Dad teaches percussion, that is why! It made perfect sense. She did pee on the drum but Dad said it was okay because it was from his own collection. It was cold.

I LOVE itty bitty baby parts!

It was a pleasure to work with this beautiful family. I wish you guys many smiles :-)

Traditions and customs.........modern weddings have tons of them. Flowers, rice, something old, something blue........you know the drill.

Have you ever thought about how all these wedding traditions originated or what they actually mean? Here's the meaning behind some of the most popular wedding customs and rituals:

Wedding Tradition: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Lucky Sixpence in Her Shoe

This popular rhyme originated in the Victorian area. Something Old represents the link to the bride's old life and her family. Something New signifies the couple's new life together as well as their hope for the future. Something Borrowed originates from the idea that borrowing something from a happily married woman will impart similar happiness to the new bride. Something Blue - represents fidelity, love, and purity. Lucky Sixpence in her Shoe signifies wealth, both financial wealth and a wealth of happiness.

Wedding Tradition - Bride and Groom Not Seeing Each Other Before the Ceremony

This tradition stems from the early days of arranged marriages when the bride and groom's first meeting occurred at the wedding. The two were kept from seeing each other to prevent the groom from bolting should he not like the look of his new bride.

Wedding Tradition - Bridal Bouquet

The first bridal bouquet did not consist of wedding flowers. Instead, wedding bouquets were originally made of strong herbs such as thyme and garlic meant to ward off evil spirits.

Wedding Tradition - Throwing Rice

As rice is considered a life giving seed, it is thought that by throwing it on the couple they will be bestowed with fertility and have many children.

Wedding Tradition - Bridal Shower

Tradition states that the first bridal shower was given to a poor couple in Holland who was denied the bridal dowry because of the groom's lowly miller status. The miller's friends gathered to shower the bride with items she would need to make a new home and enter into marriage.

Wedding Tradition - Getaway Car - Cans Tied To The Bumper

One wedding tradition of the Middle Ages was to ward off evil spirits by banging pots and making a lot of noise after the ceremony. This custom has been replaced by tying tin cans to the bumper of the car transporting the bride and groom.

Wedding Tradition - Garter Toss

Garter-throwing derives from an English ritual called "flinging the stocking." Guests would playfully invade the bridal chamber and grab the bride's stockings, and then they took turns sitting at the foot of the bed flinging the stockings over the heads of the couple. Whoever's stocking landed on the bride's or the groom's nose would be the next to wed.

Wedding Tradition - Wedding Ring

The circular shape of a ring symbolizes eternal love and commitment as it has neither beginning nor end, while the metal represents strength.

Wedding Tradition - Wedding Ring on the Third Finger of the Left Hand

The Egyptians believed the vein of love ran directly from the ring finger to the heart, therefore the ring was placed there to denote eternal love.

Mallory, her Mom and Grandma were awesome to work with over the weekend. I don't believe I had ever met a three year old with such an extensive vocabulary. It was amazing. Mom says that she never stops talking! When she looked at a flower she would say, "It's beautiful" slowly. Oh, to be so sweet and all brand new! Our session was full of lots of fun shots. What a joy to work with Mallory!

Here, I was encouraging Mallory to have her hands 'hug' her feet. She is thinking really hard about it. I love her with this background.

Twirling and Dancing

I was talking about all of the rain coming down. So much rain everywhere.....and she looked around and said, "Where?" Sweet.

Mallory is hugging the little blue bird I gave her to hold.

Some texture was added to this image to give some depth and create an artsy feel.

Clayton just seemed too small to be walking around. Mom said he started before he was even 9 months old! Here he is about 10 1/2 months. I know, right?

Mom set him down at this spot by the wagon and I was surprised at how long he stood there. I think he knew he was supposed to stay where Mom put him. After a few minutes, maybe less, he picked up his little feet and gingerly moved away from the wagon.

