I love photographing in downtown Columbia. The variety of architectural elements, textures, and colors create such dynamic backdrops that every session feels unique. From vintage storefronts to brick walls to those gorgeous neon signs, there’s always something interesting to work with.
This session is a perfect example of something I hear from clients all the time: “Can we even do photos in winter?” or “What if it’s overcast?” The short answer? Absolutely yes to both.
We originally had this session scheduled for the previous week when temperatures were supposed to be in the thirties. I did reschedule because I want my clients to be comfortable, not miserable. But when we met up this time with temps in the mid-forties, it was totally manageable. With the right underlayers, cooler days are actually great for photos. Honestly, I’ll take a crisp December afternoon over a sweltering July session where everyone’s sweating any day.
As for the overcast skies? I actually love what overcast light does for images. The colors are rich and saturated, skin tones are beautiful and even, and there’s a moody, cinematic quality that I’m drawn to. Sure, there are no sun flares or dramatic backlighting, but paired with the interesting architecture and vibrant colors of downtown Columbia, who needs it? The setting itself provides all the visual interest.
We explored so many great spots during this session, and the even light let us move freely without worrying about harsh shadows or squinting. Those blue hour shots at the end? Worth every minute of the cooler temperatures.
So if you’ve been putting off booking your session because you’re worried about the weather or the season, don’t. Some of my favorite images happen on days that don’t look “perfect” on paper. Winter sessions have their own character, and overcast days create a look I genuinely love. Trust the process, bring some layers, and let’s create something beautiful together.
Ready to schedule your session? Let’s make it happen.
I am absolutely in love with everything about this senior session at South 40. When this senior reached out wanting something with flowers and fields, she was originally interested in Harlinsdale. But with Pilgrimage festival prep shutting down the park, I suggested a few other options including South 40 โ and I’m so glad she chose it because it turned out to be absolutely perfect.
The timing couldn’t have been better. The flowers were in full bloom, and were a perfect fit for what she was looking for. But honestly? I think I loved the tall weeds and grasses even more. There’s something about that natural, untamed look that just speaks to me, especially when the light hits them just right.
I’ll admit I got a little nervous when I spotted some sprinkles on my drive to the farm, and we could see storm clouds building in the distance. But sometimes the best sessions happen when you embrace a little uncertainty. As we were wrapping up, that approaching storm delivered the most incredible dramatic clouds and wind that made her hair dance perfectly against the moody sky.
Her outfit choices were spot-on. That blue dress looked absolutely stunning against the dramatic sky we lucked into, and I loved how the color popped against all the natural tones around us. Her second look with the vintage camper and old car was so perfectโ sometimes those rustic elements just complete the whole vibe of a session.
What made this session even more special was getting to work with a family I’d photographed before. I had captured their family photos a few years ago during her older brother’s senior session, and there’s nothing quite like working with clients you genuinely enjoyed the first time around. We even snuck in a few family shots during this session, minus big brother who’s away at college.
If you’re considering South 40 for your senior session, just know there is a location fee of $75 per hour. I typically recommend booking two hours so I have time to scout the light before we start shooting, plus it’s a big farm and we need time to move between all the gorgeous spots. The flowers won’t always be in bloom like they were for us, but honestly, I love this location even when everything isn’t in bloom.
Ready to capture your senior year in a setting that feels authentically you? Let’s chat about creating something beautiful together โ whether that’s at South 40 or finding the perfect location that speaks to your style. I’d love to help you tell your story.Book Now.
I absolutely loved how this session turned out. Sometimes you walk away from a shoot knowing you captured something really special, and this was definitely one of those times. I had such a hard time choosing which images to share because honestly, I was in love with so many of them.
I’ve been photographing at Sarah Benson Park for years during fall sessions because those autumn trees are simply stunning. But after this evening, I’m questioning why I don’t shoot more there year-round. The summer light filtering through the green canopy created the most gorgeous, soft glow along the walking path. It gave me so much variety in such a small area โ sometimes the simplest locations surprise you the most.
This beautiful family had such wonderful energy together. Watching everyone interact, you could just feel how much joy and connection filled every moment.
About halfway through our session, the sweet 9-month-old decided it was time for bed. At first, I was kicking myself for not suggesting an earlier time to work around her schedule. But honestly? Some of my absolute favorite images from the evening are of her peacefully sleeping in her parents’ arms. These unplanned moments often end up being the most meaningful ones.
Everyone in this family was such a natural in front of the camera. The genuine laughter and easy connection between them all made my job feel effortless. Whether it was the sweet couple moments, the sibling interactions, or watching the parents navigate life with their sleeping baby, every grouping felt authentic and full of love.
