Brooke Kelly Photography

Averie's Valentines: Love Hurts

2012-02-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

I was trying to be a crafty mom (in real life I'm not) and get a shoot done today so I could make A's valentines for her school party. The light outside this afternoon was gorgeous, so I put 3 layers of clothes on Miss Thing and went to a spot I've been wanting to shoot near my house. My husband was laughing at me telling me the wind was too cold, but I only needed 5 minutes. As soon as I took Averie's coat off, this is what happened...

Yep, I win the mother of the year award.

This shoot lasted a total of 1.37 minutes before she told me "Mooooommmy, it's too cooollllldd!!"

Back in the warm car we went where my husband was laughing hysterically. I get Averie hooked in her car seat and she asks if we can go get a milkshake. Really??

So, after feeling horrible about putting her in the cold--yes, she got a milkshake. Then I snapped some shots in our living room when we got home. The light wasn't as pretty, but she was warm and happy.

Sweet success.

We'll try that location again another day... ;)

Carson, 9 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-02-13T15:59:00.000-08:00

Carson had me and her mom all to herself for today's session and I think she loved every second! She is still a tiny little thing and proved to be so easy (especially since she isn't on the go yet). I adore her big brown eyes and she kept giving me the best laughs. Precious girl!

Madison, 15 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-02-13T15:42:00.000-08:00

Madison walked into the studio with a huge grin on her face and the only time it left was during her wardrobe changes. She wanted to explore the extension cord and thought my lights were so fun. Dad came along this time around and we got to do a couple family shots. Madison is a little camera ham for sure!

Colin, 10 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-02-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

I usually don't worry about little ones walking around at their 9 month sessions, but we are a month late with Colin and he was walking everywhere! I couldn't believe how big he has gotten since his last shoot. I'm not gonna lie, that image in the green and blue hat completely melts me. I'm also so glad we got to do some family shots this time.

Always great to see you Jenny, Jeff, Reagan, and Colin!

Anna & Andy (and bump): Nashville Maternity Photographer

2012-02-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

Anna and Andy are expecting their first baby (a girl!) next month. I kept telling Anna that she was so comfortable in front of the camera and I think that really shows in her images. She was just so relaxed! I am looking forward to meeting their baby girl when she arrives.

Sofie, 9 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-02-09T17:24:00.000-08:00

Miss Sofie was her usual happy-go-lucky self today. She didn't crawl away too much and gave me some of her awesomely cute expressions again. I love how she kept sitting with her ankles crossed!

Sophie & Piper: Nashville Photographer

2012-02-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

Today was the second time Sophie and Piper visited me at the studio. Sophie was putting on a show for me, but poor Piper was having a rough day and not a big fan of mine. You'd never be able to guess, right? ;)

Jeremy & Dana: Nashville/Murfreesboro Engagement Photographer

2012-02-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

I spent the afternoon with Dana and Jeremy and I can safely say that I am pretty excited about their April wedding! I had photographed their little girl, Zoe, awhile back, but today was all about these two lovebirds. I felt like I was just hanging out with friends and that always makes for a great shoot.

We started out at their wedding venue and went with a sexy vibe, then ended outside for a little more relaxed and fun look...

What is one word people would use to describe you as a couple?

Crazy has been used numerous times!

Back story: Originally from Boston, I was in Nashville for business. My co-worker and I went out for dinner/drinks (BB kings) after a long day and Jeremy was our waiter. We exchanged numbers and randomly texted back and forth for weeks. Texts turned into LONG phone calls and before long a plane ticket was booked for me to come visit. Jeremy has a little girl, Zoe, who was 3 months old at the time we met. Everyone thought we were insane. Who's laughing now?

Where was your first date? What did you do?

Our first date lasted an entire weekend, beginning at the airport when he picked me up :)

What are your favorite "together" activities?

They say you know you truly love someone when you want to do boring things with them (ha!).

We are on a mission to try EVERY Zagat rated restaurant in Nashville, sippin' some fancy beer or a good (strong) cup of coffee. Boring? I think not!

Where did your proposal take place?

At the airport. We love it there, can you tell?

