Monthly Archives: June 2009

Chad + Lauren + Gabe | expecting

You may remember Chad and Lauren from their wedding last summer. They did not waste any time in getting on the baby train and they are all aglow with the excitement of the new addition.

Lauren asked me to make sure the grass matched her skirt and the hazardous metal that is our backdrop matched her beads. CHECK! Ok, she didn’t really. It just kinda fell that way.

This is Chad’s INSANELY handsome son, Gabe. Going to break hearts, this kid is. My baby girl, Claire, is already lining up to be first. Sure, its all picking dandelions and digging for worms now, but just wait…



Hearts will be breaking… especially if she tries to come between him and his lollipop.

And Lauren, during her 5 minutes of “I am the next cover model for all expecting mothers, please and thank you”. Could you die? No baby belly. Baby Belly. Either way, can you say Lauren is a hottieeeeeeee???

loved this sequence…

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Tim & Lisa | wedding

Tim and Lisa were married last weekend and I am quite proud of myself to be blogging it this soon! Go me! They were taking a short honeymoon and I desperately wanted them to have something to see when they got home! I hope I didn’t keep you waiting! You guys were fabulous. I have seriously had the best brides this summer! They have all been the picture of calm and grace and can you say HOTTTTT???!!!

Lisa and Tim were married at First United Methodist of Duluth. A beautiful church. It has some pretty strict restrictions on photography but I comfort myself saying we wouldn’t get these shots without those restrictions.

We rushed through the portraits (though the guests might beg to differ) but I think Lisa and Tim still rocked the house with their hotness. This is my personal favorite. They look so much in love. Lisa and Tim… Please hang this somewhere in your house! Like poster size above the mantel???! Just joshin’ ya… But hey, if you want your home to be a shrine to your love and my photography, who am I to argue?
Can you say American Gothic? All he needs is his pitchfork. Well… a little bit happier version.
ooh la la.

double ooh la la.

the rings. duh.

Then they continued to bring the house down at the reception at Berkley Hills Country Club.

Congratulations! Click here to see their slideshow!

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The Steed Family | lifestyles

Last week the Steed’s were in Georgia visiting their family and I had the awesome opportunity to shoot their family session. I excited to show them their little sneak peek! Aren’t they picture perfect?

Little DOLLS, that is what they were.

Or divas… either one will do.

nah… definitely dolls.

in case you are wondering what mom and dad are up to, all lost in my bokeh
and my personal faves. these adorable faces in all their splendor…

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Ronin & Sophia | one year | lifestyles

Meet Ronin and Sophia. You may remember them from several posts in the past year, but now they are one year old. Officially, on June 7. Which was also my birthday! Still twenty-something… I think. Yes. I am still twenty something. Anyway, they are darling. Too cute for their own good and completely adored by their parents.  When I edit and am looking back over the images from a session like theirs I literally wish I could reach through the screen and squeeze their cuteness!

Could you just die? and there are two of them!

There were several in this sequence and I am looking at them screaming “SERIOUSLY?!!!!” in my head. like a good kind of seriously. They were effortless.


i adore this one…


we were shooting at a park so of course we had to have a go on the swings. they were laughing so hard. cutest thing ever.
of course you cant tell they were laughing because Ronin is far too intellectual for his own good. looking at me like he is pondering some math equation. yea, like that.

ending on this note, loved this one of Sophia! More to come! Hope you enjoyed your sneak peek!

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Southern Weddings Feature | Lindsay + Jeremy

Last summer my beautiful baby sister, Lindsay got married. I thought her wedding was absolutely adorable with its pink, green and navy palette. Apparently, others agree! Southern weddings decided to feature their wedding on their site! Check it out!!! Their old blog post is before we re-branded so excuse the Brandelyn Shirley Photography logo- but if want to check out the post- click here!
Happy Tuesday!!!

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Denny & Kelley | wedding

Months ago when I looked on to June 6th, I was filled with excitement and nervous anticipation. Excitement because Denny and Kelley were going to be a joy to photograph. But nervous because I fully expected to have to tap into every bit of GRACE God would give me to be able to shoot their wedding without collapsing! (that double wedding weekend) I always have to tap into that grace, but their day was so much more than I expected. I cruised through almost effortless.  Kelley has to win some kind of award for being the most beautiful, graceful, elegant bride ever. I could go on and on about her. But she will only shake her head and deny all of it. The girl has no idea. Seriously, no idea how fabulous she is.
Their ceremony and reception was at Little Gardens in Lawrenceville Georgia. And I am not sure who did these lovely flowers, but if someone will comment below I’ll be sure to link back to their site!
Kelley’s sister and maid of honor…

Kelley being beautified…



she has no idea but i have a feeling she might after seeing her mad super-model-esque-ness. That is a word. Truly.


how many ways can I photograph these flowers?

the traditional bridal portrait. Traditional or not… I think I like it!


And here he is. Denny, the handsome, sincere, kind, funny and ever so charming groom. At least that was my impression!
As usual, after the ceremony and all the fun family portraits, I spend a little bit of time with the bride and groom. I love this time more than I love oatmeal chocolate chip cookie ice cream from publix. that much. I love it that much and i always, always run dangerously close to spending wayyy too long. But… what is a girl to do? Its why I became a wedding photographer. I love all the moments that make up the day, but really, the few minutes with the bride and groom alone rocks my face off like no other. And Denny and Kelley did not disappoint!

I love this one. And I know Kelley is going to hate it. But I can’t help it. I love it.
ooh la la


Congratulations!!! Click here for their slideshow!

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