by Philip | Aug 23, 2017 | Family Portraits, newborn, Uncategorized
One of the happiest times we had last year was getting to know Lindsey and Brett. We photographed their wedding, quickly became friends. That doesn’t happen with everyone. But these two have a special place in our hearts. So not too long ago, when we all sat down for dinner one night, they told us they were pregnant. I think we may have been just excited as they were! We knew instantly they would be amazing parents, and a couple of weeks ago we got to witness it first hand! When we met Finn, we immediately fell in love with him! How can you not?! His soft, fluffy hair, his peaceful eyes, and smile are just the tip of the iceberg with him too. Lindsey and Brett couldn’t stop gushing about him when we talked with them. We discovered that Lindsey was surprised that she and Finn grew such a quick bond. There is this understanding of one another that is beyond the obvious. His little touches, her soft words, and his little grunts all have a deeper meaning that is felt. “I could just stare at him all day!” she told us. His variety of faces never leave her bored. It’s an adventure every time they get to connect with one another in her arms, and she cherishes these moments. But Finn alone is not what she loves to stare at. Their first night home from the hospital, Lindsey entered their bedroom to find Finn in Brett’s arms as he sang to him. She lost it. She told us it just hit that this is her family…. hers. She gets to have Brett along side her as they grow along with Finn. And Brett, being the intentional guy that he is, is tender with Finn. Even though they are “play buddies” they still have this quick moments where Brett is overwhelmed with pride and soaks in his new son. “It just keeps hitting me that he is my son… I have a son!” Brett said as he was describing these moments. He never knows when it will hit but when it does the excitement overwhelms him. We loved seeing both of their relationships with Finn as well as the whole family together. This time is so precious for them! But on to the cutest baby around! Here are some of our favorites from their sessions as well as the artwork we help them design for their living room!
And here is their artwork hanging in their living room (thanks Lindsey for sending us a photo!) We loved the design we all came up with together at their Design Consult!
Cheers!
Savannah and Philip
by Philip | Aug 3, 2017 | Uncategorized
When Logan contacted us about doing a family session for her growing family, she just couldn’t stop gushing about Madelyn “Zu-Zu”. And as soon as we met her, we couldn’t stop either! Zu-Zu is a year and half old that is full of life and wonder. Chubby cheeks that turn red when she’s excited and big, round eyes that light up when she is happily playing with Thurston the Third (their lovable Corgi). Her joy is infectious! And that is what Logan really wanted us to capture.
That joy is because Zu-Zu is an explorer. She is intentional in everything, intuitive in her interactions, innocent in her response. But probably most importantly in this time, she is independent. She is learning what it means to walk on her own. To touch and feel the world around her with no abandon. When she finds something new, her eyes light up! And that joy becomes evident in her beautiful smile. It is such a fun experience for her and her parents!
When we talked to Reed, he told us his favorite part of a day is when Logan comes home from work. Zu-Zu’s true self comes out then, he says. Zu-Zu is gregarious, happy. When she’s Logan come in the door she gets so giddy she can’t help herself! Logan and Zu-Zu, in this moment, have a connection that is like they are equals. Zu-Zu matches Logan’s energy. And Reed gets to see this everyday. A proud dad and husband meet in this moment – it is so understandable why he loves this time so much!
And Logan told us Reed is the calm presence for the family. When Zu-Zu was born, the purposeful, yet free-spirited Reed surprised Logan with his peaceful demeanor. She loved the moment they met for the first time and to see Reed be so calm and present for the family. What an amazing moment to witness for a new mother?! And it rings true, Reed is the one that brings stability – he is with Zu-Zu during the day. It was so cool to see Logan’s loving expressions towards Reed.
This family loves being together. So when we designed their artwork at their Design Consult, we all were focused on displaying the unique dynamic of this family right now – Zu-Zu’s growing independence, Logan and Zu-Zu’s unique connection, Reed being that calm presence for the family, and Logan and Reed being a team as they go into this new journey together. We loved how it turned out! The story of the family comes together so nicely.
Logan, Reed, Zu-Zu, and Thurston we cannot wait to see how your family continues to grow. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey!
Cheers!
Savannah and Philip
by Philip | Jul 17, 2017 | Uncategorized
When your love story begins with “We met each other at a Salsa club,” you know that it’s a love filled with passion! Sofia and Ryan wanted us to do an intimate session with them to celebrate their recent elopement, and it was so fun to get to discover and capture their passion for one another! Once you learn that they left everything they knew in Detroit to follow a new adventure in Memphis you begin to get a glimpse of how they are everything to one another. They live life to the fullest and allow every day to be as exciting as it can be!
