Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue!

May I just start off with saying how much a love weddings!  I would love to give a class to brides-to-be on weddings!  Lessons such as how to stay relaxed on your wedding day, and how to keep it classy yet affordable.  Anyways, that's just rambling!  This wedding was perfect.  The bride and groom were so laid back.  Everything went smoothly.  We had some crazy ideas, yet the bride and groom were up for anything!
The day started out at the salon with the bride, her mom, and two of her bridesmaids.  After getting all "prettified" we headed off the venue.  The wedding took place at Park Crest Facilities in Hoover.  I have had a few weddings there before.  It is such a gorgeous venue!  But nothing, and I mean nothing, was more beautiful than the bride.  She was stunning.  The sun was a little bright throughout the wedding, but that did not interrupt anything.  The reception was a blast.  Leaving, however, took a little effort!  The brides father rebuilt a gorgeous car and they were going to leave in it.  But when the time came to say goodbyes, the car wouldn't crank.  So, the groomsmen did what all groomsmen would do, they pushed them around the building!  It was, by far, one of my favorite weddings yet! Here are a few sneak peeks!  Hope you guys enjoy!

A look into the future

As many of you know, I would love nothing more than to go full-time with GGP.  Photography is my passion and I absolutely love doing it.  I could not imagine my life without it!  I have spoken with many of you about this matter, and have made it clear that I would not move forward unless I know it's what God's plan is.  With that said, I honestly believe that God is pushing me towards going full-time.  This excites me and terrifies me at the same time. So many questions running through my head.  Many being financial concerns.  I know that if this is something God wants me to do, that He will take care of me and Sawyer no matter what.  I realized the other day that I have never set a true goal for myself, and figured this would be the perfect time to make one.  My goal is to save a few thousand dollars by May.  After I have saved around $3000, I plan on finding a part-time job and leaving the doctors office.  I will then start looking for a studio to rent.  My goal is to find a place large enough to have a children's boutique in the front, and a studio in the back.  My ultimate goal is to be in a studio, full-time, by the beginning of 2013.
I am so excited about this plan that has been laid out before me.  I cannot wait to see what God has in store for my life.  I am also planning to finish school while doing all of this!  I am in desperate need for your prayers, and your business ;)
I have the tendency of being a little impatient!  I need to learn that God's timing is the best timing.  That is something I have been struggling with my entire life.  I have always been that person who sees something they want, and they get it right then.  I do not like waiting on things.  So, this process will seem very long!
I am so blessed to have the clientele that I do.  You guys are GREAT and I could not ask for better clients!  I can't wait to grow with you guys and see what the Lord has in store for GGP.
With all of that said, I hope you guys keep us in your prayers as we venture into the unknown.  And remember to keep the business coming.  I do what I do for you guys!  Keep checking our facebook page for the most recent updates, contests, and discounts.
Thanks for all the support! Love you guys dearly!

Beautiful Mommy-to-be

I love the glow of a mommy-to-be!  It's one like no other.  The feeling of being so close to holding your precious baby in your arms for the first time is amazing.  This particular mommy-to-be holds a very dear place in my heart.  We have been brought so much closer over the past 9 months and I love her to pieces.  I can not wait to meet miss "S!"  She will be beautiful just like her momma!  Keep this mommy in your prayers as she prepares for one of the most amazing events in her life!  Here are a few sneak peeks from the maternity session!  Can't wait to show you guys some sneaks of the newborn session!  Note to miss "S," You're not allowed to come this weekend, I will be out of town! :)

Wedding couple of the year!

  past Saturday, I shot one of the most relaxed weddings I have ever done!  The bride was a friend who I have previously worked with.  The ceremony was BEAUTIFUL!  Her dad gave her away, as well as, officiated.  The wedding party consisted of 2 bridesmaids, 2 groomsmen, and the CUTEST ring bearer and flower girl to ever grace a wedding!  The atmosphere throughout the entire day was very calm and laid back.  I can now no longer say that I have never had a wedding where pictures started on time!  We started on time, and then finished early!  I'm not used to shooting with a wedding party so small, so we had about an hour to spare, in which we used up taking fun pictures! :)  Here are a few shots from their big day!  Hope you enjoy!

                                             

Here Lately...

Here lately...things have been beyond super crazy!  Which I can't complain, because business is booming and I love it, but it just means i'm constantly busy!  I keep having to remind myself that being this busy is a good thing.  

