Very Merry Military Minis-a way to give

Fall is finally here, literally my favorite time of year. The leaves change, the weather chills, the clocks get set back an entire hour and life is as it should be. At least for a second anyway. This week I had the privilege of giving back to some really special military families whose spouses are deployed.  I an other surrounding area photographers gathered together last week for a program called Very Merry Military Minis.  Very Merry Military Minis or VMMM for short is a program for families with deployed spouses or family members giving our deployed loved ones the gift of beautiful pictures of the ones they love the most.  All around the United States there were VMMM's happening at various military posts.  We all set up all sorts of unique Christmas themed photo booths and took turns taking pictures during the day for some really deserving families.   Since this week we are celebrating our veterans, I thought I would show a sweet family that is waiting on theirs to return. This year I had the privilege of getting to participate in Very Merry Military Minis. If you would be interested in helping coordinate, assist or help photograph for  please click on the link (Very Merry Military Minis) and sign up and help us give a gift that keeps on giving.

Also Check out our cool video created by Simply Beyoutiful Photography

https://youtu.be/l9qb0nhcm0s

A big thank you to all our Volunteers who helped Make Very Merry Military Minis Fort Eustis a success

Our founder of Very Merry Military Minis  Laura Flemming from Laura Flemming Professional Photographer

Newport News Parks and Recreation for letting us hold our shoot at their location,

Jenn and Jon Hugo from Simply Beyoutiful Photography   

Ashley Sloan from Sloan Photography

Sarah Nolan from Sarah Nolan Photography

Megan Reed from Reed Photography

Heidi Calma from Heidi Calma Photography

Schyler Rae from Schyler Rae Photography

and my family, they helped in all sort of ways to make this event possible.  Thank you !!

It's all about the Love!

It's the beginning of fall, but for whatever reason I feel like singing the L.O.V.E. song.  That's how it felt photographing this sweet, sweet family.They have been one of my favorite clients that I have photographed over several occasions. Brandon and Jessica hail from Alabama.  They may be a house divided on their Alabama football loyalties, but they are ever so together on how they feel about each other and their little family. To top it off, they have some of the sweetest girls you will ever see.  The ever so compassionate Lily, who looks at you with her soft brown eyes and gentle smile, and her precocious little sparkly-eyed sister Kinlee.  In tribute to them and to the L.O.V.E. song I thought it might be fun to share some of their shoot with you and throw in a sweet tune so click on the tunes and gander through their session! If you want to know the real reason I do what I do? It's all about the Love.

[embed]http://youtu.be/WPGEYRhQ_Kg?t=13s[/embed]

The Camps fields of gold

It was so great getting to go back home to my old Oklahoma stomping grounds.   It may not have the foliage Virginia has, but the feeling of home cannot be beat.  What better than the opportunity to work with some really special clients I have known these kiddos since they were knee hi to a flamingo? This year I wanted to do something a little outside the box of what I normally do.  I love that all my clients are willing to join me on the adventure.  When things click between you and your client, there is no such thing as a bad moment.  They may have left with a few skeeter bites, but all in all it was quite the day!

These are a few of my favorite things...about Burberry

Have you heard the good news? Buzy Bee Photography has been featured in Tidewater And Tulle !  This a fantastic Wedding Blog that is a must read for all things bridal. So I thought in celebration of our publication I  would write about some of my favorite things from the Burberry shoot or as it has lovingly been referred to as  #ProjectBurberry .   With the tune from the Sound of Musics playlist "Favorite Things" I will commence with the count down.  

Fantastic locations with real cool details.

Our shoot took place at the New Kent Winery. From the recycled bricks to well laid out grounds. The owners of New Kent spared no expense to create this amazing winery and some award winning wines.  If you get a chance, go take a tour!

beautiful roses and swags that have long tails.

Catherine Gustafson with Distinctive Floral Designs created this gorgeous swag and wedding bouquets for our bridesmaids and decor that tied in perfectly with our equestrian Burberry theme.  I loved it!

A cream colored cake decorated with leather and metal links..these are a few of my  favorite things..

Anna Lily with Bella Cakes created a 5 layered masterpiece that tied in the equestrian portion of our Burberry shoot.  Between the leather, metal bit details and colors she used this cake was simple yet elegant.

Little Boleros and plaid vests with leather...

Dutch with RicLamar Clothing  was a true artist creating masterpieces from scratch and with some of my unique finds. I am always amazed at what he comes up with.

Creative graphics used in banners and seating, little note cards and invites that made our themed shoot sing.

Tricia  with Labyrinth Productions brought our shoot together with her creative flair with graphics.  The  addition of plaid to all of her creations was perfect!.

Tables that are laid out with goodies and teas..these are a few of my favorite things.

Amber and her mom of Inspirations Event Planning worked with me to create these talkative tables.  I loved the layout of all the florals, teas and English inspired sweets. The equestrian accents and quirky table runners were a sweet touch as well.

Hair dos that are tosseled  in loose braids and styled hair. Trimmed beards and side burns, crazy curls  that were pinned everywhere.

Kim of Hair by Kim was an artist at creating these updos and tousled looks for our models.  I love how beautifully her hair styles looked with the tailored clothing.  Opposites definitely attract!

Makeup that made our bride glow in the spring!! These are a few of my favorite things!!!

Keren with Makeup by MUA LLC brought a  European Vogue type feel to our shoot. Armed with two assistants Harmony and Niah , they enhanced our models beauty and helped create unity with all the looks.  Well done ladies!

