Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona at golden hour is nothing short of magical. Add in a gorgeous bride and groom and 60 of their closest family and friends bathed in the warm desert light and you have something like a dream. Sheri + James said their joyful, tearful “I dos” earlier this month canyon side and I had the honor of being there to capture it all.
Here we are in the heart of a frigid winter (even for us Floridians at times) and I’m dreaming of warmer days. So why not share a peek into Alexa and Jordan’s seaside Sanibel Island wedding from this past summer. Revisiting these images is like a treat! I can almost hear the lull of the waves and the rustle in the palm leaves and nearly feel the sweet summertime sun on my skin…
In reflecting on the last year I took some time to note things that had given me life or drained me in the past. (It’s an effort in aiding in decision making for this “decision fatigued” gal right here. And the idea is all thanks to Emily P. Freeman and her “The Next Right Thing” podcast!) Something that undeniable breathed life in to my work and inspiration was the process of shooting creatively with film. (You can check out my past blog post about the process and love affair by clicking here and here.) So I set out to spend more time behind my film camera pointing it at beautiful things and lovely light by marking down a few “inspired styled shoots” in my calendar. This is the very first of them…
Anna Grace’s Senior Session at Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch was nothing short of a dream…
Guess who turned 6 months old today?! (And guess who gave me a serious complex over my singing voice when he bursted into tears after I sang a dramatic rendition of the birthday song??) Happy 6 Month B-Day anyways, Hunter! At least you recovered and we got these super adorable 6 month pics.
xoxo,
Auntie Caroline
Central Florida Children's Photography with Caroline Maxcy Photography
I am a firm believer in the Lord being present in all things. Even our calendars, our schedules, where things butt up against one another, where stories are told in the intertwining of the two. He is at once personal and profound. He is present in the single story that is being told in my life and in the lives of everyone, everywhere for all creation in all of time. God knows. God knows it all. And this past weekend for me, where joy and heartbreak collided, was no different. Plans were changed, things shifted and rescheduled and I found myself with my camera in hand going from session to joyous and heartbreaking session one right after another all weekend long. It was one long continuous prayer, an on-going conversation with God. And on a weekend that seemed a little too heavy the Lord handed out just enough time, just enough grace and just enough strength to make it through.
Last Thursday I received a Facebook message that was geotagged as coming all the way from Uganda. A young woman, a brand new mom was asking if I could come over to the Tampa airport on Saturday night for their family's homecoming celebration. Jamie and Paul had just adopted Elijah Namanya Samuels and after six weeks in Uganda in the process of things they were now heading home. I was there. Of course, I was there. So after a breathtakingly beautiful family photo session on Saturday afternoon I hit the road with just enough time to make it to the airport as their plane was about to touch down. I joined a a group of about 30 other folks all there to welcome Eli with glittered signs and balloons and stuffed animals galore all donning their matching t-shirts with the emblem of a tree and Eli's given name "Namanya" meaning "God knows." You see just 9 months ago, last March, 1 month old Eli was found abandoned in a forest, beneath the trees. Malnourished, tiny and frail Eli made his way from an orphanage to a hospital to a foster home. By 5 months old he weighed less than 10 lbs. In steps Jamie and Paul when they are matched with him in July and they have tracked his growth and made their plans to make him their own. And on Saturday they stepped off the plane in Tampa greeted by their closest family and friends (and me and my camera) and they brought Eli home for the very first time.
God knows.
I left that joyous shoot, late on Saturday night and crashed at my best friend's place in Tampa, setting my alarm for 6:30 for the next day. I collected my things, hugged goodbye and hit the road again back to Sebring arriving just in time for the graveside ceremony for a six year old boy, Branson, gone too soon.
We talked about God's goodness, we rejoiced for the gift of our saviour Jesus, we lifted our voices in song and then we stood there in the open field, a group of no more than 50 of Branson's closest friends and family, clutching bundles of colorful balloons. To each his own. A sea of red, blue, orange and yellow hovering above our heads. Contained. Then at the cue we simultaneously loosened our grips to release the delicate ribbons from our fingers. We opened our hands and let go…
The breeze of the day caught them and as they gently lifted into the heavens above so did our eyes. So did our hearts. We followed them with our gaze (some comically getting stuck in a nearby tree). A sea of color dispersed in the morning sky, fading into tiny specks in the white of the storybook clouds. Joy and heartbreak intertwined. Released. Branson was at last home.
And while we all rejoice with knowing that Branson too was lifted home into the heavens to experience eternal joy with Jesus, there is a sadness that is found in the vast emptiness that is left behind. When the specks of color could no longer be seen our eyes fell again. The space once filled with one hundred colorful balloons now stood quiet and still. Where we could seemingly still feel the ribbon between our fingers we all knew that we had to let go.
