Dave & Amanda’s Wedding at the Yacht Club, Mt Juliet

September 30, 2007 | Filed Under wedding | Leave a Comment

Dave and Amanda were married Saturday at the Cedar Creek Yacht Club on Old Hickory Lake in Mt Juliet. We had perfect weather, which made this outdoor ceremony and reception quite enjoyable.

Here’s Amanda, the beautiful bride. Her Casablanca gown was purchased at The White Room in Lebanon. Hair & Makeup by Mitzi’s Hair Design. Flowers by Moss’ Florist.

These bridesmaids were awesome. They took great care of Amanda all day long. Notice their necklaces, which Amanda AND Dave made for them.

Dave the handsome groom. I love his hair and his grin.

Dave with his groomsmen. I made some comment about taking a picture of their berries…you know, the ones that they are wearing on their lapels, but you can see it went downhill from there!

Love the smirk on this adorable flower girl. She was SO great. Dave & Amanda made her bracelet as well.

The reception decor was awesome. The oranges and yellows in the flowers were a great complement to the backdrop of the sun setting over the lake. These flowers were done by Moss’ as well.

I rarely post pics of the groom’s cake, but this one was so cute. Cakes by Patty Cakes and they were not just cute, but delicious.

Shot of Amanda & Dave on one of the docks. They chose to see each other before the ceremony and get all of the portraits done so they could go directly to the reception. It worked out GREAT - we had plenty of time to wander around the Yacht Club property and create some great images.

The sun set just as the ceremony ended. We got a few dreamy shots by the water before the light was gone.

Amanda & Dave chose a lot of songs that they loved to create a very relaxed atmosphere at the reception. Here they are dancing to some Dave Matthews Band. The guys from Cosmo Creations were the dj’s for the evening.

Beautiful sunset

Here’s me and Kyle at the end of the evening! Thanks Kyle for all of your help!

Slideshow coming soon!

Crystal and Brandon, Spirit-Filled Wedding in Tullahoma

September 25, 2007 | Filed Under wedding | 2 Comments

Crystal and Brandon. Two people who waited to find their true love. Two people who anticipated their wedding day with great desire. Two people who are seeking to honor God with their individual lives, and now with their lives as one flesh.

Matt and I were blessed to spend the day with this couple and their family and friends - all kind and gracious people. We met Crystal and Melanie at Impressions Day Spa and Salon in Decherd to start the day. The girls got their hair done and it turned out great!

From there we went to the Lakeside Club at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma. This sits on the Woods Reservoir (lake) and provided a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and reception. April Cochran was the wedding coordinator who decorated the ceremony site, reception site and did all the flowers for the day. It all turned out great! Here’s another shot of Crystal preparing for the day.

The beautiful bride. Gown is an Oleg Cassini by David’s Bridal.

The handsome groom. Brown Tux by Street Tuxedo

Crystal and Brandon chose to see each other before the ceremony. This seems untraditional, but it is actually a really special time for couples who choose to do this. We chose a location by the lake where Brandon waited, and then Crystal walked up to him and they had a chance to really see each other, talk and pray before the ceremony. Then we had time for some relaxed portraits before we moved on with the rest of the busy day. Here’s one of the shots we got during the private moment.

Rings…Brandon, you can finally wear your wedding ring and it is legit!

This is random but one of my favorite shots of the day.

The flower girls were all nieces of the bride and groom. Crystal’s mom and grandmother made all of their dresses, headpieces and baskets, which is nothing short of amazing. Also amazing is that they all made it down the aisle without incident!

The moment when Crystal walked down the aisle with her father was probably the most spirit-filled moment I have experienced in a long time. Danielle and Brad were singing “Here am I, all of me…” and the drum beat was driving the music. The crowd stood, Crystal and her dad were both crying, and I could not hold back my own tears. I had chills. It was beautiful.

The guys looked great holding the bridesmaids flowers

Cake by Becker’s Bakery

Toasting with Cream Soda

The getaway - we all trekked down the hill in the dark to line up by the boat dock. Sparklers lit up the night as the happy couple whisked away through the fireworks of friends and family to board a boat and ride off into the moonlit evening. It was amazing.

To view the slideshow, click play below, or click HERE to view it full screen.

To register to view all of Crystal and Brandon’s photos when they are released to the public, please CLICK HERE.

Gibson Family Portraits in Murfreesboro

September 19, 2007 | Filed Under family | 1 Comment

Boys boys boys. I love them. They are so full of curiosity and energy. They will drop everything to explore new places.

