Bro & Sis

Today's post is....

Dawn and Derek Elam in their portrait session for their Mom's surprise Christmas present! What a cool way to say I love you then by sharing yourself! I wish I could see their Mom's face as she opens the present and see's their faces! How cool! So anyone who see's this... shhh it's a surprise!

I know Dawn from Gardner-Webb university where I went for my freshman year of college. Dawn lived in the same dorm as I did and we both lived in, or near Winston-Salem so it was a great friendship right from the beginning! The summer after our freshman year we both got jobs working at the same restaurant and remained good friends! Over the years we have kind of done our own things, she is now a Senior in college and will be graduating in May! She is such an awesome girl, full of energy and fun. Dawn is an amazing piano player and singer- unfortunately, we couldn't find a piano the day of the shoot- but her talent it amazing!

Derek, is her 13 year old brother who I believe I had met once before but only briefly- so it was a challenge getting him to warm up enough to smile in some of these pics ;) His comments were hysterical as he talked about food and video games just waiting to be done with pictures. Typical teenage boy.

We met at Target then headed on our journey to Old Salem, an awesome historical place where the Moravians first settled after traveling from Germany! The place is full of awesome old buildings, log fences and history- I love it. Here's some favorites from the day!







I love these photos because they are just so natural, the colors, the sun reflection in my lens, their faces etc!





Annnnd this about sums it up.



Thanks for such a fun day guys!! I hope your Mom loves the pictures of you guys! Merry Christmas!!

Blackburn Family Christmas party!

Every year growing up we always got together with the Blackburn side of the family. It was a tradition of sorts, and one that I treasured every year. As the years have gone on and the grandchildren have gotten older and life has gotten busier, and now that both grandparents have passed away, that family tradition isn't as much a tradition. This year was different though. We got together, those that could (some were separated by distance, others by work) to celebrate the Christmas season. As everyone got there anticipation for the good food grew and we got to catch up and laugh with one another. We met on the farm, which once belonged to my great Uncle Richard, my Uncle Tommy and Aunt Texie now own the farm, and it was so great to hear all the noise and life in a house that has been closed up for years. Here's some pictures of the day- but mostly pictures of my cousin C.J. and his wife Sylvia's beautiful children, Sara and Eli.
I love my family and it was so great to get together with them!! To those that couldn't be there- you were missed! Thanks for all the support over the years and being there! Love you all.
Enjoy!


First- cool Christmas blur lol

Some things around the farm, including one awesome chicken!


A little blurry- but i love how excited Callie looks to be picked on by her older cousin Joshua and Joel!


I love how huge his eyes are- he is such a handsome baby!





Lil' miss thing


Sara is such a ball of energy! She was so cute though as she was trying to feed 'gu-ger' (a.k.a Sugar) the horse and the "moo-cows".

Ashelyn Hines

10:30am... I arrived at Abby and Bob's house in Winston to start our trip to Appalachian State University to take pictures of her lovely daughter Ashelyn, (a couple months ago I took pictures of Allie her sister, fyi). I absolutely love this family. I have known them since I was ehh around 12 years old and they are like a second family to me.
So Abby and I started our trip, the hour and a half drive was a blast as we chit-chatted about life and love, the book of Revelations (the tribulation), the Bible etc. It was a great time! When we got to the campus we met Ashelyn and went to eat at Macado's restaurant, a small chain were Bob and Abby had their first date. Then we were off... to some places on campus and then some places off. It was so much fun! To watch Ashelyn pose and laugh in front of my camera lens as I got in her face and made her sit in funny places was great. She was such a good sport and a joy to work with! I totally hope that her laid back, adorable, fun self shines through in these pictures. Ashelyn- you are gorgeous and it's been so great to know you for so long!

Enjoy!!

Us ;)

So it was a gorgeous fall day... a Sunday afternoon and a perfect day for picture taking. Thank gooooodness I was off! So armed with a tripod and my 50mm lens, Joel and I set out into the woods for some picture taking. We did the same thing last year, right before we were engaged- so it was an 'anniversary' of sorts. A year after becoming engaged, 6 months since getting married... it's been a busy year!

Here's a few of the pictures from the day! I'm sort of a fan of us so I had to share! Hope you enjoy!
















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Carrie

Paul and Lily come to visit!

Well these past couple of weeks have been a blast, with Mike and Christina here along with Paul and Lily the days have been nonstop and full of fun. I never had time to take the family on a 'formal' picture shoot but some of the snapshots from the week turned out pretty great. Just thought I'd share a few with you guys! The munchkins are growing so fast- it seems like each time they come their personalities are 10x's more developed and they have grown at least 5 feet (a bit of an exaggeration... yes... but it's true they are growing!). So enjoy a bit of the lives of the Nelsons. They're pretty great.


ahhh I love these Kids.


Lovvvveeee his eyes. My handsome nephew Paul


Beautiful Lily- she is growing up SO fast!


Mommy (Christina) and Lily. Hugs and kisses.


Daddy (Mike) and Paul. I love the natural lighting in this photo. Nothing like living by example either

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