After spending Christmas apart, Jeremy offered to pick me up from the airport so I didn't have to take a cab home. Such a gentleman, huh? I planned on meeting him outside to make things easier and hurried off the plane to beat the crowds. As I was running through the waiting area I caught him out of the corner of my eye. The first words out of my mouth were, "wow, you look so happy to see me!" as he stood there like a deer in headlights. The next few minutes were a blur. He was down on one knee, there was a ring and I said yes!

What makes him/her sexy to you?

Dana: Where to begin? I love all of him. At the top of my list would have to be the kind of father he is, never get in the way of a daddy and his little girl. Oh, and his ODD sense of humor that only a wife-to-be could love.

Jeremy: I love everything about her. Through our relationship (due to the distance and circumstances) we have developed the ability to communicate in the toughest of times, something that most couples spend years working on. One thing though that no phone call or email can convey is what I feel every time I look at her and once I'm trapped in her eye, I'm hers. I love the way she looks at me with those beautiful eyes. Her smile makes me happy even on the worst of days and we share a certain sense of humor that no one else in the world would understand.

What is something crazy you have done together?

BROOKE I'M TOO EXHAUSTED TO ANSWER THIS...LOL.

What do you both do for a living?

Dana: Clinical Drug Research

Jeremy: Master Luthier

How would you describe your style?

I wish I had some awesome sounding answer, but since we are being honest here...jeans, t-shirt and a beat up pair of toms. If Jeremy is lucky I remember to brush my hair. Nice things and a 2.5 year old don't mix :)

I hope you love your preview, Jeremy and Dana!!

*Thanks to Sylvia for another fab makeup job!

Georgia, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-02-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

To say that Melissa shows up prepared for her daughters' shoots would be an understatement. Ha ha ha ha. Today was Georgia's 6 month session, but we had to include both girls in most of the setups. I was loving all of the props they brought and was surprised at how well the girls did. Who knew that two kiddos under 2 could be so easy?

Lexie, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-02-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

Poor Lexie has been so sick and we've had to reschedule her shoot several times over the past few weeks. After being in the hospital with pneumonia and then getting a virus, I'm glad she is finally starting to feel better! This sweet girl had the shoot all to herself today (big sis was at daycare) and I about died over her sweet smiles. Love that crinkled little nose!!

Sadie, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-02-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

Sadie was in a much better mood today than her last session. I actually got her to smile! She was rocking a onesie from her dad's old band and also the sequined hat he used to wear on stage (it's true, I witnessed many shows in that awful hat). Ha ha ha. She did so great today!

Good to see you, Andy and Sam. :)

Adyson, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-02-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen Adyson since her newborn session and she has gotten so big! She and big brother Landon were perfect today and made the shoot so easy. They are both such happy and sweet kiddos! I could have picked out tons of favorites, but here's just a few sneak peeks...

Finleigh, 8 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2012-02-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

I wasn't expecting to meet Miss Finleigh for a few more weeks, but she had other plans. She was the sweetest, most laid back model today. She only protested with the tiniest little squeaks and them settled down so quickly. Loved meeting her!!

This was her Mommy's doll bed when she was a little girl. Her grandfather made the bed and her great, great aunt made the bedding & rug. ♥

Harper, 10 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-02-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Harper had to be woken up to start her shoot today, but she was such a trooper. We had about 37 seconds of sad faces, then she was all smiles for me. I told her parents I had high expectations since she was so good the last time I saw her and Miss Harper definitely lived up that...

Ben, 3 months: Nashville Baby photographer

2012-02-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

Ben brought his great big personality back today! He was giving me all kinds of attitude for his shoot and I was loving all of his serious expressions. He is just the cutest little man and I went nuts for him all over again. :)

Then he was done...ha ha.

Abby, 1 year: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-31T11:56:00.000-08:00

Another birthday session on the books for this week! Abby was walking around everywhere today and even fell & bumped her head, but that didn't phase her for too long. I loved the sweet giggles she was giving her Daddy and her little butt in those tights is too much!

Happy Birthday, Abby!!

Mom and Dad stuck her in the tea cup again to see how much she has grown. It lasted a total of 2 seconds. Ha ha.

Will, 1 year: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-30T14:34:00.000-08:00

I know I really have to stop asking you all to keep having more babies, but I just get so attached!! I'm gonna hate not seeing Emma and Will so often. Sweet Will has the cutest little personality and I think I may like all of the out-takes from this session as much as the "good" shots. They were so funny together! I adore this family.

