Joey & Amy, Elegant Knoxville Wedding
August 30, 2007 | Filed Under wedding | 4 Comments
My weekend in Knoxville was so much fun. I was blessed to be a part of Amy & Joey’s beautiful wedding and I am thrilled to show you some of the great images that we captured.
Matt made the trip to Knoxville to second shoot with me again, and we started our day with Amy and the bridesmaids at Venus Salon for hair styling. Then we headed over to Crescent Bend, the location of the reception, for the rest of our preparation and pre-ceremony photos.
Emotions were running high in the ladies camp on Saturday morning. Amy was so full of joy and anticipation that if she stopped long enough to think about it, her beautiful eyes welled up with tears. Darcey, the Maid of Honor, was quick on her feet to bust out a hilarious tale of her own relationship disasters starting with the fourth grade when she and Amy became friends (kind of, but that’s a whole other story). This shot was just before Amy was getting ready to go out and see Joey. She caught a glimpse of herself all ready in the mirror and started to lose it. Darcey started telling a story that brought her tears back to a big laugh!
Just in case you’re wondering, Amy’s simple and elegant gown by Monique Lhuillier was purchased at White Lace and Promises.
When Amy finally got out to see Joey, it was another emotional moment. These two are so in love. The tears subsided quickly into a feeling of content and they quietly soaked in the moment.
A shot of the guys on the trolley - I think there were 10 guys…but they were so easy to work with!
Leah and the team at Whimsical Gatherings rocked the house with these flowers. Wait til you see some of the other floral decor in the slideshow. These girls are first class!
Amy was so great about the little details. This is her grandmother’s earring dangling down from her bouquet.
The traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony was held at St George Greek Orthodox Church. Here’s a shot during the crowning portion of the service.
Amy & Joey spent a few moments alone on the front steps of the church just following the ceremony. The emotions were pure and sweet. I love this shot.
Here’s the Mother of the Groom and the Mother of the Bride with Adrienne Atchley, the wedding coordinator. The day seemed to go so beautifully - this is a dream team!
Joey & Amy’s wedding cake was straight out of a bridal magazine. Magpies did a great job with this one.
Other vendors for the wedding include Rex Bradford Jones, Catering and Total Package Band provided the music that kept us dancing all night long!
Joey & Amy exited their reception to their friends and family tossing rose petals. I think petals make the most beautiful “exit” photos. They boarded the trolley and headed off to enjoy their honeymoon!
And, since I know you’ve been waiting, click to play the slideshow, or click HERE to view it full screen.
And to my bridesmaids, I really wanted to work the phrase “shiny & new” into the post somewhere, but I just couldn’t figure out where…you girls were so much fun to hang with!
Congratulations Jason & Deborah, Franklin Wedding
August 21, 2007 | Filed Under wedding | 2 Comments
Saturday was Jason & Deborah’s big day in Franklin, Tennessee. I was excited once again to have Matt come to town to be my second shooter. Here’s our self portrait for the week - pretty boring this time compared to the last few we’ve done.
We headed out bright and early at 7AM to join Deborah and the girls at Salon Suites in Cool Springs for their hair appointments. Deborah’s stylist, Jeremy, had the coolest decor in his salon - complete with Craftsman tool boxes to hold his gear and green camo capes. So fun.
Here’s a shot of Deborah’s cathedral length veil hanging in waiting in Jeremy’s suite
After the hair was finished, we went over to Saint Philip Catholic Church in Franklin for the ceremony. Matt hung out with the guys and I stayed with the girls, so many of my shots for this post are of the ladies.
Details…Deborah’s father’s handkerchief and her rosary beads for the day
This was a fun moment during the ceremony. There was a little confusion about which hand Jason’s ring was supposed to go on…
Kind of an interesting take on “the kiss”. The videographer and I were kind of in the same spots in the back of the church and I was having trouble getting in a good spot for the kiss because he was there. I knew Matt was up close in the front of the church, so I decided to try for something different. The videographer was able to zoom in a lot more than me, so I shot his LCD screen. I love how it came out.
Pure joy
This is a great casual shot of Jason & Deborah on the trolley. 
This is one of my favorite pics from the day. Deborah was kicked back in the trolley and had her dress pulled up to let some air under it because it was SO hot. I love everything about this shot. Everything. Too cute!
The reception was held at Embassy Suites in Cool Springs. Check out the slideshow below for many many shots of us dancing the night away.
