Anna is 11 months old!

I know I forgot to post last month, but time has just been flying by - I can't believe my baby is almost 1!
In the past 2 months Miss Anna has learned all sorts of new tricks. She is crawling, though not quite on her hands and knees - it is more of a "lunge forward with her arms, scoot her bottom" kind of thing. She has also started pulling herself up on furniture, toys, people, etc. Her biggest passions are the bathroom (I can't keep her out of it! I even found her in there one day sitting next to the trashcan, which she had tipped over, and eating the tissue that was in it. Gross!!), and cheerios. She was sleeping all the way through the night for a few weeks, but the last few nights has decided she'd rather get up around 2. Also, she has 2 more teeth for total of 6!
Anyways, here are a few pictures...

It is getting really hard to get this shot now - she doesn't sit still! I'll have to post some of the outtakes sometime - I've got some of her almost lunging off.

Look at me!

You have no idea how long or how many tries it took to get this shot. Typically I like the candid stuff, but I really wanted a picture of both kids looking at the camera and smiling. I only got this one with the help of Donald Duck (a toy) :)

I took the kids to the beach last week for an outing - man, is it tough taking two kids to the beach by yourself! They loved it, though.

This one cracks me up :)

Hmm, wonder how this sand tastes?

Not bad!

This is random, but makes me laugh. Here's Chris "fixing" his truck, just like daddy. Right before I took this, he was laying down "under" the truck with the screwdriver. Sometimes he'll even sit there and say "Where's the screw? Where is it?" Guess Dad must have lost some while working on his truck, so Chris thinks that is what you are supposed to say ;)

I just liked this one, drool and all :)

A New Product!

I am really excited to announce that I will now be offering custom handbags! These bags are amazing, and very well made. Each will come with the image of your choice. Below are some of the styles available; email me at caroline@carolinenicolephotography.com if you would like more info.

And just as a hint... Mother's Day is coming up... (order before April 27 to get it in time).

Gallery Wrap Sale!

I am so excited to announce an incredible sale! My lab is offering a special deal, and so I figured I'd pass the savings on to you. For a limited time, you can order either a 16x24 gallery wrap and receive 10% off. Not only that, but you will receive either a 16x20 metal panel or an 11x14 metal panel with an ice block stand (your choice) FREE. I'm not kidding. FREE.

If your gallery has expired but you would like to take advantage of this, let me know and I will reactivate your gallery.

Email me if you are interested or if you have any questions!

For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, below is a sample gallery wrap followed by a metal panel with ice block stand.

Don't let this amazing deal slip away!

Eli and Melissa are Engaged!

Not too many engaged couples can say they've been together for 20 years.. but Eli and Melissa can. The pair has been together since they were teenagers, and will be getting married next month. I loved wandering around with them for their engagement session; they are a fun and relaxed couple. Stay tuned for their wedding images!

ps.. if some of these look a little different than usual, it's because I am trying out a few new photoshop tricks. I am not sure what I think... but I would love your thoughts! What works/doesn't?

I love how bright this one looks.

The next two are called "Grow Old With Me" :)

I love my kids.

Growing up, my sisters and I alternated between fighting like cats and dogs and playing like best friends. These days, I consider my 3 sisters among my closest friends.
So far, Chris and Anna get along really well. Chris is good about sharing, for the most part, and is pretty patient with his sister. I think he likes having a "playmate". It is my prayer that this continues, and that they will always be close!
The other day I got these shots of the two of them, and I just had to post them.

Congratulations Melissa and Dan!

Recently I had the privilege of photographing Dan and Melissa's wedding. It was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with the reception at the Suntree Country Club. DJ Raf from DJ Shane Entertainment did a fabulous job keeping the party going, Suntree Florist did a beautiful job with the flowers, and Bryce Mavrik was the videographer.
Dan and Melissa are a fun, beautiful, and laid-back couple, and I really enjoyed documenting their day. Here are a few of my favorites, with the slideshow at the end.

I love the tear in her eye. And no, that isn't photoshopped!

I just kind of liked how this next one turned out... kind of different. For any of you photogs out there, it was shot in an almost completely dark room, without flash, at ISO 6400! How 'bout them apples?! ;)

And here's the slideshow, set to the song from their first dance. Enjoy!

Congratulations you two! Thank you for letting me share in your day!

He Is Risen, Indeed!

"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs". Matt. 24:6-8

This world is a scary place these days. Everywhere you look there are stories of pain, loss, death, and fear. And I have to admit, sometimes I get overwhelmed by all of that! I hear stories of a teenager who sold her little sister to some gang rapers. Stories of people dying of cancer. Stories of financial loss. Stories of earthquakes that take thousands of lives and leave thousands more in shambles. And my heart cries.

But today I was reminded of hope. Because of today, I can have hope. A few thousand years ago, Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Read that again. He ROSE FROM THE DEAD. On that statement I base my life, my faith, and my hope. "Oh Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?" (1 Cor. 15:55). Because of today, I don't have to fear death, pain, or tomorrow.

I miss my dad. But as we sang "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" this morning, I was reminded that because of the victory that Jesus has over death, I WILL get to see him again. I could almost hear my dad singing along with us!

Church today ended with this song, and it is one that I have come to love. I hope it speaks to you today.

He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!