Wife . Mom . Christ Follower . Creative Type . Eclectic . Snoopy Fan . Artist . Outgoing Introvert . Essential Oil Lover .  

Quoth the Raven | St. Augustine Weddings

Have you ever been to a Poe themed wedding? Me neither, until this year! I don't shoot many weddings anymore - life has offered up other things to fill that time! I'm used to the white wedding gown in a church ceremony with the typical, yet beautiful, flowers and candles and photos and things. When Ashlee and Dana told me their wedding theme and colors, it was perfect for them and they did a wonderful job with the cake and decorations! I also saw pictures of each of their outfits beforehand and knew they would fit their theme and each other. I decided that today would be a day for sharing just a couple photos...something I feel fits their theme and personalities. Enjoy and then check back for more sharing because there are a lot of photos to enjoy!

ps...congratulations Dana and Ashlee!

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Brain farts - I have them all the time!

I enjoy photographing homes. I know, kinda weird...but I like walking into homes - especially newly built homes - and finding the best angles and lighting to showcase the qualities and features everyone loves. Luckily for me, my husband builds homes and asks me to photograph them! I do get to photograph other homes too, but he's my favorite.

One area his company, New Leaf Construction, is currently building in is Providence Island in Queen's Harbor. It is literally an island, surrounded by marsh grass and other plant and animal life. Their first home is closing this Friday and I was able to squeeze in amidst the trade partners trying to finish up the details for the new homeowners. I love the amount of windows in this home and the beautiful light on this sunny, Florida day. The chandeliers twinkled and little beads of light washed over the walls when the light hit just right.

When I finished, I packed up, thanked everyone and headed out. Before I reached my car I realized I had locked my keys and phone inside the car in my other camera bag...the one I decided last minute I would not need! One of the busy trade partners stopped what he was doing and tried to unlock the door, but my Kia Soul was unforgiving. I borrowed a phone and called the hubs, who passed the buck to our daughter because he had a meeting. I decided to enjoy my wait time and went off to explore. An hour later, I'm driving my car to meet her for lunch at our favorite burger joint - Epic Burger! She made sure I had my keys before we went in...I'm sure it won't be the last time I'm reminded of this day.

The model for this neighborhood should be done in 4-6 weeks and I will get to photograph that one too! I had a hand in choosing the counter tops and other finishes so I'm looking forward to the finished product. I promise to keep my keys in a pocket...or take all the camera bags inside! 

If you would like more information on Providence Island, please contact Susan Dunham with Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners. She would love to walk you through the model home, which is for sale, and share information on how you can enjoy these views everyday!

 

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Who wouldn't want this view out their windows?


Documenting Motherhood...it's almost Time! | Jacksonville Maternity Photographer

So much has changed in a month's time. She's due in two weeks and we had to stop and rest while taking photos because of those braxton hicks contractions. 

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A Maternity Story | Jacksonville Maternity Photographer

I have to be honest with you...This is my daughter, my baby, and she is having her first child - my first grandchild. I'm going to be a grandmother! I'm rather partial to this girl and think she is the most beautiful mother-to-be around.

I've been photographing her since she did pirouettes inside my belly so, when I said I wanted to do a maternity photoshoot, she gracefully obliged. We went to one of my favorite places and braved a bit of wind - she was a trooper! The most beautiful, glowing trooper...


The Faces of Haiti

I am a people watcher. I look for the stories that faces, body language and relationships portray. I love using my camera to capture those stories. I recently went on a mission trip to Haiti with other members of my church - Deermeadows Baptist. It was one of those life events that changes you and because normal life hits at the speed of light when you return home, it has taken seemingly forever to process the events and emotions from the experience.

I have yet to adequately put words to my experience in Haiti. Everything was so different - from the traffic & our mode of transportation, to the food, our accommodations (which were quite pleasant compared to those we came to serve) and most especially, our surroundings. Not once did I ever feel in danger, but I could see and feel the turmoil that those around me were living with daily. And yet, there was joy, laughter and normalcy. Children walking to school in uniforms which depicted which school they attended and the girls had matching colored ribbons in their hair! Street vendors walking through neighborhoods calling out to those needing their services and wares. In the distance, the humming of traffic and honking horns as the busy day began.

It was one of the most difficult yet rewarding experiences of my life. The work was hard physically and even more so emotionally. So many children and adults, both young & old, coming for medical help and anything else we could provide. I did not understand the native language, but I recognized the smiles, the brightness in their eyes, and the way their faces lit up when they received whatever we could give. The love between family members and the laughter among friends filled the air. The hugs and smiles from the children still tug at my heart.

There is disease, extreme poverty and hunger in Haiti, but there is also hope, a desire to work for better and humble gratitude. There are so many stories to capture in Haiti and I have many, many photos. These represent just some of the Faces of Haiti...the ones that tug at my heart in ways I cannot describe. They have beautiful smiling eyes or worn lines telling of the hardness of life in their country. I will share more here at some point, and head over to @basicbtees for her |women supporting women| promotion helping women in Haiti learn skilled trades to support themselves and their families.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Young Living Essential Oils

YLEO - Diane ArsenaultWelcome. If you click on this photo, it will take you directly to my YLEO website. Enjoy!

I love Young Living Essential Oils! Their purity is above comparison. My favorite is Thieves...or is it Deep Relief or Panaway or RC or...well, you understand.

If you are interested in getting your family on the road to wellness, join me and I'll provide education, some goodies to help get you started and can introduce you to some awesome Facebook groups for even more opportunities to learn and nurture friendships through essential oils.

Click here for more information...to just look around...ask questions...I'll be here when you are ready!

JUST THE ESSENTIALS!

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