the ring: raleigh engagement photographer

last week a very good friend of mine jet-setted off to london to ask a lady to do him the honor of marrying him. and she said YES!

but before that happened we met so that I could see THE ring before it flew with him across the pond. you see, I had the pleasure of helping him select said ring (though he had this one in mind the whole time, so I guess it's more like I helped him confirm ruling out all the other options, ha!)

in any case, it was dazzling, and gorgeous and quite photogenic!



there is something about the one below that I especially love...








best wishes to you both! I can't wait to celebrate with you!

nellie nora; durham newborn photographer

what a precious little girl!

two and a half weeks after we took these--little nellie arrived!

she is just gorgeous!


and her mom and dad are so in love with her...it's just adorable.





I love how she would cuddle up into the crook of their arms or neck--she always wanted to nuzzle in closer.





and these two just make me happy--mom and daughter. I think nellie will love these pictures when she's older!





in daddy's arms.



so cute!

j, s and v: raleigh family photographer

working with this family made me think of the nursery rhyme "snakes and snails and puppy-dog tails." 'cause that's what little boys are made of! I couldn't help it--we had lots of muddy knees, climbing in trees and silly faces!





but aren't they cute?? they'd probably be grossed out if they knew I called them cute, ha! but the are, I think!




and they sure do love their mom!







and something about this photo just screams "little boy!" to me. it makes me smile!

the blue jean ball: durham event photographer

I had the privilege of being the photographer for Duke's 3rd Annual Blue Jean Ball, which benefited Duke's Global Women's Health Initiative.

To me it seemed like there were two rules at this event...
1. wear jeans or something denim.
2. have fun!

see?



The evening started out with a silent auction--with lots of people milling around to make sure they won their item. I won two tickets to see a performance of Little Shop of Horrors in September, so I'm pretty stoked about that!

there were tons of items





and even a wine pool hosted by the Kappa Delta Alumnae Association.



and after that--dinner and the party!







such a great time and SUCH a great cause! looking forward to next year already!

ariel and chris: durham maternity and couples photographer

aren't ariel and chris the cutest?





they wanted a combo of maternity photos and couple photos at their new home in durham, and I had SUCH fun making that happen!

when we took the pictures their son was as long as four oranges!




we lounged. we laughed. we hung out. they are such dear friends of mine! it was wonderful to be a part of the process of preparing for their son!











and I'll end on my very favorite from the session. the dress, the hands, the cuteness--love it!



you guys are amazing and your son is so precious! I am so happy for you!

renee and mike: decatur couples photographer

if you are a friend of mine, you might recognize these people. or, specifically, the lady here. you might've seen her in my photos for the last 15ish years. because she is my lifelong friend, renee. and this is her husband mike and their adorable dog buddy.

matt and I visited renee and mike earlier this year and made sure to take pictures! renee got them as a present for mike. so cute! you've already seen one of them, here. :)

so, depending on the moment, buddy seemed to think that picture taking was either REALLY fun or something he was SO over. but man, is he photogenic and fun! they say dogs take after their owners, right...so clearly he was meant to be theirs!









we got some adorable ones of just renee and mike, too!





it was a little bit chilly and a little bit rainy, but we still had a good time and GREAT light! and I am so excited that nearly ALL of these photos were taken at their apartment complex--too cool, huh?



we also went to downtown decatur to get just a few more shots--it was getting colder, but renee's jacket is adorable, sooooo it worked out :)





we also got this awesome one that makes me smile every time I see it!


and then this next part is the very best part of photographing friends--we packed up my gear, locked it up and went to enjoy a delicious dinner with yummy beer and excellent conversation, followed up by the guys brewing beer in the kitchen while renee and I checked out the photos. :) excellent way to end a session, if I do say so myself!

cheers, renee, mike and buddy! it was wonderful to see you last week, renee (she was one of my bridesmaids!) and I can't wait to visit you this summer! love you!

julie and luke: durham maternity photographer

I love photographing couples. Plain and simple. And couples with a baby on the way are a special treat--because there's all that love between them, and also all the love they have for their child, and the anticipation too!

With Julie and Luke it was no different--plus, they were up for pretty much anything, so that made it even more fun!





such sweetness!



and love!



Julie and Luke waited until something like 5 days before her due date to do the maternity photos! And doesn't she just look incredible! I've already met their little girl, so stay tuned for her precious pictures, soon!