So, no one would believe me if I told you after our bout with a 2 week illness, that we’re on day 9 again!  I’m telling you, our house has never seen the likes of anything this icky before and we’re prayerful that it stays far, far away in the future! In the midst of a horrible stomach bug (actually 6 horrible stomach bugs- 1 for each of us),  two little boys with double ear infections, and a fever that sent us to the E.R., I’ve got a “to- do list” a mile long! Tons of edits, album designs, orders to package and mail- oh, and an attempt to celebrate our 8th anniversary and plan a birthday party for all 4 of my kids!

Breathe in, breathe out… that’s what I keep reminding myself!

Today, despite the sicknesses that are currently plaguing our family, I was able to catch a few moments to work on several sneak peeks- all of which you’ll find below. But first, in honor of my sweet hubby, who has stood by my side for 8 years “in sickness and in health” I wanted to share an image from our wedding day! Yep,  2,921 days ago, I married the most incredible man in this entire world… a man who makes me laugh until my side hurts, who is tender and caring, a thoughtful husband, spectacular dad and a strong man of God. What a precious blessing he is in my life!
Here we are then:

And here we are now! I love this man!!

Ok, so now on to your pics! The ones you came by to see! I decided to do one post to just catch everyone up to speed on the sessions I’ve got in the mix… little teasers for now, with full posts coming soon. (When everyone in my house is healthy again!)

First, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Mathews on a very chilly, windy day!

I love this one of them walking together after the ceremony. So sweet!

Next, Miss Aspen turned 1 and I got to be there to capture all the fun!

Rachel and Dan tied the knot at a charming venue that I can’t wait to share! P.S. Happy Birthday Rachel!

Kenny and Kamay had a stunning wedding right by the water! The wind was perfect for this image wouldn’t you say?!

I spent some time celebrating Martin’s upcoming graduation with a ROCKIN’ senior session!

And this weekend, right before that ER visit I mentioned, I was able to meet up with Melissa and Wakefield for an engagement session. I love Melissa’s smile in this one, so genuine!

This one’s for you Wakefield!

For those of you waiting on orders, some were mailed today, the rest will be packaged and shipped out by next week.

If you haven’t joined our FB page, be sure to do so as well. Stay tuned more pics will be coming soon.

Blessings,

Annie

We’ve known Miss M’s mom and dad, Mandy and Micah, since our days back at F.S.U. We met them through the BCM there and have kept in touch over the years. Occasionally, when they’re in the area I have the privilege of capturing some sweet memories and of course, catching up with precious friends. When Mr. M turned 1, Mandy planned a special session with just the two of them; so this year, with another first birthday on the horizon it only seemed fair that Miss M would have a session with her daddy.

Of course, we had to start off with just a few of her in this adorable little tutu! Isn’t she darling?

Yep, I think those eyes have probably melted a few hearts already!

The fact that Miss M would leave this tiara on nearly cracked me up. She’s a princess indeed!

These next 2 are some of my favorites from our early morning together!

Ok, I should have said these next 4 are my faves, because these with her daddy are just so fun.

Have you ever tried to keep a 1 year old still… good luck! It’s best to just go with the flow and capture the sweet moments that happen. Just like these!

Another favorite! I love how Miss M’s daddy is admiring her…precious.

This one is so sweet to me too. I love how Miss M is  taking a stroll with Micah and the snack in her hand makes it so perfect, so 1 year old right?!

It’s so fun to be one!

Now, meet Mr. M (aka the Big Brother). 

Lovin that smile!

This one is hands down my favorite image of the big boy!

Somehow, Micah “ended up” in these shots and I’m so glad he did. The smiles are so genuine! It’s easy to see that this little guy adores his dad.

It’s always play time with the boys right?

Lovin this one too!

And… a few family shots to close out our time together. 

I love how Mr. M is climbing… such a boy!

This is such a fun shot. Family images don’t always have to be posed! I bet this is what the kids will remember about their childhood anyways, so how neat to capture it forever!

A kiss is always the perfect ending to a perfect session.

Thanks guys for a great morning! I can’t wait until the next time birthday season rolls around!

Don’t forget to leave some love (post a comment)! For 25 comments, this sweet family will  receive a free 5×7, for 50 comments they’ll receive a free 8×10!

I’ve known Jenn’s family for many years and was so honored when I was asked to capture her wedding to Josh!
We decided to get together to document this exciting time in their life back in my hometown.
Usually, before a session I try to scope out the area, get some ideas and have an “official plan.” Yet, I knew that Jenn would just light up the camera no matter where we were, so I decided instead to go with only one goal in mind: to make each image evoke an emotion. Yes, this is always my ultimate goal, but when you’re focused on it completely it’s amazing how you see things so differently!

As we ventured around my old stompin grounds I remembered a statement one of my high school teachers told me, “Annie, you’re a city girl stuck in a country town!” It struck me as hilarious when I was driving down muddy dirt roads, with tire tracks from huge trucks during this session! I kept thinking, “Man, it’s been a long time since I’ve done this!!” It’s also funny, how a place that is so common to you, can at certain times feel so different and unique. Such was the case with this session- places I’ve seen many times before, but in these moments, inspired me in a new way. Yes, this may seem like a Hallmark card, but whether I’m walking around the places I grew up or walking through the door to my husband and 4 kiddos, home inspires! Here’s the proof:

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We started off the morning at the cowpens where Josh proposed. Yes, you heard me… the cowpens! Well, now you at least understand the title of this post!

I knew that they would be the perfect backdrop!

