Janurary 2010 {in review}

I am extremely thankful for the life that I live. Every day I realize this and can't help but feel overwhelmed.  No matter how bad my day is, I can step back and take in the fact that I have a strong & amazing family, friends that mean the world to me, a loving and supportive boyfriend, a good job, and my own business that I am incredibly passionate about.

Life is wonderful.

It's hard to believe that it has been over 10 years since my Grandad said those words in his last few days...

Not a day goes by that I don't recognize and repeat them in my head.

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It's no secret that I don't like the winter. It's cold, dreary, rainy or snowy... my skin gets dry and I can't keep warm.  I'm just not built for this stuff!  Every fall I get discouraged as the winter approaches... preparing myself for the worst, I guess.

Well, I have to say, this winter has been awesome so far. It's had it's down times (of course) but overall I couldn't have ask for more.

I wanted to share a few photos of the January month that I enjoy. No photos from my mini-vacation in Philly... haven't even had the chance to upload them to the MacBook yet!

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New Years Eve my friends and I gathered at one of the Ellis' farms for a bonfire... it's becoming tradition.  They have a large sand-filled ring where they would train their horses.  This was the setup before we got the fire going... and before the rain started.

*DISCLAIMER - we are SAFE about our fires. Don't try this at home and without the proper safety equipment standing by!*

Well... as you can see... it was very wet out.  If you're from the area you know about the rain we got on New Year's Eve.  It wasn't pretty.  We tried, but could only keep the fire going for so long.  Still enjoy this photo though :)

It wasn't a complete waste... old dried out Christmas Trees go up in flames beautifully and provide instant gratification :) This is my friend Jackie... I think she looks forward to the fires the most.

Another event from January was my Christmas gift from Reggie. He took me to see Shear Madness at the Kennedy Center followed by dinner at Fogo De Chao. It's not often we find the time for a night out on the town and we had an awesome time!  I highly recommend both the show and restaurant.

Here we are at the Kenendy Center during intermission.  It was windy... and cold... but we had the whole deck to ourselves and the city was lit by the beautiful, golden setting sun.  So happy here.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful new year so far! 

As awesome as this winter has been... still can't wait for spring :)

Davis {Family}

Some more of the amazing duo - the Davis Ladies!

LaShawn's eyes really speak to me here.

What. a. beautiful. smile!

Robinson {Family}

A few more photos of the adorable Laila...  I think you'll agree when I say "What a cutie!!!!"

Laila and her beautiful mother, can you tell where she gets her good looks from? :)

Davis Family {Preview}

How could you not fall in love with this smile? LaShawn is such a beautiful person inside and out.  A recent cancer survivor, she's making this her year!

Richa - you rocked it girl!!

Lovely mother and daughter shot.  You can really feel the love coming off of these two.  Richa was in town from Florida so they grabbed the opportunity for some photos together :)

Ladies, this is just a preview - many more to come!!

Robinson Family {Preview}

What an adorable little bundle of joy! Little Laila is so incredibly beautiful.  Everything is perfect here, her little eyelashes, half smile and bed-head hair!  It wouldn't stand down and I just love it!!

Definately one of my favorite from our shoot. So peaceful.

Mayes {Family}

I am very close with the Mayes Family. Their son Chretien and I have been good friends for years.  They asked me to do a few portraits of the family and I was more than happy to oblige :) Here's a look at a few!

I'm certaintly playing catch-up with photos - I finally had the chance to get away for a couple days to Philadelphia.  Soooo photos-a-plenty on the way!

The Luck {Family}

I am so behind!  I wanted to share a few more of the Luck Family photos. Did I mention how much fun I had with these ladies?

Grandma and Grand-daughter love, nothing like it :)

One of my favorite photos of Madi - adorable!

Eboni's eyes were phenominal in every shot but they really shine here.

When we were wrapping up the shoot Eboni's mother, Debbie, asked if I could take a couple photos while she prayed.  This is my favorite, you can just feel the love and compassion.

The Lovely Luck Family {Preview}

I love my job!!  I get to meet cool new people all the time!  The Luck family, what can I say, I am lucky to have met them ;)  I have all around awesome clients!!

What a warm, welcoming and beautiful family.  They made me feel right at home as soon as I came in the door.  PLUS the lighting in their living room was absolutely perrrrfect!!  I was in heaven.  We did some individual shots as well as group shots and you can just feel the love that these women have for eachother.  This is just a teaser to hold you over!  Many, many more on the way :)

The whole group dressed to impress and fully coordinated - love it!!

Alexis & Devon {Expecting}

There is a little boy named Ty that will be joining the world soon. His parents are amazing - warm and caring - there's no doubt they'll do a phenominal job as mommy and daddy!

Alexis - you're absolutely stunning!

Daddy loves his little boy

A joyous little bundle

Mommy and Daddy to-be enjoying a laugh together :)

Ty, I'm looking forward to meeting you!  Wait till you see your room -- it's sweet!!!!!

Thank you Alexis and Devon for welcoming me into your home - I had a great time!