Family Portrait — Spartanburg, SC

Meet the Easler family.  This is one of the funniest, sweetest families you will ever meet. I met Mrs. Easler when I was in 8th grade. I remind her every time I see her. She was my favorite teacher. She was also an English teacher. She made me want to be an English teacher. She gave me a copy of Silas Marner.  I read it. I told you I liked her. I still have it, somewhere…

This is about Mrs Easler and her family, though, not about Silas Marner or me reminiscing about my youth. Mrs. Easler has been blessed with eight (so far!) wonderful grandchildren. She had a boy and a girl, so sometimes I wonder what she must be thinking as all eight run to sit in her lap. They are precious and I love them. That’s what I would be thinking.

Milliken has been such a great spot to do pics lately. Everyone who sees pics done there wants to do theirs there and I am more than happy to oblige. This is Mr. and Mrs. Easler with their eight grandchildren!

We also went to the Glendale Mill after this, and then to get ice cream. At the mill we threw the newest baby into Mrs. Easler’s personal trencher bowl. Tell me I am not like this woman — she has a trencher bowl too! The baby didn’t appreciate being thrown, but it was OK. She is a good baby so we didn’t make her cry long… just long enough for this….

I love this picture of the two of them together. Don’t they look so young and vibrant? I think the grandchildren keep them that way. That’s what I’m telling myself, anyway. My kiddos had better give me plenty of grandchildren. And I hope the Easler’s give them more!

Play Date — Spartanburg, SC Location Photography

I recently had a play date with Madi and her family. It was close to Easter and we were able to capture some fun moments with Madi’s Easter basket, eggs and bunny. We went out to Milliken (I think I have lived there these past few weeks but it SO pretty how can I not go???) and I snapped this just before we went over to take family photos. I love this. Have you ever seen a little girl talk to her bunny. It’s precious. It’s innocent. It’s what childhood is all about. It’s why I do what I do…

After I teared up over the bunny we changed locations and went for the family picture. We were ready to go but there was so much to explore that we lost Madi for a few moments.  That’s OK. I thought I would capture her Mom and Dad while she played. Now, as easy as that sounds and as gorgeous as this couple is you would think it went just like I said. I don’t lie to you — that you know of– so why shouldn’t you believe me? I’ll let you in on a secret. My heart was racing because Madi had walked behind me and I couldn’t see her. Then, when she saw her parents holding each other –and not her — she had to get in on it! I have found that all children are like this. I may have strategically placed a leg out to hold her back a moment…

But only for a moment!  How sweet is it when your child sees you and wants in on being loved? My children still do this — and my youngest is almost seven!!!

Madi joined her Mom and Dad and willingly looked at me and posed herself  for this photo! It may be my favorite. It may be my favorite because Madi wanted to be a part of it. There are lots of family photos but I chose this one to show you because of this small fact.

Because Madi loves everyone we took just a couple more of her loving on her Mom…

and playing with her Dad. I will leave you with this photo and be back soon to show you prom photos, a wedding, a baby and a huge family — but maybe not in that order. These have all kept me happily busy during my very brief absence from the blog.

Newborn Lifestyle Photographer — Spartanburg, SC

Meet Caelyn. Caelyn is brand new to this world. Isn’t that amazing when you stop and think about it? She has her entire life ahead of her. An entire life of firsts. Her first smile, her first step, her first chocolate!  While refreshing this can also be scary. Luckily, Caelyn has a family who loves her and will be there as she takes each first step.  She has a great family. A Mom, a Dad and a big brother, Nolan.

Meet Nolan.  Isn’t he cute??? He was on my old blog as a baby. I photographed his parent’s wedding. I have photographed his cake smash — and cleaned him up afterwards.

Nolan loves Caelyn. He loves to spontaneously run up to her and give her a hug. Or a smack. He doesn’t know he is hurting her — he’s only one! Give him a break.

What’s not to love about Caelyn? She has teeny tiny lips…

Teeny tiny feet!

And teeny tiny shoes to put on those feet!

Caelyn’s Mom loves her children. She’s a good Mom. I know her so I know this is true.

Caelyn’s Dad is a great Dad. He loves his children too. He is a great Dad. What a blessing these children have to grow up with such good parents.

This is my new trencher bowl. I had to put Caelyn in my bowl and take a picture. Why own a trencher bowl if you can’t do that?

I love this series. Nolan came down the hall as I was taking pics.

He wanted to be with Daddy and Caelyn too. I asked him if he wanted to kiss Caelyn. I forgot he was one. I didn’t know that he bites when he kisses.

He actually kissed Caelyn without biting her. Thank you Lord! And thank you Nolan! I hope you and your sister have many adventures together and I can’t wait to photograph them!

Baby Number 5! — Maternity — Spartanburg, SC

I cannot begin to tell you how much fun I had with this family! They aren’t stiff, formal or unsure. They are relaxed, happy, confident — and it shows, both in their attitudes and their ability to just go with the flow. I loved every minute that I was with them.

This is the family (minus Dad!),

but this is REALLY the family! They love each other, they laugh… They are an incredible bunch to be around!