Clayton didn't lack many smiles with a game of pic-a-boo.

He LOVED this white wicker chair........and went back to it over and over.

More big smiles for his funny family!

Kenny was an amazing guy to work with. I felt a real connection with him concerning his move to Newnan, his love of music and aspirations. Great to meet and work with him and his Mom!

This was the first time my studio had seen a drum set, 5 guitars, a trumpet and mandolin all at the same time. Smiles.

It was maybe in the upper 20's when we did these pictures outside at the tracks and depot. We hung in there though!

Amber is a such a fun person to work with. Great energy and awesome to work with. We decided not to weather the frigid temps and did her outside shots the following week. It was great too because the temperature rose to nearly 70 degrees! Amazing.

Her eyes always seem to have a story to tell.

A big shout out to my Austin for referring Amber to me for her Senior Session!

What an awesome Christmas gift! I asked to take their pictures and they were all for it. A first in our years of taking pictures together. I said wear whatever you wish and meet me in the studio. Here are some of the results. I love these guys. I am the proudest Mom that there could ever be!

Here is my Autumn. She is growing into an amazing young lady. Fifteen with the world completely open to her.

My Austin is shown here with that amazing smile. Whenever he smiles the whole room brightens up. He is 17 and finishing his last year of High School. So many doors are open for him and he is ready for the future!

And here is my oldest, Dylan. It is so hard to believe that in a couple of weeks he will be turning 20. Wow, how the time flies. His love is Computer Science and he currently is working on a new direction for his goals and aspirations. I know he will be successful in what he chooses to do.

This was just a fun shot to take!

Peggy and Liam joined them, reluctantly, for a few pictures. I love all of you so much. 2010 is going to be amazing!

I have had the privelege of watching Cordia grow up during her first year. Here, pictured at nine months........she is so amazing with a budding personality and nearly able to walk! I know her Mom and Dad are very proud! It was great working with all of you! May the New Year bring many smiles your way!

Too sweet for words. I love working with Tonya, Carl and their girls. Too adorable. It is amazing to see how Carlee has grown each time I see her. Now with baby sister Bryana it is even more amazing. Thank you for allowing me to 'capture' your family.

Here are a few recent Christmas images to share. Photographed are Alexis, Lane, Daniel, Christa, Eric, Myles, Hannah and Dustin. May you and yours have a wonderful Holiday Season!

A few images to share from Autumn's bday dinner..........she turns 15 tomorrow! Woo Hoo! Sweet Sensations here in Newnan, GA created this amazing cake when I requested it at the last minute. Thank you! Autumn was SO surprised and excited. The Olive Garden staff was amazed as well. Thanks Sharon and Anna!

The hole is where the candle was :-) So delicious!

Adyson grows more amazing each time I see her. Here are a few of my favorite images from her session. Oh, Adyson will be getting a little sister in the near future. Congratulations. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this family....from Roger and Mandy's wedding day to a beautiful growing family. Thank you for sharing your lives with me and for allowing me to capture your stories.

Tiffany and Zach's Wedding Day was held on a gorgeous Autumn day. The ceremony and reception was located on a pond in Luthersville, Georgia. There are no words to describe her dress and the camouflage vests that Zach and the ring bearer wore were so cool. That was a first for me.

Tiffany getting ready. There were so many pictures I wanted to post but there were just too many!

The kids adored Zach.

I absolutely loved the fishing pole concept.........with the rings. The ring bearer was so proud.

Tiffany and Zach were so much fun and up for ANYTHING!

This catch was a close call but Tiffany's sister was a tad bit quicker!

Both of their families were so gracious and kind throughout the entire day. They were awesome to work with. I wish Tiffany and Zach a lifetime of love and happiness.

It was an honor to be a part of such a special event.

Jessica, Adam and Ally were great to work with. What a 'fun' family. The day of the session we couldn't of asked for better weather! It was a gorgeous Autumn day. Ally was too cute! Thanks for the opportunity to work with you guys!

