2011-10-27_007")
.jpg "2011-10-27_008")
.jpg "true beauty quote")
.jpg "beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit")
.jpg "2011-10-20_001")
.jpg "2011-10-16_044")
.jpg "2011-10-13_001")
.jpg "2011-10-16_026")
.jpg "2011-10-13_002")
.jpg "2011-10-16_024")
.jpg "2011-10-16_025")
.jpg "2011-10-16_037")
.jpg "2011-10-16_027")
.jpg "2011-10-13_004")
.jpg "2011-10-16_029")
.jpg "2011-10-16_028")
.jpg "2011-10-16_035")
.jpg "2011-10-16_030")
.jpg "2011-10-15_004")
.jpg "2011-10-16_036")
.jpg "2011-10-17_002")
.jpg "2011-10-13_003")
.jpg "2011-10-16_040")
.jpg "2011-10-17_001")
.jpg "2011-10-16_042")
.jpg "2011-10-16_031")
.jpg "2011-10-15_002")
.jpg "2011-10-15_003")
.jpg "2011-10-17_005")
.jpg "2011-10-16_038")
.jpg "2011-10-09_006")
.jpg "2011-10-16_043")
.jpg "2011-10-17_004")
.jpg "2011-10-17_003")
.jpg "2011-10-16_033")
.jpg "2011-10-16_032")
.jpg "2011-10-16_034")
.jpg "2011-10-16_039")
.jpg "2011-10-16_041")
.jpg "first birthday party burlap")
.jpg "first birthday farm theme")
.jpg "farm themed birthday party")
.jpg "2011-10-16_004")
.jpg "2011-10-16_005")
.jpg "2011-10-16_006")
.jpg "2011-10-16_007")
.jpg "2011-10-16_008")
.jpg "2011-10-16_011")
.jpg "first birthday party farm")
.jpg "2011-10-16_014")
.jpg "2011-10-16_015")
.jpg "2011-10-16_023")
.jpg "2011-10-16_020")
.jpg "2011-10-16_019")
.jpg "2011-10-16_018")
