Jennifer Jones Photography Blog

New Venture!

2011-10-25T13:52:00.000-05:00

I have been super busy with a new venture! My partner from the TV world {Barbara Cooney} and I are launching a Radio Show for Women!!!
Real Women, Real Issues, Real Conversations!
C&J Radio for Women

Please visit our site and follow us on:
FB C&J Radio for Women
Twitter @cooneyandjones

We are so excited!

WEDDING WIRE BRIDES CHOICE AWARDS 2011!!!

2011-01-26T12:33:00.000-06:00

January 25, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Jennifer Jones Photography has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Photographers!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Jennifer Jones Photogaphy stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Jennifer Jones Photography for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Jennifer Jones Photography is among the very best photography within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/jennifer-jones-photography-birmingham-and-panama-city-beach-fla/c0d6c4e8451f3450.html

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

FACEBOOK and TWITTER

2011-01-24T17:24:00.001-06:00

Please don't forget to join my page on facebook and follow me on twitter!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/jennifer-jones-photographycom/102804194115

http://twitter.com/jabjones

HOLIDAY PHOTO SHOOTS

2010-12-15T00:51:00.000-06:00

Jennifer Jones Photography
capturing that special moment...

Holiday Photo Shoots
Time to Schedule...

With the cold weather finally here and the holidays fast approaching, it's time to schedule your photo shoot for cards and gifts. There is just one week left...

Jennifer Jones Photography
jennifer@jenniferjonesphotography.com
888.287.8972
205.907.5437

Travel available upon request.
www.jenniferjonesphotography.com

WEDDING BELLS!!!

2010-08-02T16:03:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, July 24th, I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Hillary and Jon in Birmingham, AL. They were married at The Cathedral of St. Paul. What an amazing church. The evening light streaming in made the Cathedral especially romantic. The church recently built a new hall that is truly a wonderful for space for any reception. From the ultra large wooden french doors leading to a terrace, to the the balcony from which the newly married couple made their first appearance, it oozed romance and elegance.

Hillary looked so beautiful in her designer wedding gown by Watters fromThe White Room. Her shoes were Stewart Weitzman's from Saks and her jewelery from Jcrew bridal. The girls wore beautiful black bridesmaids dresses designed by Lula Kate from Bella Bridesmaid. The men looked so handsome in a traditional black tuxedo. The cater was Cafe Iz. Oh my gosh, the food was spectacular. They served beef that was prefectly tender, as well as shrimp, which was a huge favorite of the guests. There were also crab cakes, cheeses and even chicken tenders...Music was provided by the Motown band, Momentum, from Atlanta. People ate and danced until well after midnight...

I had an up-close and personal chance to see how attentive Hillary and Jon are to one another. What a joy to see two people so happy! Congrats to you both!

END OF SUMMER....BEGINNING OF FALL AND HOLIDAY PHOTOS!

2010-07-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

The End of the summer is always sad for me...I will miss the late afternoon beach shots, amazing sunsets and casual moments outdoors, however it is the beginning of beautiful Fall colors and amazing lighting!

I will be photographing in Florida August 4th-August 6th then will be back in Alabama. Please schedule your shoot soon so your photos will be ready and you can order your holiday gifts and cards...

888.287.8972 Look forward to seeing you all soon!

FAMILY FUN BEFORE THE RAIN CAME!!

2010-07-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

Again, rain came but before it did I had a chance to photograph some sweet folks. Grandparents, sons, and grandchildren...They are so cute!

CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL

2010-07-17T10:52:00.000-05:00

Carillon Beach held a candle light vigil for the gulf coast...It was so nice to see neighbors coming together, caring for one another and for one cause. Music was provided by ESEOBO, Chuck McDowell. A beautiful moment shared with great folks!

WATCHING KIDS GROW

2010-07-16T19:16:00.000-05:00

A sweet friend of mine has not only one but two grand babies now. I have been photographing them since they were little. This past 4th I took some very candid shots of them while they were visiting. Every year they get cuter and cuter...Enjoy!

LITTLE MUNCHKINS!

2010-07-16T19:05:00.002-05:00

How much fun I had photographing these two little munchkins. They were all dress up and all of the sudden, the rain came pouring down, not uncommon for the beach, so we changed gears and did the photos the next night. What a good move, great lighting and great fun!

SUMMER FUN WITH CLIENTS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY...

