bridget+ryan :: maternity :: high point lifestyle photographer

Last week, I went over to our friends Bridget and Ryan's house (who you may remember from a recent post on B's baby shower) to snap a few photos before baby E arrives. There's just something special about taking photos at a family's own home - it's relaxed, it's personal, and in my opinion, it really is the best place to capture a moment in that family's life. 

It's strange photographing your best friends - the people you see on a weekly basis - I'm not quite sure why, but I always feel a bit awkward "working" in front of those I know. Thankfully, Bridget and Ryan were their sweet, sarcastic, adorable selves, and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to document this part of their lives before their family of two becomes three.

(Note: I may have gotten a bit too emotional/sentimental while editing and shed a tear of two. Sorry not sorry.) 

I just love E's sweet little nursery, and I can't wait for there to be a baby in it! 

There's just something so simple and mysterious about a silhouetted figure, which is probably why the images above are a couple of my favorites from the day. 

We had to get one last photo of the family with just their furry baby boy. Poor Russ doesn't have any idea that his life is about to be turned upside down.  

Isn't B just the prettiest lil mama? I know she's probably rolling her eyes at me right now, but it's the truth!

Bridget+Ryan :: Thanks again for letting me share in the happiness and excitement and anticipation for the arrival of baby E! I've said it before but I'll say it again... y'all are going to be the most ridiculously cool/fun/awesome parents out there. He's going to be one spoiled baby boy if his auntie and uncle Glessner have anything to do with it :)

tailored occasions :: greensboro branding consultant

As some of you know, I have a background in marketing and public relations, and with that experience, I offer branding, marketing, and design services to a few select clients throughout the year. I met Allyson of Tailored Occasions Event Planning and Design awhile back, and a few months ago, she mentioned that she was in the market for a new online presence that was truly reflective of her. After a couple of conversations, we decided we would be a great fit for one another, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to help create a new brand and website for Allyson's business. 

We launched the brand new Tailored Occasions online look last Friday (after weeks of Panera meetings and lots of emails), and I could not be more excited about the outcome!

Check out Allyson's website and follow her new branded Facebook and Twitter accounts! In celebration of her launch, she's giving away a few of her favorite things from some great local businesses, so be sure to visit her blog to enter!

For more information on marketing and branding services, feel free to contact me. 

a true southern baby shower :: winston-salem maternity photographer

Last week, I had the pleasure of helping to host a baby shower for my dear, sweet friend, Bridget. We met B, and her husband, Ryan, almost three years ago when we lived the same townhouse complex, and when we both bought houses last year, we, luckily, ended up just a few miles down the road from one another. She frequently cooks dinner for me and Josh, enjoys a breakfast/lunch date with me when I want to procrastinate against actually getting things done, and encourages me that I NEED to go with her to get a mani/pedi on a random Thursday afternoon (you know - to make me a better wife and all), so really, it was the least I could do to help make a day special enough to celebrate such a very special person and special little person-to-be.

It was a nice, casual Southern style gathering, complete with mason jars, rocking chairs, and BBQ, on the front porch of the ad agency where B used to work in Winston-Salem. 

As usual, I had delusions of grandeur for this baby shower (much like the last one that Bridget and I hosted for our friend Brittany), but thankfully, I had the help of a few amazing ladies (shout out to Victoria, Ashley, and Wanda - y'all are INCREDIBLE) who took care of the decor, invites, and dessert, so that all I was left to do was create and deliver a delicious menu. 

In a temporarily air-conditionless home on the day all this cooking was being done (I was NOT meant to live in a world without AC, people), I managed to make balsamic honey pulled pork sliders with slaw, mini mac and cheese muffins, honey lime fruit salad, and my personal favorite, my homemade pimento cheese recipe adapted from my dear friend Adam's sister-in-law, Dawn, in Mississippi.

Ashley made these scrumptious blue velvet cupcakes, with teeny tiny paper airplane toppers, and Wanda whipped up some oreo truffles. If you've never had these, you're living a sad, sad life. Cupcakes and chocolate are the way to my heart.

Victoria found these adorable quotes on wooden blocks at Swoozie's (it's a dangerous place y'all), and they made the sweetest, simple decor alongside some colorful flower bouquets for this front porch event!  

After some paper airplane constructing lessons from Josh, I created this bunting (not without several paper cuts and a few select words)  to be used as decor at the shower and in the nursery afterward. As an advocate against typical baby shower games myself, I thought it'd be a nice idea to have each guest write a wish for baby on a gift tag to be attached to the bunting.

Isn't she just the cutest lil mama you ever did see?? Ashley also crafted the sweetest little paper airplane corsage! 

My obligatory photo op with the guest of honor ^^^ Thanks to friend and past bride Lauren for her mad photo skills :)

Many thanks to Victoria, Wanda, and Ashley for your beautiful/delicious/wonderful work to make it all come together! Bridget - you and Ryan are going to be the BEST parents ever. of. all. time! Now, come on little Lynch... I can't wait to be an "aunt" again and meet and snuggle that sweet, sweet baby!