"Nikki was absolutely darling! We asked her to take photos for our one year anniversary and she was so open and responsive to every idea I had and even loved my Pinterest board! The day we took the photos she met us where I grew up at my grandparents house and she seriously found a darling shot in every part of their yard! We felt comfy with her and were able to be ourselves very easily infront of her lense. And when it came to a vision I had with a sapling that was part of our wedding and a cross with magnolia leaves, Nikki absolutely embraced every idea and knocked it out of the park! Our walls are about to get a makeover with all these new photos and we are SO excited! Can't wait till the next time Nikki! Y'all. I just, I just can't get over how gorgeous these two are! Megan had contacted me in hopes of photographing she and husband Anthony for their first year anniversary session. Seriously, this is the best idea ever! I think Jason and I are going to do this!" -- Megan

When talking with Megan about her vision for the photo session, I thought it would be best to pick out one word to base the session around. After much consideration on Megan's end, she chose the word "faith," which I thought was extremely fitting for the two of them as the longer I have grown to know them, the more I knew their faith was a big part of who they were.

We based their anniversary at Megan's grandparents house located right here in Durham, NC. Megan grew up here and fell in love with Anthony here. A lot of sweet memories were had, and the landscape was just adorable to frolic in. The entire property felt like this little oasis with tons of greenery, little gnomes scattered about, and some cats that decided to take part in their session.

Megan and Anthony wanted to top their session off with a picture of a cross that her grandfather had built. Although most of the session was photographed via film, I thought it was fitting to light the cross to showcase importance which this part was shot digitally. I love how the last photo came out. To me, it definitely portrays their word "faith." What do you think?

Film Scans were developed by Richard Photo Lab

"I have been using Nikki for photos for years, and I cannot imagine ever using someone else. Nikki does the most amazing job at catching the perfect moments that you will want to cherish and remember for years to come. She has done our engagement photos, familly photos, and 2 sessions with our first born. Nikki is extremely professional, creative, and fun loving. I highly recommend her as your photographer for any occasion. I promise, you will not be disappointed." -- Kelsie

I absolutely love this time of year! The trees are at their prettiest, the air has just enough crisp in it, and it's Winnie's birthday. If you have been following my blog over the past year then you have noticed this sweet cheeks of a girl! Winifred has turned one and oh my goodness has she had a wonderful first year of life! For starters, her parents are completely smitten with her, her grandparents have spoiled her rotten (on both sides) and has successfully won the hearts of every single citizen of Oxford, NC. If you don't believe me, just look at her outfits. The first one pictured above?! Um, yes, where can I buy that for me? And the bow seen later below? Yes to the bow gods, yasssss! What a fun, beautiful, smart, and sassy little lady Kelsie and Mike have on their hands! Winnie, happy birthday darlin'! I love your first year birthday photo session! Have you ever seen such a happy little lady?!

My favorite part about this family session is not the fact that  I have photographed the youngest daughter's wedding, shot the session at a beautiful plantation home in eastern NC, or the fact that the entire family is just plain hilarious and fun to be around. Nope. My most favorite thing is the fact that I learned that Courtney, the youngest daughter, was expecting her first child. Hands down, Courtney and Danuel got me.

For large family portraits I like to start the session with the entire family, then divvy up by small family. When it was Courtney and Danuel's turn to be photographed by themselves, I had them do a simple task--like walk towards me. It was at this time that Danuel whips out an ultrasound picture and shows it to me in the midst of being behind the camera photographing them. I can't remember what happened next, but I believe I shed a tear or two. That was a good little surprise. I love how close I am with my clients. Courtney and Danuel have been great friends over the years of knowing them. I love that, the most.

This family session was shot in eastern NC at Somerset Place. Having grown up right around this place, it was humbling to go back home to photograph somewhere that had meaning to it. This session was shot on film, and I am just in love with how the colors came out after processing. I am a bit obsessed with family sessions being photographed on film, as this is the perfect example of lifelong commitments and heirlooms. It is poetic, in a sense, and gets me in the feels every time.