I have to admit, I love Etsy! My grandmother got me addicted. Yes, my grandmother! Even if I’m not planning on making a purchase, I find myself getting lost in all of the fun goodies- little dresses for Eden, yummy decorations for parties and adorable little creations that put a smile on my face.

Today I hopped on over to look at a product a client emailed me (Thanks Jamie) and just fell in love with what landed on the home page. Ah, so peaceful- so inspiring. Don’t you just love the color combo of white and green, with a touch of yellow? It’s so refreshing! Anyways, I loved it so much, I wanted to share it with you!

Thanks Gran…and Jamie, my addiction may be growing!

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!

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!!

This post has been a long time coming, but when I started getting emails and Facebook messages, asking when a new addition to this blog was going up, I knew I needed to fill everyone in on my life for the past month!

Photography is a wonderful part of my life and I enjoy it so much. Capturing precious moments makes my heart so happy and is a much needed creative outlet! God has blessed this endeavor more than we ever could have imagined, with more bookings than I anticipated and opportunities to meet such incredible people week in and week out!

It does mean lots of work and more late nights than I think I can sometimes muster! But, it’s rewarding and I love it!

The past 3 weeks or so, however, my entire family has been super sick. We’ve been to doctor appointments, had IV’s for dehydration, spent days in bed and have generally just been out of commission. Since my family is my priority, photography was “paused” while I tended to sick children and a sick hubby. This means: no blog posts, not a lot of editing, a lack of galleries being posted and the list goes on.

When I look at my “to do’s” I’m overwhelmed,  yet I know that it was not only necessary, but my responsibility to care for those I love so dearly first. Family first. Period!

So, for those of you who have sent cards and emails, made phone calls, texted words of encouragement and have extended grace…  thank you!

We’re getting back into the swing of things, and I’m working hard to get caught up. I appreciate your understanding and your patience.

And… just so you can get a glimpse of those sweet ones I’ve been taking care of, I wanted to share these precious pics with you as well: Collin, Griffin, Eden Grace, Matthan and my incredible husband, Rahul.

Blessings,

Annie

Yesterday morning I met up with a super sweet couple back in my hometown. Full of ideas and excitement Jamie, Paul and I got busy amidst the incredible wind storm it seemed we were facing. There are so many breathtaking images from this engagement session, but when I saw this one, it was screaming “Share me first!” And so… here it is!

There just aren’t words for the powerful statement this image makes. The clothing choices, the props, the scenery, the raccoon prints along the track, the smoky sky… I’m in love!!

Hope this is enough to hold you over until the rest are ready!!

Well, the blog has been calling for an update, but it seems that between all the editing, sessions and sick kiddos around our house it’s been pretty hard! I did want you to see though, that while there might be a break in posting, there is never a break in breathtaking newborns, adorable families, sweet kiddos and beautiful couples. Here’s what I’m working on these days… just a glimpse!

Sweet baby Kaylee. I could just eat her up! Thanks Joel and Kristine for letting us stop by, catch up and snag a few pics of your little angel!

My gorgeous cousin and her twin girls. Always an honor to have the chance to capture images for people you not only know, but that you love so much as well!

McKinley’s first birthday! Seriously, how adorable is this little girl??

Here’s her big brother Mason. I haven’t seen him since his first birthday session. Boy, has he grown. Still as handsome as ever though!

One of my favorite times of the year, candid captures at WEE World. Nothing like a sister trying to share her love! 

Finally, a beautiful wedding! Introducing: Mr. and Mrs. Vogelsong! Congrats!!

Remember… it’s just a glimpse. Lots more to come over the next week or so!

In 2009, I created The Dream Calendar to help support Clouds of Hope, a local non-profit organization, whose focus is to provide support for groups and other organizations who care for families of children with life-altering illnesses. Allie was one of the inspirations for this charity project, as I have seen her battle through the complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura or ITP. She desired for a playground to be built in the Tampa area for children with special needs, just like herself- a playground that would be safe and fun. Our charity project was a success and through the sponsorship of local business to help create the calendar, Annie Agarwal Photography was able to donate 100% of the profits to Clouds of Hope. Over $7,000.00 was awarded to help begin initial plans for this playground.

All of that to say, today, sweet little Allie is scheduled for surgery in an attempt to help control and even cure her ITP, which she has dealt with for 3 years. This disease decreases the platelets in your body and makes blood clotting and bruising serious concerns.

Would you please stop and lift up Allie today? She will have to receive a platelet transfusion before undergoing a splenectomy, which is scheduled for sometime this morning.

If you are interested in sending the family a message or in keeping up with Allie’s progress, please visit her CaringBridge Site.

For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Javier and Juana were my first wedding of 2010 and I was so excited to capture their special day. I knew from spending time with them during their engagement session that their wedding would be fun, stylish and of course, that they would shine in front of the camera. Javier and Juana did not disappoint.

Since this happens to be the first wedding post of the year, I’m going to offer the first comment incentive of 2010! 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!

So, with that in mind- check out their awesome pics and start posting!! Thanks Javier and Juana for starting off 2010 in style!

I met up with the bride early Saturday morning at Bellisima Salon where she started getting ready.
I love these images of her. She was beaming the entire time!

Then we headed over to the stunning Terrace Hotel, where Juana slipped into her beautiful dress amidst the most glorious sunlight you have ever seen!

Loved all of these details!

Juana was waiting on her dad to walk her down the aisle when I noticed this burst of light  just above the parking garage by Hollis Gardens, where Javier was anxiously awaiting her arrival. It was just stunning!

The big moment… Javier spotting his bride for the first time.

I couldn’t resist sharing this image from the ceremony. It’s one of my favorites!

This one is too!

Mr. and Mrs. Rosado! Javier stopped as they walked back down the aisle and embraced his wife. What a super sweet moment.

Beautiful bouquet created at Flower’s by Edith. 

What a gorgeous bride.

Javier, still modeling away! 

I am in love with the expressions in this image. Simple. Fun. Happy!

While walking around after the ceremony, Javier told us he had spotted a cool place to take some images. (I LOVE it when the groom is this involved.) The fire station was such a great idea and after having some fun with their red door and garages, we walked around the corner to spot a fireman outside. With a grin I looked over at the bride and groom and asked if we might be able to take some pictures on one of their engines. He was thrilled to help and drove one right outside for us to use!  What a cool surprise!

Now this is how to have some fun with your couple shots! 

The bride and groom also requested a “sign” picture and this one just makes me smile!

Finally, it was on to the reception. Here are a few fun details from the evening. I couldn’t resist Table #10, since it was the very beginning of the new year!

Such a sweet first dance!

Loved these centerpieces and the rings hanging from them.

Cake time…

The perfect ending to a perfect day. Congratulations Juana and Javier. May the Lord bless your marriage for many, many years to come!

————————————————-

Hair and Make-Up: Bellisima Salon, Lakeland, FL
Hotel: Terrace Hotel, Lakeland, FL
Ceremony: Hollis Gardens, Lakeland, FL
Reception: Peggy Brown Building, Lakeland, FL
Flowers: Flowers by Edith, Lakeland, FL
Catering: Southern Gourmet Catering
Videographer: Motion Video Productions

Loved this slideshow so much, I had to share it on the blog!

Enjoy!