Under a Twinkly Ribboned Canopy

Ribbons and sparkles and twinkle lights and princess crowns, and the sweetest girl ever. This session was an absolute joy to photograph, from beginning to end.

Isn't she just a dream? She read her mommy's childhood books and played with her adorable puppy, and we giggled and talked about life through a four-year-old's eyes. I'm happy to say that I've been able to photograph this darling girl every summer since she was born. I have the coolest job ever to get to meet the sweetest families in Tampa Bay. 

xoxo,
Stacey

I am currently booking for October and November sessions, if you would like your own sparkly, magical, beribboned canopy session in the forest. And with a puppy, of all things. What could be better?! Reach out to me and let's make it happen!

Brand New

The biggest, tiniest grins.

The sweetest, scrunchiest yawns.

And the most adoring, loving first-time parents. 

If you'd like to schedule your lifestyle newborn session with me, I'd love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch. 

So many gifts

I love this sweet girl and her precious mama and daddy. I met them when this very big preschooler was just a babe in her mama's tummy, and I've been so blessed to be able to watch her grow these past three years.

Earlier this summer, to mark Isa's 3rd birthday, we went back to the Sand Pearl, which holds very special meaning to Isa's parents. We read her favorite books, we twirled in tutus, we giggled, we dressed up, we played Mommy, we played on the white dunes, splashed in the Gulf, jumped a few waves and got a little bit wet :) and snuggled in blankets with her Mama at the end. 

I left the session so full and happy, nostalgic and thankful. Like I'd just opened a gift that meant the world to me. 

Isa's grandparents were in town to visit her (they're from Kentucky too... my favorite kind of people!), and they told me how many of her photos they have up in their home... how they sometimes tear up when they look at them, and how much they appreciate having these photographs to keep Isa close, even though they can't see her every day. 

It was precious of them to share this, and it was encouraging for me to see them so delighted about something that I can give them. A connection to their sweet girl miles away. 

And I will use this gift of mine somehow, someway, until I don't have anything left to give anymore.

Just for old time's sake... the last photo (with her cute fur brother, Spencer) is from 2014. It's unbelievable how much Isa has grown and changed in a year! Time passes quickly, friends. Don't waste a minute of it.

xo,
Stacey

Meeting Noah

It was an absolute pleasure to meet this sweet new mama and daddy. We got to talk about parenting philosophies, infant sleep patterns (and techniques for getting them to sleep!), living close to the water, surfing and teaching, and everything in between. I have dearly loved not only photographing these new little bundles of joy for the past 7+ years, but also to be welcomed into their "first homes". To be able to get to know the wonderful people who have the privilege to guide their little hearts through their journeys in this life. 

xo,
Stacey

Our Greatest Treasure | What I Love About Being a Mama

One of my favorite mamas EVER is on the blog today.  Meet Ruth… and Olivia and Maryn. "Everything has changed. What used to be important seems just silliness now. My every waking moment is focused on these two precious girls and our family."

"My mom loves to play the piano; she encouraged all of us (6 siblings) to play an instrument.  Since we have grown up, she has continued to expand her talent through lessons and daily practice and is an amazing pianist.  When she visits, I know I can count on daily serenades and even her own compositions."

I asked Ruth about her favorite characteristic of each of her girls...  

"Olivia: her beautifully kind spirit. I used to pray when she was still in utero that God would allow her to bring joy to everyone she meets--and she does!"

"Maryn: her scream! She is not afraid to let her presence be known. She will need this characteristic as she gets older. :-)"

"I love seeing moms that are calm in the midst of chaos that children naturally create. They give me hope that I too can not worry or not stress about the little things."

I also asked Ruth to tell me about the most important lesson her own mother ever taught her…. and Ruth's answer made me tear up.  And I dare say that it will make her mama proud to read her words….

"To honor your father and mother. She was an only child (after her twin sister passed away from Leukemia at the age of 5) and she remained a supportive daughter to her mother until my Grannie's recent passing in 2011. Her daily emphasis on the importance of family and the sacrifice that daughters/children can and should make to honor their parents has made a life-long impact on me. Family is our greatest treasure."

Our greatest treasure, indeed.

xoxo, Stacey

"Mommy, I'll Carry You." | What I Love About Being a Mama

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I asked some of my favorite mamas a few questions about motherhood, how it's changed their lives, what they love the most.  Some of the things they shared with me made me smile.  Some answers made me giggle, and other responses made me cry.  (You know me!)  I'm very lucky to know so many amazing mamas who have hearts of gold! I've known these sweeties since Ocean was in his mommy's tummy, and I'm so blessed to have been able to document his sweet family every year since.

