I first met Harper at the hospital for a Fresh 48 session and it was amazing to see her family pouring love all over her.
Her Grandmother beamed with joy knowing her daughter delivered such a precious gift.
Her Mother glowed and shared with me the story of how Harper made her appearance into the world.
Her Father watched her every move with the sweetest smile on his face.
Miss Harper, you are so loved, sweet baby!
From the intimate ceremony to the joyous reception filled with friends and family, there was love surrounding this beautiful couple all day.
Isn't is amazing how much you can love someone before you even meet them? For nine months you think, you plan, you worry, you get excited, and you LOVE! It's an unconditional love - it's a I LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT type of love.
It's that the same type of love God gives us?
A few years ago I decided to step away from the cheerleading and coaching world that I had known for the majority of my life. It was a decision that was hard because I felt that I was partly giving up my passion. But, I prayed...and prayed a lot that I could find passion with something that wouldn't take me away from my family every night of the week like cheerleading did.
Photography was the answer to that prayer. It blossomed from just a hobby to something I truly love doing. I cherish the families and friends I've met and I adore seeing the memories I've captured hung on their walls, displayed at their work desk, mailed on cards, and shared online. It really makes me smile - like a big, ear-to-ear smile!
In addition to photography, I've always worked either full time or part time. While I love the company I work for and the co-workers there that have become more like family, I've still prayed for more time at home. My prayers for the opportunity to stay at home with my kiddos has been very strong since we just recently welcomed baby #2 in September. I longed for time with them to watch them grow, to be there when they wake up from naps, for more snuggles, and more playtime.
Again, God answered that prayer with photography. I'm incredibly thankful to say that starting now, I will no longer work that full time or part time job. I've been blessed with the opportunity to turn this passion into my work and with that comes the ability to stay at home with my boys.
If you would have asked me five years ago if I ever thought I would be staying at home with two boys and running a photography business that allowed me the freedom to make my own schedule, I would have laughed and completely doubted that would ever happen. But, that's why when you pray you need to expect the unexpected.
I know it won't all be easy and I know that I'll not only be here for all the good days but also all of the bad days - the temper-tantrums, the spills, the messes, and everything in between those. But, God placed an amazing support system in my life and I cherish each of them.
This is my reminder that God does listen - he listens to our hearts, to our fears, to our dreams, and He gives us only what we need. I never would have guessed this would be my path. Four years ago I was lost and looking for an outlet to be passionate about. But, He knew. And boy am I thankful.
So here is to a new chapter with my life, with my family, and with Eva Higgins Photography. I'm excited to share this new chapter with you and to see where God takes it!
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain."
- Vivian Greene
For Kenna and Broughan, November 12 is a date that started as a storm but ended in a dance. Kenna lost her sister on this date just two years ago and I had no idea that when I selected November 12 for the Win a Wedding GIVEAWAY it would help a family turn tragedy into love.
When we first met Kenna and Broughan for the contest, we instantly feel in love with them. Their smiles were contagious, their hearts were pure, and their love for Christ was abundant. We are a community that gathered together to give this beautiful couple a wedding they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Some say that rain on your wedding day is good luck. For this family it is much more than that. Rain is a reminder of the sister, daughter, mother, and friend that they all lost. Rain is something to smile about and to dance in. So, when the water poured from Heaven on November 12, 2017 we all smiled, we all danced, we all prayed.
Congratulations Kenna & Broughan, I am so thankful God placed you in my life.
Special Thanks to:
Olene Bear - Wilson Farm Country Events (Honea Path, SC)
Nicole Higgins - Eva Higgins Photography (Pelzer, SC)
Amber Tysl - Sugar Snap Photography (Belton, SC)
Jacob Kalu - Kalu Entertainment and Records (Greenville, SC)
Ben Hall - Big Ben's Dessert (Spartanburg, SC)
Kelsey Johnson (Williamston, SC), Jennifer Darby (Greer, SC), Emilie Hillegeist (Greenville, SC), Brittany McCoy (Greenville, SC), & Brittany Smith (Greenville, SC)
Dr. James Meyer and his Team (Greenville, SC)
Logan Hanley - Infinite Health Chiropractic (Landrum, SC)
Pam Harrison - The Smokin' Pig (Williamston, SC)
Something Unique Flowers (Williamston, SC)
Kathy Torbett, Chris, Monica, and Joshua Bush, Michelle, Sydney, and Eric Childress, Pat and Cheryl Caron, Patti Chastain, Nikki Arroyo, Brandy Vaughn, Dipali Britton, Jessica Durham, Lindsey Edens
The beauty of the sunset.
The beauty of a dance at dusk.
The beauty of the start of their dream.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace – Ephesians 1:7
His love is never ending, His grace is abounding, His mercy is eternal.
"Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love endures forever."
To be loved so fervently despite our failures and shortcomings is a gift.
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Pressing Pause.
That's exactly what photography does for my clients...my friends. I can press pause on a moment in time for them that means something.
It's not about the posed smile, the matching outfits, or the props.
It could be meeting their new baby for the first time, a walk down the aisle, or a game of chase in a tree farm.
Whatever the moment, I'm grateful to capture it.
I will always imagine you as the little girl who followed me around trying on my shoes and always talking about horses. But, in reality I know you are now a young woman who is experiencing your senior year in high School. I couldn't be more proud of you and the person you have become.
Remember to not wish away the days, take every experience as something to learn from, slow down and smile.
Happy Birthday sweetie! I've so enjoyed watching you grow over the past year and photographing those big, blue eyes!
I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD. 1 Samuel 1:27–28
What could be more fun than twirling, eating cake, laughing, and balloons!?!?
Tiny fingers, tiny toes, big brother's kisses, and lots of bows!
Just a little fun - down on the farm! There were so many textures and scenes for this cutie to explore that deciding which was his favorite would be tough. From fields, trees, bubbles, and toys he had such an exciting time.
And, I'd say he is pretty excited about football season!
We chased crickets, climbed stairs, ran around open fields, took a short break to sit down, and repeated the entire thing! It was SO.MUCH.FUN!
When you have wonderful weather, amazing clients, big smiles, and a lot of fun during a session - I'd say that is pretty amazing! And to top it off, we found some really neat painted rocks hidden among the grass. We had a blast re-hiding those and trying to figure out what each one was :)
It is always fun to see how these babies will react to their first birthday cake - will they love it, devour it, not touch it, get really excited...?! Capturing their expressions as they take those first bites makes me giggle every time.
Hopefully we are past the HOT, HOT days and starting to cruise into cooler evenings that are actually enjoyable enough to spend time outside! That's what I loved about this session, as the sun started to set, the smiles got sweeter, the laughs were louder, and it was the perfect time to try to catch a fish...or two!
"I had a little tea party
This afternoon at three.
'Twas very small-
Three guest in all-
Just I, myself and me.
Myself ate all the sandwiches,
While I drank up the tea;
'Twas also I who ate the pie
And passed the cake to me."