Before I go, I want to thank Kim Scott Pike for her wonderful Equestrian  prop additions along with Caitlyn of Caitlyn Gerres Photography as my second shooter.  All our models (Corey Swann,Taylor Sites, Sierra Stone, Keren Robinson, Sam and Zach Keller) that braved the cold and made it look effortless.  It truly takes a village to make an amazing idea come to life.What once was a scarf and a notebook of scribbles became a colorful quirky beautiful shoot!  I hope you have enjoyed the list of My favorite things and consider using one, some or all of these talented people and venues to help you create some of yours!

Green is the new Black

As February blows and snows it's way thru the rest of the week, March is fast upon it's heels.  "'When March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb." (http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm)  Check out this website for more interesting facts about March.  To kick this March off, I wanted to challenge myself to try out different types of photography.  I am in love with how this one came out.  This session really showed me that the only thing I am limited by is myself.  Darkness is not always the friend of a photographer.  You need special equipment and lenses and working knowledge of flashes.  This session was unique because it put my night shooting skills to the test.  I and my fellow photographer Jessie Silva with Schu's Shoots Photography (www.schusshoots.com) had a bucket list of ideas we wanted to try.  Armed with camera's, lights, scarves and our amazingly cute couple Chandler and Kristi,  we shot the night away. It was really neat to see how the light changed the session, from being a soft beautiful moment, to one that was moody and mysterious.  I loved how the light picked up the colors in her hair and really created a dramatic moment.  Today's blog is  inspired by Kristi's cute green coat, and since we are entering the Month of March, as far as I am concerned "Green is the New Black".   Overall, I really enjoyed this session, I learned so much from my fellow photographer and now know that I am in need of a few more pieces of equipment. I feel liberated from where I began, and now I am no longer limited by the light, I am empowered by it.  So with that I hope you enjoy this Kick off to March Session with Chandler and Kristi.  I will leave you with this little Irish saying " May neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and Heaven accept you."

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Being from the South, Snow can be something that's rare.  Ice and wind are the elements of choice when it get's cold.  In Virginia, you can get it all, but where I am located, snow isn't always on the weather map for us.  The further inland you go, the more weather you get :) . Well this week we have been doused, and doused again with snow.  It's cold..I mean 8 degrees is no joke! A tradition we have at my house when we get such weather is to go outside, no matter the temp and get a beautiful picture.  I have done so with each of my daughters, and there is something about the purity of snow, the soft flakes falling, and their dancing eyes that make me love keeping that tradition alive.  You may not get but a dusting of snow, it might be a sea full of leaves, get outside and  be apart of the world you live in.  Get out of the house, shake off the dust, thrown on some lips and get outside and take those pictures.  That will be the most precious moment your loved ones could ask for.

Wedding Planning 101 – The first steps!

 

I want to give a big welcome to a colleague of mine Amber Roberts with Inspirational Event Planning.  We are working together on  # Project Burberry. She has some fantastic advice on how to plan a great wedding!  So for those of you that are preparing for that moment, or have a special friend who might be, this blog is for you!

You found the love of your life! You have the ring. Now what? These 5 steps will guide you through the first part of planning your Big Day!

Step 1: Start a wedding binder. This binder will help you organize everything you will be planning and doing until wedding day. Some of the things in your binder should include pocket folders, a notebook, a calendar, plastic sleeves and tabbed dividers. Whenever you are out, collect wedding-related magazines and brochures and store them in this binder. When you visit bridal shows or local businesses, take a flyer and place it in the binder. Categorize your brochures by vendor-type, for example, all photographers in one place, all caterers in another, and so forth. Inspirations Event Planning Co. will give you more tips on how to organize your binder effectively – A FREE service that we offer!

Step 2: Choose a wedding date! Your wedding date should be something very special. Choose a day during your favorite season or a significant day that means something special to both of you! Tip: Choose a date at least 6 months away so you have enough time to plan everything. Always have a backup day in mind just in case your favorite venue is booked on your first choice.

Step 3: Interview our Certified Professional Wedding Planner! Don’t feel alone and seek the experience of a professional. Hiring a professional wedding planner will save you time and frustration. Our wedding planner is already familiar with the planning process and the business that you will need to hire for your wedding day (we call these “vendors”). Our wedding planner will help you make decisions based on what is available, will keep your timeline and budget on track, and guide you throughout the entire process. Our planner knows the exact questions to ask vendors and may even be able to negotiate prices for you! Did you know that we partner with local vendors who offer a discount when their services are purchased through the planning firm? We also offer packages from monthly consulting sessions to full-service packages so there is something for everyone! Note: Wedding Planners can also be called, “bridal consultants,” or “wedding coordinators.” All of these titles are used interchangeably.

Step 4: Start the guest list! Determine the approximate number of guests who will attend your ceremony and reception. Begin collecting addresses and store them in your wedding binder or give them to your wedding planner for safe-keeping! For tips on how to start a guest list and maintain it, contact Inspirations Event Planning Co.

Step 5: Locate and secure your venue! Because this step is so important, seek the advice of our professional wedding planner who knows exactly what questions to ask the venue staff. There are several things to consider when choosing the location for your wedding. Do you want a church ceremony? Do you want the ceremony and reception at the same place or on different sites? Do you want everything indoors our outside? How many people will the building accommodate? What amenities does the venue offer? We have a full list available exclusively for our clients! Once you have selected the venue for your Big Day, pay the deposit to secure your date as soon as possible.

These are just a few steps required to plan your wedding. We have many lists available to our clients to help your planning experience to be as pleasant as possible. We want you to enjoy being the star of your big day instead of running the show. Leave the directing to us!

Amber Roberts, Certified Wedding Planner Inspirations Event Planning Co. www.inspirationseventplanning.com www.facebook.com/inspirationseventplanning For more information, call (757) 343-4307!