This is exactly why I fell in love with family photography in the first place. When you can see the real emotion, the genuine connections, and the way families naturally interact with each other โ that’s when the magic happens. These aren’t just photos; they’re memories of how much love exists in this beautiful family.
I had such a hard time narrowing down which images to share because honestly, I loved how the entire session turned out. But that’s a good problem to have, right?
Ready to capture your family’s beautiful connections? I’d love to document the love and joy that makes your family special. Whether it’s welcoming a new baby, celebrating new relationships, or simply wanting to freeze this moment in time, let’s create something magical together.
I love when families come together for photos, especially when it involves someone traveling from far away. This session brought me together with a couple and their adult sons who came together from different places, with one making the journey from overseas where he now lives.
Mother Nature had other plans for our May session, surprising us with an unseasonably chilly Tennessee day. But this family didn’t miss a beat. They quickly adapted, switching up their planned outfits for warmer options that would keep them comfortable throughout our time together. I’m always impressed when clients can roll with the unexpected – it speaks volumes about their flexibility and focus on what truly matters: the connection, not the perfect conditions.
I always encourage clients to “dress to feel like yourself” – it’s a core part of my photography philosophy. This approach pays off in multiple ways, especially when facing unexpected challenges like our chilly May weather. When you choose favorites from your closet rather than stressing over something new, it’s much easier to adapt while still feeling comfortable and authentic in front of the camera.
This family embodied that flexibility perfectly. They quickly adjusted their clothing choices for comfort while maintaining their personal style. I was particularly impressed by how their sweaters in deep, rich tones complemented each other so beautifully against the field’s natural backdrop – creating a cohesive look without feeling overly matched or forced. This natural coordination is exactly what happens when everyone chooses pieces they love and feel good wearing.
If you have loved ones visiting from afar, I’d love to help you preserve those precious moments together. Reach out to book your session!
Fall is a magical season, filled with vibrant colors and a crisp, refreshing air that makes it the perfect time for family photo sessions. While the backdrop of nature’s beauty is set, choosing the right clothing can be an essential aspect of capturing stunning and memorable portraits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the delightful world of rich jewel-toned colors and how they can transform your fall family photos.
1. Jewel Tones: A Symphony of Elegance
Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching outfits in family photos. A more modern and visually appealing approach is to have each family member wear a different rich jewel-toned color. Consider deep wine red, royal blue, emerald green, and other luxurious hues. These colors bring an immediate touch of elegance to your photos and create a vibrant, yet harmonious, composition. The play of distinct colors can reflect your family’s unique personalities and dynamics.
2. Coordination Over Matching
To achieve a coordinated look without looking too uniform, it’s helpful to establish a color palette in advance. Discuss and choose a range of complementary jewel tones that everyone will incorporate into their outfits. By sticking to this color scheme, you’ll create a harmonious look without the need for identical ensembles. This approach adds depth and individuality to your family portraits.
3. Texture and Layers: Adding Dimension
Fall is all about cozy comfort, and this can be translated into your wardrobe choices. Incorporating different textures in clothing adds visual interest to your photos. Sweaters, scarves, and cardigans can provide that much-needed texture and warmth. The interplay of different fabrics against the backdrop of autumn’s natural textures, such as falling leaves and bark, creates a visually appealing contrast.
4. Accessories: The Final Flourish
Don’t forget about the little details that can make a big difference. Statement jewelry, cozy hats, and scarves can elevate your family’s look. These accessories can add individuality and create focal points within the composition.
5. Express Yourself
Lastly, it’s essential to be comfortable and feel like yourself during the photo session. Clothing choices should reflect your family’s unique style and personalities. When everyone feels good in their chosen outfits, it shines through in the photos.
In conclusion, fall family photo sessions are a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of the season alongside your loved ones. By embracing rich jewel-toned colors, choosing coordination over matching, adding texture and layers, and incorporating accessories, you can create memorable and visually striking family portraits. Remember to select your clothing with intention, ensuring that it represents your family’s authentic spirit while adding a touch of elegance to your photos.
During a recent senior photo session, I had the pleasure of capturing the essence of a young man whose life revolves around football. This session took us to the heart of his passion โ his high school football field.
I typically work with natural light, but this time, we ventured into the locker room and played with dramatic flashes. It was an exciting departure from my usual style, and it added a layer of intensity that perfectly reflected his dedication to the sport. It was a fun departure from my comfort zone, and the shots turned out to be some of my favorites.