2010-06-28T16:10:00.001-05:00

Despite the crisis at the gulf coast, I am getting some fun shots of some beautiful people, children and babies... I look forward to even more photo sessions this week and next!

NEW BOOK FOR SALE...CARILLON BEACH PICTORIAL JOURNEY!!!

2010-05-26T19:21:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to be offering a book about Carillon Beach. This is a pictorial journey of a beach community that I have been a part of for a long time. Part of the proceeds will go to the Carillons HOA. Please feel free to call and/or email me with any questions you might have.

Enjoy!

Carillon Beach by Jennifer Jones | Make Your Own Book

Stacy Claire Boyd: NYSS May 16-19

2010-05-13T16:30:00.000-05:00

Stacy Claire Boyd: NYSS May 16-19

CALLING ALL SENIOR CITIZENS, WE WANT TO KNOW

2010-04-25T13:56:00.000-05:00

We have all sat around the table and heard our grandparents tell us, "when I was younger"...I want to hear them, the good, bad, sad and funny ones....

If you are 75 or older..{yes 75 or older}, I am looking to hear from you. Tell me your life stories, lessons {funny, sad or life altering}. Please feel free to contact me at 888.287.8972 or email me at jennifer@jenniferjonesphotography.com

Hunter and Allison

2010-04-08T00:30:00.004-05:00

I have had the pleasure of photographing an amazing rehearsal and then the dinner in Florida. Allison and Hunter were married at Carillon Beach and the rehearsal took place in the meeting house {chapel}, with dinner following at Firefly restaurant in Panama City Beach.

Allison looked radiant in her black and white dress designed by Robert Rodriguez. She arrived carrying her {ribbon} bouquet that was created by one of her bridesmaids from all the ribbons decorating the many gifts they received at the shower. The bridesmaids were so amazingly beautiful and made my job so easy. Even the groomsmen photographed so well. The flower girl and ring bearer were so adorable and absolutely had a blast. The parents of both Allison and Hunter along with grandparents had a sophistication and elegance you don't often see.

Allison a Financial Consultant and a native of Panama City Beach, FLA and Hunter a Packaging Specialist from Greenville, MS now live in the Tampa area. I love to hear the story of how people meet, fall in love and of course, get married. Here is their story....

They actually only dated for a year before they were engaged, but had known each other for 2 years before that. When they started dating Allison said, " I knew more about him then I ever cared to know!" Neither of them liked each other during those 2 years. A mutual friend ended up convincing Allison that Hunter really was a great guy and she should consider dating him. At the rehearsal dinner her mother told a story about a day she and Allison ran into Hunter and thought, "now this guy would be perfect for my daughter." Allison and Hunter finally gave in and after several dates they realized how wrong they were and were really both perfect for each other. They feel in love and here they are on the eve of their wedding.

As a witness to this evening I have to say they both come from amazing families, loving, kind and a joy to be around. The kind words, toasts and advice from many of the friends and relatives was both touching and inspiring to any couple. The evening was filled with tears of joy from mothers, fathers, friends, aunts, uncles, grandparents and both Allison and Hunter.

Join me in revisiting the moments that not only touched each and every one of them but definitely touched me...

Brides Dress Robert Rodriguez
Wedding Rehearsal Carillon Weddings, Carillon Beach Florida
Wedding Coordinator/Director Victoria Volpone
Rehearsal Dinner Firefly, Panama City Beach, Florida

PITTMAN RANCH

2010-04-02T16:46:00.015-05:00

There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. ~Winston Churchill

Before my father got into motorcycles (at the age of 80), he was into horses. we had two, JB and Blackie. I have always loved them and loved riding.

A few weeks ago a friend of mine invited me to her new Ranch and I took some photos. Meet Jan, her horses and yes her sweet dogs…

To learn more about the Pittman Ranch, click here
Pittman Ranch

WIND AND JEWELS

2010-03-16T09:13:00.009-05:00

This past weekend I was down at the beach shooting for House of Ruth Designs, a amazingly beautiful line. Laura, "the creator and owner", designs sterling silver and gold using semiprecious stones. She also creates sterling silver stamped and heirloom photo necklaces and bracelets.

This is the second time I have done a photo shoot for them, but this one was a bit different. Although we had sunny skies, the wind was fierce. In all my years going to the beach, I have never seen it that blustery. That said, the models were troopers and we got all the shots...