I have had a lot of clients ask about going full-time.  I would love nothing more than to take GGP on full-time, trust me, BUT, it's not the right time.  I'm on God's watch and until He says leap, I will stay right where I am.  I am blessed to have some of the best clients around!  You guys just keep the business coming, and I promise you, ONE day, we WILL go full-time! :)

Like I said, things have been crazy busy, between working at the doctor's office, raising and enjoying every second I get with my baby boy, MOVING, and editing pictures, and having sessions, I feel like I haven't even had a chance to breathe!  I had a "trip" to the beach, but not so much a vacation.  Yes, it was nice to get away, but not a normal trip to the beach for me by no means!  I go again next weekend and am ready to soak up some sun, see my sister, and have some family bonding time!  

Enough about me!  Let's talk about my last few sessions!  Have I mentioned my clients are THE best?!  

Last week, I got to spend one of my evenings with a pretty little princess who turned ONE not to long ago!  Mom said she didn't do to well at the first attempt for First Birthday Portraits, but she did wonderful for me!  I'm excited to show you  guys a few sneak peeks!  This past Sunday, I got to spend a little time with a bride-to-be and her future hubby for their engagement session.  They are a SUPER fun couple and I can't wait for their wedding in October!  (May I just mention AGAIN that I have the best clients!?)  

We have a wedding coming up on Saturday (check out a sneak peak of one of her bridal portraits!), then back to the beach the following weekend.  Hope you guys have a GREAT week!  

My home away from home!

The Beach

Vacations to the beach are always my favorite!  There is just something about this place that mesmerizes me.  One summer, I would take my off days and just drive to the beach, stay all day, then drive home.  That's how much I love this place!  Now, I get to share my love with clients!  We have had a blast this weekend.  Good company, good atmosphere, good food!  Nothing better!  Here are a few shots from some of the sessions I had while down here!  Someone asked me how it was a vacation if I was working.  Photography is not work to me.  It never will be.  I have and always will enjoy it.  Now, the editing part, maybe not so much!  HA!  But, I was blessed with a talent, and I will NOT waste it!  I love what I do, and I hope my clients love it just as much!  Thanks for letting me capture your memories!

 Isn't she beautiful?!

Beautiful little princess!

Had the opportunity of meeting this little princess the other day!  She's definitely going to be a heartbreaker!  Leaving for the beach!  Countdown is down to hours!  So excited for a much needed vacation with good company!  Of course, I can't go to the beach without getting a few sessions in!  Have a bridal session monday evening, and I must say, i'm pretty stoked about it!  Check back for a sneak peek!  Hope you guys have an awesome weekend!

Lovin this life!

It's been a while since I posted.  Though I would catch you guys up!  Christmas Pictures are booking like crazy, so if you haven't booked yet, you SHOULD ASAP!  Life is going great!  The past two weeks, GGP has been crazy busy!  We've had bridals, engagements, family sessions, newborns, children, and a HS Reunion!  Here are a few shots from our crazy two weeks!  Hope you enjoy!

Santa Clause is coming to town!

Too soon to be talking about Christmas?  NOT AT ALL!  Christmas is right around the corner and we are now booking for our Christmas Portraits. Beat the crowds at the mall, and the craziness of a typical, nationwide studio.  Come join us, along with Santa Clause himself, for your child's portraits.  

Over the years, people have told us how much they treasure their "Santa Pictures."  Get your deposit in today and we will call and set your appointment for November 4-5.  The portraits will be done at Lunsford's in Brent, Al.  Mrs. Sarah Lunsford is my aunt and yes, the photography gene was passed down :)  

For Christmas Portraits, we go completely traditional and use FILM!  And I love it! 

Your chid may have his/her picture made with Santa in two outfits if you wish.  A dressy outfit and pajamas are always a good choice.  Even blue jeans and a sweat shirt look very good too!  Just a word of caution, if your child tends to have a fear of Santa, an outfit change is not wise, but still your decision.  You will get a portfolio with four 4x5 portraits of your child/children (of your choice), along with an 8x10 print, and 10 Christmas cards. 

PRICES:

One child: $50

Two or more children: $70

SANTA PORTRAITS WILL BE MADE FRIDAY EVENING (NOV. 4) AND SATURDAY (NOV.5)

The sessions are first come, first serve!  They will go quickly (always do)!

BOOK today and pay the $30 deposit and receive 10 extra Christmas cards! 

Please check out our Santa Portraits from last year!

