November 4, 2009

Jax Shoot Club – at the beach

So, I was finally able to join one of the Jax Shoot Club’s shoot outs.  I’ve been trying to the past two times but the time and distance made it impossible.  Luckily they decided to meet at the beach so I could squeeze it in.  We were hoping for bright sun to get some practice working with difficult situations but the weather had other plans.  It actually turned out to be an awesome day to shoot.  I had a great time meeting other photographers and just playing around.

Thanks to Kara Pennington & La Dolce Vita Studio for putting it all together.

Makeup:  Pauline Perez &  Hair:  Sonia Garza

Here are a few of the images I walked away with.

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The End!

October 19, 2009

Okay, I’m THAT Girl

So, last week one of my facebook status’ was, “stepping into something scary, but it’s good for me”. I gave my mom a list of tasks that she could help me with for the business. At the top of the list was “check into the bridal show”. I’m thinking … she’ll call, find out the cost, and the steps I must go through the get a booth. Yeah, she calls me frantically and says, “I called the woman and she said there were only two photography booths left so I signed you up.” HOLY FREAKIN’ COW! I said – check into it – not sign me up without asking me first because I might have a heart attack right here and now. After I took a few deep breathes and calmed myself down I began to get a bit excited. I’m one of those people who sometimes needs a kick in the behind to get things really rolling. I must admit, if it had been up to me I probably wouldn’t have signed up and I’d be that much further behind on realizing my dream. My mom seemed to realize what a big deal this is for me and when I got home that afternoon here is what I found…

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and a note that read…

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I plopped down into my desk chair and the biggest smile I’d ever felt on my face was instantly there.  Mom knew exactly how to make those nerves disappear and the excitement for all the possibilities to bubble up.  I don’t think I’ve ever loved getting flowers so much in all my life.  Sorry, guys.  I’m super duper thankful for my mom giving me that gentle nudge and for cushioning the fall.  Love you, mom!

So yeah, I’m THAT girl.  The one who loves to get flowers and they pretty much can make my day.  Hint for all you amazing guys who are beating my door down.  JK (that’s Just Kidding for all of you who may not know the whole text language we’ve developed during the 21st century)

P.S.  Don’t ever pass up the opportunity to make someone smile until their eyes squeeze shut.

P.S.S.  Come see me at the bridal show in January!

Happy Monday!

October 16, 2009

Rachel-the yogi

Rachel & I have been best buds for a LONG LONG LONG time.  We were children jumping on the trampoline and swimming in the pool.  We were high schoolers on our way to Alaska for an adventure.  Now we’re adults embarking on a new journey of being our own bosses and doing the things we love so much.

Rach has always been a fit girl and health and medicine seem to run in the family.  So, it was no surprise when she decided on a field that would care for people in pain and help others reach their goals of becoming healthier.  She has worked in athletic training, the medical field and is now focusing on in-home personal training.  Let me tell you…she came to my place and kicked my butt.  I thought I was going to throw up during those mountain climbers. Anyway, she did an amazing job and I can’t wait to see how this body shapes up.  (I guess I actually have to do the exercises to make it happen)

For now, here are some of the pictures I captured for Rachel’s new website.  Enjoy!

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Check out Rachel’s in-home training site here.

October 6, 2009

Jessica & Josh

I couldn’t be happier for Jessica & Josh.  Jessica is someone I’ve respected for quite awhile now.  I’ve mentioned her a number of times in my blog when I spoke about a friend who had just the right word of encouragement when I needed it.  I’ve admired the way she’s walked boldly before the Lord and has always sought His best for her and trusted Him unwaveringly.  Of course that trust would make it’s way into her finding the man of her dreams.  Well, God has answered and she couldn’t be happier.

Josh is perfect for Jessica.  They seem to balance each other out and they love the same things.  I truly believe it’s a match made in heaven.

I’m so excited that I get to celebrate with them at their wedding in November.  This time I’ll be the one of those lucky friends who gets to stand beside the radiant bride and support her as she makes such a wonderful step in her life.  I’m so stoked that I got the opportunity to bless them by doing some engagement pictures.  We had such a blast roaming around St. Augustine and playing with some great light.

Jessica and Josh, Thanks for letting me play and have fun with you guys that night.  I love you both and pray the best for your life together.  Hugs and kisses…

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Gonna be a beautiful bride – right?

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A handsome groom too.

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112209JH-135Can we say – HOLY COW – that’s hot.  Definitely my favorite.

Just the beginning…

October 2, 2009

Baby Cora

All smiles and little bouts of the jig is what I was all about when I got the email from Cora’s mom asking me to do some pictures of them.  I couldn’t wait to get together and capture their beautiful little girl.  Just wait until you see her.  She’s strikingly gorgeous and smily too.  Then you add in her sweet parents and all you could ever get would be perfection and joy.

Kayla, Cora’s mom, was friends with my friend, Naomi.  We met under unfortunate circumstances, but I love that Naomi’s life and legacy has connected so many new friends.  I am always astounded at how Naomi’s life continues to effect me.

By the way, Kayla is a sewer.  She makes some of the cutest things.  When we decided to lay down on the ground she pulled out the cutest quilt that she had made for Cora Mae.  She also makes a lot of other stuff.  You should check it out right here.

But before you do that check out this lovely family.

Kayla & Earl, Thank you so much for allowing me to capture your family during this time in your lives.  I hope to continue our friendship and consider myself blessed to know another one of Naomi’s friends.  Your friend was very smart when she had you two meet.  I can see that you guys were good friends.  Until later, Meghan.

