Thanks so much to Libby for coming and hanging out with us last week!  Libby, of Elizabeth O’Neill Photography, is going to be my little brother’s wedding photographer.  As soon as we met, I could see why Cari and Ryan chose her; she’s very much like Cari.  Everything from her slightly shy yet very much at ease demeanor to the way she dresses makes them a little eerily sister-like. :o)  We always say that personality should be the key component in choosing your wedding photographer and it looks to me like they hit the mark! 

Anyway, Libby asked if we would do a little mini-workshop with her and we were happy to oblige!  We went out to our favorite shooting location (Franklin’s back alley) for a short shooting exercise so that Libby could get a feel for how we work.  We then brought her back and showed her some of our processing techniques and general workflow.  It’s always fun to share and help others grow in something that you both love!  I’m excited to see what Libby does with Ryan and Cari’s wedding photos! )  

Thought you might like to see some of the resulting images from our afternoon together.  Meet Libby…

Libby, we hope we made your drive from Knoxville worthwhile! )  It was great meeting you!

- Mel

We had Amber and Tyler over for their personal premiere a couple of weeks ago so I thought I would share a few of my favorites from their engagement session.  Tyler and Amber are amazing people!  Amber is a school teacher in one of the poorer parts of our area and Tyler works with troubled youth – I can’t even imagine stepping into their shoes!  They have such big hearts and what’s most impressive is how incredibly positive and upbeat they are able to remain no matter what.  We feel so priviledged to be able to document the lives of such wonderful couples! )

These guys started dating when they were in high school.  Centennial Park was a popular date night location as well as the place where Amber’s parents were married so we went back there for part of the session…

This is one of my favorites -

I love this series!  You guys are too sweet! )

The second half of the session was spent at the Belle Meade Plantation to pay omage to Tyler’s love of history.  There are so many cool places around the grounds – we could shoot there all day!

And finally, my other favorite to close. ) 

Can’t wait for the wedding this summer you guys!  It will be here before you know it!

 Thanks for looking everybody! )

- Mel

So here is the extended version of Georgia’s big debut! You’ll find the slideshow below but first, a little narrative…

Sharon and I had been going back and forth on the phone for the past couple of days – to go to the hospital or not to go to the hospital? To stay at the hospital or to go back home? To wait it out until after the Vanderbilt game is over or just get on over there? Getting to the hospital at just the right time to have a baby is tricky business! I got the last call from Brian at 10am on Sunday to say that we were officially ready for Georgia and headed straight down to Middle Tennessee Medical Center.

When I arrived, Sharon was a happy camper because as she put it, she couldn’t feel her legs or her butt. I’m actually really surprised that Sharon didn’t consider natural childbirth given her extreme fear of needles! Now some of you may be thinking to yourself “oh yeah I understand – I’m scared to death of needles too” but no really, Sharon has an EXTREME fear of needles! No one can match her. She is the champion of needle fearers! This one time when we were in high school she actually passed out on me because she saw a close up of a needle going into an arm on a projection screen – just stood up in the middle of the presentation and said “I have to go” and then went swaying down the aisle until she fell flat in between two rows of chairs in the back of a dark auditorium. That was my introduction to the needle fear. Did I mention that we were 17, all alone, and in the middle of what I suspect was actually a cult meeting that we had been tricked into entering? Well, that’s a story for a different time… Anyway, it was truly amazing that she let a man with a big needle anywhere near her! )

After saying hello, I hung out in the waiting room with the fam until Georgia came. We all then went down and oooed and aaaahed at her through the window. Birth really is incredible! To think that this tiny little person has been living and growing inside my friend for 9 months and that she is a little bit of Brian and a little bit of Sharon and a little bit of everyone who has come before them – wow! And can you even imagine what this is like from Georgia’s perspective? All you’ve ever known is cozy, dark, and warm and then suddenly you’re being carried around, the voices are louder, and there are all of these HUGE creatures looming in your face! Honestly, I don’t know how babies sleep through that! Innocence is remarkable!

Brian and Sharon, we love you both so much! To be a part of Georgia’s birth was amazing and and honor! You are going to be such wonderful parents and it’s so obvious how much Georgia is loved! We’re so excited to pass the years with you guys and watch your family grow!

Enjoy the slideshow! )

©2008 McLellan Studio. All Rights Reserved. Music licensed through ASCAP.

When I talked to Sharon yesterday morning I asked, “How are you feeling?” to which I got the reply, “I’m starting to get cranky…”  This can’t be good.  No one wants to see a very pregnant woman cranky!  Poor Sharon labored all night and halfway through today but in the end it was so worth it because all of that effort produced a beautiful baby girl.  Georgia Reann was born at 2:10pm this afternoon!  I have to say too that Sharon really didn’t seem all that cranky to me but I did only see her after her epidural! ) 

Here’s our first peek at the new little lady… 

Just wanted to get you introduced!  Slideshow to come later…

Congratulations you guys!! )

xoxoxo’s,

- Mel

I don’t remember who sent it but this came our way a few weeks ago and I had to share. I majored in painting in college so I thought this was so cool! I’ve always wished that I could be so free with paint and yet crank out something so amazing but alas I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to my work. (No way! right? ;P) Check it out and make sure you get all the way to the very end!