For more info, or to book your slot, please e-mail or call.  GodsGracePhotography1@gmail.com

or (205) 259-9029

Another weekend gone

Another weekend has come and gone.  Saturday was spent doing what I love to do!  I had a session with a gorgeous three year old who was shy at first, but full of energy by the time we were finished.  Saturday night, I    

got the opportunity to witness the Gardendale HS classes of '81-'83 re-live their glory days of HS at their reunion.  I must say, they partied like it was 1980.  We had a blast, pictures coming soon.  I'm in the process of moving!  FUN stuff right there!  My post tonight will be a little more exciting.  Back to the real world!  Photos to edit and work to be done!  

An evening on campus

Got to hang out on campus this evening.  Had two sessions with a brother and sister.  Little miss thang was getting head shots done for a pageant coming up, and little mr. was getting his 9 month portraits!  He won one of our contests!  I just can't get over how beautiful these children are!

Hope you enjoy these as much as I do!  These kiddos are STUNNING!

Sad to see the weekend go

As much as I love Sundays, I hate them as well.  Because when Sunday rolls around, that just means Monday is right around the corner.  And my oh my how I HATE Mondays!
Today was a good day!  Spent the evening with my other photographer and of course, a camera!  She got some great shots of Sawyer and I just HAVE to share at least one!  Made a new friend, had an awesome dinner, and got some great shots.  Successful night?  I think so!  6o'clock comes early!  Hope you enjoy this shot as much as I do!  Pretty sure i'm going to canvas this one!

The Wedding of the Century!

Today's wedding was by far THE most eventful wedding we have ever done!  From climbing on ledges of balconies to get that perfect shot, to a bonfire in the fellowship hall, there was never a dull moment.  But all in all, the wedding was absolutely beautiful!

Our day started at All Dolled Up, where the bride did just that.  Then we made our way over to Indian Lake Baptist Church for where the events begun.  After a tear-jerking first look, we began our pictures like normal.  In the midst of trying to get that "perfect shot," my amazingly, talented assistant climbed out on the ledge of the balcony. (Yes, we do go out of our way for our clients!)  

First comes love, then comes marriage.  The ceremony was stunningly beautiful.  The officiant was the grooms father, which is always touching.  The bride was beautiful!  The bride and groom partook in the Lord's Supper, which was something new for me at a wedding.  I have always heard of it being done, but never actually witnessed it at a wedding.  They were pronounced husband and wife and shared their first kiss.

The reception to follow was held in the fellowship hall of the church.  All did not go as planned, but it was still a good time had.  A circuit blew and the lights that were strung on the ceiling did not work, and the air went out.  But, this bride and groom did not let anything mess THEIR day up!  They mingled throughout the reception and made it a point to visit with everyone (which is a task most couples often forget).  The highlight of the reception, the best man's speech.  It was a very heartfelt speech, until the end that is.  He talked about how he wished the bride and groom all the happiness in the world, and how he loved them both very much.  How things will get complicated but to stick by each other no matter what, and how to always keep their eyes on the Lord.  He then ended this very heartfelt speech with this, and I quote, "may all of your ups and downs...be only in the bedroom."  Best Man Speech of the Year?  I think so! 

And no, our eventful evening did not stop there!  We captured the wedding party "decorating" the car.  And my oh my, did they have FUN!  The bride tossed her bouquet and the groom threw the garter.  Goodbyes were said, and off they went on their honeymoon!  

Keep reading, because it gets better!  (Sorry this is so long!) 

After the bride and groom left, we sat to have some of the amazing food that was at the reception.  As ladies were cleaning up, one lady decided to start a "bonfire."  She was wrapping all of the glass bowls in paper, and a ball of paper got a tad bit to close to the tea light candle.  Yes, it caught on fire, and yes I got a picture.  So, this (rather large) ball of paper catches on fire, and what does she do?  She throws it at her husband!  He then yells "WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH IT?!"  As he starts to walk towards the kitchen with it, the flames obviously get larger, so what does he do?  He drops it...right beside a table, WITH A TABLECLOTH!  Bless these people!  It finally died out, no one was injured, and nothing was damaged.  Except maybe that one little spot on the floor.  Ha!  I'm sure they thought we were very rude by laughing at what they thought was a VERY serious and dangerous moment!  It was quite hilarious!  

On our way home, we spot a snake on the side of the road, and what do we do?  We stop and grab our cameras!  No, we didn't get any "National Geographic" shots, but we had fun!  

I do believe I speak for both of us when I say that we love our job VERY much and are so very blessed!  

Here are a few sneak peeks from the day, and again, sorry this post was so long, I just had to let you guys in on our very eventful day!

Beautiful cake topper!

Right after the best man's speech!  

Check out our facebook for more sneak peeks!

God's Grace Photography on facebook!