Happy Birthday, Will!

Emma, 7 days: Nashville Newborn Photograper

2012-01-27T17:08:00.000-08:00

I have loved photographing Carter since he was only a few days old and I'm so excited that I get to do the same with his new baby sister Emma. She is already a feisty one and gave us a piece of her mind several times during her shoot. You'd never know she hated having her picture made. I wonder if that dramatic spirit will stick around... ;)

Congratulations, Cari and Caleb!

Loved spending my afternoon with you all!

Annsley, 1 year: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

Another year comes to an end for one of my sweet babies. Annsley had me laughing so hard this morning during her session. She has some of the funniest expressions ever and was making my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I have loved watching her grow and this was a great way to close out her first year.

Enjoy!

The Montgomery 3: Nashville Photographer of the Awesome

2012-01-25T06:08:00.000-08:00

Many of you have been following Joanna's story--and if you haven't been, now is the time to start. I've told her many times how lucky I feel that our paths have crossed. I am so grateful (understatement) that she has trusted me with the gift of documenting the journey of their family, from her pregnancy through now. I love that the laughter flows when they are around. Watching her and Mark together is hilarious and kinda gross at the same time because the love just oozes from their pores. Yeah, it's the kind of love everyone should hope for. I completely adored this clan the first time we met, but now I love just being a friend. When Joanna is done kicking cancer's ass I'm going to make her hang out with me more. (You don't have a choice Joanna). I may also kidnap precious Maggie for a bit. ;)

We had talked about doing a "bald shoot" when she was ready and Sunday night we made plans to do the shoot Monday afternoon. Like everyone that knows Joanna expected, she completely rocks the look. The ever fabulous Sylvia Fox had finished Joanna's makeup and we were doing a few test shots. I'll let Joanna explain the awesome moment that we all got to experience:

"One of those unexplainable cosmic things that lets me know this is all part of a bigger plan set out by the universe...

During a break in the shoot, there was a knock at the studio door. Brooke answered, and accepted a box being delivered by the postal carrier. The box was addressed to "The Montgomery 3, c/o Brooke Kelly". This was strange, as no one knew we were going to be at the studio that day....we didn't know it ourselves until the afternoon before.

We opened the box to find a beautiful note, written by a woman named Darla who had learned of us through the blog. This was a woman neither Mark nor I had met. She said that she had received an item recently, imprinted with the number 3. She asked the person who had given it to her what the number meant, why the person had chosen it for her, and the person replied that she didn't know...she just wanted her to have it. And then this woman read about our story and realized that the item was meant for our family. So, she boxed it up and mailed it to the photographer, hoping it would get to us. And it just happened to arrive while we were there, all three of us.

It was a goosebump kind of moment. And made the day, and the experience, all the more special, for all of us."

Thank you for letting me share, Joanna.
I love the Montgomery 3.

Kate, 9 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

Miss Kate was sporting some of her Daddy's clothing items today--he has been deployed since July (mom made the diaper cover out of one of his old uniforms ♥). Mom also requested the cute "Be Mine" shot she saw on the blog a couple weeks ago. As you can see, Kate completely cooperated...

Jackson, 3 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-24T15:06:00.000-08:00

I love when I warn parents that 3 month can be one of the toughest sessions in the first year package...then their baby completely shows me up. That was Jackson today. He was all smiles and only cried at the end when he rolled over and scared himself. So cute!

Macie, 5 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2012-01-23T16:42:00.000-08:00

Macie came into the world 5 days ago and made it through her first photo shoot like a champ. She was so sweet and her parents were extremely laid back for first timers. I loved the ooohs, ahhhhhs, and giggles I heard behind my back as I was posing her. Great to know they liked what they saw.

Enjoy her preview!

Ella, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-23T15:53:00.000-08:00

Miss Ella was in a great mood for her shoot today! She is sitting up like a pro and her hair has grown so much since the last time I saw her. I really think she now looks just like her sister. Such beautiful girls! :)

Always great to see you Mark and Leslie!

Zoe put on a headband and stood in front of this backdrop and almost disappeared. I had to snap a shot ;)

Kennedy, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when Nicole told me she was coming in from CA to bring Kennedy in for her 6 month photos. This sweet baby girl was giving be the best grins and I was SO happy to see her and her Mommy. I have missed having her around!!!! Go ahead, take a look at his beauty...

