Everyone loves surface things. It's easy to show what is on the top, the growing, beautiful things. We love to see what is blooming. We put it out there into the world, not necessarily in a bad way, but it's out there. We see it. Stuff. Achievements. Happy moments. Beautiful adventures. Snapshots and stories of what we can see and quantify. All the things that are beautiful. Our world is obsessed with what grows above the surface. Stay on social media long and you'll see things like "how to grow your platform" or ads saying "you need this" or carefully curated ways to get more likes and acceptance in this world. And it's all based on what you can see. Happiness is found in enrichment, enjoyable things, abundance, leisure, travel, a cute house, a cute family, a cute wardrobe, cool friends and just the right balance between killing it and exploring the world. (Among other things of course.) These things are the measure of success. Do what makes you happy and show everyone your wonderful life, with just a touch of real thrown in so we know it's legit.

I said goodbye to the job I have loved for over 5 years now. I shot my last wedding I have on the books this past Saturday, for a while at least. For the sake of laying out there, I still get plenty of inquiries and everything looks amazing - but to every single one God has said no. There is no explanation. Only a closed door. It feels scary to type this out because I still have hopes that I'll do some here and there. I have LOVED loved LOVED every minute, and feel so overwhelmingly thankful for the privilege God has given me over these years. Never in a million years did I see myself becoming a wedding photographer. It has been such sweet years of growth, learning how to find my feet as a business owner and wife, then minister's wife, mama, etc...It was just when I felt totally confident in my system, workflow and had been doing it long enough to feel so comfortable with my clients. I enjoyed the knowledge and experience and utilizing it to anticipate their needs. It truly brought me joy to serve however I could on these special, monumental days. Every single wedding has a special place in my heart. Every one was a true joy and honor. I cannot thank God enough for giving me this work, using it to grow my faith, to draw me closer to Him and bring such incredible people into my life. So many sweet friendships have been made and and beautiful places visited. It filled my soul. His gifts are good.

These two! I don't have many words, only because this incredibly couple is close to my heart. Bringing Lauren & Andrew's vision for their engagement session to life in Pensecola was an immense joy. I love when people want something that is entirely unique to who they are. I find it so invigorating to be challenged to create something that is both beautiful and authentic. There are a millions upon millions of beautiful images out there, but true representations of personhood, what it means to be human and in love? I'm not so sure there are as many; and that is precisely what I endeavor to represent with my art. Perfection is boring. Real is beautiful. I hope you can taste how real these two are, and just how much depth there is to their hearts and story. 

Clare & Adam had the sweetest day last spring. Their classic love was beautifully celebrated at Fountainview Mansion's stunning grounds. It was the perfect combination of sacred, timeless and effortless. Clare & Adam chose details that enhanced the natural beauty of the spring surroundings. Their first look was one of the sweetest I've been privileged to witness. Plus, they had a cute audience watching from the mansions windows. Thank you for letting me be a part of this day you two!

It's hard to imagine a setting more perfect for this sweet, relaxed couple. We spent the final hour on the coast enjoying the warm light and beautiful views of Rosemary Beach. Dawn was an expert planner and somehow managed to compliment their surroundings perfectly with their breezy looks. These two are so natural together, like the ocean waves and the soft sand. I am looking forward to their 30a seaside wedding late this Summer!