the roswell project.

We recently found ourselves photographing subjects that don't giggle or wiggle but are just as interesting. 

When the owner of an Allstate Insurance company in Roswell moved into a new location on Mansell Road, he and his wife had a desire to bring splashes of life and color to their freshly painted white walls. They said they contacted us because they love the leading lines and unique framing we bring to our photos. Wow! (*blushing*) And they provided us with a project that allowed us to push ourselves creatively. Armed with cameras and coffee ( I  Someone thought it would be a great idea to arrive at sunrise) we set out to roam the city of Roswell, seeking out nooks and crannies of still objects that give this historic city life. Here's a peek at just a few of the photos we captured along with some behind the scenes looks:

We thought this post was especially suited for today because we ran into a few other creatures getting an early start to their morning as well down by the Vickery Creek Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. These creatures blended in so well with the rocky surrounding that I actually did not see them while stone hopping to the center of the creek for a photo of the water flowing off the dam of the Roswell Mill. It was not until I smelled their "breakfast" that I realized how close I was to three large vultures! So that's my tale of terror to an otherwise lovely post on this All Hallow's Eve. (You can thank me later for cropping these even more gruesome photos!)

If you're in the Roswell or Alpharetta area (and still reading after that little scare), you'll meet some of the warmest people at this Allstate. Bryan and I got the chance to attend the open house and ribbon cutting with the mayor, several councilmen and women and other guests last week. It was a fantastic experience for us because we usually only see our clients' photos on the computer. As much as we love our iMac, seeing them come to life on stretched canvas was a terrific treat! They arranged the canvases beautifully, each office with its own unique cluster. Thanks, Billy and Elizabeth, for trusting us to do a little something outside of our usual. And congratulations on the grand opening! We wish you all the best!

wallace family.

Meet the Wallaces--a league of extraordinary family members! I've had the privilege of knowing Jim and Dean and their clan for just over a decade now, and in these last ten years I've laughed at many stories, heard a lot beautiful music and seen them grow in size and in love. They are truly top-notch people. And when our wedding day arrived, we were blessed to have Jim sitting at the piano bench and Dean making sure everything was running smoothly behind the scenes.  These two are always doing so much for others, I was excited to get them front and center to capture some family photos recently when I met them in the beautifully designed flower garden of a family friend.

After getting a large group photo, I spent time with each Wallace boy and their individual families. It was a treat to try and capture the different dynamics that make each family unique separately as well as beautiful parts of a wonderful whole. The only tricky part was catching up to one of them! Two-year-old Miss Harper is all kinds of cute...and full of adventure!

How amazing is this backyard (can you really call it something as simple as that)?! We were able to traverse several trails to find tucked away spots for each group to have their own look. I warned the owner he might find me with a good book and a glance of wine in a chair by the stream one evening!

Jim and Dean, you have a marvelous family and we're grateful to call you friends! Thanks so much for the opportunity to capture this time in your lives!

cassie + mike. engaged.

Who said band nerds can't be cool?! If Bryan and I have yet to convince you (ha!), then look no further than the talented, amazing and recently engaged Michael and Cassie! Now, I won't get into too many old stories, but it is always interesting to see how our lives intersect and weave together to form some really beautiful tapestry work. Bryan first met Michael in a summer marching music ensemble, and I first met Cassie in our college band. Fast forward a number of years I dare not mention to present day. We met up with Mike and Cassie for an engagement session at Fontaine's in the Virginia Highlands, a place where they hung out a few times as their new relationship was forming. (A big thanks to the folks here who let us move our shoot indoors when we felt raindrops on our heads!) 

The two people we once knew separately are now a combined dynamic couple with a force to be reckoned with. And they had us smiling the entire time!

We know, Mike! She has that je ne sais quoi that's going to land her in a future blockbuster! Seriously, Cassie, you're an armed and dangerous kind of gorgeous. And the way Mike can make you laugh out loud? It's just perfect.

We love when couples incorporate places or props that are unique and special to them, but Cassie and Mike far exceeded our expectations! Because Mike's work keeps him glued to his instrument (you've heard of a little group called the Boston Symphony Orchestra?!!) he developed this next "story sequence" of photos to hilariously depict Cassie's patience, or perhaps the occasional lack thereof, with the relationship between a musician and his horn. Love it!

As dark clouds rolled in an early evening, we grabbed a few more dramatic city shots before it was burrito time. And because these two are super serious about their love for Chipotle (can you blame them?!) we couldn't help but snap a few journalistic shots depicting a regular evening in their life in Boston. Well, at least once a week!

Cassie and Mike, thanks so much for taking some time out of your trip to Georgia for a photo shoot! Cheers to you both as you plan this great adventure together! Your enthusiasm for life and excitement for each other is a contagious joy spread to all you meet--either in person or through music!