Peyton, 1 year: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite sure how another year has passed photographing the Millers, but their second baby boy is ONE! Peyton wanted to go, go, go today and we had to pull out all the stops to get his attention and keep him from crawling away. I loved the caterpillar mom made for his birthday party and his apple cake was SO cute.

Happy Birthday little man!!!

Milly, 4 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2012-01-20T17:14:00.000-08:00

Milly is going down in my perfect newborn book. She did not make a peep her entire session and I had no laundry after we were done. Whoo hoo!! She really is just absolutely beautiful and I was going nuts over her precious mouth. Mom wanted "girly" and we got through every requested setup.

Here's her sneak peek!

*hats by Tricky Knits

Aniston, 3 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-20T16:27:00.000-08:00

Poor Aniston was just not in the mood for photos today. She is teething and by the end had the heaviest little eyes, but we somehow managed to get some really cute images.

This is how most of the shoot went:

And you guys know that I am a sucker for a little pouty face, so I didn't mind at all...

But, I LOVE the sister shots. Such beautiful girls!!!

Addyson, 3 years: Nashville Child Photographer

2012-01-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a year since I photographed Addy and she is still as big a camera ham as ever! She was posing like a goofball and being so silly. Her gorgeous eyes just keep getting prettier and I loved taking her photos today.

Loved seeing you Wendy. Hope you love them! :)

Addison, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-19T15:55:00.000-08:00

Talk about an easy session! Addison was so mild-mannered and sweet, I'm not sure she ever made a peep. She was sitting up like a pro and big sis Emerson was showing off her princess dress. These two aren't girly at all... ;)

Mattie Grace, 6 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer

2012-01-17T17:09:00.000-08:00

Miss Mattie Grace is the newest baby to join our first year plan and she started off perfectly today. This sweet little lady has the best chubby cheeks and was putty in my hands after we got her to sleep. I can't wait to watch her grow!

So great to meet you Becca, Christian, and Beverly!

Harper, 1 year: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

It's been 6 months since I've seen this clan and Harper is walking around everywhere now! Both she and Avery have celebrated birthdays recently, so it was time for some updated photos. The girls' grandfather used to be the publisher for USA Today and they wanted to get some newspaper shots for him. How cute are they??

Lydia, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

Lydia is somehow 6 months old already and is so stinking cute! Those chubby cheeks are enough to win you over, but that last shot...dear sweet baby Jesus. If that doesn't melt you, I'm pretty sure you're dead.

Emory, 9 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

Emory had just fallen asleep when they arrived today and we were worried that without a good nap she might not be very happy. She was giving me nothing but blank stares (which I love) but today was a first for me--Dad pulled out the DVD player and started Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. After that, Emory was nothing but smiles. This girl knows what she wants!

Ummm...I was cracking up over these baby high heels.

Avery & Sloane, 3 months: Nashville Twin Photographer

2012-01-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

Avery and Sloane are still tiny little ladies at 9lbs. each, but they already have some big personalities! They were not huge fans of mine for the most part today, but after lots of help from Mom, Dad, and Nana we managed to get more great shots than we all expected. Of course, I am loving the last shot where they both hated me...ha ha ha.

Everett, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

Everett is super baby and already crawling at 6 months! Luckily, he wasn't too interested in exploring the studio today and as usual those big blue eyes got me. I was loving the suspenders that mom brought in and that hat is pretty dang cute too.

Enjoy his preview!

Colin William, 10 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2012-01-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

I was sooooo excited to meet sweet baby Colin today. Krista, of course, can take her own fabulous shots of this little prince, so she wanted today's session to focus more on family photos with a few special requests thrown in for good measure. Clint was an awesome sport and ~~allowed me~~ didn't catch me sneaking a couple naked shots...he doesn't like them. (Sorry Clint, ha ha)

SO, SO, SO happy I got to snuggle this precious little guy.

Welcome to parenthood Krista and Clint!!

(This post is photo heavy...because it's for Krista. Duh! ;)

Patrick & Camille, Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

I went to Camille and Patrick's house today to document their 3 year and 6 month photos. I got so many cute individual shots of them, but at the end of the shoot we started doing pictures of them with their beautiful Mommy. I'm not gonna lie...those are my favorites from this session. Love, love, love the playing on the bed!

