{ little Madelyn. children's photographer wilmington, nc }

Madelyn is quickly growing up and her mom wanted to get 18 month pictures of her before she gets any bigger! I never know how long kids are going to last at photo shoots but Maddie had the best personality and was fine just playing at the beach. She did like to run around so I'm surprised I pictures of more than just the back of her head but we made it work! And I'm love that I got to participate in her first experience of a lollipop! Moms, all she did was lick it before you start sending me hate mail. No harm was done. Promise. And you think I would know by now how bad the mosquitos are here at this time of year! But no. I continue to suffer. But it didn't phase little Maddie! Just look!

{ sneak peak: little Madelyn }

Live in the sunshine. Swim the Sea. Drink the wild air.

- Emerson

{inspiration monday: 06.27.11}

{sisters + family. wilmington, nc}

You grow up. You get older. You move away. You start your own life. Those are just the facts of life. But it's a sweet thing when family can get together and pick up right where they left off. You may not spend as much time together anymore but time can't replace the bond between family members. I was honored when Barbara Nicely asked me to capture her and her three sisters together after many years apart. There were many birthdays and occasions to celebrate this month so it was a perfect reason to get together. Different personalities? Oh yes. But as different as they are you can still see the unconditional love between them. Such beautiful women and I loved capturing them interacting together and really capturing a moment in time for them that may not happen again for a very long time.

And Barbara's son, Nick, was tagging along so he had to get on some too!

{sneak peak: family of sisters. wilmington, nc}

Being a family means being a part of something wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.

- Anonymous

{will + smriti's wedding. lake norman. cornelius, nc }

When a friend of mine asked if I was available for just a wedding reception I was intrigued. Then he explained that the couple already had wedding ceremonies in London and in India and are coming to the U.S. to have a reception. Will is American and Smriti is Indian but they now live together in London. It was during Memorial weekend but I knew I was in! It sounded so exciting. And on top of it, the reception was going to be held at Lake Norman!

When I met Smriti for the first time at the reception, she was beautiful, clothed in her Indian attire. The bright colors made me giddy. Then her family started to arrive dressed in the same bright colors. All I kept thinking was I couldn't wait to start dancing! I loved seeing the two cultures interacting and the two families all coming together for the first time since Will and Smriti had been married. I wish you both the best and I'll be sure to look you up the next time I'm in London! ;)

And I must mention that this was Michael's first time shooting with me and he did a great job! I think we'll make a great team! ;)