OUCH!

Athenia and Roberts wedding was held at Flat Creek Country Club in Peachtree City, GA.

Such an amazing couple.

Anticipation

The ceremony

fun on the golf cart..........it was cold! I love how my suggestions are welcomed with open arms.........you guys are awesome!

Their First Dance

too funny

Why am I the yongest brother and only brother?

What could they possibly be telling her?

Happily Ever After

Their son's bubble.....beautiful!

Rebekah was great to work with. Also, my first harmonica enthusiast! So that was really cool.

When we got to the park to do her outside shots we didn't know that a Halloween festival would be happening but all turned out well. We got some great shots! I wish you the best Rebekah!

Brittany was awesome to work with too!

I did her sister's senior pics last year so it was great to have the opportunity to work with Brittany this year (and her Mom)

We went to the tracks and depot for her outside pictures and this was a lot of fun. She was adorable in her dress and boots. You have a lot of great energy Brittany and I wish you the best at JSU next year!

While doing Andrew's Senior Pictures we decided to add his sister to the session. They were a lot of fun to work with. We did it in two days because of the rain which worked out great. I wish you two the very best! Have a great school year!

Beautiful Fairies!

It was a joy to work with Hannah and Rebeccah. We were celebrating Hannah's upcoming 5th birthday.........in pictures!

You both are so beautiful in every way!

Mitch and Emily were awesome to work with. They accepted all of my direction with open arms and we had a lot of fun. You two are great together and I wish you the very best in all that you choose to do!

I am so happy for Tiffany and Zach. They are an amazing couple who seem to have been made for each other. The upcoming wedding in November will be a joy to be a part of. I can't wait to work with you again soon!

It was a joy working with Tonya, AJ and their three little ones Saturday. I hope they enjoyed the session as well as I. The kids had fun and did all the funny things I asked them to do.....plus some other stuff too! You guys are great!

Corey, u were too cool to work with. Loved the skate board.......made me think of my Austin and his board. Will have to get his Senior Pics done SOON.

The best to you and all that you choose to do Corey! Loved having the opportunity to work with u.

Rachael was so great to work with.

We did these outside shots at the gorgeous Dunaway Gardens off of Hwy. 70 in Newnan, GA. If you have never been it is a great place to enjoy the gardens, ponds and amphitheatre. Take a picnic lunch!

Rachael, you are such a talented and beautiful person. I wish you the very best not only in your senior year but with everything you choose to do!

I had the ultimate experience by taking pictures of Mark's little baby squirrel..........saved from the dangers of the wilderness because it was orphaned. He took the baby in and will care for it until ready to return to the wild. Very neat. I was able to pet the squirrel and it made the sweetest little baby squirrel noises. I love this baby squirrel!

By the way, Mark owns Burpee's Mill................where I take the infamous 'mill' shots for seniors and families. What an amazing family. I am speechless.

Andre was a pleasure to work with.......great energy and a beautiful mind. I know you will accomplish all that you set out to do. Have a great Senior Year Andre!

Six Months old, hard to believe. This sweet girl has grown so much since the last time we did a session! Posted are a few of my favorites to share.

Paige was so much fun to work with yesterday. We did some shots with her softball gear and also her vehicle. The weather was great and our spirits were high :-) I wish you the best Senior year ever Paige.

The session ended with pictures in the waterfall.......all smiles and refreshed on a warm afternoon.

Composites are a great way to creatively combine a handful of images to display.

Sophia was such a great subject to work with. We had a lot of fun in the studio and at the mill. She loves purple, writing and sets people at ease with a smile.

I could tell immediately that she was comfortable with herself and who she is and where she is going in life. Great energy.

I wish you the best Sophia, in all that you choose to do!

Fun Twirling!

I loved her choice of shoes so had to focus on them for an image!

The water was up enough for it to fall underneath the bridge.......I was so excited!