Live in each season as it passes: breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit.
- Henry David Thoreau
At a time of year when I'm oh so ready for fall to come... when I'm tired of being hot all the time and I'm eying all those fall clothes that are boxed up and begging to be set free, I really do need to check myself. I need to enjoy this season for what it is and what better way than to hang out with 2 adorable kids and see how they delight in the simple pleasures of summer.... a hose, a sprinkler, a swing and their (also adorable) and very pregnant mom. This is a sweet time for the Brown family to play and enjoy their remaining few weeks as a family of four, before little one #3 comes along!
How often in life so I find myself wishing away the current season, literal or figurative.... looking to the next thing and wanting it to be here NOW! But I want to live in each season. Yes, even if that means the devilishly hot summer here in Fayetteville, for the winter will be here soon enough and I'll miss consuming unreasonable amounts of icee pops, hanging out at the pool, and never taking off my flip flops. So here's to summer... and the precious Brown family!
- Henry David Thoreau
At a time of year when I'm oh so ready for fall to come... when I'm tired of being hot all the time and I'm eying all those fall clothes that are boxed up and begging to be set free, I really do need to check myself. I need to enjoy this season for what it is and what better way than to hang out with 2 adorable kids and see how they delight in the simple pleasures of summer.... a hose, a sprinkler, a swing and their (also adorable) and very pregnant mom. This is a sweet time for the Brown family to play and enjoy their remaining few weeks as a family of four, before little one #3 comes along!
How often in life so I find myself wishing away the current season, literal or figurative.... looking to the next thing and wanting it to be here NOW! But I want to live in each season. Yes, even if that means the devilishly hot summer here in Fayetteville, for the winter will be here soon enough and I'll miss consuming unreasonable amounts of icee pops, hanging out at the pool, and never taking off my flip flops. So here's to summer... and the precious Brown family!
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sprinklers and summertime.
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This was a wedding celebration for the books... my dear friend Ashley Mackenzie and Casey Rogers, an incredible guy whose family surrounded him with such love and support it took my breath away at moments. Since I was able to spend several days with the families before the wedding I had the rare opportunity to really see the character and depth of love intertwined with these 2 lives.
Ashley and Casey waited a long time to find each other, and I firmly believe that this wedding celebration started their married life together with an appropriate focus on the true foundation of their relationship.
With weddings I tend to struggle with wanting to show EVERYTHING because I feel like it's essential to seeing/understanding the true tone of the celebration, but alas I do have to do some picking and choosing... so here's to you Mr. and Mrs Rogers and your AMAZING day!
Ashley and Casey waited a long time to find each other, and I firmly believe that this wedding celebration started their married life together with an appropriate focus on the true foundation of their relationship.
With weddings I tend to struggle with wanting to show EVERYTHING because I feel like it's essential to seeing/understanding the true tone of the celebration, but alas I do have to do some picking and choosing... so here's to you Mr. and Mrs Rogers and your AMAZING day!
And now for Ashley and all her lovely ladies. Bright green and enchanting light had me squealing with glee! These bridesmaids were also ridiculously fun and good looking!
And of course, Casey and his guys. This stellar field filled with round bales was right down the road from the church, so everyone piled in and I think it was 110% worth it. Plus the ringbearers just continued to steal the attention of my camera and the affection of my heart.
Ashley and her dad have a really special connection so it was important to capture some of the sweet, quiet moments that they shared together right before he walked her down the aisle. I may have made them both cry when I asked them to look at each other while I shot, but I think it was worth it for this beautiful image.
And of course, Casey and his guys. This stellar field filled with round bales was right down the road from the church, so everyone piled in and I think it was 110% worth it. Plus the ringbearers just continued to steal the attention of my camera and the affection of my heart.
Ashley and her dad have a really special connection so it was important to capture some of the sweet, quiet moments that they shared together right before he walked her down the aisle. I may have made them both cry when I asked them to look at each other while I shot, but I think it was worth it for this beautiful image.
Now.... introducing Mr. and Mrs. Casey Rogers! I love these moments right after they were pronounced Man and Wife... notice how Ashley can't seem to take her eyes of her new hubs! And yes, the entire wedding party rode from the Chapel to the reception on the top of a hige red double decker bus. The sun was setting as we drove and everyone was going crazy celebrating and loving the rare/delicious cool evening!
The reception truly was a celebration fueled by a great band, yummy comfort food and the bride and groom dancing the night away....
The reception truly was a celebration fueled by a great band, yummy comfort food and the bride and groom dancing the night away....
Heather says:
Killer Amy!! Killer!!! these are amazing!!!!! I LOVE your weddings Amy!!!! LOVE them!
(08.26.09 @ 08:02 PM)
Anonymous says:
amy, these pictures are AMAZING. you are so talented. I lovvee the pictures of the boys!!!
natalie
smitten says:
gorgeous beyond words. i love weddings where the photographer and bride are friends...it makes for such intimate and perfect pictures! great job ames!
