Christmas Blessings

I hope your Christmas brought all the loveliest things: a soft, white snow, some tried-and-true traditions (well-worn and a little frayed around the corners), and a decent distance from anything with an in-box.  Christmas Blessings from our house to yours!

 

Christmas Comes Early

Alternatively, do you still need a gift to put under the tree?  What luck! From today until Christmas Eve, I'm offering gift certificates for photographic prints at a 50% discount.  $150 will purchase a gift certificate for $300, or $500 will purchase a gift certificate for $1000.  The limit is up to you!

The scripty print:

1. Gift certificates are for photographic prints only; they are not applicable to specialty products such as gallery-wrapped canvases or session albums.

2. Gift certificates are not applicable to the session fee.

3. Gift certificates are applicable to future sessions only.

4. A minimum purchase of $150 is required.

In the midst of the holiday rush, take a moment to stop, count your blessings, and enjoy where you are.  Happy Holidays!

Roses in December

God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.
James Matthew Barrie

Mr. and Mrs. Smith finally got married!  You first met them here, and then a tiny glimpse here.    

The bride - my friend - is a master at details.  Her wedding was planned with precision and was  infused with personal meaning.

My gift to the couple?  Capturing all those details for their memories.

My photographs illustrate their day through my eyes, capturing a few moments that otherwise might have been missed.

I love detail shots.  I believe that detail shots are portraits.  They require the same preparation and technique as a portrait of a person: Finding the perfect background, the right light and the most flattering angle that accurately reflects how you want your subject portrayed.

Yes.  Absolutely, they are portraits.  Just of things.  That patiently and politely sit still.

But, from the moment she slipped into her gown, I put down my camera.  I patted it gently, gave it a cookie and tucked it into bed with the admonition of no late-night tv.  From that moment on, I needed to be a friend, not a photographer.  That day was likely the last time I would have the privilege of standing by the side of a friend making the remarkable transition from Ms. to Mrs.  So, my purpose wasn't to photograph every moment.  On the contrary, my purpose that day was to be in the moment.  To be the best friend I knew how to be.  To throw her a knowing wink, calm the butterflies, fetch another glass of champagne, and hold her hand until she made it to the altar.  And, bittersweetly, that's where my duties ended.  Because at that moment, those privileges transitioned to Charles.  For that day, and for every following day.

For a lifetime.

So, for all the other moments of the day, I must rely on mental snapshots: Those moments in which you stop and take particular notice of the sights and sounds and tangible clues around you because they are so perfect you never want to forget them.   A leisurely breakfast with my friend on our private bed & breakfast veranda.  Sunlight streaming through the windows after two solid weeks of rain.  The scent of hairspray and the palpable twinge of anticipation.  Tinkling bells of nervous laughter.  The tightest hug, and a few droplets on my shoulder.  Constant flutter-bys from butterflies - a celestial gift to the bride.  (An amazing story, although not really mine to tell.)  The groom in his dress blues, undoubtedly fueling every girl's fantasy of an Officer and a Gentleman.  (And he is both.)  A rustle of white satin, then swirls of lavender.  Intensely emotional vows.  The constant lump in my throat.  Sparkles reflected from crystals on Barbara's gown that seemed to float like fireflies in the candlelight. Prawns with garlic and butter; bubbles dutifully climbing in champagne.  A charming toast with tears to follow.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith: I'm wishing you the brightest memories of your day so that you will always have a place to return your hearts when you need a place to rest.  And, of course, so you will always have lavender roses in December.

XOXO,
Kaycee

Thankfulness

O Lord that lends me life,
Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.
William Shakespeare

My heart is full.   I have so much for which to be thankful ... thankful for the freedom to follow my bliss ... for the ability to see beauty everywhere and make it a priority in my life ... for the people who love us and receive our love.  I'm grateful for life's lessons (truly, I am) and delayed rewards.  I'm grateful for love.  For new opportunities, for adventures, for daydreaming.  For God's gifts ... and for the chance to re-gift them.

May all your blessings keep you wrapped in bliss.  Today and every day.

XOXO,

Kaycee

Apple Pie and Cheese

But I, when I undress me
Each night upon my knees
Will ask the Lord to bless me
With apple pie and cheese.
Eugene Field

A few weeks ago, we spent a perfect autumnal Saturday in Charlottesville.  Our first stop: Carter Mountain Orchard.

During the leaf-brimmed, twisty trail to the top, this was our view.  In the front, grapevines; in the back, mountains.  And a crispy blue October sky.

But, as wonderful as it was to be in the in-between, it was nothing compared to reaching the top.  The view from the top is always the best.  {Almost always.} 

But, the orchard offers more than the view.  For instance - gorgeous, crunchy apples.

And, there's a reason it was our first stop of the day.  I'd make the drive back just for the cider. 

First, we scouted the Fuji orchards.

I think this little guy might just have the best seat in the house.  A penthouse view. 

And, here is my view.

That morning, I made a promise to myself: To photograph those I love as often as I can.  More than I do.  Maybe even more than I should, if that's possible. Years from now - or possibly even weeks - your photographs will be worth their weight in gold.  These are the moments you'll want to remember.  

And on the way down, after we had our fill of Fujis, we spotted this little duo.  All their momma wanted was a picture of them at the orchard, but the littler one was giving her such a hard time.  I'm not sure how children learn the power of a withheld smile and what it can do to a momma's spirit - so I offered to give it a try.  Sometimes, a new face behind the camera is all that's needed.  A few seconds and one shot and here is what we came up with.  Aren't they sweet?  I could have tucked them in my apple bag but their momma would have missed them.

And then we found the Pink Ladies.

Can there be a more perfect name for an apple? 

Joel found some twins.  

And this fuzzy one found some sunshine and a little rest.  Heaven on earth for dogs, I'd imagine.

Enjoy all your perfect autumnal days, and even the not-so-perfect ones.  Some of the best apples have a few bruises.

XOXO,
Kaycee

Philosophy

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces,
I would still plant my apple tree.

Martin Luther

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

A couple of delightful reminders of a beautiful late September day that melted into midnight much too quickly.

More to come.