After the locker room, we made our way to the football field, right as the sun was setting. It’s a location I’m quite familiar with because it’s the same school my own kids attend, so I knew that the sun would dip below the horizon just behind the bleachers.
What made this session even more memorable was the inclusion of his family, including their dogs. I often get asked if we can include some family shots in a senior session. I frequently receive requests for family portraits during senior sessions, and I’m always more than willing to accommodate these requests. Plus, it’s worth mentioning that our four-legged friends are always welcome to join in the fun.
If you’re interested in your own unique senior photo session or have a creative idea in mind, I’d love to be part of your story. Get in touch, and let’s capture your story through my lens.
Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.
I am so excited to introduce you to my second niece, Hazel Jane. One of the highlights of my life has been being invited to document birth stories. I’ve been honored to photograph 12 births at this point, but I have to say that it is a special kind of joy to have witnessed the birth of both of my nieces.
Hazel is absolute perfection. My SIL is amazing and I am so happy my brother brought her into our family. I can’t wait to get back to North Carolina so I can photograph her some more, with her sister and cousins.
Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.
I have this theory that if someone uses the word “chaos” in my portrait client questionnaire, then I’m going to adore them and love photographing their family. First of all, you’d be surprised how often that happens. And secondly, I’ve been completely correct so far. (See also “wild” and “hot mess”.)
One of my survey questions asks how you want to remember your family at this stage. This mom wrote, “How precious these years are as we watch all 3 kidsโ unique personalities unfold. I want to remember how we all love each other deeply, even if itโs chaos sometimes!”
Yes, please! You have no idea how much I’d prefer to read something like that, rather than a list of specific poses or Pinteresty backdrops you’d like included. My number one goal as a photographer is to capture those unique personalities, oftentimes with a little touch of chaos.
And really it’s not really chaos at all that these families bring, but a sense of fun, adventure, and embracing the moment. And for me as a family photographer, that’s everything.
Bonus points if they mention “beautiful light” as their main desire for a portrait location. Because I tend to also prefer simpler backgrounds with beautiful light that make the people in the portraits the main focus. This is the second time I’ve shot at Yanhali Park in Columbia, and I’m definitely adding it to my favorites list.
Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or to book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.
It’s always a special treat to photograph Senior Pictures for a family I’ve known forever. So I was really excited when my old friend Ellen booked me for her son Will’s Senior Portrait Session. She wasn’t sure where they wanted to take the pictures but said they loved textures and cool walls. After some discussion, we settled on Downtown Columbia, which is one of my favorites that few people ever pick.
While I was shooting, I didn’t realize that Ellen was taking a few photos of me. She shared them with me, so I thought it might be fun to show you a behind-the-scenes view of a portrait session by sharing her pics side by side with the ones I was taking when she captured me.
I discovered the backside of this strip of buildings the last time I shot in Columbia & wanted to shoot there again. The sky was pretty cool so I got some close-up shots and some wide-angle views. This is not an angle I would use for a grown person, but these young kids can handle it.
I love this big textured wall in Downtown Columbia but wish there weren’t parking spaces right in front of it. It’s a really cool spot to capture a lot of different angles.
I once took photos of a guitar player in front of Variety Record Shop. Since Will plays the Trumpet, I thought it would be fun to photograph him there too.
I just loved how the brown door, trim, and bricks worked with what Will was wearing, and his red hair. The colors were fantastic. Also, you’ll notice I did not include any black & white images in this blog preview. I just couldn’t do it. The colors were too perfect.
This photo, in particular, did a great job of showing how the beauty of a session location really is in the eye of the photographer. This was literally some back alley construction site with garbage all around. But the texture of the stack of bricks, the stone and brick walls, and the ivy growing in the background got my attention. And I thought the colors worked great.
I’m a little obsessed with chasing the sun.
Here we were joking about all the positions photographers find themselves in and how I’m often literally rolling around in the mud. Anything for the shot. It’s a lot more tiring with little kids I’m trying to chase and then diving to the ground. At least the teens follow directions.
I made Will play for me while taking these because authenticity is key. It felt like we were on Bourbon Street. I got a sneak peek of the theme for the Summit High School Marching Band show for this year. I’m not going to give it away, but I am STOKED. I can’t wait to see them perform.
And then here are a few more I don’t have behind-the-scenes shots of, because I am horrible at narrowing down my favorites from a session. Especially one I really enjoyed, like this one.
Thanks so much to Ellen for sharing these pictures with me so I could share a behind-the-scenes perspective of a photo session.
Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. Seeย my websiteย for more information or toย book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me onย Facebookย and/orย Instagram.
Yesterday I posted part one of Jackie’s Quinceaรฑera – the formal photos before the party. Now is the fun part – the Party at the Brentwood Country Club. It was so great to see these kids let loose and have fun after a crazy stressful and weird year. The party was absolutely beautiful. Jackie’s mom did such an amazing job planning everything, especially with the added stress of rescheduling everything multiple times because of Covid.
I love photographing families of all ages, but if you’ve followed me long, you know that my true passion is photographing toddlers. One of my favorite things about being a family photographer is what I have learned through really observing two year olds.
You see, I think it’s the two-year-olds who really have everything figured out. And somehow as we age, we lose all of that wisdom. Here are a few things I think we could learn about life from toddlers.
Assertiveness
Toddlers are really finding their voice, and they are not afraid to let you know what they need. Whether that’s a snack or a hug or they are “all done,” they aren’t afraid to let their person know. Often times, we adults are too afraid to let people know what we need. We aren’t always very quick to take care of ourselves and our own needs. A lot of our problems could be taken care of if we just learned to let others know what we desire like toddlers do.
Wonder
As a family photographer, this is probably the characteristic of toddlers that I love the most. They have not yet lost their fascination with the world around them. Everything is new and exciting and beautiful. The dog in the park, the pretty rock they just found, the snowflakes falling – all these things are a miracle to the toddler’s eyes. If only we could all hold on to that childlike wonder and be more aware of the awesomeness around us.
Only those who look with the eyes of children can lose themselves in the object of wonder.”
– Eberhard Arnold
Mindfulness
How much time do you spend regretting things that happened in the past or worrying about what might happen in the future? I don’t think Toddlers do this. They are the masters of mindfulness. Whatever upset them a moment ago is long forgotten with the current moment’s distraction. They live in the here and now, fully present always. We have a lot to learn from that.
Authenticity
This is another reason I love to photograph toddlers. They only know how to be themselves and no one else. Authenticity means “true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character.” This is something I strive to capture in my photographs. I am trying to get authentic, natural expressions from every child. I want photos that really reveal who they are at that moment in time. Not fake cheesy smiles. This is easier with toddlers because they are always, always being true to themselves. I love capturing all of who they are. Whether that is a sweet apprehensive expression when they first meet me, complete joy when we are being silly or a thoughtful expression when the notice something new.
As early as 6 or 7, I find that kids have already put up a mask and I have to work harder to photograph their authentic selves. That makes me sad.
Love
Is there anything better in this life than the pure love one gets from a toddler? There is no judgment there, no conditions or holding back. Whether it be with hugs & kisses, holding your hand or maybe even sharing a like of their sucker with you, toddlers know how to love their people.
I am now booking Spring Family Portrait sessions, or as you can see above, am happy to book you now for a winter photo session. See my website for more information or to book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.
If you followed my blog for long, you probably recognize my friend Christy and her beautiful family in this family portrait session I shot yesterday. Christy had never had family portraits shot at the Park at Harlansdale Farms, and it was a perfect choice for this fall portrait session. The weather and the light were perfect and the girls had so much fun roaming around the farm. Christy and I have been friends for years, so Iโve known Haley since she was a toddler, and Hannah & Emily since birth. I actually photographed Emily being born. They are some of the easiest children I ever photograph and we always have so much fun.
Since Christy is often my guinea pig for trying new things, I was excited to have her be the first to try out a new service Iโm offering to my clients to help them decide what to wear for their family portrait sessions. I donโt know about you, but for me, deciding what to wear is probably the most stressful part of planning a portrait session. Iโve never felt particularly good at it, even as the photographer. I often have an idea in my mind what I want, but actually finding the pieces in all the correct colors and sizes to purchase never seems to be easy. So I wanted to find a way to make that process easier on my portrait clients. Iโm happy to announce that every client will now have access to the Style & Select tool. Style & Select is an interactive style guide and outfit coordinator on the web.
When you book a portrait session with me, you will be sent a link to the Style & Select questionnaire and a password to use the service. You will then fill out the survey based upon the needs of your family. The questionnaire will ask you the number of people being photographed, their ages, and your styling preferences along with what color scheme you would like to choose for your portrait session wardrobe.
The quick results page will show you photo-approved clothing pieces for each family member and you can view outfits side-by-side while favoriting items. You can play around with it until you have selected the perfect outfit combo! Click the email button to send yourself the selected items or shop for the clothes right away by clicking the shopping cart buttons. You don’t have to purchase the items recommended. You can also use them as inspiration for shopping at your favorite store, on Amazon, or even in your own closet.