(08.27.09 @ 08:44 AM)
meredith says:
wow amy you totally knocked this one out of the park! every last image is perfect. what a gorgeous wedding full of love!!!! :)
(08.27.09 @ 08:56 AM)
Candice {The Beautiful Mess} says:
What a Beautiful BRIDE! This looks like it was so fun too!!! Nice work Amy!
(08.27.09 @ 09:53 AM)
Sherri W says:
I love your wedding photography!
(08.28.09 @ 10:31 AM)
Kim Shaw says:
Your website is on my favorites and I come here every day to see what beautiful images you're capturing. Every day, just when I think it can't get any better, you post something like this and I just eat them up like the delicious pieces of eye candy that they are. Thank you!!
(08.28.09 @ 08:13 PM)
Lauren verlander says:
This makes me want to move to Oxford! Love the piece of china with the pearls on it. Amy, you outdid yourself with this one. Oh, and the pic in the previous post with the bride on the piano....stunning. Miss you Ames:)
(09.02.09 @ 01:39 PM)
Chelsea Hudson says:
WOW - these are just stunning... love love love them! Casey is a dear dear friend from days past and I am so happy for him! what an incredible bride God brought his way. love it. i love your details shots and, well, everything! love it! great job - i was really sad to miss the wedding and so to see such a gorgeous representation of the wedding made my day today! :)
(10.21.09 @ 05:06 PM)
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ashley + casey = married: oxford, ms
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I'll never forget the first day I met Ashley Mackenzie. It was in the office at Lost Valley Ranch the summer of 2004, and I remember thinking, "Whoa this girl is way too cool for us to be friends." Her perfectly stunning (and natural) red hair and general aura of beauty was quite intimidating to say the least. That summer passed by and we were both so busy with our respective duties at the ranch that we didn't get too much time together, but then once the paced slowed that Fall, I began to see beyond the seemingly impassable exterior and I began to know her heart.
I saw her competitive edge and how it pushed other people to be better.
I saw her infectious laughter lift the spirits of others on hard days.
I saw her passion to live life and love God.
I saw her fierce loyalty to friends and family.
And I've been blessed to walk through many stages and phases of life with Ashely since we both left the ranch... from heartaches and breakups, to new jobs, life transitions, moves across country, and new beginnings. So, naturally, when Ashley and her family requested that I be the one to document her wedding...I jumped at the chance.
This is the stunning bride.
I saw her competitive edge and how it pushed other people to be better.
I saw her infectious laughter lift the spirits of others on hard days.
I saw her passion to live life and love God.
I saw her fierce loyalty to friends and family.
And I've been blessed to walk through many stages and phases of life with Ashely since we both left the ranch... from heartaches and breakups, to new jobs, life transitions, moves across country, and new beginnings. So, naturally, when Ashley and her family requested that I be the one to document her wedding...I jumped at the chance.
This is the stunning bride.
This is her parents house and the location of the reception. Straight out of a storybook.
This is the little boy, Brooks, who lives in the house next door. He was one of the ring bearers and he kept insisting that he was the one that was going to marry Ashely...
This is the horse, Blaze, that pulled Ashely and Casey to the reception on a carriage that Ashely's dad re-built. And the fairytale continues....
These are the clocks that sit in the Mackenzie's kitchen to remind them of what time it is where their son (and Ashley's younger brother), Will, is located. He is in the Army and currently deployed so he was not able to attend the wedding. This was a particularly soft spot for me since my oldest brother was also deployed during our wedding and could not attend. God bless brothers.
And this is Ashley and her now hubby, Mr. Casey Rogers. Ka-pow. This was taken right after the rehearsal and before heading off for the dinner. The light was begging for this shot and I'm in love.
?!
More to come, but I thought a little background on the wedding never hurt anyone, right?!
This is the little boy, Brooks, who lives in the house next door. He was one of the ring bearers and he kept insisting that he was the one that was going to marry Ashely... 
This is the horse, Blaze, that pulled Ashely and Casey to the reception on a carriage that Ashely's dad re-built. And the fairytale continues....
These are the clocks that sit in the Mackenzie's kitchen to remind them of what time it is where their son (and Ashley's younger brother), Will, is located. He is in the Army and currently deployed so he was not able to attend the wedding. This was a particularly soft spot for me since my oldest brother was also deployed during our wedding and could not attend. God bless brothers. 
And this is Ashley and her now hubby, Mr. Casey Rogers. Ka-pow. This was taken right after the rehearsal and before heading off for the dinner. The light was begging for this shot and I'm in love.?!
More to come, but I thought a little background on the wedding never hurt anyone, right?!
Sarah Foster says:
Can't wait to see more! Ashley looks GORGEOUS! And you know I love that shot of the house...
(08.24.09 @ 06:01 PM)
meredith says:
everything is stunning. the place. bride. dress. horse. little boy. can't wait to see the rest!!!!
(08.25.09 @ 06:28 AM)
Natalie Felton (previously Whatley) says:
Wow! Ashley looks beautiful! I knew I recognized her! :) Don't know if you remember me Amy...i came as teen staff at Lost Valley and am from Raleigh. :) Your photography is awesome!
