Best Friend Senior Session {Plant City, FL Photographer}

October 28, 2018

Let me start this by saying…these girls were hilarious! They were so much fun to work with and so comfortable with the camera. They had so many fun ideas and it was just a fun time all together.

So a fun fact about these two is that they’ve been friends for almost 8 years…one of them moved to another state but they kept in contact. They never let the distance come between them and I LOVE that.

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” – Proverbs 27:9

I feel that quote applies to the friends but also to those who witness it. How refreshing is it for anyone to see a sweet friendship that has lasted through time and distance?

It was actually their idea for one of them to jump on the other’s back…and it was pure genius! Simply because it showed how fun they are, it showed their personalities, and it ended up with everyone laughing until their stomach hurt…isn’t that the best kind of laughter?

Their session actually took place at Clearwater beach…which is one of my favorite beaches ever. The water is amazing and the scenery is gorgeous. These rocks are one of my FAVORITE places to photograph. It just makes for a different scene than the water and sand. Of course I love the water but I like variety in my sessions 🙂

I want to end this with the best advice I think I’ve ever been given (or seen on Pinterest lol) regarding friendships:

“Stay close to people who feel like sunshine.”

Adorable Family Session {Plant City, FL}

October 5, 2018

This has to be one of the sweetest reasons for a session I’ve had…these sisters all live in different states, Michigan, California and Florida. The two in Michigan and California flew down to surprise their youngest sister for her 50th birthday. The birthday girl’s daughter arranged for this session because she knew her mom and aunts had not had a family picture taken of them since they were children. There was a lot of love and laughter captured (which I know I’ve said it before but it is my favorite thing to photograph). It’s sweet memories like these that fuel my passion for photography.

I mean…how stinking adorable are they??? The love this family has for each other is so sweet to see!

This has to be one of my absolute favorite pictures! Mostly because I am a boymom and I hope my son is still willing to give me kisses when he’s a grown man. The love between a mama and her children is so beautiful and special…this mama’s smile proves it’s a bond that never fades!

In-Home Family Lifestyle Session {Plant City, FL}

August 25, 2018

Welcome to the session that made me fall head over heels in love with in-home lifestyle sessions!

One of the main reasons I LOVE in home sessions is that you can include your beloved fur-family! And know that they are safe and can’t run off. I absolutely love including pets in family sessions because they ARE part of the family and deserve to be included.

I also love these types of sessions because the kids are just so comfortable and in their own element; which means I get natural smiles and genuine moments. Of course I get to add fun to their everyday moments like blowing bubbles or having them jump on mommy and daddy’s bed.

One aspect of in-home sessions that I am SO looking forward to is the holiday sessions. How amazing would it be to have a session in your home while you and your kids carve pumpkins and drink apple cider or my personal favorite, pumpkin spice ANYTHING (I know…I’m so basic lol). Or even better…how sweet would it be to have portraits taken while you decorate your Christmas tree, bake Christmas cookies, or wrap Christmas gifts? These are the moments I LIVE for with my son…if I could somehow clone myself and take my own portraits I totally would lol.

That is what I’m most passionate about…yes I love the pretty yearly portraits, the posed and unposed, I love all of it really but what fuels my passion is genuine memories. Memories that would be made whether I’m there with my camera or not; but memories that are so worth capturing forever.

PS. May I just add that there is something so freaking cute about kissing in the kitchen??? Dancing in the kitchen is probably one of my husband and I’s favorite pastimes…that and coffee lol.

(The little one’s face made me laugh so much!)

Bohemian Beach Senior Session

August 2, 2018

“God is good all the time and all the time God is good.”

That was the quote that Gina gave me in her pre-session questionnaire. It stuck with me because I just thought how perfect is that quote?

She’s planning on going right into college after she graduates high school and I truly admire the dedication she has. Not just to her education but to her involvement in her church community.

She was so sweet and easy going during her senior session. I love that she brought her puppy; who, according to her mom, thinks that he is Gina’s boyfriend. If he could see her he was watching her and as we began to get farther away he began to whimper. It was kind of sad but really cute at the same time!

^^^ (She reminds me so much of Julia Roberts in this picture!) ^^^

I’m going to be honest here…I’m not this funny! She is just a naturally happy, smiling person. She definitely made my job as a photographer even more fun! 🙂

Mommy and Me Family Session {Plant City, FL}

July 22, 2018

Let me begin by saying this….HOW FREAKING CUTE IS SHE???