OBRIEN SCHRIDDE DESIGNS FRAMES

2010-03-02T15:13:00.004-06:00

I am so thrilled to be able to carry the fabulous designs of Obrien Schridde!!! I have loved them for years and highly recommend a visit to their website to see all of the new designs they have available.

http://www.obrienschridde.com

MY DADDY

2010-02-01T14:06:00.004-06:00

My sweet dad, now 82 and retired "master butcher" from NY has started his own blog. Check it out, he offers buying, cutting and selling tips for chefs or just people that want to cut well, and save money. I am so proud of him, he even has a twitter following....
Way to go dad!!!

http://thegourmetbutcher.wordpress.com/
http://twitter.com/joebroder

SWEET SOUNDS

2010-01-06T23:27:00.007-06:00

Ok it is not often that a mom gets to brag so here goes....My son, Harrison (the drummer) and his friends have a band and after many weeks of practice, they had their first "gig" New Years Eve. They sounded great and everyone had a great time. Here are some photos from the big show. By the way they still need a name, can anyone help them pick one?

www.youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRBwUAgwO3k They won first place here is a copy of the performance.

ENGAGED!!!

2010-01-05T10:12:00.006-06:00

We are so pleased to welcome a new addition to our family, My sweet stepdaughter, Lindsay became engaged to Rob this holiday season. They are so excited and I don't know if there feet have hit the ground yet. We are thrilled and I was honored that they asked me to take their engagement photos. Here are some from our shoot. Now the wedding planning begins!

CARILLON BEACH

2009-10-04T01:35:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to announce a new website for Carillon Beach. I have been lucky enough to work on it! Please take a moment and check it out!

http://www.carillonbeach-fl.com

THE ROSEMARY THYMES...ADORABLE KIDS, MY FIRST AD AND A FRIENDS DAUGHTER

2009-08-29T22:09:00.007-05:00

How exciting... I am running my first ad in the Rosemary Thymes. They also featured photo I took this summer with some adorable kids and my friend Stacy's daughter Annie as this issues featured artist. What a cool issue for me...If you are visiting the gulf coast feel free to pick one up.
Enjoy!

NEW STUDIO!!!

2009-08-19T11:17:00.008-05:00

Finally, I have a new studio with some very cool "one of a kind" backdrops.

A few weeks ago my friends daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth came over and we spent time in the new studio taking tons of photos...Here are some of the shots and some of the new fun backdrops I now offer. I still will carry kaki, blue and other standard but give these new backdrops a whirl... color and design can really look amazing.

There will be many packages offered and at least 3 backdrops per session. So check out the new studio next time you want something bit different.

A NIGHT ON THE TOWN WITH MY SON AND THE JONAS BROTHERS

2009-08-18T12:02:00.004-05:00

WOW!!!! What can I say a night out with my son and some friends at a terrific concert. What joy I saw on my sons face, even while he was holding his ears from the girls screaming as the Jonas Bros. took the stage. The music, sets, lighting everything was any kids dream and it was apparent that they got a terrific welcome here in AL. My son took in every moment as I had the pleasure of watching him do so!

I thought seeing David Cassidy when I was little was "it" but seeing the Jones Bros. with my son beat that hands down. I am so fortunate to have this memory. A fun VIP sound check followed by second row seats, it doesn't get much better than this and I want to thank sweet Denise and Julie for all that they did to get us in!

Great concert and great positive message for young kids! Check them out if they happen to be in your city!

We were limited as to what photos we could take but wanted to share some with you.

FEATURED IN PERFECT WEDDING GUIDE ENGAGED!

2009-07-16T13:19:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to be featured in todays blog entry of Perfect Wedding Guide, Engaged! Check it out!
http://engagedweddinglibrary.blogspot.com/

CALLING ALL TEENS..WHAT BUSINESS WOULD YOU CREATE?

2009-07-12T15:03:00.009-05:00

My friend Stacy has three children and her daughter, Annie that just turned 13 did a project for her bat-mitzvah. She started making button hair clips with she, her mom and younger sister Claire. They sold them and gave part of the proceeds to the St. Judes Children's Hospital. Well who ever would imagine that they have really caught on and taken off. Now you can find rings, pony hair holders, necklaces and the designs are totally different for each one. Stores are reordering and reordering them and every place I turned while at the beach kids were wearing an, "Annie B Boutique original". If you are interested in purchasing these for your store please feel free to contact, Stacy@stacyclaireboyd.com

http://www.anniebboutique.com/

CUSTOM MADE BRACELETS!

