"Giving is Awesome" Contest Reminder!!

Just a friendly reminder to submit your nominations for the Giving is Awesome contest! Remember:

1.  You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must be incapable of purchasing my services.

2. They must either a) live in or b) be able to travel to the Birmingham area.

3. You must email me at jswphotography@gmail.com with the family's full story.

In order to honor the privacy of the family that wins, I have decided not to post their names/story on my blog (unless they specify otherwise).  Don't let this deter you from sending in your nominations!  Several have already been submitted, and there is still one week left!  The winner will receive a photo shoot, a $250 print credit, and a dvd of full resolution photos to keep!  Time to get busy and send those nominations in!

Bethany & Ben....

...had my dream wedding.  It could not have been more beautiful.  In the mountains of North Carolina.  Small, with plenty of time to celebrate with close family and friends.  Beautiful 70 degree weather in November.  

Bethany and Ben have become good friends over the past year or so.  Bethany plays violin in Act of Congress with my husband Adam.  Ben has been her #1 fan from day 1.  It has been such a joy to watch their relationship develop and culminate into this wonderful day.  Their wedding was held at Ben's parent's mountain home in North Carolina.  When I say mountain home, I mean that their home was literally built at the peak of a mountain.  Their front yard is a level 20 yard space and then there is a sharp drop off that gives way to the most breathtaking view you've ever seen.  All I can say is that it was  impossible to take a bad photo.  Not to mention that these two are pretty much supermodels. :)

Click here to view their slideshow!

Giving is Awesome

I stumbled upon this website the other day and could not contain my excitement.  I've been looking for a way to serve others with my photography, trying to brainstorm creative projects that will really be meaningful for those in need.  Sometimes I feel like photography is a superfluous gift...not something that people really need.  And I guess it's not like food or shelter...people won't die without photos.  But as I get a little bit older, I'm beginning to realize just how much my family photos mean to me.  They bring me back to a time and place that I can never have again.  They make my memories more vivid, they embody a time in my life and the life of my family that I want to hold onto forever. 

All that to say that I want to pass this precious gift along.  The current economy is making it a little harder for most to afford even the bare essentials, much less a photo session complete with prints.  So I want to give away a photo session for a family or couple who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it.  I am asking you to think about everyone you know...and everyone they know....and reach out and nominate someone.   The family selected will win a free photo session + a $250 print credit. Email me at jswphotography@gmail.com with nominations!

Here are my 3 conditions:

1.  You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services....this does not include families who are lagging on mortgage payments on their vacation homes overseas. 

2. They must either a) live in or b) be able to travel to the Birmingham area.

3.  You must email me at jswphotography@gmail.com with the family's full story.

I will be inciting the help of select friends and family to decide the winner.  Please send all nominations in by December 28th.  I will be announcing the winner on January 1st!  Because I want as many people to participate as possible, I would greatly appreciate you spreading the word!  If you have a blog, write about it!  Email your friends!  Spread the giving!! 

Mallory & Ron: the wedding

Mallory and Ron were married on November 8th and they couldn't have picked a more beautiful day.  The sun was shining, it was just the right temperature, and they were surrounded by their closest family and friends.  They are couple that have reached out and truly loved those around them and it completely showed.  Their ceremony was incredibly meaningful, with all of the wedding guests invited to take communion and pray with the new couple.

And what an awesome reception! The band was first class and kept everyone dancing all night. 

To view their slideshow, click here!

Back...and better than ever?

Ok, I'm not even sure if anyone is out there anymore! If you are, I applaud your patience and perseverance.  :)  I have been so incredibly busy these past few months, which has been such a blessing (I love new clients!!!) but I have been unprepared for the toll it would take on this little blog.  I have so much to share...I don't even know where to start!

As you have probably already noticed, the blog is getting a little face lift.  We are in process, so please keep checking back for a finished product.  I'm so excited about the new look!

I have SO many sessions to share with you from the past 3 months.  I'll try to post 1 a day to catch up.  Hold me to this!!!  Here we go...

Mallory and Ron are two of the kindest, warmest people that I have ever met.  We shot their engagement photos way back in September, and I enjoyed my time with them so much that I kept them in front of my camera for over 2 hours!  It doesn't hurt that they are also totally photogenic.  

Mallory & Ron, thank you for involving me in such a beautiful part of your life!  Their wedding was in November....more fun images to come soon!