Monticello, AR Maternity Session: Ross and Jammie

The weather was really nice the day I met Ross and Jammie for the first time. It was a bit overcast and not really hot. I had never met either one of them before, so I was just a little nervous.  But, I soon found out that we were going to get along great. They both seem to have the same sense of humor that I have and It was easy to make them laugh. And after the first Seinfeld reference was made, I definitely knew we were going to get along just fine. We were all cracking up by the time their session was over. They were very easy to work with and I feel like I got some amazing photos.

Ross and Jammie, thank you for letting me capture one of life’s milestones for you!

Til next time!

Do Well and Do Good

J

Hermitage, AR Maternity Session: Kasey and Jacob

Taking photos of these two is always fun and there are plenty of laughs to go around. That was the case last night when we met for their maternity session.   I know some of you will remember about two years ago when I put out a model call for a couple that hadn’t been married long. Kasey responded and I first got to know them then. I was excited for the both of them when I found out that they were going to have a baby.

The weather wasn’t bad, especially in the shade.  One might even call it pleasant.  Where I live there are plenty of fields so I suggested that first.  After, we headed to the lake.  I knew I wanted to get some sunset shots so let me say, that trying to get to the lake and making sure we didn’t miss it was more stressful than a wedding.  Seriously.  But in the end we got them!  And I love them!

Jacob and Kasey your baby boy is so blessed to have you as parents and  you are going to be fantastic parents.  Congrats you guys!

When I can bring natural light and laughs together, it’s always going to be a great combination.

Pure sweetness.  I didn’t even Jacob any instruction here.  I looked up and this was happening.  It’s absolutely true love!

I love images that are not posed.

Seriously!  I looooove Baby Toms!!

The view at Lake Monticello was breath taking!

They are so ready and excited for their baby boy, Sailor James to be here.  Only a few weeks left.

Isn’t Kasey an absolutely gorgeous momma?

Til next time

Do Well and Do Good

J

Warren, AR Wedding: Marquis+Ashley

Rain. That seemed to be the theme of the day. Rain. I wasn’t happy about it, but there was really nothing I could do. But when I went inside the church for the first time, you couldn’t tell that there was any disappointment due to rain. All of Ashley’s girl and Ashely herself, were in good spirits. The atmosphere was laid back. The girls were, of course, in the process of hair and make up. Ashley’s colors included rose gold and white and it was beautiful! The bridesmaids dresses, in rose gold, were sparkly and glamourous. Something you’d see right out of The Great Gastby. In fact that was the theme of this wedding. I could tell, when I met Ashely that this wedding was going to be great. She has fantastic style.

When I went to photograph the guys, there were plenty of laughs there as well. While getting ready, the guys laughed and joked, and there may have even been a little dancing. There was excitement in the air. Ashley and Marquis were hours away from promising to love each other forever.

Ashley and Marquis, you are perfect for each other! You make others want to be around you. Thank you for the honor of letting me document your first day as husband and wife.

Til next time

Do Well and Do Good

J

Warren, AR Delivery: Baby Jax

I think it may be an understatement to say that I love babies. I mean, I have four. I really, REALLY love babies! They are sweet, they smell good, and every one is a miracle. I don’t say that to be cliche’. I actually mean it. To get to see a baby come into this world is breath taking. So when Shelby asked me to be there the day Jax was born, I didn’t hesitate. This one was going to be different than the last one though. This one was a scheduled C-Section. I got there around 6:30 that morning and baby Jax made his entrance not to long after that. Weighing in at 6 pounds, he was beautiful! My exact thoughts when I was snapping a few images, were ‘He looks like a baby doll’. Every feature was perfect. When I first went to Shelby’s room, everyone was calm and waiting. The atmosphere was nice. Little brother, Javen, got there not to long after I did. Along the way he was letting everyone know he was going to get a baby that day. I enjoyed every minute I was there and I’m so grateful that I got to witness love come into the world.

Justin, Shelby, and Javen, I wanna give the biggest congrats on your new addition and I can’t wait to see the fun that Javen and Jax are going to have as they grow as brothers and friends!

