Lauren + Jeff - Engagement Session

We don't write or talk too much about it due to unnecessary confusion for new clients, but...

Once upon a time, Simpkins Photography, formerly known as Innovative Imaging, was made up of two partners:  Ashley Daniel Simpkins (that's me!) and Andrea Simpkins Lavender.  We met in art school, became friends/lab partners, started a business, then I married her brother.  You know, the usual.  We were a dynamic business duo for 2 great years.  Then came along our sweet nephew, (Andrea's son) Eli, which prompted Andrea to opt out of the business to spend more time with her little man.  Her shoes were somewhat filled by Bryan (my husband, her brother), bringing us up to speed on Simpkins Photography history.  As you can see, when we say we're a family business, we mean the WHOLE family participates at some point in a jumbled web of Simpkins/Daniel/Lavender mass confusion.  ;-)

Having said ALL that, we now have the story of Lauren and Jeff.  This is one of two couple that were "Andrea Clients" that I did not work directly with during their wedding contract duration.  However, we have since done work with their beautiful daughter, but more on that another day... 

Lauren and Jeff's engagement session was strictly studio.  Andrea got some great serious shots, followed by the customary "cracking up" laughter that tends to follow.  The couple also brought along their pretty parakeet, Chicken.  Check out some of my faves from the Lile-Larkin engagements, and keep reading for more on their wedding in the coming entries!

Expecting Maleigh Jaye...

I'm sure I've mentioned before on our blog that my extended family is experiencing a baby boom right now.  Misty & Jason Caperton are the next in line on this long list.  I had asked earlier on if the couple would be interested in a maternity session, and I got an immediate "No!"  Like I said in our blog "Expecting Kadence," these session are always met with strong reactions.  However, after seeing our session with Melissa and Dan ("Expecting Baby Hunt"), Misty gained some confidence on what to expect from a conservative outdoor session and decided to brave the belly shots.

There were certain shots from the Hunt shoot that the Capertons loved and wanted to duplicate.  This is a very common request, duplicating something that is known to work well for someone else.  However, every session is different.  Weather changes, light changes, foliage changes, and various other things, making each session unique.  When we arrived at the park, we found that the grass was greener, the trees were bloomed, and there were a lot more people enjoying the mild spring weather.  Luckily, the park patrons were kind enough to let us get the key shots that made the Capertons book the session to begin with, and the blooming trees allowed for a different look the wasn't available just 3 weeks before.  In the end, Misty and Jason ended up with a great session, and Bryan and I got to spend some time with family which is so hard to come by with our busy schedules.

  

I think the session will be something that the Capertons and their family and friends can cherish with their family milestone.  The images will also show Miss Maleigh how excitedly her first-time-parents awaited her arrival.  Congrats to Misty & Jason, we look forward to seeing their new addition in a few weeks!

Holly + Tim 03.29.08

We met Holly & Tim Noles through a friend referral from TNT Fireworks in Florence, AL.  The couple met and fell in love like many people do; in the office!  Holly has been one of our more bubbly brides.  She was always smiling and excited about everything from our very first meeting.  Tim took the typical "strong silent approach" that most grooms tend to follow, letting his leading lady run the show.

And what a show it was!  The wedding was held in the courtyard and ballrooms of historic Montgomery Place in Sheffield, AL.  Holly's vibrant personality was reflected in the bright pink and orange color scheme.  The radiant colors sure helped bring the feeling of sunny spring into an otherwise rainy afternoon.  We made it through the outdoor ceremony (barely) before the rain rushed in. 

Fortunately, guests were able to dance the night away at the indoor reception.  More personal flair added to the day was Holly & Tim's choice of a catered taco bar from the favorite local restaurant.  The couple and their guests continued the dancing, dining, and toasting festivities into the evening, ending with a special fireworks exit on a vintage get-away truck. 

Congrats to Holly & Tim on their 3 year anniversary!

Introducing Savannah!

Sweet Savannah!  Oh she's so cute!  Savannah Riley was born March 11, to first time parents, Melissa & Dan Hunt. 

