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!

Ace and Charlotte

From this morning... 

I walked into the kitchen to find Charlotte stooped down over Ace, giving him another hug. My office is just off the kitchen, so I doubled back and grabbed my camera. He was perfectly happy to lie there and let his littlest girl love on him. 

For those who have asked, Ace is a labradane. I didn't even know there was such a mix, but he has the friendliness and coat of a labrador, and the size and temperament of a great dane. We rescued him back in December from the Pinellas County Animal Shelter, and he had just turned four years old the week prior. I don't know his history, but I can't imagine why his previous owners would have given him up. He's a gentle, amazing friend to the kids and makes us laugh all day long. He doesn't really love to fetch; instead he'd much rather run down the street to chase squirrels. We have to watch the screened porch door (the kids are forever leaving it open!) because he slips out behind them and sprints down the street at lightning speed. (Have you ever tried to chase a 140-pound dog on a squirrel mission? Forget it.) His sheer size absolutely terrifies the small dogs in our neighborhood, and they all go to pieces yapping when they see him coming... but in all reality, he's the gentlest giant you could imagine and he only wants to sniff them. Not eat them. :)

If you want to keep up with our adventures with Ace, I'd love it if you followed me on Instagram. You can also click on the hashtag #rescuingAce to read our rescue story from the beginning! (Also, don't you cringe a bit when others hijack your hashtags? Bah.)

the wait | madeira beach maternity photographer

I spent a recent morning with the sweetest couple ~ who are going to make fantastic parents very soon.

One of the most exciting things about their pregnancy is that they're waiting to find out the gender of the baby until he or she is born.  I LOVE THAT!  (Granted, I didn't have the courage ~ nor the capacity to keep from planning every detail ~ to be surprised with either of my own pregnancies, which might make their decision all the more appealing to me!)  ;)

They are already amazing parents to three (enormous) four-legged "babies", one of whom I was able to meet at the session.  She was precious, and was so very attached to her owners while the other two dogs were off playing at doggie daycare (I think she was happy to have all the attention to herself!).  In fact, she could barely stay away from her mommy while we were shooting, as you can see below...

...so I indulged her a little.  :)  Every single time I'd turn my camera away, she'd put her paw on my arm as if to say, "Hey, I'm still here, and I'm still photogenic!"  Sweet girl.

Billie and Doug, I hope you both enjoy your sneak peek!  I've got lots more to show you, and your entire gallery will be ready in just a bit.  I can't wait to meet your new little one in a few weeks!  xo