Christyโs thoughts on using the Style & Select Tool
“The Style & Select tool was an easy way to get coordinated outfits in the style and colors I like. I was able to come up with several family outfit selections without spending a ton of time scrolling online or actually shopping! I love that it offered several price points and at stores I frequently use (aka Amazon). I was even able to upload a couple of dresses we already had to make sure it all coordinated. I just love how everything came together. It was so easy to use and fun too!โ
And I am just thrilled with the results. Emmyโs dress, recommended by Style & Select, is one of my favorites. They look so gorgeous and coordinated without being too matchy. Iโm very pleased with the first session to use the service and hope that all my clients find it to be a helpful tool to make planning portrait sessions less stressful.
If you haven’t booked Fall Family portraits yet for your family, I still have a few spots left, so book yours today! I also have two spots left for Holiday Mini Sessions at Country Cove Farm on October 11. The Mini Sessions are great for small families, older kids or kids who are used to working with me. If you have a large group or think it may take some time for the kids to warm up to me, you may want to book a full session.
Wow, what a week. I hope that you are all finding some peace, love and toilet paper in this time of coronavirus, and above all, staying safe and healthy.
I know you have already received emails from every business you’ve ever associated with on how they are handling things during this time of quarantine, so I’m going to refrain from sending emails on my thoughts. But I will outline them here in case you have a session coming up and are wondering what will happen.
For my portrait sessions, these are generally done in outdoor parks or in clients home where close contact with other people is minimum. I do plan to take extra care in changing the way I do sessions temporarily in that I will rely on my words to guide you into position rather than touching you or your children to move you into the position I would like. This goes for newborn photo sessions as well.
But, if for any reason you are uncomfortable proceeding with a session at this time, please know that I will allow you to reschedule for any date in the future. Please just shoot me an email and let me know and we can postpone your family portrait session until things have settled down.
I was happen to get out into the sunshine and photograph this beautiful family of four at the Park at Harlinsdale Farms in Franklin this week. Little Chase just turned two, which is my favorite age of children to photograph. Look at that adorable smile!
I first met this beautiful family a little over 2 years ago when they booked their first extended family portrait session with me. Sherri had booked the session and wanted to have a big family portrait session with all her grandbabies. I remember that she had said in her booking paperwork that she wanted to capture “”love, happiness, grand-babies & family.”
Now it’s been over two years, and there is still plenty of love and happiness, and even more grandbabies to include. One of my favorite parts of this job is that I am able to witness families like Sherri’s grow and change over the years. What a beautiful family they have created. I love being able to capture a little of that beauty for them to keep.
Drew is the nephew of one of my oldest and dearest friends from college, Mandy. I remember him as an energetic two-year-old at her wedding. I have only seen him a few times over the years, but I have gotten to hear fantastic stories from his doting aunt.
Drew is the third of four siblings, and Mandy has gifted each of them a Senior Portrait Session with me during their senior year. His oldest sister, Jesse, was actually the very first senior session that I photographed. Then, two years later, I had the joy of photographing his sister Caroline. Now, two years after that, it was Drew’s turn in front of the camera, and he did a fabulous job.
Portrait sessions make a great gift for lots of different occasions. You can even purchase a gift certificate to give to recipients and then they can book their own date at their convenience. Let me know if you have any questions.
If you are wanting Fall Portraits sessions for your family or senior, please book today. There are no October spots left but there are a couple of November spots still available. Book yours today.
My birthday was so lovely, and my friends and family are amazing. I took lots of photos at the fair, and saw so many amazing people there. Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to say happy birthday. As always, I celebrated at the Williamson County Fair. I love the Fair and enjoy it every year, including this year.
Things that Aren’t Supposed to Change:
We had a good thing going year after year. I took my tiny, adorable children to the Williamson County Fair. They put on their little aprons and walked through the Little Farmer’s exhibit and got a photo of them picking a fake apple off of a fake apple tree.
Then we pet the real animals, look at the baby pigs, & head out to the midway to ride little kid rides, like the caterpillar and the bumble bee.
After that, since their daddy is a chicken, just us three girls would take a ride on the Ferris Wheel together. Then we’d get a funnel cake and go home.
