Happy 2012! What a great New Year’s Day!

Last night I promised  fun changes for Annie Agarwal Photography and more goodies from Rebecca and Ryan’s engagement session. I’m sticking to my word!

This year, I’m excited to introduce “Sweet Sites” as an add on to my wedding packages. No more blah websites to share information with your guests, these are chock full of sweet little details, including your engagement images, slideshows and a modern chic design. What could be better right?

Rebecca and Ryan are the first couple of 2012 to launch their site and it rocks!

Here’s a little glimpse:

If you’re tying the knot in 2012, this is one sweet idea you’ll want to indulge in!

I thought this engagement session would be the perfect way to close out 2011 and welcome in the New Year; besides, I’ve been itching to share it!

There is no doubt, Rebecca and Ryan were rock stars in front of the camera. She has stunning eyes, that look deep into the lens with subtle confidence and stunning beauty. Ryan, stands tall and strong, but can bring about a smile in her that beautifully depicts their love. There were moments where I felt as if  simply standing from a distance watching a story unfold… warm snuggles, genuine laughter and tender touches that would melt any romantics heart ensued.

I love capturing love.

This is indeed, the perfect way to start 2012 and tomorrow, even more wonderful goodies from this session!

Enjoy ringing in the New Year with these fireworks!

Can’t wait for this 1-14-12 wedding!

Ah, the New Year is upon us; yet it’s almost mind boggling that 2011 is coming to a close. In the past few months, our family has been on a roller coaster ride, with so many twists and turns my head has barely stopped spinning. Oh how we’re longing for a peaceful and calm 2012 with the beauty of new beginnings, fresh starts and unique opportunities. I would be remiss though not to mention how very blessed and thankful we are for the beautiful gift of Christmas, sent to us in the form of Baby Jesus, so many years ago.  The celebration of His birth has calmed the storms, helped bring joy in trials and has been refreshing in the midst of sickness amongst our family that just wouldn’t stop.

This season, we’re thankful for Him, just as we are each and every day; and we’re also thankful for our sweet clients who have continuously extended grace and understanding in the midst of our crazy chaos!

There will be many changes this year, especially for Annie Agarwal Photography, but our desire to serve and bring glory to Him will remain the same.

I look forward to sharing priceless memories with you and yours, capturing abundant moments and celebrating the journey of 2012!

Blessings today and always,

Annie

And since no post is complete without a picture or two, here are some warm wishes from our family for a Merry [belated] Christmas and of course, a wonderful New Year! 

Matthan: 2; Griffin: 6; Eden Grace: 4; Collin: 7

I love capturing families, but I’m a total softy when there are four sweet ones. I’m constantly reminded of my own precious blessings while I spend time with theirs. This awesome family was so much fun to work with- the kids were downright adorable and phenomenally well behaved, despite the monster sized mosquitoes that attempted to carry us away! Flexibility and patience played a huge key in making this a success and Katie, Luke, Sarah and Emma were up for the challenge. They went with the flow and charmed me with their toothless smiles and spunky personalities. Their mom had it right when she said in her email, “Let’s just have fun!” Fun, that’s exactly what a family session should be!

So, here’s a little sneak at our delightful time together!

I adore this first image because it speaks so directly to the relationship that these children have with their father. You can literally sense the love, adoration and respect they have for him by the way they circled around and snuggled up.

  How do you get this:

and this?

You let them do this first!

Be prepared for complete cuteness!

And, I always adore a picture or two of mom and dad! What a beautiful reminder to your children of the importance of commitment and unconditional love! Besides, how often do we as parents find ourselves in front of the camera?

My favorite! This is one of those I would have to blow up and hang so I’d see it every day! What a beautiful family.

Speaking of hanging up images, it’s that time of year when Christmas is knocking at the door and everyone is looking for the perfect gift. I frequently receive emails from families who would like to print images for their home or for relatives during this season. The tendency is to get quite a few 4×6 prints and to place them in a collage style frame. This year, I propose that we change our perspective and look at the images from your session as art. From experience, a large quantity of 4×6 images simply does not have the same impact as a few carefully selected prints in larger sizes. I thought this adorable family would be a great way to explore the possibility of thinking outside of the 4×6 box!