(09.14.09 @ 08:32 PM)
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from the beginning: oxford, mississippi wedding
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Yes, I must confess that I've been quite spoiled lately. I've been getting oodles of quality time with some of my bestest friends, and it is a sweet reminder of how amazing it is to be surrounded by those who know and love me! Last weekend I had a glorious girls weekend in Venice, FL to help celebrate my birthday and today I'm heading to Oxford, MS to shoot the wedding of one of my closest friends from Lost Valley Ranch. I've never been to Oxford, despite having several great friends who attended Ole Miss... so I can't wait to take in all the charm of this highly touted small college town! Everything that I have heard about this wedding is making me excited not only to be a part of it, but to also capture and share the beauty with you! (let's just say that the father of the bride has built a pavilion in their backyard for the reception - YOWSER!)
Also this weekend, all my college roomies and their significant others are getting together at the beach, so since I'll be gone (sad), Ross is going to represent for us! Below are a few images from earlier this year when I convinced Lauren (one of my 7 college roommates) to model for me. I love photographing Lauren because she is, well, drop-dead gorgeous and my camera just so happens to love her! I've got another fun shoot planned with her soon to stay tuned for that and lots of other goodies from the wedding extravaganza.... muhahahaaa!
Also this weekend, all my college roomies and their significant others are getting together at the beach, so since I'll be gone (sad), Ross is going to represent for us! Below are a few images from earlier this year when I convinced Lauren (one of my 7 college roommates) to model for me. I love photographing Lauren because she is, well, drop-dead gorgeous and my camera just so happens to love her! I've got another fun shoot planned with her soon to stay tuned for that and lots of other goodies from the wedding extravaganza.... muhahahaaa!
Lauren says:
Haha - i JUST NOW read this!!!!!! love the shout out!!! thanks babe! can't wait to see you and be a part of another fun shoot this weekend...
(09.01.09 @ 01:34 PM)
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A confession.
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"You are never a great man (or woman) when you have more mind than heart."
- Beauchene
I have taken some time in the past week to really settle into our new life here in Fayetteville and I must say that is has been a really sweet time to just realize that despite some of the bumps in the road and frustrations with moving to a new place and feeling like we are having to start all over again in many ways... I will say that it has taken me back to that place of trusting in my heart that this is where we are supposed to be right here, right now at this stage of life.
Ross and I had a conversation months before this move that I remember very vividly because we talked about how important it was for us to maintain a sense of adventure in the life we are building together... because that very sense of adventure is what makes us feel like our hearts are engaged and we aren't just living in the comfort of what our mind knows to expect. I finally feel like in the last couple weeks I have slowed down enough to be thankful for all that is going on... thankful for all the ways I'm being stretched and hopefully growing as a person and also as a photographer. It's been good to take a little break from my camera and get creatively recharged before hitting the ground running in the upcoming months.
That being said, this is an image that I took back in February at my aunt and uncle's ranch in TX. I just ordered a huge canvas of this image to hang in our new house because there is just something about it that stirs my heart, and it makes me happy.
- Beauchene
I have taken some time in the past week to really settle into our new life here in Fayetteville and I must say that is has been a really sweet time to just realize that despite some of the bumps in the road and frustrations with moving to a new place and feeling like we are having to start all over again in many ways... I will say that it has taken me back to that place of trusting in my heart that this is where we are supposed to be right here, right now at this stage of life.
Ross and I had a conversation months before this move that I remember very vividly because we talked about how important it was for us to maintain a sense of adventure in the life we are building together... because that very sense of adventure is what makes us feel like our hearts are engaged and we aren't just living in the comfort of what our mind knows to expect. I finally feel like in the last couple weeks I have slowed down enough to be thankful for all that is going on... thankful for all the ways I'm being stretched and hopefully growing as a person and also as a photographer. It's been good to take a little break from my camera and get creatively recharged before hitting the ground running in the upcoming months.
That being said, this is an image that I took back in February at my aunt and uncle's ranch in TX. I just ordered a huge canvas of this image to hang in our new house because there is just something about it that stirs my heart, and it makes me happy.
claire says:
Ames - I love, love, LOVE this picture and the reminder to allow heart and adventure to be a part of life. Happiest of your days to you:)!
(08.14.09 @ 01:47 PM)
Uncle Peter says:
WOW...is that a real horse? Almost looks contrived....must be one of mine....Who? That view makes me happy, too.
(08.14.09 @ 10:16 PM)
Ann says:
Wow, Amy, this is gorgeous. It speaks to my heart, too. Thinking of you and Ross as you move through this time of transition. We miss you and Ross here, but are so happy to see (here on this amazing blog) all the beauty you are bringing into the lives of others.
(08.15.09 @ 08:06 AM)
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The heart of the matter.
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I am Karee's mom and these are ADORABLE pictures! Wow -- you really captured the moment(s). I don't know if I can even pick a favorite :)
(08.31.09 @ 03:11 PM)The pictures are so adorable! Amy, you do an amazing job. I have to also say that my niece and nephew are GORGEOUS children.
(08.31.09 @ 10:17 PM)ames, these are adorable! and i miss you :(
(09.04.09 @ 08:07 AM)