2009-07-12T14:46:00.005-05:00

photo courtesy of stacy claire boyd

I now am offering custom made sterling silver bracelets! My sweet and very talented friend Stacy Claire Boyd is helping me with this new project. We can design any color combination of your choice to create a lovely charm bracelet to keep and treasure for ever. The one displayed is one she sent to her daughter. It has a silhouette of each of the family members including their dog.

NEW BLOG!!!

2009-06-07T00:55:00.003-05:00

I have been fortunate enough to be shooting a lot of weddings so please check out my new blog!

http://jenniferjonesweddings.blogspot.com/

You will find photos, and information on where to buy cool invites to the best wedding dresses. I will share with you all the things I am learning from my photo shoots with my terrific brides. So sit back and enjoy my second blog!

CARILLON WEDDINGS

2009-05-31T12:08:00.008-05:00

I have been fortunate enough to spend a great deal of my summers at Carillon Beach, Fla. Carillon is a wonderful community on the panhandle with amazing white beaches and clear blue water. I have many photos every year from here.

Victoria is the wedding planner here and owns a Bella Bridesmaid dress shop. Her weddings are something brides dream of and that you usually only see in a magazine, well in fact you will see them in magazines such as The Knot. They are extraordinary! There is the meeting house, the beach, our pools and various green areas so any bride can have a fantasy wedding that will amaze anyone. Take a look at her site and behold wonderful work she does.

www.carillonweddings.com/

STACY CLAIRE BOYD...Check out her new blog!!

2009-05-29T10:54:00.002-05:00

Stacy is one of the best designers I have ever known. She is also an incredible artist and constantly has new lines of cards, stationary, invitations, stickers etc... Just when I thought she couldn't come up with anything better she now has started a blog. She blogs almost every day. Great tips and great sites she loves.

Check her out. http://stacyclaireboyd.blogspot.com/ you won't be disappointed!

"MEET LIZ EDGE"

2009-05-19T23:56:00.014-05:00

Meet Liz Edge. When I used to do my television show with Barbara Bolding, that was the opening line for our very first show that we taped. We were doing a segment and her family was kind enough to assist us as the guests. It is amazing how life comes full circle. Liz and I both have children that attend the same school. She is now one of the most desired artist in the south east and we have recently had the opportunity to collaborate again. I have been fortunate enough to just recently photograph a family for her and she has completed a very cool charcoal for the family.

Liz had been married for 18+ years to a handsome guy she met via England and is a mother of two lovely daughters. Her unique style of art all began one afternoon as her daughters were napping. She tried to draw them but couldn't find anything besides a fine tipped pen, at that moment, "Doodles" was born. She has developed this interesting sketch/doodle with unbelievable definition. They are done in a large format and definitely one of a kind. I have loved these for years.

She also does charcoal, paints and sepia charcoal. Some of her materials are shipped here from Europe or found in the most obscure art stores. She has also completed illustrations for a very sweet book on adoption that can be found at almost any book store. When Liz isn't sketching or painting, she can usually be found at the stables with her family riding, from this she has also developed a love of drawing all animals.

I would love to share some of her work with you. She is someone that will never let you down and anything she does will "wow" you and your friends forever. I highly recommend Liz for your next portrait project. It will be a one of a kind piece that you would never regret having done. Enjoy!

SOME OF HER AMAZING DOODLE PROJECTS

A SEPIA SKETCH SHE DID OF HER DAUGHTER

THE CHARCOAL SKETCH SHE DID OF A PHOTO I TOOK

THE FIRST CHILDREN'S BOOK SHE ILLUSTRATED

SUMERTIME, IT IS ALMOST HERE!!!

2009-05-19T16:47:00.003-05:00

This summer I will be back and forth from Alabama to the Florida Panhandle. I would love to be able to take your family portraits while at the beach so please feel free to call me and we will schedule our time together.

LIGHTS, GLAMOUR AND SINATRA

2009-05-14T00:07:00.007-05:00

The time has come for the ballet to preform to Sintra music. They decided to have a red carpet as the audience arrived. The spot lights were on and one by one they arrived to this stunning event. They even had a best dressed contest and the winner received a gift certificate from Saks. A great time was had by all!