God knows this too.
In two vastly different stories, where joy and heartbreak collide, where homecomings and home-goings are bittersweet, we find the ever swelling presence of God. And for a little boy, Elijah Namanya, he will know a life that his biological family probably never could have imagined. He will be introduced to Jesus and to a God that was there with him all along, from beneath those trees in the forest to the place in central Florida he now calls home. God knows. And for precious Branson, well, he is dancing with that very same Jesus today. God knows.
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 19:14
And as for me… I am absolutely astonished everyday that the Lord has entrusted to me so much joy, so much heartbreak, so much raw and beautiful life to step into, to document, to memorialize day-in and day-out. On a weekend that felt a little too heavy the Lord was more than enough. God knows.
Much love to all my 2013 brides & grooms! Thanks for letting me be there to capture the beginning of your journey together as husband and wife! May 2014 bring you lots and lots of continuous growth, true joy and unending love. xoxo, Caroline
Central Florida Wedding Photography with Caroline Maxcy Photography
The house is still. You know, the kind of still and quiet and empty that is heavy with the weight of fullness. Just a few hours ago my home buzzed with the sounds of a family Christmas gathering. There was turkey eating, gift giving, bike riding, board game playing, bed jumping, pot scrubbing and baby holding and it was another glorious December 25th. With all the hustle and bustle of things I haven't been able to sit back and take it all in until just now.
I have been meaning to write this Christmas post for over a week now, the words swirling around in my head taking place one right after the other in line. I have been taking notes here and there, recording audio paragraphs on long car rides on my thoughts on this year's holiday season. I learned a lot this year upon a revisiting of the Christmas story in Luke and Matthew. I've had "ah-ha" moments amidst giving planning mania. I've pondered for long sentimental periods of time over the notion of "giving" and "receiving". Oh, it was going to be good. But now that I sit down just 30 minutes shy of December 25th leaving us in its dust once again none of those words I composed in my head seem to matter anymore. At the end of today, this day of giving and receiving madness, I have come to feel as if I have nothing left to offer.
Nothing.
But maybe that is the best place to be. Maybe I get so caught up in the giving sometimes that my open arms—heavy with the weight of all the things I think I have to offer—have no room left to receive.
It didn't dawn on me, this self-proclaimed "giver" until midway through this holiday season that Christmas, true Christmas, has absolutely nothing to do with giving. Christ was born, just a baby in a barn over 2000 years ago. A miracle. Our Messiah. Our Savior humbled himself and came to earth asking us to give nothing, to bring nothing to Him but a heart ready to receive.
Christmas. True Christmas.
Just a little over five months ago I found myself in a scene somewhat different than that Bethlehem barn, yet in both places we were waiting for a baby. And though his momma labored, his dad nervously paced and I scurried about snapping pictures and video galore we all knew at the end of the day that we weren't there to give a thing. Much like Christmas this life, this baby and even the images all along the way were a gift that we were all simply there to receive.
Rachel Patterson. This girl. <3
When I moved back to Florida just over 3 years ago I dropped my things off in Sebring and the next day hopped on a plane to Mexico with about 40 folks from my home church, Bible Fellowship Church. And in that crew was, you guessed it, the little miss Rachel Patterson. Who knew that this complete stranger, the pastor's daughter, would become one of my absolute favorite people. The girl still tells the story to this day, "You know Carrie, I really didn't like you when I first met you…" "Yes, Rachel we have gone over this. I know." I am not quite sure what she didn't like about me. I mean, what's not to like?!?
Ok, so you should probably know if we ever do have a conversation, I am a rather sarcastic person; my whole family is (except for maybe my mom, she tries…). My sarcasm is especially heightened when you pair me up with the Queen of All Sarcasm my dear cousin, Bianca. And you guessed it again, Bianca and I were in full force on this trip. That maaaaybe could have rubbed that little lady the wrong way. Although I am sure she could share with you the "real story" in full detail as to her disdain. All that to say, she totally LOVES me now. I eventually won her over with my wit and charm and especially great advice. This is an extra good thing considering I have been her youth group leader for coming up on 3 years now.
We have studied the word of God on quilts on the church lawn for two solid years. We have worshiped together side by side lifting our voices with our ukuleles in hand all the way from the BFC sanctuary to a dormitory for special needs children at an orphanage in Mexico. We have journeyed to women's bible conferences, nursing homes, to Mexico and back… twice. I have prayed for her daily. I have walked by her side. I have heard her heart. I have watched her grow. I have watched her lead. This girl is the real deal. Rachel is the rock of our youth group and the core of our worship team at BFC. She is a leader through and through and does it all with a genuine openness, a contagious smile and a gentle heart. And this isn't even saying anything about this girl's undeniable musical gifting. She is blessed beyond imagining.