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091909CDP-092Lovely family.

The End.

September 24, 2009

an update

Saturday, after a session with one of the most beautiful baby girls God has ever created I settled in to finish up some editing, download Snow Leopard, and get started on the session from the a.m. before an afternoon session.  All was going well.  Edit – check.  Oh, I think I’ll go ahead and back everything up – check. Download Snow Leopard – crashed hard drive.  :(  HOLY COW!  At least I was all backed up.  It’s so nice when you hear God and you’re obedient but you don’t even know He’s speaking.  Thank you, Lord!

All that to say…the computer has been out of order and I’ve been trying to figure out exactly what to do with it all.  I’m finally coming to the end of my “figuring out” and closing in on getting back to the sorting and editing.  Thanks to all those of you who are waiting on pictures.  I SO appreciate your patients.  You’re the best.  Check back soon for a lot of sneak peaks.

Here’s to hoping you never have troubles like mine.  PLEASE  back up often!

September 10, 2009

Spread Some Love in Jax

Okay, some of you might know my story by now.  I was the associate photographer for my dear friend, Naomi Williams, for 3 years.  I loved working for her and consider myself abundantly blessed to have had the opportunity to do so.  If you keep up with my blog at all you’ll remember that Naomi was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in March and passed on July 1st.  It was (and still is) a difficult thing to walk through but I’m also so excited about what the future holds.  It is now my dream to build my own photography business and carry her legacy with me.  I’m in the midst of organizing and gathering, planning and dreaming.  It can all be a little overwhelming at times and during those hours of frustration I often take a break to stalk the blogs that give me inspiration.  I scrolled the mouse down the page to the cute little icon for one of my faves…justin and mary.  As I began to read the recent blog I was like, “What?  I could get them to come to Jax? I could really use them right now.”  They do a workshop called Spread the Love and right now they are having people send in their votes of where they should go on their tour in 2010.  On top of that you get to possibly win prizes for voting – and who doesn’t LOVE to win prizes.

So, for all you Jacksonville Photographers, head on over to www.justinmarantz.com and vote for them to come to Jax and Spread some Love around here. Guys, we’re pretty low – well VERY low – on the list so get all your friends over there to vote.

I hope to see you all at Spread the Love when they come to the sunny south!  Meg

September 7, 2009

Happy Birthday, Madison!

Well, Madsion is 2 now.  She has grown so much over the past year that I can hardly believe it.  Having documenting her last year I’ve realized how important it is to take the time to capture your children as they grow – because they grow SO fast.

From the first time I met Madison she was all smiles and she still greets me with a big grin.  When I walked in the door to celebrate with Madison and her family, she came running toward me with a big smile and gave me a hug.  My heart melted all over again.  We had such a good time watching her open her presents.  She seemed to pass right over the adorable outfits and head straight to the toys.  The funniest thing was this cup she was fascinated with.  I think she liked pretending it was her coffee cup.  It was a lovely party and I was so honored to be a part of their lives once again.

Joe, Michelle, and Madison, Thank you again for making me feel so welcome in your home and allowing me to document Madison’s second year of her life. I look forward to seeing you guys again.  Many blessings, Meghan

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The coffee mug!

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September 4, 2009

Warren – A Senior?

I remember where I was and the fact that I had a ridiculous Santa hat on when I first met Warren.  OK, so I was 12 and he was a new born.  Oh my gosh, I think I just told how old I am.  Anyway, back to Warren.  Warren is definitely not the same little guy he was 17 years and 10 months ago.  Yes, he still does Warrenesk things and he still has that artist in him that I knew was there so long ago when we’d color and draw at the kitchen table for hours. He  no longer will fit on my lap but has plenty of room on his for me with those long legs that help make him the 6′ 2″ that he is.  I’m so proud of the handsome man he’s turning into and the fact that he loves making films causes him to have a special place in my heart.  I secretly hope I had something to do with that.

So Warren and I set out to do some senior photos.  I had mentioned a location I’d been dying to shoot at but we’d have to jump a barbed wire fence.  He was up for it and I was happy to be doing that with him.  I think it was the first time I’ve ever trespassed.  Well, it was worth it – even the cut and bruise on my elbow from jumping over.  Just wait until you see.  Enjoy!

Warren, thanks for being such a good sport.  You Rock!  I can’t wait to attend the first premier of the first movie you produce.  :)  Don’t forget about me.

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The End.

August 30, 2009

Sean & Virginia – In Love

Sean and Virginia have quite the love story.  They met and were married in less than a year.   I know you must be thinking…WOW!  That’s fast.  But, when you know you know and when you’ve leaned on God and trusted Him to find the best for you, you get the best so why wait?

Their wedding we beautiful except for one thing.  It was outside and there was a torrential downpour.  The wedding continued in the rain and guests took cover under umbrellas, trees, and folding chairs.  Pause and make a mental picture of the folding chairs over your head.  Hilarious but memorable.  Because of the rain and the soggy ground they weren’t able to get any good pictures of just them.  Being my friends and loving them TONS I’ve wanted to capture their amazing love through my lens.  I had the opportunity a couple of months ago.

Virginia is also worship leader and is putting out another two CD’s soon and was in need of some new portraits for her albums.  So, we got those too while we were out.

Please enjoy meeting my two dear friends…

S & V.  I love you guys tons and tons!  You are both beautiful inside and out I pray just the greatest abundance and blessings for you.  Hugs and kisses.

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And for the CD

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The End.