Thanksgiving for the tough things…

Okay, so I know the day is almost over but I can’t relax without doing a Thanksgiving post. This year seems a bit different than most years when it comes to thinking about being thankful. Yes, I’m thankful for the normal things. My family, a nice home, friends who are always there, God’s grace and salvation, my adorable and ultra lovable kitties, Mexican and Thai food, my work, the amazing world of technology, mousse – so my hair looks somewhat nice, feather down pillows, SYTYCD, etc……
But this year the things that seem to mean the most to me are the tough times I’ve had this year. This year I walked through one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face – watching a friend die of cancer. As I retold the story today I was reminded of how God carried Naomi and I through that whole experience. No, it was not easy in the least but His finger print was all over it. For His presence in the time of pain I am thankful. As I’m building my business and working on the bridal show I’m overwhelmed with so much work, but I’m so excited for what is in store. I’m loving the dreaming and planning stage so much. In the midst of the fun there are definitely times of frustration and exhaustion but just when I’ve come to the end of myself peace and clarity come and I’m thankful. Okay, I’m gonna be honest here. I’ve watched two very good friends marry their best friends this year. I couldn’t be happier for either of them, but at the same time I’m a little bummed that it’s not me. BUT God sends people to speak life into a situation when you most need it…”I’m right on time” and there is no need to worry.
So, this year I’m thanking for everything – the good times, the tough times, and the times that you see God move where only He can. Be thankful in all things and always be looking to see where God is moving.
For some reason I’m reminded of this scripture, “Don’t worry about anything, instead, tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done and the peace of God, which passeth al understanding, will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 (KJ & NLV)

And because every post is better with a picture here is one of the Stewart clan from last Thanksgiving.

Working with Naomi Williams

I really didn’t think I’d be blogging just an hour before I head out to an amazing wedding but as I was cleaning off some cards I came across something that brought me to tears – and I had to post.  As you may know I worked with Naomi Williams for a few years.  I loved working with her.  We worked really well together, laughed a lot, had each others back, complained about tired feet, woooooed over each other’s pics.  Anyway, as any photographer knows you must test the light before you start a new portion of the day.  We, of course did that and used each other as models.  Neither of us are the modeling type but I had to make it fun sometimes.  So here’s what I found while getting ready for the wedding today.

Naomi shot this of me at the last wedding that we did together.  I’m gonna miss you today dear, sweet friend.  I know you’ll be there in spirit and be enjoying the whole evening with me. I love you!  This one’s for you.

Okay, I gotta go cry it out before I see the bride.

Almost forgot what it was like…

to shoot just for fun.  A couple of weeks ago a new found friend of mine and I met EARLY on a Saturday morning so she could learn a thing or two about shooting and so I could just have some fun.  I got there a little before she did and totally enjoyed just looking.  Sometimes life gets so busy and as much as I love shooting sometimes it can become the job – you know so busy getting the images that you forget to look.  So that morning it was refreshing and revitalizing to take a step back and see – to really take a minute and look at the world around me and gaze up toward the heavens and thank the amazing Creator for His beauty.  I consciously walked slower, considered my surroundings, breathed deeper, and quieted my soul.  It was wonderful.  I left asking myself why I don’t do that more often.  I know the answer…I’m in front of the dang computer all the time.  But now I’m thinking that after all is done up for the bridal show I’m going to take some time for myself and remember what fun it is to create for arts sake.  I think I’ll apply these thoughts to this weekends wedding.  Could turn out really well.

So, don’t forget to take time from you busy schedule and gaze up to the heavens and thank the amazing Creator for His beauty.

Enjoy some of the glory that I saw…

The End!

Pam & Family – Jacksonville Portrait Photographer

So, Pam used to be my synchronized swimming coach when I was in high school. I know, I just let a huge secret out of the bag. I did synchronized swimming and YES it is a sport. I dare you to try and see if you can hold your breath, while keeping your legs straight out of the water, and while not touching the bottom. In fact, I double dog dare you.
No, seriously. Pam and I ran into each other earlier this year so when I received an email about doing some pictures for Hanukkah I was supper excited to see her family and how it had grown in the past 14 years. Holy cow I’m letting secrets slip out right and left. I guess now you can get a pretty good idea as to how old I am.  What is up with me!
We met on the beach with their two BIG, fluffy dogs and had a blast. It was so great to see how beautiful her family was and get to know the kids. Everyone did a great job and I think we got some great images.
Thanks, Pam, for sending the email and allowing me to document your lovely family.
Enjoy!

The End!

Friends Christian Cancer Care

It’s amazing to me how God does things sometimes.  There are seasons in our lives where certain issues seem to be continually spotlighted to us.  I believe it’s one way the Lord gets our attention and let’s us know we have a part to play in the issue we see in front of us.  This year that beam of light for me has been shining on cancer.  Many of you know the story of my dear friend Naomi (if you don’t click here) and her battle with metastatic melanoma.  Since watching her fight and being with her so much near the end I’ve developed a very strong hatred for that disease.  I notice it almost everywhere I go.  I think there’s a reason I see it.  I’m not meant to walk by and say, “Oh, poor thing I hope they’re beating it.”  No, I’m meant to war against that evil until it’s eradicated.

After Naomi passed I knew I needed to do something to help cancer patients fight their battle but I wasn’t quite sure how.  Then an amazing woman showed up at church.  She has beaten stage 4 cancer like 3 times or something.  She’s AMAZING!  She gives all the glory to God, as it should be given.  After speaking with her she told me about a Christian cancer care group that she is involved in.  I had actually heard about it before and was interested in attending a meeting to pray with cancer patients.  Then I received a call from a long ago friend who asked if I could come do some head shots for her and the doctors who were the leaders of the very same care group.  So, I’m like, “Okay, God.  I think You’re up to something now.”  I took the job, met some of the patients, listened to their stories and now I’m hooked.  I plan on attending my first meeting in December.  I’m not sure what I’ll have to offer but all I can say is, “Whatever you have for me God, I’ll do it.”

Here are a few images from my time with the people of F.R.I.E.N.D.S Christian Cancer Care Group.

Reading their Mission Statement

The most wonderful thing about this group is that the doctors actually join the support group and pray with the patients.  These doctors strongly believe that it is vital to not only take care of your physical body while fighting cancer but to also take care of your spiritual health.  The miracles that have come from is group are amazing.

Meet the doctors and the Reverend.

If you’d like more information on F.R.I.E.N.D.S please click here.

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.

The End!

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…

and a note that read…

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!

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!

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

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…

Gonna be a beautiful bride – right?

A handsome groom too.

Can we say – HOLY COW – that’s hot.  Definitely my favorite.

Just the beginning…

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.

Lovely family.

The End.