Santos Wedding

I had been looking forward to this wedding for years it seemed.  It was the wedding between my beautiful cousin, Leeanne, and her incredible fiancé, George.  The chance to photograph such a special day for a family member always brings me joy, but the chance to do it in St. Augustine made it that much better (if you know me, you know how much I love the beach).  There was no stress or anxiety on this day, there was only joy.  When I say joy, I do not mean squeals and hyper-excitement that can accompany such a big celebration.  This day was filled with the type of joy that comes from the comfort of being with someone for so long, knowing them better than they know themselves, and knowing that there is no question that you have found your life partner.

 

Leeanne’s bridesmaids were all sisters (hers and George’s), but there was such a genuine friendship among them. I honestly felt so at ease with them, as they were so kind, inclusive and encouraging.  It was so much fun listening to them share old stories and create new memories.  Taking Leeanne’s bridal portraits in the stunning bridal suite of the The White Room, it was truly something to behold.  She was just glowing in the most effortless and organic way.

 

The ceremony was set in the beautiful Villa Blanca, and guests witnessed the exchanging of vows under high ceilings with gorgeous crystal chandeliers and walls of windows overlooking the water.  The backdrop was simple and elegant, and beautifully highlighted this precious couple.

 

The reception was one of my most favorite to date.  George’s family is from Panama, and it was beautiful to see the mixture of cultures present at this celebration.  From the food to the dancing, there was such an influx of flavor and passion to the evening.

 

Leeanne and George, I love you both so much! Your day was a dream and it was such a privilege to be the one there to capture it!!  I hope you enjoy the pictures for years to come.  Here are a few of my favorites from your day!!

Hunt Maternity Session

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

A Fun Adventure!

The Hunt’s maternity session was exactly that, a fun adventure.  For several weeks leading up to this session, we emailed back and forth about location.  Photography is the same as real estate in that location is key!  Understanding what backdrop a couple wants for their session tells so much about their desired style.  I love the openness of a beautiful field with the sun sinking on the horizon, but that isn’t for everyone.  This particular couple wanted a variety of settings, and so we agreed upon two locations.

The first was the beautiful Vines Botanical Gardens, and the second was a field in a rural area of town I had found.  I tend to believe that farmers have these beautiful fields to offer me incredible session locations, but this session taught me I am wrong about that.  As we pulled up to what was once a large field of wildflowers and tall grass I was shocked.  My perfect field was now plowed up and nothing but dirt ready for planting.  I couldn’t believe my eyes, but had plan B ready!  I had another field in mind that I had used the previous day.  As we drove up to it, I found out that the farming community was in cahoots against me.  This field was freshly mowed and without all the lush wild grass and flowers.  Luckily this sweet couple had a great sense of humor, because we found a small patch of filed off of the highway and decided to roll with it.

Stephens Newborn Session

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Welcome To The World Baby T!

Photographing the Stephens family during their in home newborn session was so enjoyable.  Being in the client’s home in this time of new changes and stress often fosters anxiety.  I mean, on paper it sounds so wonderful to have the photographer come to your home.  No need to try and get yourself, family and new baby ready and to a studio.  But when the day arrives, there is often panic if yourself and home aren’t magazine cover ready.  It’s ok if your hair is still not done and you have no makeup on and spit up down your shirt when I get there.  My client’s do not need to be camera ready when I arrive.  It’s ok if there are legos, ride on toys and baby dolls creating an obstacle course suitable for ninjas.  The house absolutely does not need to be perfectly cleaned and organized.  I work best in a chaotic house, because I live in one myself!!!  I want them to feel no pressure to be anything but themselves.  The more relaxed and at ease they are, the better the session is for everyone.

That is why I so enjoyed this particular session. A warm smile and a toddler eating breakfast greeted me when I arrived.  A playroom with a tee pee and toy trucks became my makeshift studio.  My heart was in its happy place.  This new mother and I interacted and talked as if we had been known each other for years.  There was a sense of comfort among us, and that was uplifting.  It is not always easy to cart around all my set up, but it is worth it to have my client accept me as a friend into their home.

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

 

Culbert Newborn Session

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Welcome to the World Baby E!

Being in the Culbert’s house for their son’s newborn session was A BLAST!  I got to sing along to the kid’s movies that also play on repeat in my own home.  There were two big sisters running around in tutu dresses that I wish came in my size.  Giggles and smiles were outnumbered only by kisses for their baby brother.  Plus, I am so sure that their youngest daughter is a miniature me.  Maybe it is just that we are both middle children, but I swear that child is my spirit twin.  Watching the sweetest parents try to keep one daughter from jumping off the bed and the other from smothering baby brother with hugs was picture perfect!  I cannot say there were not moments of beautiful chaos, but that is what a family is in this season of life….Beautiful chaos.

Amidst the chaos was perfection.  A perfect display of what it means to be a family in this season.  There is laughter and learning, play and messes, love and frustration.  It is not a neatly posed picture with everyone smiling, but instead is an action shot of interaction and emotion.  This is exactly why I do lifestyle family sessions!  These sessions are real snapshots in time that give you a genuine glimpse into life and family.  Every family is different, and every family has their own story to share.  The Culbert’s story is only beginning, but I can tell you that it is a great one!

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Gross

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedded Bliss

When I was asked to photograph the wedding of Joe and Sarah Gross, I was honored.  Having had the opportunity to photograph this incredible blended family before, I had already seen the genuine bond they share.  As I discussed details of the day with Sarah, I was able to learn so much more about this couple and their family.  She described how their children would be woven into every part of the day, and I was inspired.  Weddings are so often focused on the couple, or even more so the bride, but this wedding would be much different.  This wedding was about a family, and the adventure they would take on together.  There were vows to love and cherish each other, but also vows of love and respect to each child.  It is said that a wedding unites two families, but this wedding beautifully personified that.