The more and more I talk about this young lady the more and more I realize how big the hole in my heart will be when she is gone. Even though I may not have "disliked" Rachel when I first met her, we did just start out as mere acquaintances. I can now say I have grown to love the girl too. Which makes this particular senior session a little bittersweet.
She is going… soon.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…" (Matthew 28:19)
While I have been here pouring into Rachel's life, along with a handful of other extraordinary folks, I have been learning first hand what it means to make disciples. Who knew that "go" for me would mean coming home?
And while as a leader Rachel too has been pouring into lives at home now she is planning to go, just as His word has instructed. She is going to do extraordinary things. I am so sure of this because out of all the things this little lady is gifted in (music, leadership, friendliness, incredible hair and on and on) the most amazing thing I have watched happen in her life over the past 3 years is that that she has allowed the hand of God to shape it. She has studied His word with fervency and has allowed it to change her life. She has remained obedient even when it was hard. She has made tough decisions in the face of adversity. She has honored her God. And I have no doubt that she will continue to do that for the years to come no matter what this world may bring her.
Rachel is an idea person. She's creative, a dreamer and determined all wrapped up into one, and I absolutely adore these things about her. About a year ago when Rachel and I started talking about her senior photos she had an idea, a painted piano in a field. Most people just thought it was a crazy idea, especially her dad who would more than likely be moving the piano. (Have you ever tried to move a piano? Those suckers are h-e-a-v-y.) But you can only imagine the visions of photo-session-lovliness that were already taking shape in my head. This was totally going to happen. Come November 25th we arrived out in the most gorgeous field with the most magical breeze and a team of strong fellas (including Rachel's dear dad and brother too) to move the blush pink painted piano to just the right spot amidst the tall grass. Voila. Senior Session Dreaminess in full effect!
Thank you Rachel for allowing me to be a part of your life, a part of your growing and a part of your super amazing senior photo session! I can't wait to see what the Lord does with your life and in all that the "going" brings!
xoxo,
Caroline
P.S. Thanks go out to Michelle Trinder Cathey for your makeup and styling magic, to Stella & Dot Stylist Lindsey Lovett for loaning us some of your gorgeous Stella & Dot jewelry for the shoot. And we can't forget a special thanks to our "muscle" Todd, Seth and Conner for helping our vision of a piano in a field come together (without too much complaining over delayed fishing adventures.)
Talk about a sweet dad...
And we even snuck in a mini-family session while we were at it. I mean, why not take advantage of a beautiful day, a magical breeze and a happy, handsome family all in one place. I <3 those Pattersons!
Credits:
Makeup and Styling - Michelle Trinder Cathey
Jewlery - Stella & Dot (stylist, Lindsey Lovett) (http://www.stelladot.com/sites/lindseyalovett)
Lovely Photo Assistant and Rachel's BFF - Lyndsey Reck
I love this time of year. I'm floating in a sea of sweet family photos to be edited in time for adorable Christmas cards and fabulous gifts over here, a steady rotation of my Sufjan Stevens and George Winston Christmas albums plus my Mariah Carey Holiday Pandora station blaring by my side non-stop. I've got a pretty good flow going on and then I realized... I haven't shared anything with you all in quite some time. So today you get a treat. Remember that super sweet and dreamy anniversary session with I gave you all a peek into a few months back?? Well, today is the day you get to dive right into that dream that is Emily & Will's love story.
When my dear friends Emily and Will contacted me about photographing their November 2012 wedding I was so sad to find that I was already booked for their day. So when they decided to get all gussied up again in their southern vintage wedding day duds for a sweet One Year Anniversary Love Session I was super excited to say the least. We recreated their wedding day as closely as possible and loved styling the shoot around the what meant the most to Em & Will. The two are a sentimental and southern pair through and through and we enjoyed incorporating these types of elements throughout.
Emily wore her mother's wedding dress that she bought for her own wedding for $15 in a thrift store in the 70s and a lavalier necklace her great grandmother gave to her grandmother on her 16th birthday that was also worn by Emily's mother on her wedding day (You follow that? If not, you just need to know that it is a precious heirloom and amazing.) The groom wore what he likes best, wranglers and his cowboy hat while both the Emily and Will had on their lovingly worn cowboy boots.