Here are some of the photos of the glamourous people as they arrived and by the way a big thank you to Alex that helped me shoot that night.

ALABAMA BALLET MEETS FRANK

2009-04-18T22:30:00.003-05:00

A little something to go along with the ballet photos!!! Turn up your volume and enjoy!

EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL AT THE BALLET....

2009-04-13T23:31:00.019-05:00

This famous line from the broadway hit, "A Chorus Line" is so true. Among the sweat, sore toes and truly hard work, everything is beautiful at the ballet. Never before have I been able to shoot something I can honestly say was art in motion.

Last week I had the extreme honor of shooting the Alabama Ballet while they rehearsed for their last performance. They danced to the tunes of Frank Sinatra. They were fabulous and I had the most amazing time photographing them. Here are some of the pictures I took.

Please make sure the next time you are in Birmingham, you will catch the Ballet. It is amazing and well worth your time!!!
http://www.alabamaballet.org

You can visit and review me on Weddingbook.com

2009-04-13T13:02:00.003-05:00

WeddingBook brides recommend Jennifer Jones Photography

FINAL VOTE FOR LEADING MOMS IN BUSINESS

2009-03-23T14:20:00.005-05:00

Please Support Me in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

THIS IS THE LAST FEW DAYS TO VOTE FOR THE LEADING MOM IN BUSINESS!!!!

You may cast your vote(s) through March 31, 2009, once a day if you’d like, so please vote early and often! There is no purchase, sign up or opening account needed.

JUST CLICK HERE TO VOTE!!!
http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-2009/contestant/4684/index.php

Thanks so much and hope you enjoy the other moms that are in the running too!!!

IS YOUR CHILD AMERICA'S CUTEST KID?? NATIONAL CHARITY MODEL SEARCH

2009-03-04T20:49:00.010-06:00

Blog Announcement:
Is your child America’s Cutest Kid?

jennifer jones photography is participating in the National Charity Model Search to select “America’s Cutest Kid” and to raise funds for charity.

We’re looking for cute children ages 18 months to 14 years old to model for a portrait to be entered into the contest.

Models Search Special:
$100 entrance fee, 30-minute model session and one image submitted to the national gallery. If you have more than one child to enter, the price is $25 per additional child. You will receive one 4x6 photo per child along with your online proofs. Jennifer Jones will donate half of the entry fee to the Now I lay me down to sleep, NILMDTS organization

Finalists will be determined by online votes. Anyone may vote. Each vote is $1, and all proceeds from votes benefit the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. NILMDTS.org. Grand prize national winner will be determined from the 50 city finalists. Winners selected by photography and modeling industry experts.

If your child is selected the national winner, you’ll receive many prizes, including a $5,000 US Savings Bond and a Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera.

If you’re interested in entering your child(ren), please call the studio at 888-287-8972 or 205.907.5437. You can also email Jennifer at Jennifer@jenniferjonesphotography.com
For more information about the contest, go online to www.sandypucmodels.com.

SNOW ON MARCH 1st, WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE!!!!!

2009-03-01T23:50:00.011-06:00

Living in the south we rarely get to see snow. There have been a few times when in the morning when we woke up to a white covered lawn but usually the weather man predicts it, kids get excited and the stores sell out of milk and bread and then nothing.... Well this morning was different. At 4am I saw beautiful snowflakes falling. I ran upstairs to wake my son to see it for fear it would never stick. After we went back to sleep and finally woke up around 9am the yard, trees and bushes were filled with heavy white snow.

Needles to say all the children in the neighborhood spent the next few hours making snowmen, snow angels, throwing snow balls and having a blast. This lasted for a few hours until the sun came out and then as quickly as it came, it melted. My son was sure to bring in some snow and put it in a plastic bag and keep in the freezer so he could remember it. Me, well I will remember his radiant face as the flakes were falling and even though the snow didn't last long, our memories of the morning will last forever...

TAKING CHANCE

2009-02-23T01:33:00.005-06:00

Last night I sobbed while watching a HBO film, "Taking Chance", Kevin Bacon brilliantly portrays Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl as he escorts a fallen hero PFC Chance Phelps on his final journey home. This movie was based on actual events of Strobl's inner struggles as well as the moving response and love that PFC Chance Phelps receives on his final journey.

