Senior Smiles in action

Last Friday I took more Senior Pictures of Johnny - doing his thing.  :)  He challenged me to do things differently for his pictures.  He loves the in action look.  Over the summer we did a wake board session that I LOVED!  See it here.  So, I attended his game Friday night to grab a few 'in action' shots.  He gave me a lot to pick from!  I don't think his feet ever touched the ground, at least not for long.  He is appropriately wearing number 23! 

I like the newspaper look and feel of these pictures - and Johnny totally rocked it!  

btw: they won!

picture proof....

... this is happening!  My prints arrived last night!!  It was like Christmas ; )  I was so excited I could barely get the box opened!  And, I think I am going to order more!  I really had to narrow down my selections... but, I am so in love with these I think I may just have to order another 6 or so!!  hehe!  I have 2 personal canvases coming - I will have to decide if I want them at home or at the studio.  

Tomorrow I hope to have a 'project' reveal on all of the things I have been working on to put into the store / studio.  This weekend will be spent organizing and decorating... and so will the upcoming weekends until opening day! 

Stay close by and be sure to 'like' our facebook pages to get grand opening information and specials! 

Knee High to a Grasshoper  and Life, Love & Lemons

be fearless

"a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" ~ Lao-tzu

I am beaming. glowing. bursting with excitement.  

Opening a studio is a big jump.  Big commitment.  Big rewards, God willing!

Little did I know that when I took pictures of Abby and her family that it would lead me to this point.  I didn't know Abby.  I didn't know any of her friends.  I didn't know any of her family.  We had never crossed paths.  She happened to see a facebook post of mine advertising for family photo sessions.  As the four of us walked to the destination for their pictures we chatted about our lives.  One story lead to another, and then she threw out the idea of me having a studio in her someday store.  I loved the idea, but was I ready?

Abby and I shared a few correspondence back and forth.  She commented, "... to be successful, I have to surround myself with successful people..."  She's right.  Her and I meeting was not by accident or coincidence.  It was intentionally planned by someone greater than us.  And, I know that she is the right person to join forces with.  Being successful separately will make us successful together, and visa-versa too.  We will lift each other.  

When you first meet Abby, she is adorable.  great smile.  bubbly.  personable.  sincere.  kind. driven.  organized.  There are many characteristics of hers that I can learn from.  We are both alike and different in all of the right ways. 

Something that resignates with me, she is a great Mom.  Evan is an adorable little guy.  He is her priority. 

Abby is following her dreams.  She is taking a risk.  She is taking that first step to be successful for herself and her family.  The rewards will be numerous - but, that doesn't come without a lot of hard work.  I am following my dreams (one of them - I have many on my bucket list).  I have spent more nights laying awake planning and dreaming then I could ever count.  Ideas flood my mind during the day.  This dream that I am living now, I never knew I could make it here.  My life and myself have evolved so much in the past 2 years.  The new me doesn't even recognize the old me.  I have lots of growing still but that is an important part of life that I am happy to admit to do.  I grow.  I change, happily.  

The truth about chasing my dream; I am scared.  I have invested time and money - anticipating success.  But, that doesn't come without it's risks.  Loss of time with family.  Loss of money.  Loss of pride if it doesn't work out.  The key to be successful isn't being fearless - it is about pushing through it, one small step at a time.  Doubt and fear can be incapacitating.  They have the ability to keep you static.  I refuse to be static.  I don't know how, honestly.  Step by step we work through the discomforts - even when the finish line is too far to see.  Anything and everything we can think of started this way - an idea and determination to over come fear and obstacles.  We all dare to dream to prove to ourselves, that we can do it.  We can live it. 

What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?

For Abby and I, It is Knee High to a Grasshoper and Life, Love & Lemons!!  

Stay close by to get sneak peaks of the store / studio in progress and for Grand Opening Specials! 

capturing love {through a lens}

I was given the opportunity to photograph two weddings last year.  Both couples took a leap of faith in me, because I had only assisted in one other wedding before.  I believe both weddings were a roaring success!  You can see the blogs about them here and here.  

Shortly after, I was contacted through my site by a lady named Laura.  She was referred to me by a friend - the best compliment a photographer can receive is a referral.  Laura was getting married.  She told me a few things up front.   They were both middle aged and they didn't want a big 'to-do'.  Just a small, simple wedding.  My thoughts after reading the email... it sounded perfect.  And definitely something we could make work! We decided to meet and go over some of the wedding details.  