There are a lot of images in this post because I couldn’t help myself.

Til next time.

Do Well and Do Good

J

Star City, AR Wedding: Rick+Kara

The weather was beautiful and the day seemed perfect for a wedding. It’s a good thing too, cause this was the day that Rick and Kara were going to promise to love each other forever. A pond and a rustic setting is what I saw when I drove up to the venue. There were still many people working tirelessly to put the finishing touches on the decorations. They wanted to make it perfect for the bride and groom. And from what I saw they were doing a fantastic job. Not only were finishing touches being put on outside, but inside as well. Kara was putting on her dress. She was making sure her make up was perfect and every hair was in place. She was surrounded by loved ones. And she couldn’t wait to walk down the aisle to meet her groom. A man that she loves unconditionally and without question. They changed each other’s lives and it was an honor to be able to be apart of it, if even for only one day.

Rick and Kara, thank you! Thank you for letting me be me. Thank you for letting me capture the love between the two of you. It was absolutely my pleasure and I look forward to seeing your lives grow as one.

I think I posted a few more in this entry than in most, but I had a hard time deciding.

Til next time.

Do Well and Do Good,

J

Crossett, AR Wedding: Parker+Kassie

Lots of trees and rustic buildings. That was the first thing that was seen as I drove down the long drive way. What greeted me was the cutest little cabin where the bridal party would be getting ready. If Kassie was at all nervous, you couldn’t tell. In fact, she was probably the calmest bride I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. The whole bridal party was pretty laid back. All of the normal things that happen on a wedding day were in motion. Hair, make up, and everything else that takes place when girls are getting ready to be apart of a wedding. The sounds coming from the bridal suite were everything you’d expect.
This was the day Parker and Kassie pleged to love each other forever. This was the time that they promised to stick together through thick and thin. Laughs, love, and fullness is what the future promised and today was when it all started.

Parker and Kassie, thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to be apart of the milestone in your lives. I know big things are going to happen for you and your family and I can’t wait to see them happen!

This was a very special set of jewelery. Kassie’s mom wore the same earrings and necklace on her wedding day and passed them on the Kassie so that she could wear them.

Kassie also decided to take her mom’s dress and have it altered so that she could wear it to walk down the aisle.

Parker and Kassie opted to see each other before the wedding so that left lots of time for photos.

Right before the ceremony it started to pour. I mean thunder and lightening. I think we were all praying that it would leave quickly. Thankfully God answers prayers and it did just that, but the family had decided to put up a few tents to make sure the bride and groom were still able to have it outside.


This has to be the best “bride and groom walking back down he aisle” photo set I’ve ever gotten. Pure excitement!

Afterwards,the reception took place with close friends and family.

Til next time.

Do Well and Do Good

J

All Things Tomato: Part 3 (Tomato eating contest and All tomato luncheon)

Two traditions of The Pink Tomato Festival are the tomato eating contest and the All Tomato Luncheon.  Contestants of the contest start with a bag of tomatoes, which they aren’t allowed to rip into until the clock starts.  The bag is weighed before and then once again, after the contest is over.  Whoever has the least amount left is the winner.  It’s pretty funny to watch and maybe one year, I’ll have the courage to enter and see just how many I can consume.
The All Tomato Luncheon is a benefit for people to come and purchase a ticket to receive a plate lunch featuring dishes that have or are made out of tomatoes. This was my first year to attend. Although I didn’t actually eat, everything looked very appetizing.

Often, the luncheon is a place for people to reunite or meet for the first time.

Ms. Jean Frisby, who was in charge of the Bradley County Home Extension Office, for many years. She retired a few years ago, but still attends when she can.

And this lovely lady is Michelle Carter. She took Ms. Jean’s place and is in charge of many, many things including putting together the luncheon. She has many volunteers who help, but she is a very busy lady.
As usual, she did a fantastic job and deserves a lot of credit. Way to go Michelle!!

I still have more photos coming, so keep checking in. Til next time.

Do Well and Do Good

J