This film is not about politics or taking sides, it is a simple yet riveting film about the love, care and respect this fallen Marine gets and the genuine care and honor Lt. Col. Stroble gives him as they make that final journey together, I recommend this as a movie that will touch your heart and live with you forever.

To thank PFC. Chance Phelps family for their sacrifice seems so little in comparison to what they have lost and to thank Lt. COl. Strobl for his service will too never seem like enough. That being said I do thank them and all of the men, women and families that sacrifice every day for me and my family,

I came upon a quote not too long ago I would like to share....
POOR IS THE NATION THAT HAS NO HEROES. SHAMEFUL IS THE NATION THAT HAVING THEM FORGETS.

Thank You to all of our Veterans

Please take the time to thank a solider, and if you can watch, "Taking Chance", you will never forget it,

LEADING MOMS IN BUSINESS

2009-02-23T01:08:00.003-06:00

Support us in the 2009 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Guess what??? I am competing in the 2009 Leading Moms in Business competition sponsored by Ladies Who Launch and StartUp Nation. This Spring, the top 200 mom-run businesses across America will be selected based on the number of votes cast. I wonder if I can get extra points because I am a mom and a stepmom???

You may cast your vote(s) through March 31, 2009, once a day if you’d like, so please vote early and often! There is no purchase, sign up or opening account needed.

Just click on the above title, "SUPPORT US IN THE 2009 STARTUPNATION LEADING MOMS IN BUSINESS COMPETETITION ", and it will take you to the place you need to vote.

Thanks so much and hope you enjoy the other moms that are in the running too!!! You might even want to enter.

MY HUSBAND

2009-02-20T19:43:00.003-06:00

My husband was wondering why I never post any of his photos on my blog and he is right. I guess I am so busy posting photos of my clients and my kids I forgot the ol guy, Here is a new one of him. He is going to be so embarrassed about this entry...who knows maybe not..

HOLIDAY MOMENTS WITH THE JONES'S

2009-01-26T17:40:00.005-06:00

This holiday was very different from others, I spent a LOT less money and had one of the best, stress free holidays I have had in years.

Our daughter came home from NYC with her new boyfriend and we got to spend days checking him out and grilling him from one topic to another. He still liked us after all of that......(I think?) We ate tons of food, hugged, told stories and caught up on each other. Harrison even taught his grandparents how to play guitar hero.

You know you had a great Christmas when your son(a teen) says he loved it and his three favorite things were, the cymbal his grandpa gave him, his sister coming home and having a party that he got to to go to, not us, just him... and hanging out with his family. So here we are, my parents, now in their 80's, Lindsay and her boyfriend, Rob, Harrison our teen, Lindsay's mom, her beau and yes our friends and dogs, Abby, Ella and our visiting dog, Gus the boxer......

BRIDAL PHOTOS

2009-01-26T17:07:00.005-06:00

I was fortunate enough to be able to photograph a lovely young woman and her now husband. The wedding was at her in laws home and had the most spectacular view of the city. The Gardens were amazing as well as the flowers she carried...Enjoy!

Flower by, Tana at Dorothy McDaniel Flower Market, Birmingham, AL

WEDDINGS

2009-01-22T13:58:00.008-06:00

One of my sweet clients was married this year and a sweet and lovely wedding it was. They then had a reception at a local art gallery and how wonderful it was. All had a terrific time as did I photographing the events. Dorothy McDaniels did the flowers, and they were amazing. Yes those are flower balls underneath the Loretta Goodwin Gallery sign. They were designed to match the invitations by Stacy Claire Boyd, (bubble gum design).

You can find Dorothy McDaniels site at http://www.dorothymcdaniel.com, Stacy Claire Boyd bubble gum invitations at http://www.stacyclaireboyd.com and Loretta Goodwin gallery at http://www.lorettagoodwingallery.net

Enjoy the photos from the reception as we enjoyed the evening!

GOOD FRIENDS

2009-01-22T12:41:00.006-06:00

This Holiday season I got to take photographs of some very good friends. Stacy Claire Boyd and her family were celebrating a very special day and asked me to come along to capture some fun moments. I wanted to share some shots of Stacy and her beautiful family with you. Now you will understand where she gets her inspiration for all of her fabulous cards.....stop in to see her website www.stacyclaireboyd.com when you get a chance.

2009-01-11T21:56:00.001-06:00

Wow have I been busy.....