When I met Laura, she was very pleasant and kind.  We went over the details -and she had them all mapped out.  Very organized - beautifully planned.  She had addresses and contact information all ready for me.  We discussed Save-the Dates.  I asked her if there was anything significant in their story that she would like me to bring out in the save the dates.  And, she beamed - literally.  She said there was a quote by David that she would like on there.  We planned it out - and scheduled a date for their engagement shoot.

We had a beautiful day, a little windy but we made it work.  My favorite part, it was as if I was invisible to them.  Not because they were rude or it was an awkward encounter.  It was the love and their engagement of each other that was so perfect.   David is a character!  He was joking and laughing and kissing the entire time. Which made Laura giggle and smile, the entire time.  It shows in their pictures. 

I feel very lucky to have met these two people that found their way to each other.   All good things are worth waiting for - and Laura and David have found a meaningful and true love that they will share together forever.  I am blessed to be able to witness it.  Here are a few of their pictures - you can feel the love.

Here is their Save the Date that we came up with.  I think it represents them well :) 

Congratulations Laura & David! 

2013 quickly approaching

The past 5 years have represented many changes in my life.  And, as life should have it, I know 2013 will be filled with many more.  Some that we can plan for, and some that we can't.  But, I am really looking forward to 2013. 

Just over a year ago - I started this photography journey.  It has been a excellent way for me to develop a different side of myself.  And with that, I stumbled into this writing that is turned into my own type of therapy.  I love writing.  I love sharing the challenges of parenting and living, and rejoicing in all of the everyday blessings that are so powerful.  It is the little things that make life worth living - they are why we do what we do.  We love and connect with people - our friends, families, strangers.  We share joy and sorrow - we empathize, together.  That is what makes us human.  I want to celebrate more of those connections. 

photo credit Chris Bland

This year, in the quickly approaching 2013, my focus is connecting.  I love the connection I have found from the past that has come to bless me this year, and every upcoming year for the rest of my life.  This is developing through my engagement and wedding planning...  but most importantly, life planning.  In my personal life, I get to share wedding planning and many, many more stories of my baby boy that is quickly turning into a little man.  

I love the connections I have made with new families and clients and I look forward to the many more that I will meet and the continued experiences I will get to share with the clients that call me to capture their life.  For Life, Love & Lemons Photography, I will be opening a studio!  It isn't all mine - I am sharing it with a wonderful and ambitious young lady, Abby,  that I happened to connect with through taking her family pictures.  She is opening a baby boutique, Knee High to a Grasshopper - and I will be sharing some space with her.  I am really looking forward to the expansion of my business and the many, many new faces I will meet along the way.  Click on the logo to take you to her FB business page - like and share! ;)

I will be selling some of my painted furniture within her store as well.  I am SO excited to be able to dedicate some time to this side of my creativity.  I have 6 pieces I am working on now for the store...  a few for sale and a few for display. 

My website.  I was ready for a face lift - so, I made a few changes to bring in the new year.  My Gallery has finally been updated!  It is great to say that I have been so busy that my gallery was not reflecting my most recent work.  And, now it does.  I still have some updating to do - but, I have started and feel proud to display all of my beautiful clients.  Same layout, but different, yet kindof the same color scheme.   And, the linen vintage fabric look is a great representation of another new avenue I am working into.... 

Vintage Rentals.  I don't know what this scope is totally yet, but I have a lot of old stuff.  And, I have an addiction to keep buying so - I thought I might as well rent it out!  I will have different pieces that can be rented for events: Parties, Baby and Bridal Showers, Weddings, etc.  A big investment I have been making is in China :) I have almost 250 complete table settings available for rent.  This will include silverware and napkins, dinner plates and salad bowls, teacups and dessert plates.  It is my newest love and addiction.  I will be working to get my own rental gallery online for viewing and rental.  The hard part is the name...  I want it to be connected to my lemon theme but still have a name for itself...  So, I will be kicking that around.  

This busy wonderful life never ceases to amaze me.  It is full of new exciting experiences, the planned and unplanned!  The best part is - I know that wherever I (we, John, Brayden, and I) end up - we are exactly where we are suppose to be.  There is always a plan that is bigger than our own, and I know there are great things in-store for us in 2013. 

Bring on the new and meaningful connections of 2013! May you all have a happy and safe New Years Eve and New Years Day.  God bless! 