Tristan is One: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

I a little sad that this little man's first year has come to an end. I always have so much fun with these 3 and they are up for anything with their photos. Tristan is just so adorable and I'm going to miss seeing him every 3 months. Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Scarlett, 9 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

Scarlett was on the go, go, go today during her shoot! Now that she can crawl, why would she want to sit still to take some photos? Mom and Dad got a workout with her today and I was loving this little, excited arm flap action she had happening. So cute!

Landyn Kai, 7 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2012-01-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

Landyn was in a hurry to enter this world and came 5 weeks early. She is a tiny little thing with one of the best heads of hair I have ever seen! She was the perfect model today and didn't mind anything we did with her. Isn't she just stunning?!?

AnnHadly, 6 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2012-01-10T15:27:00.000-08:00

I've been photographing the Wilson boys for quite some time and I was so excited to find out that baby #3 was a girl! I know that Sarah has been planning this shoot since the day they found out--and she brought a ton of props today. I loved all the personal items, but that clock image is super special because the wrap is made from the dress Sarah wore at her wedding reception and so is one of the flowers on her headband. We set the clock to the time AnnHadly was born...precious!

Amanda & Matt: Nashville Wedding Photographer {Cathedral of the Incarnation, Embassy Suites Murfreesboro}

2012-01-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

After being together for 7 years, Matt and Amanda tied the knot yesterday at the beautiful Cathedral of the Incarnation. When the tornado sirens went off, I was a little worried since the bride had not yet arrived and we were running about 30 minutes behind. However, these two went with the flow and the weather held out. It was a wonderful day!

Matt and Amanda chose to do a first look before the wedding. They were absolutely precious when they saw each other.

Amanda was beaming as she walked down the aisle to make Matt her husband.

Love that all the parents walked out together.

On to the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro to party...or maybe the party started in the limo on the way there. ;)

Congratulations Matt and Amanda!

I hope you love your preview and have a fabulous time in Jamaica!!

Hadley, 10 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2012-01-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to meet Hadley and the rest of her family this afternoon. I was a little worried about how 21 month-old Remi was going to handle the family/sister shots, but I soon learned that she was as easy as it gets! I had a terrific time with this clan.

Enjoy their preview...

Lindsey, 35 weeks: Nashville Maternity Photographer

2012-01-06T17:32:00.000-08:00

Upon meeting today, Lindsey told me she loved having her picture made. I think it's pretty easy to see why--most people would love it too if they looked like her only weeks away from giving birth! She is expecting a little girl, Finleigh Mae, next month and I have a feeling this baby will be just as adorable as her Mommy.

Great to meet you, Lindsey!

Ava, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

Ava is at the midway point of our first year package and she came right to me when they walked in the door today. I will take snuggles from this baby girl any time! Her eyes just keep getting bluer and you can't help but be melted by this sweetheart...

Taylor, 3 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

Precious Taylor was back for her second shoot with me today and she really has changed so much since her newborn session. She has somehow gotten even cuter and breezed right through the entire shoot. I was loving all of those grins she was throwing at me and she proved once again that she is an awesome baby model.

Anderson, 6 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2012-01-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

I had such a wonderful time spending my morning with Anderson, his mom, and grandmother. He slept like a champ for the first 30 minutes of his shoot, but then we had 3 hours of zero sleep. Luckily, Anderson still let me pose him just fine and he was the calmest little man the whole session.

So nice to meet you Allie and Madge! :)

Caitlin Elizabeth, 3 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2012-01-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

What better way to start off a new year of shoots then with my niece?!? We finally got to meet Caitlin this weekend while my brother and sister-in-law were in town from DC and I may or may or have held her the entire time they were here. This little red headed beauty completely melted us all and I'm pretty sad that they are leaving today and I won't get to snuggle her for awhile. (Ok, it was good to see you too Adam and Mandy)

Caitlin is delicious. Go ahead--eat her up!

And these are for my mother and father-in-law :)

Emerson, 7 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2011-12-29T16:50:00.000-08:00

Emerson is the easiest newborn I have had in a long time. She didn't protest anything I did to her and was super flexible! Her big brother Caden also did a fabulous job at being patient and had a pretty good sugar buzz going on by the end of the session. Ha ha.