I may be biased because this is my adorable niece but she is about the cutest thing ever! I took pictures for her 5th birthday last year and again this year for her 6th; the growth between us both is insane. Just look at the difference here!

{2017 is on the left and obviously 2018 is on the right. I’m pretty proud of my progress!}

She is turning into such a sweet, sassy little grown up. She is tiny; just like her mama but she is so grown. She is quiet and shy but she kicks butt at martial arts. She’s such an amazing little girl already.

Plus, her mommy is the first person (other than my husband) to have suggested me becoming a photographer. I have always loved photography but never really considered the idea of pursuing photography as a career…because I was terrified of not being good enough. I STILL struggle with this; which I think is normal in any field of work that you’re passionate about. If it wasn’t something I cared about I wouldn’t be worried. But because I have this fear and this worry it just pushes me to keep learning, to keep going…to keep striving to become the best photographer that I can be.

This was the session, for me, that pushed me even more. Not out of fear or worry this time though…but out of happiness. I LOVED this session. I love these girls, I love their outfits, I love the ideas my sister-in-law had and I love the way they all turned out. Every single one. So this was the session that proved to me I CAN do this. I have improved from a year ago and I will keep getting better.

{I also took Amanda’s engagement pictures and let me tell you; if I was proud of this session I was mind blow with her engagement pictures! Stay tuned for those…}

Dreamy Senior Portrait Session {Plant City, FL Lifestyle Family Photographer}

June 30, 2018

At the beginning of this year I set a goal to earn enough through photography to upgrade my camera…I told myself I would meet that goal by June. I was giving myself half of the year to achieve it. I put my heart and mind into it and by March I was able to purchase the camera I had been drooling over! It just shows that if you put your mind to it and believe you can do it; it will happen! This was my first session using my new and improved camera. Let me just say that I was NOT disappointed.

The picture below is one of my favorite images from this gorgeous senior session! This girl was such a natural that it would be impossible to just pick 1 (or 3) favorites from her session.

She has such an easy going, sweet personality, and I feel like that really shines through in her portraits. That is my goal as a photographer, especially for high school seniors. I want to highlight and capture their personality so it can shine through for the world to see who they really are.

This has to be the dreamiest picture I think I’ve ever posted. The lighting, the trees, her dress and smile…I can’t help but think of fairies and magic (yes, I am a 30 something year old woman thinking about fairies but it’s the picture!). It reminds me of this quote “May the light of the sun illuminate your heart, that your heart may illuminate the world.”

I basically love every image from her session! She is such a sweet, smart, calm girl; and I really do mean calm because I asked if she was scared of snakes and her reply was “Well I wouldn’t go screaming and running if I saw one” which my response to that was “What! I would!” 😂 I can’t wait to see where life takes her after high school graduation!

Alexis turns Three! {Lifestyle Family Photographer, Plant City FL}

June 18, 2018

It’s crazy to think it’s already been 1 year since I first photographed this little girl! Her mama and I have been friends since high school so when I started to venture into photography she was my first willing client. (As a point of reference you can visit my blog post from their very first session – Alexis Turns Two )

This family has supported my dream of being a photographer since day 1. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs with my confidence. I’ve compared myself to all of the amazing photographers around me; I’ve filled my head with self doubt. I’ve questioned if I’m good enough to turn this into a full time career…and every time I get low (I honestly mean every time) this family has brought my spirits back up. Whether its Ashley just being sweet or Josh saying to keep up the good work or Alexis giving me the perfect smile, they always remind me to keep pushing myself for my dreams. And those are the kind of people and friends everyone needs in their life!

Now that I’m beginning my adventure into in-home lifestyle sessions they have supported me in that as well. Ashley gives so many ideas and is just overall such a sweet, helpful, inspiring person to be around.

And to make this session even MORE adorable, these guys came to visit us 🙂

Seriously though…could this family be any cuter??? They just celebrated their 12 year wedding anniversary and I couldn’t be prouder of them! Oh! And they are high school sweethearts…how perfect is that?

With all that said…Happy third birthday, Alexis!!!