Here’s Chris & Jonie. I photographed their wedding in September of 2006 (see this blog post) and they were kind enough to pass my info along to Deborah when she began her planning. It was fun to hang out with them during the reception! I love you guys!
Jason & Deborah delayed their honeymoon in Cancun until this Friday (instead of heading out to handle Hurricane Dean) so I know they are in town and will be excited to see their slideshow. click the play button below or click HERE to view it full screen.
Thanks for letting us be part of your big day!
Corwin’s 3 Month Portraits
August 20, 2007 | Filed Under babies | 5 Comments
Tis the season for babies. I went to Corwin’s house in Smyrna for his 3 month portrait session last week. He is such a sweet boy who loves his Mama. Here’s a picture of Corwin and Tracie snuggling together.
Corwin’s nursery is very cool in brown and green. 
Corwin was a good sport and stayed awake for our traditional shots that will be used in his baby panel (3, 6, 9 and 12 month shots all framed together), but once he fell asleep, I kept on shooting. This is very common for newborn and 3 month sessions - awake and asleep photos.
Sweet little tiny feet.
You’ll be seeing a lot more of Corwin and his family over the next couple of years. I also love that Corwin is the first in a long line of 3 month olds that I will be photographing in the next several weeks, including Norah. It’s cool to know that these will be the kids that will grow up and become great friends with my baby girl.
The Secret Workshop
August 17, 2007 | Filed Under commercial, kids | 4 Comments
Well, last weekend Steph and I boarded a plane for Greensboro, North Carolina to attend the Secret Workshop. It was so hard to leave little Norah at home with her Daddy, Grammy & Granddaddy from Friday morning to Monday afternoon, but I had invested a lot of money into my plane tickets, the workshop fee and hotel room a long time before I knew Norah would be here, so I felt I really needed to go.
Once we got away from home, I was really excited to head out. I have not yet attended any educational workshops about children’s photography. I love working with children and one of the things about this workshop that intrigued me the most was learning about shooting kids in more commercial environments - like child models, catalogs, magazines, etc. These are things I would love to do eventually with my work.
We got the opportunity on Saturday to work with some child models. They were SO fun to work with - some of them were still aspiring models, and they were a little more challenging than the ones with experience - but that was part of the learning process.
I came out the door for my shooting time and the first little guy I saw was Trenton! Oh my gosh - that hair, that smile - I want to keep him.
This is probably my favorite picture of the whole day. This kid stole my heart!
This is Cruise. He was a handful. But very cute.
We were a little surprised when Will popped out of the crowd in three very stylish and cool outfits. I had to ask him how old he was before I was willing to photograph his bare chest! He’s 25. But he was a trooper in the name of looking cool - that was a wool trench coat in 100 degree heat.
Mmm mmm mmm
Y’all can also tell I am into sun flare these days. 
I don’t remember her name but her eyes are so sparkly.
Ethan in awesome camo shorts
I don’t remember this handsome guy’s name either…it was a long day!
Sweet Lacey
Twins Abby and Ali and their sister Lucy. These girls are Lacey’s sisters, and they are all internationally adopted. Yay!
Here’s Lucy again.
Did I mention I would like to keep this child? Don’t you think he would be a good big brother for Norah? 
He is a RIOT.
So, I am sure you already could tell that Trenton was our buddy by the end of the day. This was an attempt at a self portrait with Steph, Trenton and me, but Steph got cut out and the other shots were really bad…sorry Steph!
I have a few snapshots to add from my point & shoot camera later, but I wanted to share those photographs of the child models and throw it out there that I am interested in these types of sessions if you are looking for a photographer!
There will be some major changes to my childrens photography division in 2008 and all I can say is if you already know you want a session, you would be wise to book it for this Fall. 
Email Issues?
August 16, 2007 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 3 Comments
I have gotten several phone messages and emails lately saying “I have sent you two or three emails about this” and I am shocked because I haven’t received them through my alison@bynumphoto.com address. I am checking into things with my hosting company, but until then, please feel free to also use my “personal” email address - alison.bynum@comcast.net if you sent me an email and haven’t gotten a response. Though I still have a few more days before I am back to work officially (Monday August 20 is the big day), I will do my best to accommodate time-sensitive requests.
Again, I appreciate your patience while I have been on maternity leave. Your images are safe and have not changed, but my daughter has definitely grown and our bond as a family is stronger because I have been able to focus on her alone for these past few weeks.
I have the best clients ever and you are appreciated!!!