Preferablyย the sky would be beautiful and the light would be coming through into the animal barn in just the right way.ย But I’ve come to terms with the fact that I can’t control light, or the sky.ย So that’s fine. #thingsicantcontrol
Things that changed at the Williamson county fair 2019:
First of all, who chopped down my tiny cardboard apple trees? Full disclosure…maybe my 13 and 11 year old daughters were not upset to have one less pretend farming exhibit to walk through. But I’m not ready to give up on the apple tree photo yet. I guess I should be thankful that the exhibit has remained so consistent for so many years, but the apple tree was my favorite because they caught the interest of one-year old toddler Megan and was one of my first lovely memories of the fair. Now it’s gone.
And let’s talk about that ugly double Ferris Wheel. All week long, people were messaging me and asking “Have you seen the Ferris Wheel?…. I don’t think you’re gonna like it.” Hats off to my people for looking out for me.
Iโm trying to accept it. There are probably lots of people who disagree with me and think it’s cool. Honestly, it’s probably more efficient. Usually, I’d be all about something being more efficient. But not this time. At the fair, I’m all about the nostalgia. I want it to be the same, big, round, classic Ferris Wheel that it’s always been. Not this new fandangled thing. (Yes, I do sound twice my age.)
Side note: Open up your emoticons. Do you see a double ferris wheel?? I think not. ๐ก
I was *almost* ready to forgive the Ferris Wheel for being different, when we got in line to ride it. Then I realized that the stupid thing only holds two people. What?????? But, the three of us ride together every single year. #fail
The one benefit to not being able to ride with them was I was able to get photos from a different angle. So there is the bright side. โ๏ธ
Change can be good.
Admittedly, I might be a control freak. I want the fair to stay the way it’s always been, and for my kids to stay little. I’m trying to come to terms that I have no control over either of those things.
You’d think after 13 years she’d be better at it.
Exhibits change. Apparently, Ferris Wheels get weird and have smaller seats. Kids get older and want to hang out with friends at the fair. They stop fitting into the tiny farm aprons and lose interest in milking a fake cow. I am so very thankful they love me enough to wear the apron and milk the cow anyway just for me. Maybe in a year or two they will want to bring dates to the fair. These things are inevitable.
Then she got to be a little piggy.
But that’s OK, because the new can be good too. It’s exciting to see the young women my girls are growing into. It’s fun to watch them have fun with their friends, and explore the things they are interested in. It’s fun to make new traditions.
I’m learning to accept all these things.
But I’m still not sure about that Ferris Wheel. ๐คจ๐ก
If you haven’t been to the Williamson County Fair this year, there is still a little time left. Check here for the hours for this weekend! Really, despite all my teasing, they do a fantastic job of organizing such a huge event. I ๐๐ก
We went to St. Louis 3 years ago, and I meant to write this post back them. At the time, I had decided that blogging our adventures would be something useful that I could share with my followers.ย As an ENTJ / Enneagram 1 / Type A personality, planning is something I’m really good at.ย I love researching vacations in-depth and for me, the planning is a big part of the fun. I know that not everyone feels that way (I have a good friend who practically has a panic attack at the idea of a Disney vacation because of the planning involved), so I had every intention of blogging our trips so that others could learn from my intensive research if they liked.ย It just never happened.ย And I always felt like I should do it right after a trip.ย Like if I waitedย too long, then it was too late.ย ย
But recently, a friend decided to take her family to St. Louis and started asking me about all the details of our trip. I started thinking about how much easier it would be if I had blogged the trip, to share my information with her. Then I thought, why not just go ahead and blog it? Most, if not all, of the information is still relevant and useful. Who cares if it was three years ago? So here you go. I plan to do more if people seem interested. I know I often get asked about our Disney and Universal planning as well.
Why St. Louis?
I had wanted to go to St. Louis all my life, so much so that it had become a running joke between my husband and I with me whining about how heโs never taken me to St. Louis. When I was a kid, I had an assignment to do a report on a state. We did not get to pick the state, but it was assigned to us. All my friends got “cool” states like Florida, Hawaii, and California. I was so bummed to have gotten Missouri. This was back in the olden times, and there was no internet to help us do the report, so we had to call the chamber of commerce for the states we got and ask them to SNAIL mail us travel brochures. (Kids, can you even imagine??) For reasons I don’t completely remember, I became fascinated with St. Louis, and in the Arch in particular.
So in 2016, I finally took matters into my own hands and decided that we were going to St. Louis on vacation. Iโm not sure why it took us so long. Itโs a perfect choice. Itโs only about a five-hour drive from Spring Hill / Nashville and there are tons of free or almost free things for a family to do. Our trip was during the week of July 4, chosen only because that was when my husband was on vacation for shutdown. As a point of reference, my girls at the time were 8 and 10 years old.