2008-12-15T11:00:00.018-06:00

With the holidays fast approaching I wanted to share with you some of the really beautiful families I have been taking pictures of. I hope to have some of my family after the holiday, our oldest will be home so I usually try to get the kids together. Unfortunately they tend to run when they see me with a camera. I suppose that they get tired of me clicking away at them all. In any case, Happy Holidays and enjoy the photos.....

some sweet family shoots....

2008-12-10T19:51:00.002-06:00

I have been very busy shooting lots of families for holiday and wanted to share some of the folks I have been fortunate enough to photograph. Hope you enjoy....

what a difference a year makes

2008-11-05T10:19:00.009-06:00

There are so many things about my job that I totally love and one of them is getting to shoot the same children each year. I am afforded an opportunity of watching them change and grow. Two weeks ago I had such an opportunity to shoot this cute little munchkin. You will see older photos of her on my site and I decided to keep them there to see the contrast a year makes. How fun and adorable she is. How lucky I am to be able to photograph she and her family. Enjoy!!!

Stacy Claire Boyd !!!!!! Great new holiday cards....

2008-10-10T12:54:00.009-05:00

I am so fortunate to be able to carry a dear friend of mines holiday cards and sticky labels to finish off the envelope!!!! Stacy claire boyd has a terrific new line and Stacy has allowed me to carry her products. This is going to be so great for my clients, shoot the photo, they choose it from the proof gallery, choose holiday card, sticky, font and quantity and the holiday cards are finished. How easy can that be???? Thank you Stacy and wait till everyone sees the great new line you are offering!!! Here are some of the samples.

Mr. Fabulous comes to town!!!

2008-10-09T00:01:00.007-05:00

Preston Bailey came to town and my friend and amazing flower designer, Dorothy McDaniels hosted two evenings of elegance and fun with the first (night private VIP party) kicking it all off. Food was amazing and the flowers, well Dorothy and her designers definitely out did themselves. Preston, (designer to the stars) entered from behind a cool curtain and quickly hugged and greeted all the guests. He then spent the remaining evening signing hundreds of books and spending a great deal of time with each guest. He was terrific and showed such interest in each and every person. I was lucky enough to be asked to take all the photos and what great fun I had.

The next night was in a huge theatre in the round, dinner and lots of various demonstrations then a great speech from Preston that had you laughing and hanging on his every word. He and his assistant, (Rae) were such lovely guests and I really think that Birmingham pulled out all the stops and showed him some great southern hospitality. Again I was lucky enough to take some photos so hope you like them.

school days, work days, friends come to town

2008-10-08T23:43:00.008-05:00

Things have been crazy since my last post....School started and I officially have a child in the 7th grade. He even rolls his eyes just like a preteen should. Everyone warned me about these years but I never thought it possible. Someone has taken my sweet little boy and replaced him with someone that thinks I am pretty dumb......

In any case, I am adding a ton of photos...the first are my friends and family that once again were displaced during the hurricane season from New Orleans. They didn't stay long this time but I did manage to get some shots of them all.

The last few days of summer

2008-08-14T09:42:00.011-05:00

Ah, so sorry that summer has come to an end, that means no more lazy days soaking up the sun on the beach.......Are you kidding me, I wish....I did how ever take a ton of photos this past week. Oh and yes I did get to enjoy the sun the last day I was there.

Every year I get to take the photo of a little girl, and her family. They are near and dear to me and I have such a good time watching her grow. Some of her photos are on my site, check out what a big girl she is getting to be and what a doll. I also did a photo shoot for a line of jewelry as well as some friends of mine that are about to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Let me know what you think.

What a really neat family!!!

2008-08-04T14:02:00.020-05:00

Last week I had the pleasure of shooting a family of four boys, their significant others(2) and their mom. This is a surprise for their dad. What a nice group, the boys were handsome, smart and very funny and the mom well she was totally lovely. I really enjoyed the interactions between them and saw what a terrific mother she is and mother- in- law she was going to be. I only hope that one day my kids adore me as much as they all adore her.

I loved taking the photos from behind with the boys facing the water and I loved taking their feet. I will have many more to add later. Their mom chose the shirts and they looked so adorable and had such fun doing this for she and their dad!!!

summer is winding up..............