“I love you! I love you!”
“His eyes across the room say ‘I love you! I love you!'” Sofia said as she was describing how Ryan makes her feel like a princess. And this is evident whenever you are around them. Ryan is selfless in his care for Sofia. This was shown to her immediately as she noticed the respect and intrigue he showed her from day one. It translates itself in the little things. Ryan isn’t afraid to show his love physically – rub her back, cuddle on the couch, and dancing. This gives Sofia confidence in herself. Ryan is also a visionary type of guy and he makes it very clear that his vision for his life is centered around her. What better gift can you give your lover than to let them know they are central to your life?! Sofia wakes every day knowing she is his number one.
“She has made me a more affectionate person.”
This openness of Ryan, he would admit, is new. It’s because of Sofia. He told us he is more affectionate now than he ever was, and happily so! Sofia’s free spirit is a big part of this. She is the first girl that embraced his impulsive personality and encourages it! She comes alongside him and brings an extra “spice”, as he called it, to his life. Her loving expressiveness has grown this affectionate side to him. He can’t help it. His gratefulness for her overwhelms him! They feed each other’s common free spirits. But they only want to be free if they can be free together.
Sofia and Ryan, you two are inspiring in your love! As you begin your next journey in Memphis, we know that it will just increase your passion for one another. Congratulations!
Cheers!
Savannah and Philip
by Philip | Jun 28, 2017 | Uncategorized
Going into her senior year at White Station High School, Felicity is really coming into her own, which really flows out of her family-centric upbringing. Being the youngest in a large family she didn’t have much choice but to become independent and mature for her age. She has three older sisters that have molded her. Each sister has a piece of their personalities in her. An older brother who is one half protector and one half antagonizer (like all older brothers!). A mother that has always encouraged her to be the best she can be and has always believed in her potential. And a father that has never stopped encouraging her to enjoy the little things, laugh, and don’t be afraid to be yourself. And with all of this love surrounding her, Felicity has such a future in front of her!
Both of Felicity’s parents mentioned her independent, confident attitude. She is smart, not naive about how the world works, and a loyal person. Her mom told us how she is proud of who she has become – a person who can stand alone in her convictions. She can trust Felicity to handle any situation well and believes she is ready to live and face the world. Her Pop (father) has loved to see her navigate high school with such a passion filled with compassion. Felicity brings a maturity to her relationships that is rare for her age. She doesn’t settle for gossip but strives for genuine reconciliation with any conflict. And that’s because she truly cares.
For all of Felicity’s resilience, it cannot be seen in a vacuum. There’s this smile that her mom sees that displays this tenderness. “It is confident, but comfortable. It shows she is open and at peace with herself,” her mom told us. Those quiet moments where Felicity will sit with you, give her whole self to that time, and allow you to see who she is. That one-on-one time with her can be magical because she gives herself to the moment – a rare gift that is given for people her age, but its natural for her.
It’s natural for her because she has the ability to not take herself too seriously, a trait her Pop loves most about her. That whimsical side means much more to him than merely a young woman who loves to have a good time. It displays this peace she has about herself, and this freedom to be open with others. And most importantly, it shows that she wants to put others first. She is not guarded because its not about her or her image. Her compassionate side flows directly for this confidence and peace. And they feed one another. How could a parent not be proud to see such a fruitful cycle in their child’s life?!
Felicity, your future is bright because you are bright! We cannot wait to see what the days ahead hold for you and we know those days will be filled with more love, laughter, and passion because of you. Congratulations!
by Philip | May 9, 2017 | Uncategorized
Baby Nash is nothing short of a miracle baby! Dianne and Paul’s story leading up to Nash’s birth left me in tears the first time I heard it. Years ago Paul was diagnosed with cancer, he fought it, and right before their wedding the couple found out his cancer had come back. Treatment at the amazing Vanderbilt Hospital led to Paul amazingly beating cancer. As the couple prayed about what was next for them in life, a baby was next! And after just one round of IVF baby Nash became their future. As Dianne told us about how every single stage of the IVF went better than planned we were amazed by the amount of blessings that had been poured into their life after so much heart ache.
One look at Nash and you instantly see Paul. Dianne told us about watching Paul with Nash how when he hold his son she can see that the void that was in his life is now filled. Nash being a part of their family brings together all the broken pieces of life and supplies them with the peace they were looking for. Seeing Nash everyday has helped to show them just how much they have to be grateful for! And for Paul, Dianne is his rock. She has faithfully stood beside him through so much and seen him through the worst of times. And now these two get to be strong for each other again as they embark on the great journey of parenthood!
Cheers,
Savannah and Philip
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