Seriously! Where else could you find this much character? Throw in a gorgeous couple and you’ve got one hot session!

Don’t you just love Jenn’s dimple? So precious when she smiles!

Quite possibly my favorite of the day. (Ok, there are tons of favorites!)

Style!

Between the dress and the boots, I could have taken shots like this all day long!

Here’s that emotion I was working on capturing. I think they delivered!

The journey down the muddy roads led us to the watermelon fields.

Oh how I love this!

Then we rounded out the agricultural aspect of our morning amidst the strawberries. Yep, another favorite image. Wow! I love the way the wind was blowing Jenn’s dress! 

Their dog Bonnie had to make it into at least one picture. I think she was itching for a turn in front of the camera. 

My goodness. The love is dripping off this picture…

…and this one too!

I’m thinking Jenn could be a model.

Ending with a little fun!

Either Josh is super happy to marry Jenn or he’s glad the session is over. Let’s go with the first one!

Thanks guys for such a wonderful time. You totally rocked it in front of the camera.

P.S. A special thanks to Josh and his mom for the delicious strawberries and onions!

Don’t forget to leave some love (post a comment)! For 25 comments, Jenn and Josh will  receive a free 5×7, for 50 comments they’ll receive a free 8×10!

Oh, this post has been a long time coming! Thank you to the new couple for being so patient while my family recovered and the sessions and weddings just kept stacking up!

You might remember Daniel and Amanda from their awesome engagement session. They were so sweet with one another then, that I knew their wedding  would be no different. My husband, Rahul and I traveled up to Jacksonville for their big day. It was the first time we’d tried our hand at shooting together and it was so much fun! He had the guys totally at ease in front of the camera and kept the smiles coming with his stellar personality!

Amanda and Daniel chose a black and white pallet for their wedding. It was a stunning and classic selection. I already wanted to incorporate some musical touches, because of Daniel’s passion for it, so I knew the piano was going to play a part in the detail shots. Since the keys are black and white, I thought this would be the perfect way to incorporate some more of their colors into the day as well.

As I began editing these images, I suddenly became even more inspired by their choice of colors.

Do I believe every image is best in black and white? No!

Do I believe that black and white often conveys an emotion that color just does not? Yes!

So, image after image when I finished the color edit, I also converted to black and white. The latter began to speak to me more and more, until I embraced my crazy idea and decided to take a risk! Yes, a risk! I’m going to post all of their images on the blog in black and white!!

Breathe!

The awesome bride and groom will see plenty of color pictures, but for today, let these stunning and timeless images capture your heart, just as they did mine!

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Amanda’s day started off with some preparations at a little salon right by the church.

When I saw this sweet lady, I couldn’t resist! I loved that she was reading “Star!” And… this invention baffled me for the entire time. I came home and looked it up. Anyone care to guess what it is?

The day was supposed to be characterized by sunshine and lots of outdoor images, however, the gray sky and endless rain totally changed our plans! Amanda stayed so calm it was impressive, even when her plans for an outdoor reception moved to Plan B!
The dress!Of course, I couldn’t resist the sheet music!
All those detail shots I’d been dreaming up!

Possibly one of my favorite ring shots to date!

My hubby got these awesome shots of the groom getting ready. 

With his gift from Amanda:

I always love images of the bride slipping into her gown, especially when her mom is there to help. 

Amanda and Daniel requested to see one another before the ceremony. I love, love this choice!!
Here’s the beautiful bride waiting on her groom.

Oh how I love her priceless expression! Moments like these are what it’s all about!

A little kiss to calm every one down!

Lovin’ this sequence of images. It reminds me of some of their engagement ones! 

Another tender moment.  Favorite parts of wedding days for me are characterized by unplanned glimpses, sweet caresses and gleaming smiles!
A little bridal party action…yes it stopped raining long enough to snap about 5 pictures of the groomsmen before we all ran back in for cover!

Isn’t she lovely?

Getting a little touch up from her daughter before the ceremony.

I normally don’t include after the ceremony family images in my blog posts, but I just loved this one of the sisters.Attempting a few more outdoor images, but the rain just wouldn’t let up!

Loved this umbrella! Seriously, could it have been more perfect? Black and white, music notes? I love happy accidents!

A few reception details. I love Miss R holding the rings!

Such a great candy bar! Cake time! Don’t these have such a great retro feel?
Mr. J enjoyed jumping off the stage and Miss R loved wearing her Mommy’s veil during the reception.
The new Vogelsong family picture!

And, the great exit! I love Daniel’s jump! 

Congrats to the newlyweds! Thanks for trusting us with your special day and for the privilege of being a little creative here on the blog! May your marriage be filled with joy today and always!

If you view this post and leave a response on the blog the new Mr. and Mrs. will benefit! For 25 comments, they’ll receive a free 8×10, for 50 comments they’ll receive a free 11×14!

Just a quick note to let you know I’m here- just busier than I ever imagined being!

I’ve got 2 sessions and 4 weddings in the works, including edits, album designs, blog posts and more. There just aren’t enough hours in the day!!

For fun, I wanted to share 2 places where I’ve been featured online, thanks to the awesome Kamay and Kenny and their rockin Ybor images.

The first is Clumps of Mascara, a blog about all things beauty, including the most extensive review of mascara online.

The second site, I discovered this morning. Ybor City Buzz keeps you up to date on activities and events occurring in Ybor, including images from photographers who have found it to be a wonderful backdrop for sessions.

I can’t wait to share Kenny and Kamay’s wedding images! They were just as stunning on their big day!

Now- back to editing!!