Julie and Shaun

Petit Jean State Park

 After taking baseball team pictures and individual pictures for the last 6 weeks, we took the week off to go to Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas to attend a family reuinon.  We had about 90 ppl attend, all staying in rustic cabins set amid the beautiful scenery of pine trees, rocky cliffs and hiking trails leading to beautiful waterfalls (when it's not so dry.)

For the relatives living in other parts of the country, we had a shrimp boil the 2nd night with fresh #12 size shrimp from New Orleans Area. Get the beer and wine flowing and the old family stories start bubbling to the  top of the conversation.  You know just one day for a reunion is never enough time for a large family...

 The third night we had a big BBQ with all the fixins and more conversation followed by late night card games or Settlers of Cataan.


  Besides all the rock climbing, sunrise gatherings and star gazing, we still had time for gumbo on the 4th evening.... shrimp and okra gumbo as well as chicken and sausage gumbo. Some secret family cocktail and horseshoes.

 Me.... I just like spending time with my cousins and doing what I like to do... take pictures.

Courtney

The bride was getting ready at Woodland Plantation, a scenic bed and breakfast located a little past Myrtle Grove on Highway 23. It's featured on Southern Comforts Whiskey labels since 1934 and a perfect background for this bride.

BFF Photo Shoot

I recently did a  photo-shoot with 5 wonderful young ladies. Best friends with a "summer bucket list" to complete, this shoot being one item on the list.   What a great way to remember your friends as well as have the opportunity to take individual pictures!  Each one did normal close ups, then changed into crazy outfits to have fun. Take a look...

Sipsey Wilderness

The week before school starts, we decided to go backpacking in the Sipsey Wilderness, just north of Birmingham, AL. Known for its waterfalls and quiet beauty, it is a great place to "get away".  I have to admit that it was hot. However, hiking in the wooded canopy near the river was fine as long as we could find a campsite near a good swimming hole.

The water was cold. Soooo refreshing after hiking in the heat. Unfortunately, the water level was below normal and the waterfalls were more of a trickle. Something to look forward to the next time we visit.

 

We did see wildlife. Snakes, birds, even a wild pig playing in the water. (picture Pumba from the LionKing)

At night, the screech owls were droned out by the frogs and crickets. Did I say "quiet getaway?" I meant to say no phones, cars, horns, sirens, other people. Morning coffee was a time to relax and enjoy the scenic area. Of course if you notice, no one wants to show their face by hiding behind the cups.

The ride home was quiet with everyone crashed out or finishing summer reading for school....

The trip was fun, having shared a little family time before the sounds of "do your homework" and "go to bed" ring thru the house at night.

Oak Alley

I enjoy photographing weddings at Oak Alley! It seems as though you can't take a bad picture...every angle... gardens, oak trees, manicured lawns, plantation home. I'll get there early just for the environment photos and bridal prep.

Here, the bride and bridesmaids make their way to the main house from the cottage.

It was hot outside, but the canopy of the oak trees gave us some relief.

Oak Alley has improved their gardens lately and the grounds look incredible.

The lighting was perfect this day with overcast skies to give us great shadows.

The balcony is a great location to showcase the oak alley. With permission from the wonderful staff at Oak Alley, we were allowed access early since the tours ended early.

The guys were great to work with... or maybe wanting to cooperate just to get back to the air condition...

The bride and groom were willing to see each other before the ceremony, so we arranged a special meeting on the balcony where they could have a private moment as they saw each other for the first time that day, dressed for the ceremony. Group pictures after that meeting and before the cermony gives them light for the background, time to take lots of pictures. With that out of the way, the reception starts right after the ceremony.

The harpist added soothing background music while the guests took their seats and waited for the arrival of the bride.

A horse drawn carriage makes a dramatic arrival for the bride.

View of the sunset over the levee from the front of the plantation.

I look forward to my next wedding at Oak Alley!