I have to say CONGRATS to two very dear friends of mine.  My friends Jason and Courtney are expecting their first child.  Now every conception is a miracle but for The Goolsby's it's a special miracle!  When Court was a Freshman in college she was told by her doctors that due to some medical conditions, she had a 13% chance of ever having children of her own.

There were long conversations, tears and doubts throughout college.  I even remember one conversation about whether or not she should marry Jason because of it.  I cried when she told me she was pregnant.  I always tear up, but with her it was just different.  Every new life is a blessing.  I am glad God chose to give Court the chance to carry a child.  

So kids, here's to you and baby G!  I'm so happy for ya'll.  I thought I'd share some of my fave shots from their wedding and photo shoot we just had in October.  

I was still shooting film at their wedding and had a conversation with their photog and said, "I will NEVER shoot digital".  Never say never :).

Serious hotties...this baby has great genetics in its favor :)!

I love ya'll!

I just had to share this.  Sometimes people forget that we (photographers) need encouragement.  I LOVE when brides, grooms, parents, and clients send me sweet notes.  I just got an email from one of my new brides mom and I just had to share.  It was so sweet and out of nowhere.  It brought tears to my eyes.  I still get overwhelmed when I realize that my work means something to others.  On top of that, I get to do the thing that I'm most passionate about.  I can not express what a blessing it is. 

Here are Lisa's sweet words:

Beth,
I am Jessica Gilligan's mom, and I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at all of your work on your website!  I love your pictures and am looking forward to meeting you.  I think you are going to do a fabulous job putting Jessica's and Reid's special day on film!
 

Lisa, thank your for your encouragement.  I know you didn't send that note for recognition but it meant so much to me.  I can't wait to meet you and share such a special day with you and your family.  Your words made my day and were just another affirmation that I am walking in God's dreams for me.  Thank you!

I was having a play date with my friends at Red Fly Studio while we watched the One Light dvd (if you're a photog and haven't, STOP what you're doing right now and get it!).  We decided at the last minute to try out our new knowledge and do some night shots.  We called our friend Nevila and she brought her 4 month old along for some pictures.  We had a blast.  He has the biggest blue eyes, and Nevila is one hot mommie!  Gaberiel was only 4 months and she could fit into her wedding dress.  Yes, she is one of those women :).  Check out this pair:  

I LOVED the light on these...I seriously couldn't get enough it!  Look at his eyes...they make me melt.

One of my faves of them

Seriously...HOT!

I couldn't decide which one I liked more.  She reminds me of a dancer in these

Cristina came up with this idea.  We were in a turn lane in the middle of the road in downtown Thomasville.  The police showed up and said, "Somebody called and said there was a lady sitting in the middle of the road with a baby".  I love all of these!

Anne Margaret is one of the spunkiest, cutest, brightest little girls I've ever met.  Her parents have their hands full, but she is such a joy.  The family came down to Thomasville for a surprise birthday party for Anne Margaret's "Doctor Grandfather" and to throw him off, we had a birthday party for A.M.  

I asked her mom if she broght her tutu and she replied, "I thought about it, but left it at home."

To that, I exclaimed, "Noelle, if there's EVER a question about whether or not to bring the tutu...ALWAYS opt yes."

I went on a mad search for a tiara and a tutu...both of which every little girl should own and wear at every chance she can :).  I found the tiara set complete with ring and earrings.  I had no luck in finding a tutu.  So, my dog Lucy, reluctantly agreed to let Anne Margaret borrow hers.

The little princess...

Discovering one of the many loves in a girls life: Lip Gloss:

Mom put on the tiara and dad decided to try on one of the earrings (Hugh, don't kill me)

This is my Memaw.  I couldn't resist this shot of her.  She looks so regal and lovely.

Another one of a girls many loves: CAKE!

I love this shot...her brother, her Joy Joy and the others peaking around the door.

She was very willing to share.

Adore this shot of Anne Margaret and Noelle.

Note: Yes, she is drinking Perrier.  Her Joy Joy is instilling great taste and high standards in A.M.

The Smart E Bear and Finding Nemo

One of A.M's favorite things...books espicially if they're from The Bookshelf :)

I have a blast with these two ladies...Molly Wallis and Cristina Bearden of The Red Fly Studio.  We've been getting together to talk photography, laugh and PLAY.

It's been wonderful.  I have a confession to make...I used to be so insecure about photography.  Really...another photog would come around and this beast would well up in me and one of two things would happen: 1. I would clam up and do not so great work or 2. I would show out and become super dominant and obnoxious.  Since I've moved to GA and have grown so much in my craft, I've realized the value and importance of developing relationships with other photogs...it's how I learn and grow.

I've learned so much from these girls.  You have to give and take and hold lights while someone else gets "the shot" BUT it is so worth it!  It's great to have friends that are like minded and great at what they do.  We found this ultra lush field with the perfect sunlight and we all took our turn rolling in the high grass.  My faves are posted below...to see their shots click here.  Molly became our model towards the end of the shoot.  Cristina and I had so much fun shooting her and the camera LOVES her.

I have another confession to make...I had an affair on my most faithful companion and loyal partner, my Nikon. I used Molly's Cannon with her wonderful macro lens.  The ones at the end were shot with her camera.  Cristina...some of these may actually be your shots.  I couldn't remember what was mine or yours...feel free to take credit :).   Please forgive me Nikon.  I still love you...I always have and I always will!

Be sure to check out the slideshow at the end:

The Lovely Cristina

Molly workin' it

I ADORE the light on this one...Yummy light!

One of my faves of Cristina...so peaceful and beautiful

Hello...hottie...

HOT TA-MOLLY!

AND NOW....THE SLIDESHOW: