I got the opportunity to photograph an old high school best friend's wedding this past weekend and it was magnificent. Absolutely overwhelmed and overflowing with joy and love. It was what a wedding should be----personal, sincere, and true. It was an honor to be a part of such a special event for two people I love tremendously. Here is a quick video I made of their big day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNA9KAmRhBA&feature=g-upl

I got to spend some time with Shep's nephews this past weekend at Lake Norman. Rhett & Bates. Precious boys! Everyone always picks on me because I pretty much always have a camera in my hands---but---how could I not with these two cuties around? :)

Let me start by saying I absolutely adore this girl. I started photographing Emma several years ago and was immediately a fan and a friend. She's just not your average 16 year old girl. She's a true beauty. She is exceptional...solid in her faith, kind to everyone she encounters, and a true old soul. She's a prize to be won, that's for sure. 

I photographed my gorgeous friend Jenny and her adorable son, Will, awhile back. These two are just over the top sweet...had to post them to share! :) 

So, yesterday I drove to Raleigh to meet up with the rest of the GGWTV crew to photograph 3 new friends...Eliza, Dylan, and Reid. Unfortunately, Ellen, the 4th integral member of this group was missing, so I'm hoping to meet her next time around! These guys started a non-profit based out of Durham, NC. Their focus is environmental sustainability, community development, and the opportunity to educate young minds all from an old school bus donated to them...what an adventure! 

Check out their website for more information:

http://solfoodmobilefarm.org/

I was incredibly inspired and passionate about their mission. Yesterday was full of beautiful moments spent with these three. We were instantly friends.

Eliza, such a lovely person. She exudes kindness and grace and it's 100% effortless. Like Walt Whitman said, "You are so much sunshine to the square inch." I bet he wrote that about someone much like her.

Reid, what a fun fella. He has got such a goodness about him. I'm confident his life will be packed full of adventure..he is deserving of that.

And Dylan, what a teacher. He was so full of knowledge and wisdom...he completely has the power to inspire so many. More than he knows.

I'm not sure if I can properly put into words how much I love this little guy. 2012 has already been so very good to me...a handsome fiance and a sweet little puppy. (And both of them love me no matter what.) Life is good.

"The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. "

Samuel Butler

She is the most beautiful lady I know

and the truest friend

I will ever have.

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."  

 Abraham Lincoln

So, my friend Jenny emailed me a link to a collection of old images from years and years ago that I had totally forgotten about. Given, most of it was memories from when I was young and a bit wild, BUT, there was one gem. This one. 

I am often times asked what I do for a living (besides the obvious family-kids-wedding photography which I love) so I thought the best way to explain would be through a blog post. About a year ago, I accepted a job photographing for Joe Lamp'l. He is the host and producer of a show on PBS called Growing A Greener World. It's fantastic. It's all about sustainability, organic farming, healthy cooking and baking. It's something I was not initially passionate about but I certainly am now. I photograph for the website, ads, magazine articles, brochures and any other literature. It's exciting and interesting and I feel blessed to photograph all kinds of topics and subjects. 

Here are some favorites!

Today I got to photograph the Bennett family who happen to be some of my life's greatest friends. I moved to Mt. Airy a little over two years ago and immediately fell in love with them. They are true friends...consistent, loving, kind, and amazing parents to Miss Lucy James. I've said it before and I'll say it again...God blessed my life the day I found them.