An Overview of Our Itinerary:
HOTEL Selection:
We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott in a suburb called Creve Coeur. We knew that we wanted to stay at a Marriott because thatโs where my husband stays when he travels for work and we collect reward points from there. One of my clients tagged a friend of hers from St. Louis in my post asking for suggestions and she ended up messaging me and being so super helpful. She suggested a couple of different Marriotts that would be fairly close to activities we would want to do.
We knew we wanted a pool, and also preferred a suite with a separate living area from the bedroom, so this is the hotel we chose from her suggestions. It was perfect. Nothing fancy, but the room was nice and big and allowed Kayla to go to bed before everyone else, and had an indoor pool and hot tub for the girls to play in. There was a mini-fridge and microwave that enabled us to bring our own food for breakfast. There was a bistro that served food and the staff was very niceโฆespecially when Megan smashed her finger in the hinge part of the public bathroom door near the pool. She screamed bloody murder and half the hotel staff came running to help us and bring us ice. (She was fineโฆjust bruised.)
Sunday: Driving to St. Louis and Magic House
As I said, itโs only a five-hour drive, so we left early, stopped for lunch, and then drove straight to The Magic House – St. Louis Childrenโs Museum. Admission was $10 a person (now $12 a person). So while the Magic House was really cool, on the day we were there (July 3, so everyone in the world was probably on vacation), it was SOOOO crowded. Itโs in this really neat old house with lots of small rooms and hallways so it was not fun with so many people. That being said, my kids loved it. I wasnโt sure they would because it seemed to be aimed at a slightly younger demographic, and there was a big room they werenโt even allowed in because they were not under eight years old, but they seemed to find plenty to keep them occupied.
There was this one exhibit where they had to follow all the clues to see who committed a crime, that even had detective costumes for them to wear. They spent FOREVER playing at that exhibit. They also had this temporary Art & Technology exhibit that Megan (my artist) really loved. She decorated a coloring page with a bus on it, then they put it in a scanner and her bus became part of this 3-D neon digital world that was being projected onto a big wall. She got to watch the bus she designed to travel through the digital town full of buses, houses, and airplanes that other children had designed.
After Magic House, we checked into our hotel, had dinner at the hotel Bistro there and then let the kids play in the pool until bedtime.
Monday: St. Louis Science Museum and Independence Day with Fair St. Louis
My husband is not a big fan of huge events with lots of peopleโฆespecially the driving/parking part of all of that, so this item on my itinerary took a little persuading, careful planning, and a little luck because I wasnโt 100% sure it would work.
Fair St. Louis is a huge Fourth of July event that included a concert by FloRida (who my 10-year-old at the time loved) and fireworks (which I love). It started at 1:00 at Forest Park. So my plan was to go to the St. Louis Science Center and Planetarium in the morning, which is also at Forest Park, and then leave our car there for the Fair St. Louis event. In my mind, the Science center was really close to Fair St Louis but I underestimated how big Forest Park is. I also wasnโt 100% sure we would be able to leave our car at the Science Center, but we got lucky. They did allow us to leave our car there, and there were buses that took us from the Science Center right to the Fair location.
I had not-so-great point and shoot with me for most of these photos, and wasn’t trying very hard, so please forgive the crummy pics.
The concert was fun. There was soooo much mud, and we couldn’t help but laugh at people (mostly drunk) slipping down the hill in it. People were absolutely covered in it. It was sort of Woostock-ish. The kids probably got a little too much exposure to misbehaving adults, but all in all, it was pretty good for their first concert, and the fireworks were AMAZING.
Tuesday: City Museum, Crown Candy Kitchen & St. Louis Arch
The City Museum is one of the neatest places I’ve ever seen. Of all the museums we visited, this was our favorite. It’s a hundred-year-old warehouse in downtown St. Louis in which artists have repurposed the pieces of old cities to build miles of tunnels, slides, climbers, bridges, and castles. It’s really neat and easy to spend a lot of time in there. It’s $21 a person for admission. I would call this a can’t miss attraction if you are visiting St. Louis!
I especially love the photo of Kayla throwing a tantrum in the “Odditorium.” #memories
Crown Candy Kitchen was a place that everyone kept recommending for us to eat, and they were not wrong. So, so good. I’m pretty sure my husband was in heaven with his “Heart-Stopping BLT.”