Look at this little beauty...

Jackson Grey, 7 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2011-12-29T15:54:00.000-08:00

Jackson had his first photo shoot this morning and was such a rock star. I was going crazy over that awesome head of hair and his moms were going nuts over how stinking cute he was being during the session. I loved the family bassinet that they brought in that was Jackson's great-grandfather's--so special!

Enjoy his preview :)

Congratulations Lesley & Sarah!!

Ryatt, 4 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2011-12-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

Four days ago I got to photograph this beautiful boy's entrance into the world. Today, he showed me that there is entirely too much going on for him to sleep. He gave us about a 15 minute nap (in 4 hours--ha ha), but luckily he is very mellow and was a great model even when he was awake. Loved snuggling this little man!!

Ryatt Oliver, A Birth Story: Nashville Birth Photographer {Middle Tennessee Childbirth Photographer}

2011-12-23T15:44:00.000-08:00

People often ask what's my favorite thing to photograph?
It's this.

Victoria and Mitchell graciously invited me to be a part of Ryatt Oliver's birthday today. I got the call last night that Victoria's water had broken (2 1/2 weeks early) and I barely slept waiting to hear progress. Around 7:00AM, Mitchell told me that she had been at 3cm all night and that things were happening slowly. Fast forward to 8:30AM, and he texted me that she was at 8cm. I hopped in my car and sped the whole way there.

When I arrived at 9:00AM, Victoria had just gotten her epidural and was waiting for it to kick in. She was such a rock star throughout the whole birth and I am extremely honored to be able to witness Ryatt's arrival into the world. Here's the story...

Time to push...

An hour later, Victoria was hanging tough...

12:11PM

The moment everyone's been waiting for.

Instead of handing the baby to Mom, the doctor handed the baby to Dad. It caught him a little off guard, but the good news is he didn't seem to mind at all...

Then it was Mom's turn.

6.11 oz 19.5 in

Ryatt is perfect.

Time to meet big sister, Kylar. She was beaming with pride. Love the next few shots...

Victoria and Mitchell, I don't have the words to tell you how excited I am for you. Thank you for letting me be a part of Ryatt's birth, and thank you both for being such amazing friends. Love you guys!!

Welcome to the world, Ryatt Oliver.

Our Christmas Card 2011 :)

2011-12-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

You all know we have pressure to top our ~~sometimes~~ always "out there" Christmas cards and this year was a doozy. We knew what we wanted to do--but did not want to terrify our 3 year-old, so we had to come up with an alternative other than photographs. I contacted the awesomely talented Billy Tackett and he made my vision come to life.

Well, almost to life...

We're a little obsessed with zombies at the moment... :)

Merry Christmas!

The Kimzeys: Smyrna, TN Photographer

2011-12-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

The Kimzeys wanted some updated family photos and 2.5 year shots of Kansas. However, she was busy being a turd nugget (I can say that because they are great friends..ha ha) .When you put a 2 year-old in a cow field, why would she want her pictures made? She wants to play with the cows!!

We had to pull out some major bribery, but the sucker worked. ;)

Mr. and Mrs. Hixson: Nashville Wedding Photographer {Scarritt Bennett, One Eleven}

2011-12-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

I loved shooting Kyle and Rachel's engagement session over the summer and I have been looking forward to their winter wedding ever since. When Rachel arrived, she was so calm and ready to get the show on the road. The ceremony was at Scaritt Bennett, which is the most picturesque setting for a wedding. Everyone braved the cold for us to get some gorgeous images of the day. I have SO many favorites, so I'm just going to tell most of their story in photos...

The Nashville Children's Choir performed at the ceremony and was really something special. They gave me chills with their sweet voices as Rachel walked down the aisle and Kyle saw her for the first time...

On to One Eleven for the reception!

Rachel and Kyle, you two are so stinking adorable together. I have loved working with you both and I hope you absolutely go nuts over your sneak peek. Have a fabulous time in Aspen (and make a baby so you have an excuse to come see me again soon).

Ha ha ha ;)

Congratulations!!