I met the Gibson’s last night at my favorite photo spot for a Family Portrait Session. It was fun to see the boys faces light up at the train caboose and the old tractors that they were seeing for the first time. Here’s a few family shots…

If you know how I shoot, I am pretty “trigger-happy” so I shoot in rapid fire. Eric was funny. He kept saying “Just one more picture, okay?” like “Lady, aren’t you done yet? I have stuff to look at!”

Photos of the boys with Jeff were really important to Jana. So here are a few of my favorite ones.

AND, after several years of marriage and a few kids, I think it is rare for couples to get photos of just them. We were able to entertain the kids long enough for a few pics of Jeff and Jana by themselves.

I think it was right after this shot where they started talking about their recent trip to Las Vegas…apparently it was AWESOME.

My favorite from the whole day. So tender.

Gibson’s - thanks for inviting me into your life to tell the story of your family. Can’t wait for you to see the rest!

If you would like to register to see the complete gallery from the Gibson Family Portrait Session in Murfreesboro, please click here.

Mike & Julie, Beautiful Day for a Memphis Wedding

September 19, 2007 | Filed Under wedding | Leave a Comment

Mike & Julie were blessed with a gorgeous day to get married this past Saturday. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and everything came together just as it was planned.

Kyle and I spent some time with the girls at Gould’s Day Spa & Salon in the morning, before heading over to Carahills, the site of the ceremony and reception.

Mike and his family were hanging out when we arrived.

A few details by Kyle

Cake by Your Wedding Cake Store

While Kyle stayed downstairs getting those detail shots, I went up to hang out with the girls. This is Julie’s garter, which her mother made from lace off her own wedding dress.

Julie looked so elegant. Her gown was by Casablanca.

First dance

Mark Jordabella provided the DJ services for the afternoon.

Wedding party - we had to take advantage of this gorgeous day!

One big happy family. Caitlin and Samantha, Julie’s daughters, were having a fun time and looked beautiful. My favorite part of the wedding ceremony was when Mike said vows to the girls as well as to Julie, to care for them, provide for them, love them (and sometimes discipline them!). I was struggling not to cry.

Here’s Caitlin and some of her friends. I promised them a Facebook picture - so here you go!

The happy couple. They are off for a 2 week European honeymoon. Hope you have an AWESOME trip!

A day in the life of Sydney Laine, 4 months old

September 17, 2007 | Filed Under babies, family, kids | Leave a Comment

It’s happening.

My wedding clients have started having babies. I feel like a proud Auntie as I watch these wonderful families grow.

Everyone knows Jeremy & Nickie from their first dance below, since it has been one of my signature images since it was shot last July.

Saturday morning, I got the honor of joining these two at their home in Memphis as they woke up their sweet 4 month old baby girl Sydney and got her day started.

We got in a little pajama time

Changing into her play clothes for the day. Sydney was born on my fifth wedding anniversary, which was 3 weeks before Norah was born. It will be so fun to see them grow together.

Hanging out as a family in the den

Sydney is a champ in her exersaucer

Rolling around on the floor with Daddy. This is one of my favorite shots. Sydney can almost roll from her back to her tummy but that arm gets in the way!

A snack break was in order. Jeremy & Nickie were telling me that Sydney always puts her hands up like this when she is taking her bottle.

Another favorite

A little more tummy time.

Since the weather is finally bearable once again, we had to run outside for a minute to play.

This is such a typical dad thing to do…I love it.

Jeremy & Nickie, what a pleasure it was to see you in your home with your daughter this weekend. And thank you so much for the embroidered burp cloths with Norah’s name on them - that is too sweet of you to think of her! To register to see this complete gallery when it is available, click here.

Adie’s 9 Month Portraits

September 14, 2007 | Filed Under babies, kids | 3 Comments

I traveled to little Miss Adie’s (said like “lady”) house in Morrison yesterday for some 9 month portraits. I knew we were going to be a great fit for each other when her Mom Marian stepped outside to greet me, and we were both wearing our Chuck Taylor’s and the same pair of jeans! Anyway, Jason and Adie were hanging out inside, so I headed in to see what they were doing.

Adie was playing around in the family room. She is such a beautiful girl. You can’t even tell that she wasn’t feeling that great.

Aren’t they a sweet family?

We stepped outside for a few shots. The sky was so blue, the grass so green and the air was fresh and comfortable. It was almost surreal after the scorching summer we’ve had.

We went back inside to calm things down a bit. Adie loves to be read to.

My favorite photo from the whole session! Adie looks like she is telling us a secret!

OK another favorite

Adie’s room is straight out of Pottery Barn Kids catalog, with several personal touches. The tree on the wall is beautiful, but from what I understand a labor of love to get it up there.