New Family Photos with my own Family
August 5, 2007 | Filed Under family | 7 Comments
We interrupt this professional blog to bring you a special bulletin. I have tried to keep the personal blogging on my business blog to a minimum, but I had to break in and show you these brand new family photos by our friend and talented photographer Amber Holritz. She traveled to Smyrna on Friday to spend a few hours with Brad, Norah & me so that we could have some family photos showing what life is like right now. I am posting a few of my favorites, and the link to Amber’s blog and the slideshow are at the end of the post so you can link over to both. Please comment and tell Amber how much you love our photos too!
My loves.
Here’s a few images of our the “big sisters” of the family.
Funny story. This is Misty, in case you’ve never met her or heard about her. I have had her since she was a kitten when I was 13. (She’s now 15 for those of you who don’t know how old I am.) One of my friends asked my brother if Misty was still alive because we never talk about her on the blog. Let’s just say, Brad is not a fan of the cat, so she doesn’t get included in many activities. But she is alive and kicking and just as “Misty” as ever. This is a typical “I do not care that you put a baby in the chair behind me and now want me to act affectionate for a photo” face.
Love this family shot. We were hanging out in our bed. Which we love.
Hanging out in the same spot. Little more snuggly. Focusing on her tiny toes. Awww.
OK - I have been trying to get a few things done, even though I have a couple weeks left of my official maternity leave. Sometimes Norah sits with me while I do something on the computer. We don’t do it every time she is awake, but usually this occurs once a day. I think she enjoys the light from the screen, and occasionally she will point out a photo or two that she thinks you might like.
Norah had a bottle and had to endure the agony of burping. Then she went into sleepy baby mode. Here is that look she gets when it’s getting close to nap time.
When she fell asleep, I carefully maneuvered Norah out of her blanket and onto the ottoman for some sweet sleeping pics. Here’s one of Amber in action - note the ShootSac.
Since I had not yet attempted to photograph Norah like this, I could not resist picking up my own camera to take a few pictures. I mean, it was her first time…Amber was very cool about it. She said, “Well…she is your baby.” I thought this was funny because I always say this to my clients. Never apologize for something you want to do with your own family or child. I mean, they are NOT mine!
It was worth it. This shot is one I grabbed. Amber’s beautiful ones are on the Holritz Photography Blog and in the slideshow.
View the slideshow of Amber’s favorites HERE.
Amber, thank you for making time to come to Smyrna for this session. We truly appreciate the images from this session. We will treasure them forever. Love to you and Nathan and the kiddos. I think this is why you’re hot. 
Josh & Rebecca, Engagement Pictures in Nashville
August 3, 2007 | Filed Under engagement | 1 Comment
Meet Josh & Rebecca from Cookeville, Tennessee. These two are so adorable and silly and I love spending time with them. I am looking forward to their wedding at The Garden in at Bee Rock this October. It will be my first opportunity to photograph a wedding in the “mountains” and I am hoping for a little fall color to enhance the view looking off of Bee Rock.
Anyway - on to the good stuff. Becca and Josh are planning a “country time” wedding, complete with a bluegrass band, BBQ dinner, sweet tea in mason jars, etc. They felt like Turner Farms would be a perfect place for their engagement photos, since we had the rustic outdoor setting and the old barn. See if you agree…
Cute story. Josh & Becca met in rehab after they had knee surgery. Here they are comparing their scars. Josh even pointed out his screws.
This is why I suggest early evening times for engagement sessions. This session began at 6PM and about 7PM as we were wrapping up, the sun began to glow as it was descending. You cannot beat this golden light.
Thanks for driving down for the session Josh & Becca. Can’t wait to see you again soon!
Crystal and Brandon, Engagement Photos at the Factory in Franklin
August 1, 2007 | Filed Under engagement | 4 Comments
Meet adorable Crystal and Brandon, who will be married in late September in Tullahoma, TN. I have known Crystal since high school and have always been drawn to her joyful spirit. We re-connected at church and it is now easy to see why she and Brandon are going to be married. He shares that same joy in his heart and they are in LOVE. I love it.
We met out at the Factory for their engagement session. We started out with some more casual shots.
So silly. I love this!
And this.
An outfit change and we were on our way to a different look for the rest of the pictures.
I am sure there will be some Home Cookin’ in their future!
Norah came along to our session and my Mom met us there to keep an eye on her. We couldn’t leave without Crystal and Brandon getting in some snuggle time.
I love the look on Crystal’s face in this picture. It seems to say “you look good with a baby!”
Thanks Crystal & Brandon. I am blessed to be working with you to tell your sweet love story. See you soon.