We shot her newborn session this past Sunday.  She was very alert for the first half of the shoot, showing off her pretty blue eyes.  However, after her feeding, she crashed and let us have some fun with her sleeping pictures.  Melissa brought along the smallest boots I'd ever seen, but they still managed to be huge on Savannah's tiny feet.  We also got to test out one of our many new hats.  Isn't she a hoot!  (I know it's cheesy, but I couldn't leave it there without saying it...)

Here are some of our faves, as well as slideshow highlights.

To see in HD, visit us on Facebook or YouTube!

Katie + Justin - Engagement Session

Bryan and I are probably closer to this couple than any other clients we have.  Katie and I have been friends since we were 7.  When we met Justin, we knew she'd finally met her match.  The two had been friends for years, so after they started dating, it didn't take Justin too long to pop the question.  About an hour after he did, Katie was standing in my foyer jumping up and down showing off her new ring.

Knowing the couple would have a destination wedding, they wanted something a little more personal for their engagement session.  We chose the Forks of Cypress as our location.  The ruins of this old plantation are within view of Katie's family farm.  We decided to have an autumn session so we could take advantage of all the foliage colors in the huge surrounding trees.  We also enjoyed catching the cotton before it was cut.

We had a great afternoon session.  The hardest part of the day was trying to keep serious faces during some of their pictures.  I'd have Katie and Justin look at each other, then 10 seconds later both would be laughing to the point of tears.

I've posted some of my favorites, along with their Engagement ArtBook slideshow.  More about Katie and Justin's beach wedding coming soon!

To see in HD, visit us on Facebook or YouTube!

Caden P. - 4 Months Session

We're back with cutie Caden again!  He had his 4 month session this past Sunday.  It's amazing how much he has grown since our last visit.  He's holding himself up now and has discovered his little voice!  Throughout the session, we would randomly get little screeches, sounding very similar to a little bird, whenever Caden realized everyone was watching.  The reactions from all of us, I'm sure, was an encouragement to continue his verbal endeavors...lots of "awes" and "so cute" comments, along with loads to attention and camera flashes. 

We got to see Caden's grandparent again.  It's been a long time since we've seen the Paone/Moore/Smith crowd at Melanie & Tommy's wedding, so it was good to catch up.  I think all of them seem thrilled with grandparenthood. 

Overall, I think this session turned out great.  Of course, I MAY be biased.  We got to test out one of our newly crocheted hats, which looked terrific with Caden's big blue eyes.  I've posted some of my favorites, but for complete session highlights, check out Caden's video below!

To see in HD, visit us on Facebook or YouTube!

Olivia + Michael 03.28.09

We met Olivia and Michael Chilton at our first visit to the WZYP Bridal Fair in early January of 2008.  At the time, we were still new to the Huntsville market, having done most of our work in Florence (my home town) or Auburn, where Bryan and I lived right after we got married.

So, the Chilton Wedding was our first experience shooting at Monte Sano.  Despite the bare trees still left from a cold winter, the views were breath-taking.  We did all the pictures before hand, starting with walking the grounds with the happy couple.  They were so awesome to work with.  You couldn't find two nicer people.  Even though storm clouds were rolling in, neither of them cared as long as they left The Lodge as husband and wife.

We made it through the outdoor pictures before the rain hit.  The Lodge offered plenty of room for guests to mingle without getting drenched.  One of the main things I remember from their reception is how kid-friendly Olivia had made the event.  She had special tables set up for her son and the other children, including activities to do throughout the evening. 

Overall, a beautiful (but rainy) first experience at a new location with some great people.  What more could a photographer ask for?

Introducing Caden!

Caden is another product of our fabulous wedding couples.  He was born to Melanie & Tommy on November 23, 2010.  We were fortunate enough to get him, almost straight from the hospital, for Santa portrait in early December.  He looked so tiny lost in those big white gloves!

About a week later, we shot his full newborn session.  Most newborns like to sleep and curl up in a warm blanket.  Not this little fellow.  He was bright eyed and moving all around.  I've got a feeling Melanie and Tommy will be running to keep up once he learns to crawl and walk!  See more of Caden next week after his 3 Month session this coming weekend.

Check out his slideshow highlights!

To see in HD, visit us on Facebook or YouTube!