I defy you to look through these photos of the Allen family without smiling. It’s not possible.
Lauren and Patrick (PA) Allen’s family has increased since we photographed their wedding, June 28th, 2014 at Lauren’s Dad’s Big Red Barn in West Jefferson NC. They’re now a family of 5, which includes PA’s older daughter who couldn’t be a part of this shoot and their daughter Kayleigh – the crazy cute brunette-slash-big-sister.
It was as if there was never a day apart for all of us. Ryan and I like to meet up with Lauren’s Dad, CJ, whenever he visits the mountains at Boondocks, our favorite drinking hole in West Jefferson. We solve the world’s problems over craft beer. On this day, we spent the entire time laughing and joking with each other. These guys were sweet enough to brings us gifts for our little man on the way and provided great advice on babies and especially baby boys. We love this growing family and are so excited to have them closer again. There will be loads to share as Cooper grows and our boy is born. We’ve already began planning Christmas portraits! I love it when God sends people back into our lives.
To begin planning your family portrait photography, no matter where your located or the size, contact us.
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August sometimes gets a bad rap. It’s hot; it’s the end of summer; it’s back to school time (“AND ALL GOD’S CHILDREN YELLED: NOOOOOO!!!); it’s buckle down, “we’re done with the beach for a while” time for families and we all start slouching toward fall. But really, it’s a pretty great month. It’s transition time and it always feels to me like there’s elbow room between summer and the cooling temps and tasks that come with autumn. It’s also the month Ryan and I got married. Our marriage stands up in August and says, “yes! Another year, peeps!” In that spirit, it’s time to wish our couples who were married in August a very Happy Anniversary! You’ll notice two faces below who were mere babies when they got married in August of 2003.
We’ve loved being a part of your journeys, watching your grow, have kiddos and enter new phases of life. We raise a glass to us all.
Madison Ball and Preston Roberts made it official on July 8th of this year in a small ceremony followed by an epic, large reception. The ceremony was intimate and romantic, and on the groom’s family farm in Warrensville, near a bend in the river, surrounded by 30 or so of their nearest and dearest. No rain, but some tears while they were saying their vows. The reception with 200 guests was held later at Jefferson Landing Country Club in Jefferson, NC and included lots and LOTS of dancing, drinking, karaoke and laughter. The attention to detail was amazing. Every item was thoughtfully planned and held special meaning. Preston’s family’s farm has been in the family for several generations, so it was saturated with memories. In fact, Preston’s gift to Madi was a horseshoe that he found while preparing the property for the ceremony. Family members believed that it probably belonged to his great-grandfathers’ mare. They plan to hang it in their home for continued good luck. Madi’s gift to Preston was equally thoughtful and cool: she gave him a hand-crafted watch, made from wood with a special inscription on the back. The beautiful details were everywhere. What was not at the wedding were their rings. They’d been left behind in someone’s car. So they improvised and used Preston’s father Tom’s ring for him and Preston’s sister Meghann’s ring for Madi. It was too funny – and sweet!Favorite memories of this day for the bride and groom include when they were reading their vows, first seeing each other when Madi and crew made their gorgeous river side entrance and when Preston sang the song he wrote for Madi. Karaoke, drinking and dancing were obviously on the list as well. The reception was an absolute celebration.Madi told us that they wouldn’t change a thing about their wedding day. In fact, she said her only advice to future brides and grooms would be to make the party last longer and do not hesitate to take it all in. “It flies by!” We’re so happy for you guys! Thanks for letting us a be a part of what was a truly great day and part of your family. We love you two!
Interested in their vendors? Here’s a list:
Wedding Gown: New York Bride and Groom, Charlotte, NC
Hair: Jamie Ball, Shear Shakti, Boone, NC
Makeup: Lorna Vega, The Cutters Edge, West Jefferson, NC
Reception Venue: Jefferson Landing Country Club, Jefferson, NC
Flowers: Four Gals and A Florist, West Jefferson, NC
Flowers: Nic Ball, High Country Greenhouses, Jefferson NC
Cakes/Desserts: Ugga Mugga Bakery, Blowing Rock, NC
DJ or Band: John Hawkins, Boone, NC
Caterer: Jefferson Landing Country Club, Jefferson, NC
Videographer: Honey Dew Films, Greensboro, NC
We have a dear friend who recently suffered a blow to his health: swelling of the brain. He’s been touch and go and he’s rallying with the right care and attention and prayer. We pray. Our pals pray – and it has been a reminder of how much love is shared in our various circles of friends, coworkers and family. While he is on the mend, it got me thinking about lost moments, little hugs or tender exchanges, laughs, cuddles and the peace that is sometimes in a micro-moment. Don’t waste time waiting on the big moments. When they happen, great. Celebrate the little stuff too, though. Make time for it. That’s our goal as a couple, as photogs and as parent-to-be.
We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddings, brides, and special events and portraits of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.
Some days, this is all I want to feel like. And I find that I’m grateful every time I do. It’s crazy-happy, fireflies, unbridled silliness, rocking in a rocking chair at twilight, watching the sun burn off the dew over morning coffee, wandering barefooted to check the garden for new veggies …… summer. This is the last summer Ryan and I will have as a family of 2. It’s precious in that it’s our last and it’s beautiful in the anticipation of our son joining us.
I’ve been thinking of the photos we take each summer of families, weddings, babies, etc and how they are unmistakable. It’s as if every person has that feeling that Roy McKie drew in the early sixties. We have another month or 2 of summer to celebrate, so whatever your plans, breathe it in. Let yourself go sock and shoeless, take a beat to feel the sun’s heat and the relief of A/C, as we southerners do. Here’s to summer!
I mean, seriously. Look at little man Brock. You know that he knows summer is awesome. He’s practically applauding it.
And so are we! Last year, on my birthday, we were having a summer celebration. We did again yesterday to celebrate Ryan’s 40th. We had no idea then that we’d be preggers at this point. Summer is special, you guys. We love you and hope yours is perfection!