Take for example, a master bedroom. Rather than one frame with a collection of small images, imagine waking up to something that not only adds visual impact to your room, but tugs at your heart strings as well!

What about your dining room, the place your family gathers and your guests join you for scrumptious meals and lots of laughter? Nervous about one day changing the style of the room, stick with classic black and white images from your session.

How about some of your favorite images that show the character and personality of your family in an unexpected place, like the laundry room? Now that’s one way to get inspired in an unassuming room in your home!

You see big isn’t scary! Big makes an impact. Big makes your memories larger than life and leaves you reliving them each time you catch a glimpse. Take the plunge this year, go big. You’ll be so glad that you did!

Thanks Linsey and Brent for being such good sports and for sharing your family with me! It was an honor!

Robbyn and DeAndre are tying the knot this weekend! We finally found a little time to sneak away early Saturday morning to capture some engagement images and I’m so glad we did. We were greeted with beautiful early morning light and a Fall crispness in the air. It was perfect! These two are super sweet and they have such great personalities. I’m not sure who had more fun, them in front of the camera or me from behind it! Nothing like being able to laugh with my clients!  They are clearly adorable together and I’m so looking forward to capturing their love again, in just a few days!

    Gorgeous early morning light.          Love these next two!  I adore the way DeAndre is gazing at her!    

I met up with Kristi and Aaron for their fun engagement session praying for the best of weather. The skies stayed clear and the Florida sun kept us nice and warm or shall we say, hot.  They were both a little nervous about being in front of the camera, but they are clearly naturals!  It was a wonderful session, as I got to know them better, hear about their love story and learn about the great details for their upcoming wedding. I’m so looking forward to spending that fantastic day with them and am eager to see how incredibly lovely Kristi will be as a bride!

 Love…she so reminds me of Alison Sweeney here.

 Adore how she’s looking at Aaron in this one!

  
How fantastic is that tree??

These next 3 are hands down my favorites of the whole day. I would print these as a set, really large and hang them in a prominent place in my house. Gorgeous!!!! 

 

Did Aaron do a great job or what?! Wow!

 Kristi and Aaron, thanks for a wonderful time. I’m eagerly anticipating your big day!

Jamie and Eric got married on a classic Florida day…hot and humid, with random rain showers and heat that could stop you in your tracks. But, they made the very best of it and their wedding was so incredibly wonderful. Surrounded by the sweetest friends and family members, this sweet couple really soaked in the joy of this momentous occasion. It’s always such a blessing to see a couple thrilled for their wedding day, but even more so for the journey of marriage that lies ahead.

Jamie was stunning in her Casblanca gown and her vibrant yellow shoes and smile brightened up the day, even when the skies were dark and grey. Jamie and Eric also played close attention to details, with ceramic bowls and charms for her siblings to carry, heirloom keys from her sorority pinned to her bouquet and custom designed invitations and programs that were so unique and reflected their law degrees. Seriously, they were to die for!

 Jamie and Eric desired to have a first look in the sanctuary at Idlewild. If you’ve never been, it’s an incredibly large church, but in this moment, it was so precious and intimate.

 Here are their gifts to one another. A Bible with her new name embossed on the cover and a classic storybook that Eric had never received before, perfect for this journey in their lives!

 Thankfully the rain gave way to sunshine for just enough time to capture some couple images outside.

 They’re so romantic!

 The rain started up again, just before their ceremony began so we finished up inside. I love the light coming through in these images.

 One of my faves.

My hubby captured this image just before Jamie walked down the aisle. I love that her sister and brother are also trying to peek into the sanctuary!

  Just after the close of the ceremony we slipped out for a few more couple shots, with gray skies and all. So much fun!

 You can literally feel their excitement about being husband and wife!

 I couldn’t resist this one!  These two made the day so much fun!