Brock & Sarah | Dothan AL Engagement Photographer

I met Sarah a few months back through a friend. After chatting for a while over coffee I knew that it was going to be such a pleasure to work with this adorable little lady. She and her fiance, Brock, met during their studies at Troy University. After graduating, they both found teaching jobs in the same town. Sarah is a sweet kindergarten teacher and Brock loves to coach baseball. After Brock popped the question over Spring break, they began planning their December wedding. I'm just so happy to be a part of their love story.

I love doing engagement sessions. It is such a special thing to be able to see the sweet love between two people. Each couple is so different. Some have a loud, laughing love while others are gentle and unassuming. Each love is as unique. Theirs is nothing short of precious. I'm such a hopeless romantic and nothing makes me more giddy than seeing two people so happy together. These photos really show that these two are head over heels in love!

It all began in Troy...

I don't think you can get any more precious than these two photos here! Ah!!!

Oh, this one makes me so happy! Can't you see the joy on their faces? My goodness, they are so adorable!

I love this one because Brock proposed while they were dancing! So sweet!

I had so much trouble narrowing down these photos for the blog! They were all so sweet! I can't wait for their gorgeous wedding!

PS: Isn't "the dip" one of the most romantic things ever? I love it!

Show Up

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have it all together in my business. In fact, I'm certain that I'm really bad at the business side of things and I'm definitely sure that I don't know everything there is to know about photography. Sometimes my to-do list is incredibly daunting and other days I wonder what in the heck I'm going to do. My circumstances are probably different than most people building a photography business. For different reasons God thrust me out a full time job and into this. I've had to learn on the fly. It's been overwhelming and just plain hard at times. Through all of this I've learned one thing...

JUST SHOW UP! 

Every morning I try to have a "just show up" attitude. I might not have a clue how what I'm going to do or how I'm going to do it, but I get up and go sit at my desk anyway. Often it's all I can do to hack through my to-do list, but more often than not I'm showing up to see what new things the day may bring. This has been especially beneficial during the slower times, especially in the begining. When I first started there were so many things I needed to master and I didn't know where to start. It was amazing what I learned by doing this. This principle is true in many other areas as well. It doesn't really matter what you're trying to accomplish or how formidable your task may be. If you just show up and put forth effort, you're going to move forward.

"Today what you'll do what you did yesterday. Tomorrow you'll do what you did today. Eventually you'll get somewhere." - Artist, Chuck Close

Do you have something you'd like to learn or accomplish? Then don't worry about how much is on your schedule, a lot or a little. Show up. Be Teachable. Keep pressing forward. Nothing worth having is going to be attained easily anyway.

Happy Friday everyone!

Beach Day

I love the beach this time of year. The weather is warm, but not hot and everything seems so beautiful. I've been dying to go to the beach for a few weeks now. I was so excited to go with my sister yesterday! We took our beach towels and some good books and planned for a relaxing afternoon. It was marvelous! At times the clouds threatened rain, but we only felt a few drops. I really love having my sis here. I'm very much enjoying my little mini spring break with her!

I think the beaches in Destin and Panama City are my favorites. The water is so blue and the sand is so white!

A little raccoon popped his head out to say hey. I'm pretty sure I've never imagined seeing a raccoon on a beach. So random!

It was a blissful day! I can't wait to get back again!

Thankful.

I'm going to be honest and admit that I've let myself have a little putty party yesterday. It happens. Things just haven't been going according to "my plan" but that is no reason not to be thankful. I was reminded this morning of how blessed I really am. I will choose joy and thankfulness no matter what. Thus, here are a few things I'm very thankful for today.

This Journey. Although I've found this road to be quite bumpy, I am so thankful that God has led me here. I get to do what I love! I'm incredibly blessed. It's only been a few months since I started this little business and I have seen God's blessing in so many different ways. He has grown me and given me so many opportunities. I have to remind my greedy heart that He is in control, not me. "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1)

Our apartment. Lately, I've really been wanting to have our own house for several reasons. Today, I put all those reasons aside and am simply thankful that we have a place to live! We consider it to be small in the states, but really we have so much more than most people in the world. We have air, heat, a refrigerator, dishwasher (although a crappy one!) and running water. I am blessed.

My husband. He is my constant encourager. I can't imagine this life without him. He is an example of faithful, enduring love to me. I am so thankful that I get to share life with him. I'd follow him anywhere.

Springtime. The winter season is over and bringing new life. All the chill has left the air and the flowers are blooming. I love this time of year, even with the pollen! I've always looked forward to the next season, in the year and in life, but today I purpose to savor this season and this time in life. This particular spring will never come again.

A workspace. I know this may seem so simple, but all I had was a lap top and our couch for a while. Today I am so thankful to have a desk and our beautiful iMac that my husband bought me. It has been so nice to have a space to work and keep my office things. It's easy to forget that I didn't have it just a few months ago.

The generosity of others. I have been so blessed by so many people. I am so thankful for those who have gone out of their way and given of themselves to do something kind. I am surrounded by caring people. I pray I never take that for granted.

Christ. Why do I take my God for granted the most? Yesterday I took the time to go through the alphabet, choose one of His attributes for each letter, and praised Him for all that He has done. It's easy to forget that the King over everything loves us, gives us Himself and offers us so much though we are dirty sinners. The beautiful miracle of salvation hit me afresh. I can never be thankful enough for what He has done. I pray that I might live worthy of the gospel.

Anyway, here is a song that has encouraged my heart as of late. I've heard it several times, but the bridge especially impacted my heart yesterday.

Breathe in me Your life Till Your love overtakes me Open up my eyes let me see You more clearly Falling on my knees till I love like You love Like You love me, I love You 

What are you guys thankful for today?