Best. Advice. Ever.

Ocean's Grandma got to join us for our session too, and it warmed my heart to see them playing together.  I know that little boys tend to have their own ideas of what constitutes "fun", so we decided to sneak up behind the ladies and "trick them".

Grandma was a terrific sport!  Mamas and Grandmas of little boys are pretty lucky, I think.

And so are those little boys.

Don't forget that Mother's Day is this coming Sunday!  All this month, I'll be featuring photographs of some really inspiring mamas, who are offering their best advice and thoughts on motherhood.  There is even a giveaway or two in the works, so be sure and check back or add this blog to your reader/rss feed.  

And if you're thinking of having your own photo session sometime in the future, make sure you sign up for our newsletter over there to the left!  I promise never to bombard you with email, but only let you know of fun things, special announcements, and upcoming dates and events.  If you're sold on a session right away, then click on the word "contact" below this post, or in the menu bar at the top of this blog.  I can't wait to chat with you.

How have you evolved through motherhood, like Ocean's mama says?  Do you stop folding laundry and play with your kids?  (That one convicted my heart.)  I'd love to know your thoughts, so leave a comment below this post!

xoxo, Stacey

What I Love About Being a Mama: One Hundred Kisses

"Mama, I want to give you one hundred kisses!"  ~my Lila (about twice a week) And I'd happily let her.

One of the things that I love most about being a mama is... getting one hundred kisses in a row.  :)  Truly, I love the affection my children give me, and the affection they allow me to give them.  It's a wondrous thing.  Snuggles are one of our love languages, and we always hug and kiss each other every time one of us leaves the house.  Even if it's just to the grocery store.

Our favorite way to watch a movie is cuddled up on the couch together, pillows thrown all over the place.

Lila kisses the palm of my hand every morning when I drop her off at school, a la "The Kissing Hand."  Just this morning, she held up the car line because she jumped back into the van to kiss Charlotte on the head.  No one minded a bit.  :)

Parker melts into a puddle when I scratch his back or run my fingers through his hair.  It's how I used to get him to sleep when he was a baby, and he still adores it.

Charlotte won't go to sleep at night without running into the living room to "get Daddy's kiss" first.

One of my favorite quotes ever is this one:  "Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives."  ~C. S. Lewis

How do you and your kids show that you love each other?  Do you have your own little "love language" or bedtime snuggling rituals?  I'd love to know more about how mamas love their babies, so tell me in the comments below!

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From now until Mother's Day, I'll be doing a blog series on motherhood, entitled What I Love About Being a Mama.  Yesterday, I shared with you a bit about sibling relationships and asked you for tips on fostering friendships between your children.  Today, I'm shared with you how much I adore their sweet cuddles and affection.  Stay tuned for the next few weeks of this series... I'll be featuring interviews, giveaways, and special gifts just for my readers.  I promise, you won't want to miss a single post!  :)

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Also, don't forget about Mother's Day Mini-Sessions happening this weekend!  It's a terrific gift idea, and one that most mamas will appreciate far more than flowers and dinner out.  Photographs last forever, and I hope you'll let us encourage you on your motherhood journey by photographing you with your own little loves (and even your own mama too!).  Click here for more information, and register through the CONTACT button at the top of this website or by calling 727-698-0344.  Sessions are limited, and several have already filled up, so don't wait!  Book your Mother's Day Mini-Session now!

Better Than Flowers: Mother's Day Mini Sessions

Ever since I was a little girl, Mother's Day has seemed so happy and magical to me.  At church, our pastor would give special recognition (large, full hanging baskets of flowers) to the youngest mother, the oldest mother, the mother with the most children present in the service that morning, and the mother whose child(ren) traveled farthest to be with her that day.  My own mom actually won once.  She tied for "mom with the most kids present" by having us three girls there.  She tied with Donna Prichard, who usually won that title, but tied that year because one of her four kids didn't make it there in time.  ;)  Donna graciously let my mom take the basket of flowers that day, and I've never forgotten that.

Mother's Day has always been a big deal, but even more so when I became a mama myself.

And not because it meant that I'd get a gift.  ;)  Like many of you, I don't think it's really about the gift itself... it's about the thought behind that gift.  Right, moms?  It's an opportunity to teach our children how to love well, to give with intention, to show honor and respect, and to make someone feel amazing and appreciated for the job they do and the sacrifices they make.

Truly, I could not be happier if I only receive homemade cards from my children, because their love is pure and sweet and simple and these precious art pieces are straight from their little hearts!