Seasons Greetings

It is that time of year when your mail will become flooded with updates and pictures of all of your loved ones.  What a blessed time of year!  Here are a few families I did over the past couple weeks...  a few more for this weekend! :) 

You still have time to book your Holiday Sessions!  Contact me today! :) 

Smith Family Smiles

This post is long over due.  I had so much fun working with this family.  Relaxed and casual - we just hung out and let the kids do their thing - while I snapped lots and lots of pictures.  I had a really hard time picking some favorites - there were lots of cute ones.  Here are a few:

{denim and boots}

Who could resist this cutie in denim and boots?!  How adorable is he?  And, would you look at those big brown eyes!!??

I love this part of my life - taking pictures.  Little Nolan is cousins to my post about little butt cheekers.  We all got to hang out again at the farm for his session.  I had just as much fun as the kids did!  

I took a little longer than normal to get his pictures edited.  His family got concerned that there wasn't any of him smiling - or potentially pictures of real tangible quality.  Defiantly not the case! Check him out below! 

Little Nolan is 3.  And, as my soft spot for little boys should have it - he reminded me of Brayden.  Brayden isn't 3 yet - but, it is quickly approaching.  Nolan gave me a flash forward of what to expect.  He was excited, yet calmer.  He followed directions beautifully.  And, he was able to hold up his 3 fingers...  Brayden and I are still working on that :) He made me appreciate the 2 year old that Brayden still is - because Nolan was 3: more grown up.  Something that is very hard for me to picture Brayden as...  He is still my baby :) I suppose Brayden will 'grow up' too and I won't even notice the transition.  It makes me a little sad, but excited too.  

as the years go by {thielk family smiles}

Growing up in a small town, everyone knows everyone.  It is a comforting feeling - familiar faces, familiar smiles.  

This is the Thielk family.  Dana (the mama), was a year older than me in high school.  Her parents were in high school with my parents.  And here she is - a busy mom with children that are growing fast.  Her little one, and my little one are close in age too.  Years and years of of history, in one little town.  

Here is the Thielk family, and their smiles.  It was a picture perfect day! 

four generations {family smiles}

James and I are Facebook friends.  And, he is my dealer.  :)  He sometimes supplies my addiction...  for antiques!  He keeps my up to date on any of his new finds and gives me a chance to snag them first!  I love having an in! 

So, when he called last week and asked me to squeeze in a session for his wife's family - I had to :) 

I go to their home and take their pictures.  They are a lovely little family.  We got all of the requested poses and a few random too. James sent me a thank you text after I left.  I told him it wasn't a problem at all.  Then, he relied again and said, "it is the first full family picture they have ever had taken."  I about cried.  And, I was honored to do it for them.  Here they are; 4 generations of happiness and love. 

Senior Smiles {Here's Johnny - Part 1}

Here's Johnny!  

I LOVED doing this session!  It was a beautiful day out on the boat.  Perfect weather, good company, and we even had great music to fit right in with the moment!

This is part 1 of his pictures.  Many more sports editions to come! 

There is still time to get your Fall senior Smiles Session booked!  Contact us today! :) 

Sneak Peak {Wedding Day Love}

I have been holding off on this post... but, I can't wait anymore! :)  We are almost finished with this beautiful couples special day. 

I will do a full post soon.  I have so much I want to say about this day and how special it was to share it with this couple, their family, and their friends.  For now, here is just a peak of what is coming.  :)

pretty cool stuff happening....

In the church parking lot - not panicking, at allLife, Love & Lemons {photography} has been really busy...  and, it doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon.  So, that means the blog may have less personal 'stuff' and a lot more photography bragging! ;)   

We had our first Life, Love & Lemons Wedding this weekend - it was a blast - And the weather, OUTSTANDING! Chris and I got amazing shots - I can't wait to share them. The bride and groom were stunning, and the whole gang was a lot of fun.  We have our 2nd wedding in a couple of weeks and I can confidently say, we are ready!!  :)

On the party trolley (taken with the cell)

Yesterday, after a 14 hour wedding day - I wanted to do some relaxing, but had a few changes in my plans.  It involved running back to the reception hall, I had forgotten some much needed equipment (glad it was still there), dropping off rented equipment, and picking up my car that got left at the church.  I also squeezed in a super cool senior smiles session - I will do a full entry on it soon!  Here is a sneak peek: 

By the evening, John and I found time for a few cold beverages and enjoyed eating our take-out pizza by the river.  We watched the barges come through and ducks squrry as the sun went down.  It was perfect, almost.  