The Mom is gorgeous! I would have loved to look like that when I was pregnant! It looks as though she has a ball in her belly. Perfect!!!

This is with Baby #1:

Baby #2:

Baby #3:

and I adore this of Baby #4:

They love the baby already!

So does Mom!

Thanks for a great day! I can’t wait to meet your new daughter! <3

Bottsford Vein and Laser — Spartanburg, SC

I recently had the pleasure to meet the team at Bottsford Vein and Laser in Spartanburg, SC.  What a great group of people! I felt so relaxed and welcomed that I didn’t want to leave. And why would I? If you go to this group you can choose from services such as Laser hair removal, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels… Notice I am listing the treatments that I love. They also do treatments to help with vein care, of course, and tons more. Click on their link above and visit the website. Jane will greet you with a video and you can go from there.

This is Dr. and Mrs. Bottsford. Aren’t they a cute couple? It was very clear how in love and happy they are and I just adored being around them and watching them together. Jane Bottsford (on the right) recently lost over 100 pounds on a program that they offer at the office. I know of two other friends who have also lost weight using this same treatment plan. They have times scheduled where they will let you meet, greet and learn about the program before you decide to join. Call the office today and find out about it! 864-582-2800

Here is the team. They are a great group of people and work incredibly well together. If I weren’t a photographer I would want to be one of them! I hope you schedule a consultation and enjoy meeting them as much as I did.

Bridal Portraits at Walnut Grove Plantation, Spartanburg, SC

I am working on redoing my website (into a new, fancier more fabulous website!) and came across these photos that I am just dying to use! These were taken at Walnut Grove Plantation in Spartanburg, SC.  I love them so much! I love all of the green that was there, the yellows, the old buildings that contrasted quite nicely with the new Bride! I loved the open field, the framed gate and the dusty paths. Most of all I loved the yummy light that was there! So soft, so complimenting! Amelia was up for anything. I think we got a nice variety . I hope you enjoy!

Swaddle Your Newborn!

The first time I held my daughter she was tucked away in a blue and white blanket. Why there wasn’t a pink blanket I will never know, but there was a blanket — and it was good. I had never heard of swaddling before this so the nurse explained to me that the newborn likes to feel secure and wrapped up. After I tried to simulate it several times my husband called for the nurse and we both took lessons. We have a total of four children, and I credit this as one of the things that helped most when our babies were new. When I came across this video online I had to share it with the new Moms and Dads out there who just may be looking for a solution to help baby stop crying. If you are still pregnant you may want to bookmark it as a reference. Enjoy!

Spartanburg, SC photographer — back to work and cake smash!

Busy is not a big enough word to describe my life during the Christmas Season. I have never been so tired or so intensely, purposefully busy any other time of my life — except for when my children were babies. I didn’t have a cut-off time this year so I worked right up til December 24. Sadly, there will have to be a “last day for sessions” this December. I really want to put my time aside during the Holidays for my children. I want to bake cookies with them, teach them to wrap gifts, etc. I want those special memories for my children. We actually did get one day to make cookies. I bought Pioneer Woman’s cookbook for Christmas (I gifted myself!) and we baked a LOT after Christmas. Cinnamon rolls, homemade everything… Andrew is great at rolling out biscuits. He gets the size just right. I can’t do it to save my life! Gracie enjoys mixing things and Maggie was more than happy to spread melted butter with her hands! Carter had to get his sprinkles just right — not too many, not too few — he’s a true perfectionist. Thanks to Gracie for cleaning my kitchen more times than I care to admit. She is a great helper!!!! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! Now that I am back up and running I can’t wait for spring so we can go outside and shoot! April is already looking busy so if you know you want a spring shoot let me know soon!

I will leave you with a fun cake smash from Nolan’s one year old shoot! I LOVE his face!!!!! And he loved the cake!!!! Enjoy!

 

E & N!!!! Spartanburg, SC Photography

I had so much fun on location and in the studio with two fun children, E & N.  I am in love with the clothes that E’s Mom MADE her!!! The Santa dress is to die for! N’s tie was also made by Mom and was reversible. He chose to keep it on the red side instead of the Santa side.

We started at an old mill. There was a gorgeous old bridge over a dam. It was freezing cold — but look how good the kids were! They pretty much did everything I wanted them to. A photographer’s dream!

 

 

We had to walk to the other side of the bridge so the sun wouldn’t be in their eyes. I had no idea it had holes in it!

 

 

We moved on over to some old buildings….

 

 

and then back to the studio for the traditonal photos. My signature look for this year:

 

 

I love this! They are such good friends!!!

 

 

E!

 

N!

 

 

Merry Christmas E&N! I hope Santa brings you everything you wish for!!!

Christmas is 17 days away!

 

Christmas will be here before we know it! While this is R’s 2nd Christmas it won’t be real for her just yet. For her parents, however, it is going to be magical all over again. The kind of magic it was when they were children. Why? Because they are seeing it through her eyes — and her eyes are beautiful! Enjoy!!!