A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

I honestly can not believe that Emersyn turns one TODAY!  I literally remember every tiny detail about this time a year ago.  It was a Monday night and I was excited for the final episode of the bachelor.  I began to feel a bit funny but I stuck it out- then about 3 hours into the show I had to admit that yes I was in labor.  So off to the hospital we went!  Little did I know that is where the long 26 hour journey would begin until the amazing moment we welcomed Emersyn Leigh.

Throughout her first year I promised myself that I would take as many pictures as possible and DO something with them.  So often pictures just sit on my camera.  So I started a Shutterfly book and completed the pages month by month.  Time goes by so fast and looking back at this book as it is nearly complete, I am overwhelmed with love for my sweet little girl.  Here are a few sample pages...

I found it so important to do the book each month to stay on top of all the photos and keep track as she changed so quickly.  I plan to finish the book after her first birthday party this weekend then order them!  I think they (the year is split into 2 books, first and second six months because there were so many pages) will be books we look through over and over!!  What do you do with all your pictures?  How do you hold on to all those keep sake pictures?

The Eye of a Photographer

Should I spend money on a photographer?  Trust me I understand this question can be hard to answer.  We all work hard for our money and how we spend that money matters.  It was only when one of my very best friends started her own photography company that I started to understand just how valuable what they do can be.  I have a fancy/expensive camera but I am NO professional photographer by any stretch of the imagination.  So although I have nice looking snap shots here and there, they do not come close to what a true photographer can capture.  I love filling my home with pictures of moments that are creating my life.  I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures of my family that were captured by Kelsey Clark from Apples and Honey Photography.  Get ready for a picture overload!! 

Maternity photos:

Newborn photos:

3 month photos:

This is a Hungry Caterpillar inspired photo shoot that Kelsey created.  Emersyn is 6 months here.

These photos are ones that I will cherish forever and I look forward to having Kelsey capture more life moments.  Super excited for Emersyn's one year photos!

HOW TO SELECT A PHOTOGRAPHER:
I am extremely lucky because I have Kelsey as a talented friend that I can easily turn to for amazing pictures.  However, if you don't have some connection with a photographer, I think selecting the right one can be tricky and get overwhelming.  Being comfortable in front of a camera is hard for just about every one especially the guys, so feeling at ease with your photographer is so important.  That person is there to make you feel as natural as possible with a camera clicking away!  That's why selecting the right photographer is so important.  Make sure it is someone that you have met with before and felt a sense of ease with.  Not only do personalities have to aline but styles and ultimate outcome should be similar as well.  Talk to the photographer about their style and search their blog or website for past photo shoots.  Take note of what you like or did not like about the photos taken from the photographer.  Don't be afraid to voice what you are looking for as an end product or photos you are drawn to.  I know I like photos that feel more like moments happening that were captured rather than an outfit matching/smile at the camera shot.  However, I know I need to get at least one smile at the camera shot for grandparents wanting to frame a traditional photo.  Style is very important- make sure you know your style and preference before hiring a photographer, spending that precious money, and not being happy with the results.  Take the time to find the right fit for you and your loved ones- this will hopefully ensure final pictures you love and a relationship with a phtographer that can capture life moments for years!

If you like the style from the photos above and want to look at more of Kelsey's work you can find her past shoots at her site Apples and Honey Photography- she is truly the sweetest and has an amazingly creative eye for what makes a photo a lifelong cherished moment!

Friday Favorite: Personalized Jewelry

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!  I thought for today's Friday Favorites I would select something that would be a great gift on this day of love or for any other occasion.  Personalized jewelry is something that I LOVE! I think it is so sentimental and can really become something that is cherished.  I love the idea of giving something personal to a friend or family member, especially to commemorate a life moment.  For example, I have been seeing lots of stacked rings show up on my Pinterest boards, where you stack your engagement ring, wedding band, and other bands to symbolize children or years of marriage.  This is something that I have done since having Emersyn.  My sister got my this amazing gold ring that says "Emersyn" in cursive.  I love how dainty and simple it is- I wear it every single day! Here are a few other great personalized rings ideas from some etsy shops.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/KellysPersonalTouch

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LillaDesigns

When Emersyn was born, Ian got me a beautiful band of Emersyn's birthstone which is aquamarine.  I love wearing the birthstone band with the Emersyn ring and my wedding ring.  These personalized rings are so close to my heart- I picture passing them on to Emersyn one day.

I also really love initial necklaces!  I think they are the perfect gift for any girl of any age.  They are perfect for her own initial or that of someone special.  I treated myself to this sweet little 'E' necklace when Emersyn was born.  I have worn it everyday and it has become her since of security.  It is the necklace she grabs for every time I hold her.  If she is crying she rubs it and calms down; she even holds it as I nurse her.  It's like it reminds her that I am here to protect and love her.  My good friend Kelsey from apples and honey photography captured a sweet moment of Emersyn playing with this necklace.

Here is an Etsy shop with some cute initial necklaces.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/petitepralinedamour

If you go to etsy.com and type in personalized jewelry, you will have so many different options to select from.  I have also been very pleased with the quality of my etsy purchases.  So do you have a personalized piece of jewelry that you love?  Remember these are great gifts for others or even a little gift to yourself!  Happy Friday!