Disney Themed Wedding in Brandon, FL by a Plant City Lifestyle Family Photographer :)

June 10, 2018

I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful couple’s wedding a few months ago. Let me start this by explaining that I am not your typical “wedding” photographer. I’m just not. I’m a quiet, shy, introvert, and I am okay with that. But because of this weddings drain me. I love them, I love how fun they are, how beautiful they are…I love celebrating two people who have found their perfect match. I love all of it; but after being around so many people I need alone time to re-energize myself. Which is impossible considering I have a 3 year old and a husband. I have always had a love for photography but my passion for it was born with my son. Which means that he will always come first to me…which means if I take on large weddings I can not be the best mom to him that I can be.

So with all of that said…this wedding was amazing! Was I drained afterwards, yes. But because it was such an intimate wedding it only took me a few hours to recoup. 🙂
I knew when I walked into the room where the bride and her bridesmaids were getting ready that this was my kind of wedding. My first hint? THEY WERE PLAYING DISNEY MUSIC! I love Disney and of course the music so that was a sure sign this was going to be fun.

There were so many Disney details throughout the decorations and I loved it all. (There’s actually a hidden mickey somewhere…keep reading to see!)

This wedding was so sweet and emotional…the happiness between everyone was tangible. I’ve photographed a few weddings and I have attended plenty but I have never FELT the love between both families and the newlyweds like I did here.

***The Hidden Mickey****

I mean, really, who wouldn’t have fun at a wedding where they have a hidden mickey??? It was amazing. Everyone there was so sweet and happy. It was beautiful. And of course everyone was hilarious and just so much fun!

This was truly a Disney wedding…just like Disney is the “happiest place on Earth” I think this wedding was the “Happiest wedding on Earth”. 🙂

Lifestyle Engagement Session in Lakeland, FL

May 27, 2018

I can’t believe this amazing couple is getting married in less than 2 months! They are so cute together and so sweet. I loved watching them together and how she kept laughing through their whole session.

This was such a special location for me to photograph their engagement session at…because it’s where MY engagement pictures were taken almost 11 years ago. Hollis Gardens in Lakeland, FL is absolutely GORGEOUS and definitely a popular place for portraits. I love every session I photograph there.

Towards the end of the session the sky started turning orange/pink and it was amazingly beautiful. Then the dark clouds started rolling in and it was even better! The darker ones turned out to be my favorite just because those clouds were perfection! I’m so thankful they chose me to capture these beautiful memories for them.

Wishing them all the love and happiness in the world,

Adorable Family Session in Apollo Beach, FL

May 17, 2018

I met this adorable family at my son’s daycare. She told me that they had not had family pictures taken in YEARS; which I understand because life gets so busy. I’m absolutely honored that they chose me to capture these memories for them.

Family sessions are my absolute FAVORITE. I just love the whole family dynamic and seeing everyone interact with each other. It’s just so much fun and meaningful to me. Which, of course, makes sense because I started really diving into photography when my son was born. So my passion 100% stems from capturing family memories.

I feel like every time I finish a families gallery I think to myself “This might be my favorite session!” But I love them all. I think they are all my favorites! lol. But this one; the location was gorgeous and very versatile PLUS their style was ON POINT. I love that she picked two colors and coordinated everyone’s outfits. They are not matchy-matchy, they do not blend in together; each one compliments the other and it is style perfection.

When it comes to siblings I try to make sure I get both parents with each child by themselves, I want to make sure they each feel special and have that special picture with their parents. I also, of course, love capturing the bond between the siblings. When I was growing up my mom would take us to portrait studios for our pictures…so we would just sit there and look pretty. There was no connection between my sister and I. It basically documented our appearance and our age but that was it. It didn’t show our relationship or personalities (except my sour face and my sister’s cheezy smile). That is why I try so hard to make sure I capture authentic moments; especially between siblings.

I love greenery…I feel like that is what I am drawn to. Forests, woods…fields of flowers. I’m just naturally drawn to those places. BUT there is definitely something to be said for the beach. The water, the sand, the beautiful sunsets…I love them. Apollo Beach has it all…the beach and the greenery. It’s absolutely amazing!

Funny story about this session…the water was FREEZING! This girl did NOT care. Not one bit. But the little guy? He put his feet in the water and let it rise to his ankles but that was IT. He was out of there lol. I can’t blame him though!

It’s sessions like these that just fuel my love for photography…its what keeps pushing me forward; keeps me learning and growing so that I can be a better photographer.