 Brayden made another trip to Virgina.   I feel like I am walking around in circles most of the time, always feeling like I am forgetting something.  Not having that little guy at my arms reach is hard to adjust to.  I know he is having so much fun and he will be home soon.  Until then, every morning I unconsciously turn the tv to the disney channel (172), when I had full and complete intention to put it on CMT (166).  Every. Morning.  And every time I do it, it starts my day out pretty rough...  because I miss him so much.  

Stay close by to catch all of the upcoming session posts!  

Hope you all enjoyed the beautiful weekend as much as we did! :) 

Talk soon! :)

Noah is 1 !

I got the opportunity to photograph my cousins adorable son.  He was totally cooperative, even through a missed nap.  His Mom (my cousin April) and Grandma (my Aunt Ann) were there encouraging the laughter by singing songs and clapping.  We had fun - and editing, oh my goodness - the cuteness just wouldn't stop!!  
Scroll and Enjoy! 

Last but not least; Noah and his Mama! 

Sunsets and Family Smiles

What a busy weekend!  How did yours go?  Busy?  Relaxing?  I feel like summer is starting to wind down, and I have a lot to squeeze in.  I am sure we all feel that way.  So, I will get in what I can  - and still take time to enjoy this hot wonderful weather!  

I have a lot to post about!  So, to start it off - I have the Palmatier Family!  I loved the location and the sun setting - but, most of all - what an adorable family!  The girls were a hoot!  And, I think we all had fun!

See highlights below!  They will also be in the Gallery in Family Smiles!

If you give a boy a stick {he will give you a smile}

These two little sillies were so fun to take pictures of.  They started out very serious - they didn't want to make it too easy ;)  But, Give a boy a stick and have an apple hunt - and they will give you a smile.  They came into their own shortly after a brief warming up - And the pictures could not have been cuter.  As I was editing I kept thinking to myself, 'how is she going to pick 1 pictures for her Father's day gift?"  Well, after some discussion - she went with a framed collage of them.  It was adorable!

Because this session was for a Father's Day gift, I was keeping it a secret - I am SO GLAD that I can post this session now because these two...  My oh my!  As you scroll, you will see what I mean.  The cool part was to actually photograph them.  We all had a good time.  You can't fake this much cuteness!  The boys just acted like boys - and I am so happy I got the opportunity to capture it.  Thanks Jonanne - the boys are both sweet and adorable! 

Very soon they will be added to several sections in the Gallery.  

 

{Beautiful Belly}

There is something about pregnant women that gives me chill bumps.  It could be that they are absolutely adorable or maybe it is the miracle that is growing, and partly me reliving the astonishment I experienced through my own pregnancy.  Thinking back to all of the wonderful moments in my life, that experience may take the cake - second to the delivery of course.  I believe, that is as close as most of us ever come to experiencing a real miracle. 

Chris and I spent some time with a dear friend of ours, Tara.  I find her exceptionally beautiful - I knew her when she was little, she is best friends to my younger sister.  She has a great husband - and their love and bond can be seen through their photos.  They are beautiful couple and soon to come, a beautiful baby too!  

 I had the chance to try something new.  I know it isn't everyone's style but, I thought it looked cool - kind of a modern art feel.  Important Note:  Tara does NOT know what she is having - this is NOT the reveal - That won't happen until he / she graces them with their presence.  However, if it is a boy - then the picture works :)  If not, no biggie!  :)

 

 

 

 What do you think?  Alittle bit Andy Warhol??  Like or no?

Introductions {Meet the Photographers}

photo by ChrisI don't think I have ever formally introduced myself.  :) So, I thought I would take this opportunity to share my vision of Life, Love & Lemons {blog & photography}.

I have had this dream for as long as I can remember.  I didn't dream of doing it professionally, all I knew is that I wanted to take beautiful pictures to have to cherish throughout life.  A whirlwind of life experiences were thrown at me, and life has taken a few turns that I never anticipated.  And as I say most days, this is the happiest I have ever been.  I have the privilege to be a Mama to, who I think, is the sweetest and most adorable little guy on the planet (I may be biased).  I am now chasing dreams that have always been there, but I never totally knew what they were.  I stumbled, not by accident, onto the beautiful writings by Amy Kolz. I poured over her writings and her story.  She inspired me.  My personality doesn't allow me to sit and wait.  I chase.  I act.  I do.  Now.  So, that is what I did.  I had my camera already so, I plunged into researching photographers, DIYers, techniques, props, backdrops, prices, reviews of photographers, reviews of equipment, ect.  I am still learning - and I love that.  I love that no day ever passes where I am not learning something new.  