Steph got to work with Adie a few months back, so to see how much she has grown, click here.

Marian & Jason - thank you for welcoming me into your home for this session. It was so much fun! Hope to see y’all again soon.

Hank’s Newborn Photos

September 13, 2007 | Filed Under babies, family, kids | 3 Comments

I got to take some pictures of my nephew Hank at one week old on Wednesday. He is already wearing size one diapers, so he was hardly small, but he is still a new baby. He didn’t much curl left in him though. Some of these pics look like a 2 month old laying there!

As soon as I saw these stars I instantly wanted to take this picture.

Sweet baby boy. He loves doing this with his lips.

My sister-in-law Shai is one of the most beautiful girls I know. She would never admit it or act like it, but she lights up a room with her smile and sparkly eyes, and her genuine care for others. I could cry now…but Shai I am so thankful that we are “sisters” and that we get to raise these little babies together. I love you! Done crying now.

love this

Jason couldn’t wait to read to Hank from the Dangerous Book for Boys

a favorite. Jason loves to nibble Hank’s ear…

another favorite

This is a sweet little monogrammed outfit

in his Optimus Prime onesie, inside Jason’s guitar case

Lots of Progress & Fall Sessions

September 8, 2007 | Filed Under family, kids, wedding | Leave a Comment

Just wanted to call attention to my week of productivity! I got SIX sessions edited and released and I want to thank everyone for your patience and show you that there is hope if you’re waiting for your own gallery! Things are finally returning to normal around here.

I will be contacting everyone who has requested a Fall Session in the next couple of days to set up your appointment. I have limited appointment times for regular sessions, but I will be offering some “mini-session” days that are perfect for that Christmas card photo that you’d like to have.

Also, a reminder that this is a busy time of year for wedding consultations. If you are interested in Bynum Photography shooting your wedding, now is the time to give me a shout. I will be unveiling 2008 wedding catalogs in November and would love to send you one!

Dave & Amanda, Engagement Pictures at the Yacht Club

September 4, 2007 | Filed Under engagement | 1 Comment

When it is 104 degrees every day, it is not necessarily a pleasant time of year to take pictures outside. We really wanted to do a session before things got too crazy with pre-wedding events, so to find a little cooler temperature we agreed to meet at 6:30AM on Sunday to take a few pictures. Early mornings are my FAVORITE time of the day to take engagement pictures. The light is always SO beautiful and it is just a peaceful and quiet time of day.

Amanda & Dave are having their wedding at Cedar Creek Yacht Club in Mt Juliet on Old Hickory Lake. We met at the site of the ceremony/reception to do their engagement pictures, and let me just say, I can’t wait for the wedding! The location is so gorgeous, and I can already see some beautiful spots for pics of the wedding party, etc. Anyway, on with the photos!

Dave kept making these great faces and it would crack us up completely. I felt bad that we were by all these big houseboats before 7AM and I was laughing so loud. I hope we didn’t wake anyone up!

Um, I love Dave’s hair. It is too cute.

Amanda possesses such a natural beauty. I can’t wait to see her as a bride.

Love it!

A little more silliness

I had so much fun with you guys. Can’t wait to see you on the big day this September! To register to see all of Amanda & Dave’s pictures, click HERE.

Miss Jadyn Grace

September 3, 2007 | Filed Under kids | 2 Comments

Many of you who follow the my family blog know the story of my pastor and his wife and their family’s journey to adopt a daughter/sister from China. This journey began officially in the Spring of 2005, but God was moving forward with His plans long before then. Jadyn was placed in the arms of her family on Mother’s Day of this year.

It’s been almost four months since Jadyn Grace came to town. We decided the time had come to try for some portraits of her.

Most of what we got were Jadyn’s serious face. That is who she is at this point in her life…in new situations she studies and takes it all in. I love this shot.

Amy brought lots of fun things that she bought in China. Those are her chopsticks that she loves to play with, and of course her silk dress. You can see we were having a time getting her settled by all the fun stuff in the picture!

This is my favorite shot of the whole day. There’s just something about it.

I love this dress and there are some color shots down below. This one would have been awesome except she was playing with a bright green/yellow toy and it just didn’t quite fit in!

Jadyn has a little self-soothing technique. She rubs a blanket or fabric on her little face to calm herself - something she learned in the orphanage to cope. I guess Amy and I were stressing her out with the photo session…because she climbed up into her chair and rubbed the little ribbon from her dress on her face. Sweet baby girl. I promise you’ll have much more fun next time. At least we were able to capture it forever.