2008-08-03T11:31:00.001-05:00

Well I can't believe it but the summer is about to come to an end. My son starts 7th grade (yikes) and that means I have to be back into a schedule again, a tight one at that. We go from school, early in the morning to after-school activities then the battle over homework. Ah what lovely memories!!!

Beginning a new school, 7th grade at that age I guess he will act like he no longer likes me, I have no decent advice and my mere presence will be worse than the plague itself. So far none of these things have happened so I am savoring the last few days of him still being a kid and not a preteen. AAh the last few days of childhood and summer, how delightful!

Life is still so exciting at any age....

2008-08-01T12:31:00.000-05:00

Just got off the phone with my dad...He is about to be 81 and is somewhat of a renaissance man. He is a butcher by trade, retired, cooks all the meals at home, cleans the house for my mom and yet is somewhat of a macho guy...

He turned 80 and bought his first motorcycle if you can believe that. This morning he was driving back from the store and couldn't believe all the traffic everywhere. He sat and didn't move for over a half hour. All of the sudden a helicopter swooped down and went back and forth. He had absolutely no idea what was going on. Then the motorcycles came one after another driving rather quickly and from behind them large black SUV's and it was then it he realized it was Vice President Cheney and his motorcade driving by him at a pretty fast clip of 70 miles or so an hour. He sat there with amazement and watched his Vice President of the United States go by him. My father is a WWII veteran with tremendous patriotism. I am sure that no matter who was in the white house would honor them and the office.

He did laugh and tell me that he wondered why the corner gas station had lowed the prices this morning to under $3 a gallon, and said he thought the Vice President must had smiled and said, good the prices of gas are going down....He probably was right.

How sweet it was to hear the enthusiasm in my dads voice telling me this story. What an honor it was for him to see that motorcade and how lucky I am to have a dad that still appreciates things happening in his life like this.

summertime, thank goodness

2008-06-22T03:44:00.000-05:00

I enter this next blog with bad news, sadly our dear Charlie was hit by a car and did not survive. This was such a dark day for our family especially my little boy. I must say he did show such a mature side in the way he handled the entire situation. We still do have our other two dogs, Ella and Abby but it is not the same with out our Charlie.

The good news is we have finally moved into our new house that only took TWO years to complete. We un -packed and two weeks later threw a lovely surprise 50th anniversary party for my parents. That is a mile stone that many people don't seem to make so we definitely did it with style. We first started out with amazing invitations designed by my friend Stacy that owns Stacy claire boyd. If you ever need stationary, invitations I highly recommend her she is amazing. There was a wonderful swing band, fabulous flowers by dorothy mcdaniel flower market(the best in the southeast). and great food. We even had a wedding cake for them but the best of all was the fact that so many relatives and friends came. How great it was and how surprised my parents were.

Now we are resting up from all the busy weeks we have had at the beach. I love when school is out, life is so easy.....I do have some cute photos from my parents party, shannon and her new baby and pam and her crew, Hope you are all having a terrific summer too.

I finally get it!!!

2008-02-10T18:20:00.000-06:00

This posting has been crazy....... OK so I know less than my kids, for days I have been trying to figure out how to add to my last post and finally realized that I was adding to the wrong address.... Thank goodness I can take photos better than I blog.

In any case, I have had a ton of fun shooting a wedding(my second) and have another one at the end of the month. I also have been adding some photos to my site so check them out if you get a chance. Hopefully after we are in our new home I will have more time to add even more.

Emily and Shannon are some of the brides photos I will add....

For those of you who might want to know, Charlie is doing well and still living with us.

New Beginnings and Dirty Floors

2007-12-30T15:40:00.000-06:00

The week before Christmas this year, we had an exciting surprise - a new dog, Charlie, the chocolate lab, was found at the jobsite of our new house. This addition completes our color scheme of labs. We have Abby the golden, Ella the black and now Charlie the Chocolate. Besides even dirtier floors as our drawback of three large dogs running the show, we have much enjoyed this new joy in our life.

So, as I write my first blog, I can only think about all the new beginnings that I have going on in my life. A new house, a new dog, a new area of town, a newly-established career in photography and new website to cap it off.

I must confess, blogging is not my forte. But, I will do what I can to write about the new travels and experiences that open up through my photography. It will be a new experience, but I look forward to sharing all of these moments with you.

So, with Charlie as my mascot, I am opening up a new world of blogging and look forward to many more entries.

2007-07-04T10:41:00.001-05:00

Coming soon...