The Ranch

We got to visit my family on the ranch just south of Sebring this weekend. This is where I (Ellie) grew up. I love it there! 1800 acres of amazing! It is my calm place. I feel God there. =)

There was big excitement there in the past month or so with the arrival of Jim, a new Arabian foal. My grandmother was so proud of her new baby. He has the LONGEST legs. Here are some pictures of him, with his proud human grandmother and horsey mom watching closely from her stall.

I have to post one of Drew and my cute baby, who was enthralled with the equine baby. A storm was coming in from the south. You can see the weather coming toward you in all directions on the ranch.

Sneak Peek: Jesse & Danielle

This wedding was gorgeous, even if it was smack in the middle of the RedBull FlugTag Event.

Ellie's pick:

The sweet couple in their first few moments as husband and wife.


Drew's pick:

Danielle and her girls really tore up the dance floor! Everyone was having so much fun!

Ellie is now a WPJA member!

I (Ellie) applied to get into the Wedding Photojournalist Association last month, and this week I got the news! I am in! Their website says, "Membership in the WPJA depends entirely on photographers meeting our high standards for inclusion." And they are quite exclusive. "Less than 5% of wedding photographers out there qualify for membership." I feel quite honored, and excited!

The WPJA has a great website with a TON of articles on, well, wedding photojournalism. It is a super resource for a lot of questions you might have about your big day and the role of the photographer.

Beach Wedding: Bob and Nikki

Though we've been to plenty of beaches along the gulf, we had never stopped in the Pass-A-Grille area before. What a fun spot! The whole thing is only a couple of blocks deep, and there are precious cottages, cute restaurants, and gorgeous homes to stroll amongst. Nikki and Bob choose this great locale for their destination wedding.

Bonnie Matthews of Events by Special Moments made sure that the beautiful and intimate beach ceremony went off without a hitch, even with a strong wind threatening to blow us away. The reception moved into Black Palm Restaurant.

Nikki, I can tell you wear your heart on your sleeve. Your expressions throughout were priceless!

Engaged: Tim and Kristy

I got to meet and photograph the cutest couple this week while Drew babysat. Kristy, Tim, and I met up at Sand Key and the results were stunning! These guys know how to show their best side for the camera, that is for sure.

We Have Returned

After a week of fun spent with Drew's family in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, we have returned to our studio/living room. I must say that vacations are more stressful with a little one in tow, but I think a great time was had by all. And, said little one did not even stir at the fireworks that were shot two houses down from ours. I guess all the Florida thunderstorms have trained him!

This is a shot from the Atlanta airport, when he should have been taking a nap but figured out that he could watch people out the mesh of his stroller instead. Maybe he'll want to be a photojournalist, too...

Happy Fourth of July!

We are going to be out of the office for the next week or so.

Hope everyone gets to spend some time with loved ones!