But.... Daddy doesn't get off the hook so easily.  ;)

My husband knows that I want to be recognized, appreciated for all I do for our family.  Whether that may be shown with a sweet gift that he thinks I'll like, or a special dinner out alone or with the family (so I don't have to cook or clean up the mess), or a bouquet of my favorite flowers, or lavish attention and a day of extra-special honor in front of our children.

Just notice me.  Recognize me and pay special attention to me today.  Encourage me that I'm really doing okay at this motherhood thing.  Tell me you love me and that I'm making a difference in our children's lives, even if it doesn't feel like it some days.

Because some days, don't you think that being a mama is the most challenging job in the world??

SO.  DO.  I.

Here's the thing: we all know that even the most beautiful flowers still wilt and fade.  Stylish jewelry goes out of style eventually or it gets shuffled around and forgotten in the jewelry box.  Dinner is only delicious for an evening.  Eventually I'll have to cook again, and the dishes will pile up in the sink tomorrow.  (Those handmade cards, though?  They'll be precious forever!)

What I'd really love is a memory.  A keepsake.  A way to freeze this precious time of life, to actually see how much my children love me, how happy they really are, after all.  An encouraging reminder on tough days (cause they're coming) that I'm still doing a good job.  That I'm doing meaningful work, and that I matter to these tiny people who call me Mama.

Do you feel the same way?  I thought so.

With that in mind, this year I'm planning something wonderful for my photography clients:

MOTHER'S DAY MINI SESSIONS.  

Sweet mamas, these are just for you and your children!  (Or you and your own mama.)  A few wonderful minutes, captured on film, with your children on your lap, in your arms, and holding your hand.  Your place of honor.  A printed, tangible reminder of their love, on the wall for years and years (because don't we all have kind of a sinking feeling that the teenage years are going to be worse than the teething ones??).

So I chose a gorgeous new location with lush greenery, sand and sea.  I have fun, sweet ideas in mind for getting you and your babies snuggled up close for real, beautiful portraits that will be an encouragement to you for years to come.  I've got special Mini-Collections that allow you to own digital files, matted prints and/or a beautiful modern album telling the story of your day.  And I'm offering them to you now, in plenty of time to have your prints in hand (and maybe even framed) by Mother's Day.

Now.  Tell me that isn't better than flowers.  

(Mamas, forward this post to your significant other TODAY.  If they are anything like my husband, they truly do appreciate it when you spell out exactly what you want!)

Or, gift this special session to yourself, to your mother, or to your children!  I promise, you'll never regret making the investment in photographs of your sweet loves.

Stay tuned this week for your opportunity to register for one of these limited-edition sessions.  I can't wait to give you this beautiful gift and to encourage you in your mama-journey.

xo, Stacey

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 

Possibilities

Sometimes the most interesting parts of a photograph are the details and possibilities that are suggested.

I'm not sure what I love more about this photograph: the seen or the unseen.

I love the visible part of this sweet girl's legs and feet, as she's jumping ever so slightly above the edge of the wave... Daddy standing tall nearby to protect her and lift her should she lose her balance.  It's a quiet, gentle image of a father and daughter that I find myself coming back to again and again.

But I'm also drawn to the reflection of her, arms stretched upwards in a ballerina's pose.  That water-filled dip in the sand that suggests that she was just standing in that very spot, just before the tide washed its most recent wave up to the shore.  Just before she leaped over that wave and into the deeper tide.  Bravery and spirit, confident youth.

Daddy -- and his shadow -- planted as firmly as possible in the soft, wet sand, watching over his little girl to make sure she doesn't dance too far from his protection.  He knows that someday she'll dance a little further and further from him as she grows up, as she moves confidently into her life's path, into her own oceans.

So I'm curious... what do you see?  :)

Things I Love: February Edition

Today, I put together a collection of little things that make me happy and add a special meaning to my life, or remind me of meaningful people or times past, or things to look forward to.  I plan to make Things I Love a regular feature here on the blog, so I hope you'll come back for more! I believe to have a meaningful life, you need to surround yourself with things (and people) that hold special meaning to you.  Whether that may be artwork, letters from your family, or photographs of your kids… whatever brings your heart joy and reminds you of someone/something you love is meaningful and important, and should be celebrated!

Here are a few of my favorite things to have around me, besides my people, of course.

Things that mean a lot to me are often art-related.  I bought these three sweet watercolor prints last year and love that they tell the story of Chris + me + us.  You can get your home state (or states, if you're nomads like us) from Pinecone and Poppy too.