Not only were their children involved, but so were their extended families.  Joe’s mother officiated the ceremony using a Bible from Sarah’s family.  Sarah’s sister crafted the stunning floral arrangements.  Each parent and sibling had a reading during the ceremony, and the entire family participated in a family prayer.  Before being placed on their fingers, the rings were passed between each person to allow a prayer to be said over it.  That day may have been a wedding of two people, but it was profoundly based on family.

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Wedding Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Lanier First Birthday

Children's Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Sunshine on a Cold and Wet Day

On the morning of the Lanier First Birthday Session, the warmer days of Spring were nowhere to be found.  The blue skies and warm sunshine were replaced by heavy clouds and cold winds, but this did not change the joy over this sweet boy’s first year.  We found the perfect spot tucked away among trees, and everyone pushed any cold ad dreary feelings out of mind.  It wasn’t very hard to find a feeling of sunshine once we saw a smile from the sweet birthday boy.  His big eyes and precious bow tie made for a winning combination and precious pictures.

We talk about how time flies, but you don’t realize how much change happens in a year until you see a child’s growth in their first year.  In these short 12 months, a child grows from a newborn baby to a walking and talking toddler.  Their growth is not only in height and weight, but it is also within their mind and spirit.  We begin to see their unique personalities unfold and imagine who they will become.  This brief period of life contains countless changes for both parent and child, and if you blink you could miss them.  Don’t lose sight of the miracle of this first year, and soak up every second of it.

Children's Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Children's Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Children's Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Children's Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Children's Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Children's Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Children's Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Children's Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

 

Hegde Newborn Session

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Welcome Baby K!

Each session I do is unique, and the Hegde newborn session was no exception.  Though many people say all newborns look alike, they certainly do not act alike.  Every new baby is born with a individualized personality and set of traits unique to them.  Yes, I believe their personality is evident from day one.  Baby boy K is without a doubt the happiest baby I have had the privilege of meeting.  I have never witnessed so many giant smiles on such a tiny face, and no they weren’t all gas!  His smiles stretched from ear to ear, and they went on for hours.  The kind of smiles newborn photographers dream of were happening right in front of me, and I cherished each one.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a first time parent or seasoned photographer, a newborn smile will bring instant joy every time.  The purity within a new baby is to me, one of the many wonders of the world.  It is sacred and precious, and I for one feel blessed each time I bear witness to it.  I hope that each one of us has reason every single day to smile a smile as real and pure as Baby K.

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Deng Newborn Session

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Welcome to the World Baby J!

Congratulations to the Deng family on the arrival of their son!  Weeks prior I had photographed this precious couple’s maternity session, and I was excited to see them as parents.  They shared their fears and hopes of what their life would look like from the role of first time parents.  I related to them, and I really wanted to hear what their first week was like.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the same excited smiles and hellos I had remembered from before.  It wasn’t long though before I learned that the nights were long, and it was catching up fast.  They talked about the lack of sleep and how he cried, and as I listened I couldn’t help but think of my own child.  The midnight hours walking, rocking, bouncing, singing, and sometimes crying right along with her.  I would do anything my sleep deprived brain could think of to stop the crying.  But they tears do dry, and the sleep does come.  Now I have a energetic and independent toddler, and I often miss those late nights when she would finally find sleep in my arms.  Her breathing would deepen and her body would relax into me, and even though I ached for sleep I couldn’t put her down.  I wanted a few more minutes to stare at her perfect features and kiss her prefect cheeks.

The first weeks are hard for all new parents, but they are some of the most precious and defining moments in a person’s life.

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Newborn Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Culbert Maternity Session

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Three Under Three!

Not only did the Culbert’s maternity session turn out beautifully, but they became my heroes!  These precious parents will be having their first son, but their third child….in three years!  There are days I struggle with keeping up with my own three year old, and this beautiful couple looked cool as cucumbers as they spoke about their impending arrival.  Though their lives may become more hectic, there will be no shortage of love or laughter.

This mother to be presented herself with such confidence and ease, and that feeling radiated throughout the session.  Being with them reminded me that each child is a blessed gift, and that their timing in our life is always perfect.  Each child within a family is a unique and vital piece to the family as a whole.  It will not be long before this sweet family cannot remember what life was like without their son.  In my job I have the privilege of meeting, and learning from, so many families.  This sweet family has taught me that no matter what plans I may make, life has bigger and better plans.  The only real control you have is how you embrace the change.

 

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Hegde Maternity Session

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Long Awaited Sunshine

After weeks of rain, the soft and gorgeous sunlight on the morning of the Hegde session was perfection.  We were on the historic battlegrounds of Kennesaw Mountain, and the setting was beautiful.  The first signs of spring were starting to emerge with the green in the grass and on the trees, but there was still a bit of a chill in the air of winter.  As the sun rose through the treetops, the rays fell perfectly on this mother to be.  The rays fell softly on her face, and provided almost a soft halo and haze around her.  To me, this was witnessing the glow of motherhood, and she was breathtaking.

As the session went on, I talked to the expecting couple about their new baby.  I learned they were waiting to discover the gender, but that mom was secretly wanting the bows and frills of a little girl.  The anticipation and excitement between them was contagious to say the least.  I cannot wait to meet the precious child that joins this sweet couple.

Check out my Maternity Gallery for more photos from my sessions with precious mothers to be.

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance

Maternity Photography by Photography by Catherine LaChance