For more preview photos from this wedding, click here

*Thanks to Paula for assisting. :)

Grady & Payton, 3 months: Nashville Twin Photographer

2011-12-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

Grady and Payton are making their blog debut! Grady was not quite sure about this whole photoshoot deal, but we got lots of great pictures of him before he crashed at the end. Payton was pretty mellow throughout and did not seem to mind all of her wardrobe changes. I wonder if this will be how their personalities continue to develop. ;)

Magnolia Grace, 13 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photograher}

2011-12-13T15:41:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I fall in love with my clients. When I did Joanna and Mark's maternity session I declared my love for them. Today, I am happy to also declare my love for their beautiful daughter, Miss Magnolia Grace.

Absolute. Perfection.

I may or may not have completely teared up at the next couple of images...

But then I saw this and I was good. ;)

Congratulations Joanna and Mark!!!

Joanna and Mark recently received news that they have a big fight ahead of them. Please take a moment to read their story and send your thoughts, prayers, positive energy, or whatever it is you do their way...

http://itscancerbaby.com/

Reese, 10 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2011-12-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

Reese was about as easy as it gets this morning. She was knocked out when she arrived and kept giving me the sweetest little grins. That first shot is the biggest smile I have seen on a newborn in a long time. So precious! Looking forward to watching her grow over the next year...

Charlotte, 6 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2011-12-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

Charlotte decided she wanted to be wide awake for most of her first photo shoot, but after lots of snuggles she finally gave me a tiny nap. She and her big brother Samuel were great little models!

Milam, 1 year: Nashville Baby Photographer

2011-12-12T16:07:00.000-08:00

We had to postpone Milam's one year shoot because he was sick, but it turned out to be great because he was in a terrific mood today. This kid loved his cake!!! :)

Grayson, 1 year: Nashville Baby Photographer

2011-12-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

Grayson was pretty easy-going for a one year session this morning. All he wanted to do was play with my chair, so that was a simple price to pay to keep him happy. Sweet boy!

The Mitchells: Nashville Maternity Photographer

2011-12-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

My good friends Mitchell & Victoria are expecting a baby boy any day now! I love this family and as you can see, photographing them is not too hard since they are all gorgeous. Little Ryatt Oliver has a great gene pool and we have high expectations for this baby boy. ;)

Party of 9: Nashvillle Photographer

2011-12-11T12:53:00.000-08:00

Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting Tricia, but for those that have not, she is the fabulous talent behind all of my newborn hats, wraps, etc. (www.trickyknits.com)

She brought the entire gang in today for a quick session with their converted bus. How awesome is that thing?!?

(For the record, what other family would have 7 children that all pay attention to you and smile at the same time? No photoshop here folks!)

Tyce, 11 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2011-12-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

Tyce was Mister Moody-Pants today, but guess what??

;)

Ada Lynn, 7 days: Nashville Newborn Photographer {Middle TN Newborn Photographer}

2011-12-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

Precious Ada Lynn was a perfect newborn model this afternoon. She is a tiny little one and her parents did not know she was a girl until she arrived. Isn't she beautiful?

Teddy, 3 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2011-12-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Teddy has grown! This little guy was in a fantastic mood and proved that 3 month sessions can be super easy after all. :)

Hess, 9 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2011-12-09T16:25:00.000-08:00

I always brag about how good Hess is at all of shoots, but today took the cake. This sweet boy has double ear infections and was just as happy as always!

Ashlynn, 3 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2011-12-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

Three months have flown by and Ashlynn was back for her second shoot with me today. Her expressions were endless and she had me cracking up!

The Grays: Smyrna, TN Photographer

2011-12-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

The Grays are sweet friends of mine and are such a gorgeous family both inside and out. I loved spending time with them yesterday for their first shoot with me.

As you can see had a very hard time narrowing down favorites...

Reese, 1 year: Nashville Baby Photographer

2011-12-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

Reese just celebrated her first birthday and was her usual happy self. I just love her sweet grins and it was crazy to see her walking around because she is so tiny.

Happy Birthday, Reese!

Harper, 6 months: Nashville Baby Photographer

2011-12-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

I declare Harper "Miss Moody Pants." She went from laughing to crying about 27 times today, but she can do whatever she wants because look how adorable she is!!

The Jennings Family: Nashville Photographer

2011-12-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

Loved meeting this fun family yesterday.

The kids were a riot!