M Twins Turn 2! {Florence Alabama Lifestyle Photography}

Oh, me. The first time I met these babies during their daycare's school picture day, Miss L hated me. When I say hated, I mean HATED. Remember this?

Yep. I think it's safe to say that I was not L's most favoritest person in the whole wide world. For some reason (maybe they're as twisted as I am?), L & M's parents got a huge kick out of that picture. They called on me for a family session a few months later and I just fell in love with their whole brood. Of course, the babies were still unsure of me.

Fast-forward to yesterday. The twins just turned two and I was lucky enough to be asked to document the milestone!! They greeted me at their front door with all smiles, and Miss L decided that this time the session was all about her. She kept telling me how pretty she looked (she did!) and made it a point to stay far away from the balloons. M loved the balloons and kept wanting more. Here is a little teaser of the fun we had yesterday, from balloons to dancing to cake... being two is the most fun age yet!!!

Preston {Florence Alabama Lifestyle Photography}

Oh, me. I'm sure that a lot of you remember the day Preston was born. I blasted it all over Facebook and then shared his birth slideshow with the world. I LOVE this baby!! It helps that his parents are awesome, too. Today I visited their home to take some six month portraits of the lil' man. I walked in planning on using my backdrops and we immediately ditched that idea seeing how cute he was sitting on mom & dad's bed watching TV and playing with his animals. Don't you want to squeeze his cheeks!? He's probably on the verge of hating me, because I don't resist the squeeze. I also find myself talking in that ridiculous baby talk language every time I'm in the room with P. Pretty sure his dad got some embarrassing video footage of that today!!

Anyway, I won't make you wait any longer!! Here is the Sneak Peek. :)

I couldn't resist taking some shots while P tried out his brand-new sippy cup. :)

Presley {Florence, Alabama Photographer}

It's hard to believe that it has been two years since I first met Presley and her wonderful family!! They are some of those clients that I'm blessed to also call friends; I love it when that happens!

Here's a Sneak Peek of Presley's birthday shoot this past weekend. She's not much for frills and dresses, but once the Mario gear was pulled out she was a happy gal!

Featured: Rustic Wedding Ideas

Hello, you two readers! :) I was thinking today about how I so *love* checking out blog posts for inspiration and decided that I'm going to create my own inspiring posts for you all. Whether you are brides, grooms, family members, or just a love junkie like myself, I hope these posts will inspire some creativity for you!

Today I have been a little inspired by rustic, country themed items. Here are some of my absolute favorites that you can incorporate into your big day!!

Rustic Chalkboard ~ Get one of these (or several!) to write notes on for your guests. "Sign Guestbook Here" or "Thanks for joining us!"
Twig Nails ~ These are awesome!! I'm envisioning that chalkboard hanging from one of these nails, or maybe hang "his & hers" signs over your seats at the reception using these nails as well.
Blue Grass Cuff Links ~ Seriously!? Okay, if you have a rustic country wedding... your groom HAS to wear blue grass cuff links! LOVE these!!!
Vintage Clothes Pins ~ Why, to hold your amazingly cute place cards, of course!
Ring Pillow ~ Oh, me. It never ceases to amaze me how customized a wedding can get!
... or if you don't like that ring pillow, try this Ring Box!
Cupcake Flags ~ Or maybe you can stick them in the cocktail weenies or cheese cubes, should you choose to have "finger foods" at the reception. Either way, these are a must.
Candle Holders ~ Well, if you're going with a country rustic theme... these candle holders will set the mood!
Card Box ~ You know, for all of that money that your guests will be leaving for you to take on your honeymoon. ;)
Copper Centerpieces ~ I'm imagining these filled with some gorgeous flowers in an airy, breezy, beautifully warm outdoor reception!
Tags ~ Eeek!! How cute would these be tied around your favor bags?
Here's the Wedding! ~ This sign is perfect!
Vow Book ~ Absolutely a perfect way to keep your vows to show to your children and grandchildren.
Groom's Wedding Band ~ This is very cool for the guy who likes to be a little different! Rustic, handsome, and totally customized.

For your rustic wedding, you may also want to think about hitting up thrift stores and your mom's attic for old furniture that you can use! It doesn't matter if the paint is chipping or it's scratched up -- that just adds more character and charm.

Any other rustic wedding ideas? Leave me a comment! :)

For the Brides... {North Alabama Wedding Photographer}

While drinking my coffee this morning, I was looking over my WedPlan account. I just signed up a few months ago in hopes for more brides to see my information. (You can check it out here!) I then jumped down the rabbit hole and began reading wedding articles. I thought about copying some of them here (with permission and credit, of course!) and then decided to just link you all to all of these great articles about how to find your perfect wedding photographer.

Brides, enjoy!! If you're on WedPlan, add me as a contact. :)

Helpful Ways to Ensure That You Get Great Wedding Photos

Helpful Hints for Formal Portraits

Your Wedding Budget - Establishing Priorities

Finding Your Photographer

Of course these are just a few of the awesome articles on WedPlan, all written by WedPlan vendors. Dive in and see if there are any articles that may help you!