After dinner, we took an impromptu walk along the St. Louis Riverfront trail – a 12-mile paved trail along the Mississippi River, between the Gateway Arch and the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
So, a note about the Gateway Arch: I had mentioned in the intro that I had always wanted to see the Arch. You can probably guess that my main interest was in photographing it. I wouldn’t be opposed to also going up in it, but we happen to have two family members who are pretty afraid of heights. Not to mention any names, but to go up in it, it would have been Megan and I alone. I made the decision before we got there that going was not as important to me as finding a place to view it properly.
According to the internet, that meant going to the Malcom W. Martin Memorial Park. It was a perfect spot to get photos of the arch.
Wednesday: History & Art Museums
Wednesday was our museum day. I also had tentatively planned to go to the Botanical Gardens, but it didn’t happen because everyone was tired and ready to go back to the hotel. The Art Museum and History Museum were both free, which is one of the really cool things about St. Louis – a lot of the activities are free or not very expensive.
Three of us enjoyed the Art Museum. One of us did not. ๐ My only regret was that she didn’t throw her 2nd tantrum of the week in front of a more recognizable piece of art. It’s probably good for me to note that the Art Museum would not be a top choice for any small child, but you know…sometimes grown-ups want to see stuff too.
She enjoyed the History Museum quite a bit more, primarily because they had a section called the “History Clubhouse” that was a hands-on learning play place for kids. If you are choosing between the Art and History Museum for little kids, choose the History museum.
Thursday: St. Louis Zoo
It was raining when we first got to the zoo, but that wasn’t a big deal because they have a lot of indoor exhibits. The Zoo is a really awesome one, and the most awesome thing is that admission is free! There were some things we paid for though, such as feeding the stingrays, carousel rides, and riding the railroad train…which you will want to do because it’s a big place. We got the Adventure Pass to cover all the extras for about $12 a person.
This was Kayla’s happy place and made up for the Art Museum.
One of the girl’s favorite things was playing in a mister fan at the zoo. It’s the little things I guess.
Friday: More Gateway Arch, St. Louis Citygarden Budweiser Plant & Dinner at the Biergarten
So my husband loves me so much that he suggested a second stop by Malcom W. Martin Memorial Park to get more photos of the Arch, and I’m glad he did because it was completely different in the morning light than the first photos I took.
Citygarden is a really neat park in Downtown St. Louis with a fountain the kids can play in. They absolutely loved it. It was a lot of fun and also free, and Bruce and I really enjoyed just relaxing and watching them play. We brought them a change of clothes for afterward so we could head to the Budweiser Plant.
Budweiser offers a free tour of their plant in St Louis which was neat, but the real attraction for the kids, of course, were the Clydesdales. After the tour and hanging with the horses, we had dinner at the Biergarten.
Saturday: Grants Farm & then Drive Home
Usually, on a road trip, I feel like we waste two days of the trip driving. The great thing about St. Louis being so close to Nashville was that we were still able to fit activities in our travel days without being too rushed or tired. So before we hit the road for Nashville, we went to Grant’s Farm. Grant’s Farm is the ancestral home of the Busch family (as in Anheiser Busch) and has lots of fun activities for kids. Admission is free (yay, St. Louis!), but there are a few extras you can buy, such as feeding the parakeets, which was a favorite for my girls.
So was that useful information?
I would love to hear whether or not you found that to be useful information and would like to see more blog posts on our adventures. If so, please post a comment below!ย
The years pass quickly, and that’s one reason why Whitney wanted a home portrait session to capture her family’s Christmas traditions while Haley is still young. They wanted a session that captured things they do each year around Christmas time, like decorating the tree, making Gingerbread houses, and listening to the Christmas Story and the Night Before Christmas while drinking hot cocoa by the fire.
I mean, how can you not just feel all cozy and filled with the Christmas spirit by looking at these photos? I just love this so much. ๐โค๏ธ
What about you? What kind of memories would you like to capture for your family?
I can’t believe that once upon a time, I thought I would hate senior sessions. When I first started in photography, families and young children were definitely my comfort zone. But with some encouragement from friends, I gave senior sessions a try and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed them. It’s so fun to get to know these young people, and also to try to capture their personalities and passions in photographs. I just love that Dylan brought his guitar to this session, and my favorite photos from it are ones where he is playing.
I also love the ability to get creative with backgrounds and lighting. I can do that to some extent with younger kids, but they just don’t stand in one place for long. I love the look and variety of downtown sessions, but don’t recommend them for my young clients because it’s not a safe space for them to roam and explore freely. But with seniors, it’s just perfect. Downtown Franklin is great, but I also have grown to love shooting in downtown Columbia. It was just the perfect weather and perfect location to commemorate Dylan’s senior year.
