Holiday at the Beach

So this month we've been spending as much time as possible at the beach house we rented this year. Please excuse the excessive about of collages but imagine how many individual images I could possibly have for all the time we have spent here.

First, let me say it has been an unusually warm December and this year our pool is NOT heated yet the boys managed to go swimming a few times.


The boys received their response letters from Santa and were excited to read them out loud to everyone.


My mom's dog, Denver, has been a blast at the beach with my little dogs. He is a St. Bernard mix and absolutely adorable.


My family loves the sunsets we get down here at St. George Island.


And of course Christmas morning a little chaos but still so much fun. The kids had a great Christmas and we did too - my mom is sending us away to a bed & breakfast! I can't wait!


Oh and we can't forget my two favorite foods for Christmas dinner - fried turkey and my mom's mashed potatoes - yummy!


Overall it's been a great December and Christmas. Headed home tomorrow - I'll miss the sounds of the waves when we leave our door open at night but it is always so nice to go home.
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Brook & Josh

I have quite a few things to blog about but I'm most excited about this one...my sister, Brook-Lyn and her boyfriend, Josh, are here at the beach for a few days before they fly home to Colorado. This afternoon we went out and took a few fun beach portraits.










I love being able to see my sister but I love more seeing her happy and in love. I'll miss her when she flys home on Monday :(

Christmas Eve Eve

Here is something fun for Christmas Eve Eve...it's called Letters from Santa and it was made on this fun website http://www.wordle.net/ The longer I look at it the more it looks 3-D to me. Enjoy!


Merry Christmas!

Beach House

I love the beach in December! This year we my family rented a brand spankin' new house. Only in my dreams could I really live in a house like this one. Check it...


Happy Holidays Everyone!

Simone

This is personal - I'm traveling for work with my boss and coworkers. My boss, Vickie, takes her dog Simone to the vet when she travels. The vet called on our way to Tampa today stating Simone was showing signs of bloat - her stomach was twisting - Vickie authorized the vet to do whatever it took to make sure Simone was ok. They called her a few hours later and said they were closing after a complicated surgery and things would be touch and go. Within half an hour the vet called back and said Simone passed away. They did everything they could but Simone's age was working against them. She would have turned 12 in February. Simone was a loyal, sweet and camera shy German Shepherd. She was a good friend to Vickie and will be greatly missed. I can't imagine what Vickie is feeling right now but I wanted to dedicate a post to Simone, Vickie's baby. I feel lucky to have met Simone and capture this rare picture. Rest in peace Simoney.

Alexis and Family

My cousin Alexis brought her family down to the beach for some family portraits last weekend. She has such cute kids! We did some beach portraits, Christmas portraits and some Alexis portraits. Alexis is an aspiring Country music star so we took some images for her Myspace and such. Enjoy!

Nick's 10th Birthday

Whoa! This is so so so late! Nick's 10th birthday was at the end of October - late but not forgotten! Here are a few images from our family party.

Layton

A few weeks ago I worked with sweetie pie Layton. His mom works with my husband. Layton is a quick little guy. I did my best to keep up with him. We met out at Southwood and had fun trying to beat the rain. I had a great time Layton - let's do it again sometime :) These images are a good example of my portrait style - easy going, natural and fun.

Cameron & Flag Football

Cam is my 11 year old. My mom said it best the other day - Cameron takes his football seriously. This was the first year Cam participated in the City Parks & Rec Flag Football program. His team was the Jaguars and they had an awesome undefeated season! I took some shots and ordered some trading cards for him. Here are some of my favorites.

Terri's Surprise 50th Birthday & Retirement Party!

I'm so far behind but I am trying to catch up...here is an attempt. Terri's awesome husband, Mike, is my good friend Mandy's dad. He spent months and months planning this party with Terri's family. He booked me at Mandy's wedding in May and the party was in November. It was amazing! Terri is a loved individual! The details, the friends and the family all together made for great party!
Here are some of the details...

And some family shots...

Thanks for having me!

Aaron & Laura's Wedding

Ok, I haven't blogged in quite a while and I really have so much to blog but I've been so busy. Anyways, a few weeks ago I photographed this really beautiful wedding in Cairo, Georgia. It was at the Grady Cultural Center, an amazing location with exposed brick and wooden beams which I completely loved. I've never met such an organized and calm bride but she had everything to the last detail perfectly planned. It was a beautiful day. Thanks guys so much for having me!

















one of my favorites...

SPECIAL OFFER!!!

Beach Portraits
Every weekend in December at St. George Island. Call to book your session as soon as possible (850) 766-4855.

$75 for 1 hour on location, a print credit for Package C (2-5x7's and 1-8x10) and a private online gallery.

See you soon!

I'm a bad blogger :-(

My life has gone through quite a few changes the past two months and my time to blog has been really really limited. Don't worry - when I have time to blog - I'll have a lot to post...Nick's 10th birthday, Laura & Aaron's wedding, Layton, Terri's SURPRISE 50th birthday/retirement party, and Cam's flag football season. Hopefully, I'll be squeezing in a few more family sessions before the holidays. I've been trying to let everyone know that I won't be in Tallahassee to shoot on the weekends for the month of December - I'll be at St. George Island every weekend if anyone is interested in coming down for some beach family sessions. Just shoot me an email or give me a call if you're interested. photographybybranch@gmail.com

I'll start posting soon - before the end of the month :)

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Kellie, Jason, & Hayden

Today I joined Kellie, Jason, and Hayden at the Brokaw-McDougall House for some family portraits. We had a lot of fun and got tons of great shots. It's hard to narrow them down for the blog. Enjoy.