Life this time of year is sometimes hectic.  It gets dark earlier and it makes us feel as though we don't have enough time to finish things we normally could in one day. 

But, my heart smiled tonight as I sat down to edit this in-home session!

I traditionally do my sessions outdoors, but sometimes those hectic moments in life mean you have to change up the normal and do something a little different.

So this session is life in their home.

The twins made up stories from a book (since they can't read yet), laughed way too hard about trolls, turned the staircase into a slide, and cried a little over cookies they had to wait to eat.

It was refreshing to see how life can happen amid the hectic days.   Sometimes when we can view it from the outside (or from behind the lens) we can remind others of how blessed they are.

Merry Christmas!

Being a mom to a 2 year old little boy, I enjoy seeing how other families little boys act during photo sessions.  This session was wonderful because the first thing out of one of their son's mouth was that as long as he smiles, he gets a big surprise after! 

In between smiles (and just like a little boy should) rocks were climbed, dirt was kicked, and a few kisses were easily given away to mom!

Needless to say, both boys certainly earned whatever that big surprise was!

It's their first year in this home and they are so excited about the Holiday's!

Welcome to this home and I pray that you have many amazing moments that turn into amazing memories here.

It's hard to compete with an ice skating rink, music, and skittles when you have two little ones.  But oh my, when these two smile it will melt your heart.

I could tell instantly that Nana was a big part of their smiles that day.  She just had a way of making all things fun.

What a joy it was to meet this family on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

They are so refreshing, honest, and hold so much love for one another.

A beautiful family - inside and out!

I first captured this cutie's first birthday photos and I loved getting the meet the whole family! 

Cousins, grandparents, and even the beloved pup all gathered together!

Family is such a beautiful thing and I love getting to celebrate that with all of the families I've met this year.

I walked into an outdoor Fall wonderland!  These two new parents are also landscapers and have the most amazing trees and plants settled into their almost mountainside backyard.

Even more beautiful than the landscaping was their precious baby, Paul.

From graduation, engagement, bridal, and their wedding day I've watched Whitney and John's love for one another continue to grow.

But more importantly, I've witnessed their love for the Lord and their desire to keep that in their marriage.

The smoke and the wind didn't damper their session - in fact, it added an incredible feel and look to the entire session.

To many happy years together!

The setting was beautiful.

She was glowing.

He couldn't stop smiling at her.

It's an amazing time in their life and the joy of it was in the air.

Christmas Minis are a wrap and oh my goodness were they so much fun!  I'm now ready to cut down my own Christmas tree :)
 

His love is abundant and overflowing.  To witness the love and beauty that He has created is a blessing.  I truly love looking through the lens and seeing so many different faces, smiles, laughs, and even the tears. 

This weekend was amazing and He has put so many amazing families into my life.

I could see it written all over these parents faces during our session today, "Hopefully we have at least one photo where we are all looking at the camera!"  This thought probably happened in between chasing their toddler, after begging her to look at the camera, bribes for candy, and right before they just started being themselves.

Well dear parents, the extraordinary is in the ordinary. 

Tickle fights, laughing, hugs, and big smiles all took center stage when it was no longer just about taking photos.

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.

We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

Haleigh just turned 18!  She celebrated with family in Charlotte and capped off the weekend with her senior photo session. 

She's bright, smart, beautiful, and so sweet.  I know that no matter which school she picks, she will excel.  The love and support she has in her family is leaps and bounds and they are all so proud of the woman she is becoming.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Before our session started, sweet Addie only wanted to find a playground.  Little did I know that she would turn the Hagood Mill into her own playground.  Watching her was so much fun!

Finding chickens, skipping rocks, swinging with Mom and Dad, and splashing water from the well all made this little girl smile.

"He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."

I could just eat this little cutie up!  She's always so full of smiles and I enjoy every chance I get to see her.  This darling Mommy + Me session was to showcase the shirts a dear friend of theirs made.

It fits them so perfectly!

"Mother of a Princess"

"Daughter of a Queen"

Breathtaking Views;

A Beautiful Couple;

Laughter and Love.

This was one unforgettable session!

This bright ray of sunshine just turned seven years old! 

She's full of life and can pull off a toothless smile with ease.

I had such an amazing time learning about her dance lessons, watching her twirl like a ballerina, picking flowers and seeing how fast she could run.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

These Halloween lovers were married last year on October 31!

This year they will celebrate their first anniversary tucked away in a lovely cabin on the mountainside. 

I'm so jealous!