I have a much larger vision for where Life, Love & Lemons is going to go.  A few other passions that I have waiting in the wings - and I look forward to developing and sharing along the way! But, I love where we are at right now.  I am meeting amazing people.  I have bookings more often than not, which is a great place to be!  Every mile is accomplished one step at a time.  For now, I am just enjoying the experience and not looking too far ahead.  I am taking it one step at a time, and smiling along the way. I love the journey.  

My blog is kinda random.  Someone asked me what my message was?  "I don't know" was my response.  It is just life - and life is kinda random.  It is reflection on the past and cherishing living in the now. It is about the evolution of self and the crazy funny and sentimental moments that get us through the day to day.  It's a journey and record.  Basically, I get to share all of the 'stuff' in my head.  I really enjoy writing it.  And I LOVE when people tell me that they read it...  I am glad they are able to sift through my grammatical errors!

photo by MeganThe interesting part of this all is that I have shared this dream with someone who has inspired me for many years now.  It is my brother-in-law, Chris.  He has an amazing eye and his technique is flawless.  He is teaching me, a lot!  Also, he has industry experience through web design (and a lot of other techy stuff that I have no clue about).  Basically, I showed up at he and my sisters house and said, I bought a domain name and site.  Now what :)  From there, we have been supporting eachother.  Chris is more than a partner in this business, he is the husband to my sister and the father to my neice and nephew.  He is amazing in all of his roles.  He doesn't sleep either! Of course, none of this would be possible without my sister (his wife's) support.  They have a relationship that I not only admire, but aspire to have the same amazing partnership in my personal life as Mallory and Chris have developed. 

Chris' photo sessions will start to be subject matter of the blog and his pictures will also be joining the Gallery very soon!

Check out our tabs with our own personal bios.  Meet Megan! and Meet Chris!  Contact us to capture your special life moments! 

Thank you to the readers and clients for your support!  Share the love on FB! ;) 

Cat's out of the bag.... {session reveal}

I don't get that saying...  Cat's out of the bag??  If a cat were in a bag, I am pretty sure we would know it...  Anyway, onto the important stuff...  and by important I mean the adorable session I am now allowed to share.  

The folks that know me, know that I can't do surprises!  I get so excited, that I ruin it - they get gifts early or I go on and on about the fabulous gift they are going to get... and then I talk myself into telling them what it is.  HOWEVER, this surprise I was keeping, kinda...  I got to share it with people I work with and my family, but they were NOT allowed to breathe a word about the top secret Father's Day Photo Sessions.  But, I received a text yesterday that said, it was no longer a surprise - She had to share the beautiful pictures with her husband.  Phewww....  NOW I can share!  Thanks Nicole!  I was having a hard time containing myself!! ;)

Justin - Happy Father's Day, early! ;)

Morning Walk {bottling up the sweetness}

Brayden goes to daycare just down the street from where we live and  where I work.  Now that the weather is beautiful we have been enjoying brisk morning walks to school.  After I drop him off, I smile all the way to work, laughing about the conversations we have.  

Every morning we look for squirrels.  I say to him,"Brayden, do you see any squirrels?" He replies,"Nope!"   I ask, "Do you think they are still sleeping?"...  and his beautiful response,"Yup.  They snuggle with their Mama!"...  I love that kid! I want to bottle up that sweetness and keep it forever. 

It is a great way to start my day.  After the rushing to get ready in the morning we get that downtime on a 12 minute walk to school.  We get to discuss trains and trucks, squirrels and birds, rocks and sticks.  It is beautiful - I really cherish that time.  It usually means that I am going to walk into work a few minutes late but it doesn't bother me too much.  I walk in late but with a smile.  I get 12 extra minutes with B and 12 minutes of reflection time on my walk back (and a little exercise too)!  It's a win-win-win! 

 I have been a little MIA on the blog and photography.  I have had some ADORABLE photo sessions - but, I can't post them until after Father's Day - the images are TOP SECRET! It is killing me...  seriously.  All of the cuteness is hidden away... and it feels so wrong!  But, it will be worth it for the Dad's that will be getting the top secret surprise! 

This is a beautiful time of year to do family photos!  Schedule yours today!  Contact me for available dates and pricing!