We had floral pieces designed and crafted by the oh-so-talented Ladonna Rodriguez at Hobby Hill Florist that reflected the southern vintage style of the pair, bringing in elements from their actual wedding day. And we ventured to locations around their hometown of Sebring including a local horse farm where some of the rescued horses (Emily's loves) got to ham it up too (Thanks Mrs. Grubb!). Then finished up the session at the spot they said their vows just one year ago in Highlands Hammock State Park's amphitheater beneath the oaks at sunset.
I loved being able to capture the love between these two. And couldn't help but marvel through my lens at the sweetest little pair that has evidently done nothing but fall more and more in love over their first year of marriage.
xoxo,
Caroline
Credits:
Photography - Caroline Maxcy Photography (www.carolinemaxcy.com)
Makeup and Styling - Michelle Trinder Cathey
Hair - Rachel Patterson
Flowers - Ladonna Rodriguez at Hobby Hill Florist (http://hobbyhillflorist.com)
Just a little sliver of a peek into the beautifulness that happened last night at Rachel's Senior Sesh involving a magical breeze, a piano in a field and a stunning young lady with a heart of pure gold.
Sebring, FL Senior Photography with Caroline Maxcy Photography and a piano in a field.
I admit, one of the best things about my profession as a photographer is that I get to marvel at God's handiwork day in and day out. Gorgeous landscapes, the beautifulness of the human race, breathtaking love and the gift of a seemingly simple glorious moment. But never am I more speechless than when I am stepping into the home of a family with a newborn. A little miracle. Last month I ventured to the home of Jamie, Corey and their brand new baby boy Lane. There was a simple ease about these first time parents (Corey even admitting that he had never even held a baby before Lane.) They were naturals and so evidently completely in love, these three...
xoxo,
Caroline
Tis the season of engagements. Which means next year is the year of weddings. I have never had so many weddings booked for the following year before in the history of Caroline Maxcy Photography. And I am loving it!
As part of my wedding package offerings you have the option of a complimentary engagement session. I include this because, well, I think it is good for you to get comfortable in front of the camera and for us to get to know each other a little better before I follow you around with a camera–all up in your personal business–on your wedding day. Haha. But secretly I offer this complimentary session because love stories are pretty much one of my all time favorite things to capture with my camera. It's purely selfish. I admit. And when things come together like they did for Lisa and Trevor and their Bok Tower Garden's engagement session, I die.
It was a Thursday and the skies were perfectly covered in a soft haze of clouds (ideal photo conditions if you didn't know). Which also meant we had Bok Tower Garden's pretty much all to ourselves as we wandered around the expanse of fields, and rolling hills, and oak tree hammocks, and glass-like ponds with giant lilly-pads, and quiet mansions surrounded by lush gardens. Then we headed to Trevor's family home with a tree-lined entrance like none other... and I could go on, and on, and on... But the most beautiful thing about the day was the evident love between these two. They are goofy and tender and sweet to the core and to top it all off I have the pleasure of calling them my dear, dear friends.
Lisa and Trevor, thanks for letting me tell your story. And I can't wait to celebrate your love-filled wedding day come next May!
xoxo,
Caroline
Credits:
Photography: Caroline Maxcy Photography
Hair and Makeup: Michelle Trinder Cathey
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens
It is so much fun to look back at your path sometimes and put little stars on those spots were God worked extraordinary things in your life that at the time seemed so uncertain, where your steps were shaky and the path hazy. Hindsight is 2020, they say. As much as we are encouraged to keep moving forward, keep striving I can't help but love those times when we get to look back and marvel at His plan all along the way. When I moved back to my hometown 3 1/2 years ago it was one of those hazy times. But I had no doubt God's hand was in it all (or rather it was all in His hands) but through a season of uncertainty I had to walk/stumble in complete faith. By the grace of my dear God he brought some truly incredible people into my life at this time. Old friends become closer than ever and new friends became dearer than I could have ever imagined.
I remember the first time I meet Amanda. It was in the Havery's kitchen (where most gatherings seemed to happen those early days back). Sweet and seemingly shy she simply grinned as all the fellas talked of their dear friend, her crazy beau Elic, off at college. Little did I know that this pairing of names "Elic and Amanda" would become so familiar in my life. The crazy beau Elic came home. Then Amanda jutted off to nursing school at UF. Then I watched as their relationship grew over the next few years into one of maturity, where commitment and faith took center stage. I've studied the word of God with these two over open bibles and slices of pie every Wednesday. I've prayed with these two over futures and families and faith in the Lord. And now I get to celebrate with these two as they bask in the glow of engagement (and come March, marriage!). Congrats Elic and Amanda and thanks for letting me take a walk with you two in a gorgeous park for these photos...
xoxo,
Caroline