I swoon over typography.  Lettering, calligraphy, and gorgeous typefaces.  I have taken a calligraphy class or two, and my goal is to carve out more time to practice it.  Someday I'd like to offer a few art prints with sweet mama sentiments that lift my spirits, and hopefully yours too.  Until then, I'll just continue to be inspired by this hand-lettered print that I bought for the girls' room, and this adorable card, and all of these (especially that gorgeous swoopy S below).

{Image above courtesy of my sweet friend Tiffany Ruda at Clementine & Pickle.}

Songs are often meaningful too.  They bring back memories of laughter, sadness, joy, or certain times in my life.  For example, every time I hear the Wallflowers, I think of my youngest sister and our spontaneous trip to the Isle of Palms, SC in 1997.  When I hear Chris Tomlin's Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone, I think of my Momaw Jiggs. (Valentine's Day will mark an entire year since she left this earth, and my heart is not looking forward to it this year.)  I'm not embarrassed to admit that when I hear Tom Petty's Free Falling, I think of Tom Cruise slapping his steering wheel in Jerry Maguire, and I just have to do it myself.  (Admit it, you do it too!)

I'm a visual girl, so my home office wall is dotted with framed quotes and encouraging notes from clients.  This one is a favorite, and if you've been a newborn client of mine in the past year or so, you'll have received a version of this print as a gift from me!  Having gone through PPD twice myself, it's so important to me that new mamas remind themselves daily of this truth.  Especially when the nights are long and the days are hard.  I look up at this print every day, and it makes me smile at what I've come through and it encourages me to envision where I'm headed now.  :)

Sweet scents and delicious foods can sure conjure up terrific memories, can't they?  I have an entire recipe binder full of wonderful memories and cherished family recipes that mean the world to me.  My mom's potato salad, Momaw Bertie's Mandarin Cake, and Trish's apple dumplings.  Our sweet tea needs no recipe, I know it like the back of my hand.  Actually, I am trying my best to quit sweet tea.  (gasp)  Downright blasphemy from a Southern girl's lips, right?  Well, I hope to at least cut back dramatically.  I am embarrassed to admit how much I can consume in a days' time, and how little water I squeeze in.  Sweet tea is a comfort food for me, and it reminds me of warm days watching a jar of tea slowly steep in the sunshine of Momaw and Popaw's side yard.  Yellow lid, soft green grass, sparkling amber tea.  Such a calm, happy memory for me.  But healthy, it is not.  I am from the South, you know, so a cup to a cup and a half of sugar goes into every pitcher.  (I know!)  So I'm trying to cut back and make it more of a treat, rather than a habit.

Since I cannot go without caffeine altogether, this delicious cold brew coffee has been filling in the gaps for me.  There will never be a substitute tea for me (it's my standard Luzianne or nothing), but I can distract myself with flavored coffee so much more easily.  My favorite flavors are Sweet Delight, Mocha and Sea Salt Caramel Mocha when I'm feeling super fancy.  I add honey and almond milk to mine, and a little ice.  I think I might try Caribbean Coconut next.  I do love anything with coconut.

A few practical things that add meaning to my life are my Day Designer, my Simplified LifeBinder, and my PowerSheets.  Honestly, they deserve an entire post themselves, but let's just say that I couldn't make it a single (productive) day without this super trifecta of organization and planning.  They are beautiful, and they make me so happy.  Bonus points that they were all created by strong, driven women who have a heart for creative entrepreneurs (and mamas).

And it goes without saying that some of the most meaningful things in my life -- besides my family -- are my family photographs.  They are all around me, smiling up at me and encouraging me to keep my camera's shutter clicking with intention.  To show them that they are important to me, and that their beautiful faces are truly God's artwork.  The best kind!  And it is my honor, and my life's work, to create meaningful photographs for you and your family.

Momaw meeting Charlotte.  Priceless to me.

Possibly my favorite picture of Parker and Lila together, ever.

Lila and her beloved Bitty Baby.

Charlotte's "baby" and her shenanigans.  She climbs into this shopping cart all by herself and I'm always afraid she's going to tip it over.  She's so proud of herself!

This scrunchy smiley face, and all of those rainbow loom bracelets.

And that smattering of freckles that dance across her cheeks and nose.  Ohhh.  Things I love, for sure.

Now it's your turn…..

What meaningful things do you surround yourself with?  Do you have a sentimental piece or two at your desk, or beside your bed?  Do you connect memories to songs like I do?  I'd love for you to share in the comments below, at least ONE big or small thing that is really meaningful and important in your life right now…

xo, Stacey