Franklin, Brentwood, and Nashville TN newborn, child, and family photographer

Lexi: 2 years | Nashville, TN family photographer

August 11, 2013

I’ve known this family (mom Andrea, in particular) for 4 years. I’ve done a few shoots for them before (like Lexi’s first birthday last year), but I don’t know that I’ve ever gone into our back story. Andrea was the instructor for the prenatal water aerobics class at Baptist Hospital that I took when I was pregnant with my first, Matthew, in 2009. Fast forward a couple years, and she took over the Nashville franchise of Stroller Strides, my go-to workout class. Mamas, if you are looking for a way to be healthy and you want to take your baby with you, this is the way to go! Both of my boys go with me to class and have a good time. I can’t say enough good things about it!

I met this family at Ellington Agricultural Center yesterday evening to document Lexi as a 2 year old and to get some family photos. Andrea and her husband, Nate, had engagement photos done there years ago and specifically requested that we replicate one particular photo and add Lexi to the mix. The quilt we used was made by Nate’s grandmother (LOVE that). You’ll see what we got below:

Lexi walked over to this fence post shortly after and posed. How could I not snap this photo? LOVE those soulful eyes.

Lexi brought her beloved doll along, so we made sure to capture the two of them together.

I love family hugs.

I don’t remember what started it, but Lexi got the bug to jump… so she jumped and jumped to her little heart’s content. She was having a great time. 🙂

Andrea and Lexi played a little “Ring Around the Rosie” (one of Lexi’s favorites) during our session. So sweet. I love capturing parents interacting naturally with their children.

Finally, I don’t frequently do head shots, but Andrea specifically requested one to use for business purposes. Doesn’t she look great??

Gabriel: 1 year | Franklin, TN family photographer

August 11, 2013

Whew, we lucked out with the weather yesterday! I was seriously concerned watching the radar on Friday night and Saturday morning, but I ended up with clear skies for both of my sessions.

My first session was with this sweet little guy who turned 1 just a couple weeks ago! Gabriel was in a great mood and super smiley for me. I don’t know what it is, but I frequently show a mom and baby image for the first sneak peek on Facebook. There is just something about that interaction and love. I LOVE it. It is probably one of my favorite things to photograph. Look below to see what I’m talking about!

I just bought this red rocking chair the other day, so Gabriel was the first to get to use it! He thought it was pretty fabulous and tried rocking a bit himself. I don’t know what it is about a red chair, but I think it just looks so classic. I actually have a red little chair, too, that I haven’t used with anyone in a while. I think I’ll have to pull it out soon!

Disclaimer: Gabriel’s dad was always in reach and able to get him in case he looked unsteady. We always want to make sure everyone is safe!

As you might have guessed, the following photo was requested by Gabriel’s daddy, who is a Georgia Bulldogs fan. Gabriel loved the chance to play with some toys in the middle of our session, too. 🙂 And ladies, LOOK AT THOSE EYES.

We had a great time together, as you can see!

In memory of Margaret Lee

August 9, 2013

DISCLAIMER: This post was written with the blessing and by request of my friend. She previewed every photo and read every word before I shared any of it with you.

Two months ago, I had my most difficult session. There was no bad weather or uncooperative toddler, though. I received a call that morning that one of my best friends, Laura, had lost her baby at 40 weeks and 6 days. Months prior, we had joked about doing birth photography (she didn’t think her husband would be a fan!) and had planned on a newborn session. That morning, June 10, all of those jokes and plans disappeared. Precious Margaret Lee was stillborn that day, and I went to the hospital to document a day that no mother should ever have to experience. I had never done a session like that before, but I had heard of them through a wonderful organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. Though I am not affiliated with them, it is something that has been on my mind since. All I kept thinking about was this– if you only got to see and hold your child for a few hours, you would NEED to have something, photos in this case, to remember her by. I am so thankful that Laura was receptive to this idea and that this was a gift that I could give her.

My heart was racing, absolutely pounding, as I walked into the hospital room. The tension and pain were palpable. Each breath felt forced. Margaret had been born just 30 minutes before I got there. I immediately put my equipment down and walked to Laura. As I hugged her, she beseeched me, “Isn’t she perfect??” There was no doubt in my mind. Margaret Lee was a beautiful baby with a striking resemblance to her 2 year old big sister.

Margaret was buried later that week, and I also had my camera at the funeral to preserve some more memories, per the family’s request. It was a beautiful service, perfectly befitting this precious baby. She is desperately missed.

Isabel’s 2nd birthday | Nashville, TN party photographer

August 4, 2013

Yesterday, I joined Isabel and her family as they celebrated her second birthday with a fun party. Though it had rained all morning and the early part of the afternoon, the weather cleared up perfectly for all of the outdoor fun they had planned. The kids had a great time with bubbles, riding toys, bounce house… and painting. This was no ordinary painting activity, either, as you’ll see below. Isabel’s mom provided white shirts for all of the kids to wear. A collection of brushes, tubs of paint, and spray bottles were set out, and then we all stepped back to see what the kids would do. Take a peek below to see what I’m talking about.

These super cute balloons lining the driveway served as both decorations and favors for attendees.

Isabel’s sweet cousins posed for a quick photo with me before all of the painting chaos started. 🙂

Here’s a little before and after of the set-up:

Many of the kids were excited to realize that they actually had permission to paint on their clothes! How often does that happen at home?? (See photo, bottom left)

The spray bottles became a hot commodity once the kids figured out how to use them.

The birthday girl LOVED every minute of painting. In fact, she was the very last one to stop painting, long after the others had hosed down and changed clothes. When she tired of using a brush, she switched to her hands.

Xavier’s birthday | Brentwood, TN children birthday photographer

July 3, 2013

Last year, I joined this family to celebrate Lissie’s 1st birthday. This time around, it was little brother, Xavier’s, turn. He was surrounded by family and friends for this big milestone. If time allows, I try to get some shots of the birthday boy (or girl) and family either prior to the party or afterward. Check out this little cutie peeking behind my chair. 🙂

I think this expression is hilarious! I love it. He made this face in several photos I took.

Xavier’s mom made his cake– a whale– which matched their “Under the Sea” theme. Notice the blue Twizzlers? So clever.

This family KNOWS how to celebrate. There was an impressive spread of food this year, just like there was last year. I wish I hadn’t eaten lunch prior to my arrival because it all smelled so good!

Just like at Lissie’s party, there was a pinata full of prizes for the kids to pull on.