Right after Coleen and Matt got back from their honeymoon (see their wedding here), they wanted NewlyWed pictures. Talk about genius.

Husbands and wives who are just crazy about each other  -  makes me want to grab my husband and give him a hundred on the kisser. Times three.

Oogling at his muscles  -  being wrapped up in her smile.

Just wanting to be together. 

I think Joy from Grace Full Mama describes marriage well:

“Marriage is commitment and sacrifice. But it’s also the best, most wild ride you will ever have with your best friend.”

Love, Alicia

www.AliciaJoyPhotography.com

There is so much depth to Ashley. She is so peaceful and sweet, and just looking into her thoughtful gaze make you wonder what she’s thinking.

Sometimes I wonder at myself too, but gooooood thing I tested out going down into the creek bed first. Nothing like going muddin’ on a photo shoot.

Love, Alicia

www.AliciaJoyPhotography.com

I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone near as enthusiastic as Krissy. She bubbles over with sheer joy. Its infectious, and pretty soon everyone around her is laughing, smiling, dancing, and just having fun.

Krissy, the thought of you makes me smile. Your love for life is so vibrant! You are definitely one crazy energy giver  -  you could even say that’s what makes you such a people magnet. That, and the sheer fact that you’re, how shall we say it…beyond ready for your dad to be cleaning his gun. You are gorgeous, my friend!

Oh, and hey…when we’re up in WA next, can you and Danielle do my hair?

Love, Alicia

www.AliciaJoyPhotography.com

This wedding near the end of July was so full of excitement, elegance, and beauty.

I met Matt way back in high school at AWANA Camp. Actually, saying it that way makes it seem like it was forever ago. I’d say about three years ago. And so much has happened in those three years.

I met Coleen last year, during Matt’s sister Megan’s senior portrait session. Megan wanted her portraits on Bainbridge Island and asked Coleen, her brother’s girlfriend at the time, to be our native tour guide. Talk about someone who knows her island! She made the history of the area come alive through her animation, love for the beauty surrounding us, and the memories attached to it all. No wonder she’s a teacher now.

If I could describe Coleen in one word, I’d use bubbly. Or cheerful. Or always with a smile. Woops…there went the one word rule.

Matt and Coleen are massively in love. The way their eyes light up when the other is near. They way they are perfectly and utterly content just being together. Simply beautiful.

They were married on the island Coleen grew up in, Bainbridge, with the grand reception held 45 minutes away in Port Orchard.

Aaaaaand instead of doing an Engagement Session, they decided that right after they got back from their honeymoon, they wanted to do a NewlyWed Portrait Session. Oh yeah! Be on the lookout…new posting coming soon to the blog.

Love, Alicia

www.AliciaJoyPhotography.com

Remember that contest from a few months ago where you could enter to win a free mini portrait session with me?

Our contest winner, Bridgette, is a middle grade historical fiction writer (check out her Facebook page!). Since we had never met before, I needed to do a bit of investigating. Not detective work or anything like that. I wanted to find out where she finds inspiration to write and what places she just loves being at, so the photos would reflect her style and personality.

Since I’m no writer, I have no idea where one would find inspiration. I kind of assumed that all writers find inspiration over a cup of coffee, but was surprised to find that she doesn’t even like coffee! Me neither.

It was decided that the Tyler Public Library would be the perfect place -  peaceful, quiet and with lots and lots of books. Actually, maybe it would be more accurate to say that it was peaceful and quiet this morning…till we got there. Do you know how hard it is to keep the laughter down in a library when you’re having fun?!

Also, lots of thanks to Taylor for holding the reflector! Bridgette’s eyes just dance all the more with light!

www.AliciaJoyPhotography.com

Now that I am married, I am all the more in awe of my mom. All the little things she did for us remind me of her selfless love.

The way she’d rub Dad’s head as he read to us. The Friday cleaning days when she’d surprise us by already having cleaned our bathroom before we got to it. The mornings I’d wake up extra early to find that she’d already started the day long ago and fixed everyone’s breakfast and lunches. The way she’d hold my cheek next to hers and softly hum a melody. The innumerable times she’d put aside whatever she was working on to give her full attention to my questions. The way she’d spank us after we’d behaved foolishly. The way she’d pass on wisdom, confidence, and determination. The twinkle she’d give my way that I could just tell she was proud of me. Mom, you showed us how to love.

A couple months ago, she and my sister came down for a visit, and Mom asked if I could take her portraits. She wanted some more thoughtful, pensive-looking ones for a project she’s working on, but won’t tell me what for yet. So unlike her! And the curiosity is just bursting inside me! But I know she’ll tell me when she’s ready.

I just can’t get over how much I love your smile, Mom! I love you so.

www.AliciaJoyPhotography.com

LOCALS! Who wants to win a FREE mini session with me?

How to Enter:

After you have found me on facebook (here) and liked my page…

1. Tag yourself in this image
2. Share the image via the share button
3. Tag @ Aliciajoyphotography when you share

And that’s all there is to it!

The winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on February 21st on both my facebook page and blog.

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Posted February 21st:

And the winner of the Free Mini Portrait Session issssss…Bridgette Booth!!! Congratulations! So very excited to hear what ideas you have for what you want your mini session to look like!!!

www.AliciaJoyPhotography.com

Wanna show off what your kids want to be when they grow up?

Appointments will run every 20 minutes, but I will be booking in 30 minute time slots.

To book, email aliciajoyphotography@gmail.com with the time slot you would like along with the name and age of your child, and I will send you a PayPal invoice.

No extra times will be added, so please make sure you pay for you time slot to ensure you have a session.

I will keep and updated list of the available time slots here on the blog with your name and the time you booked so you know your time was for sure booked. Once you are booked, I will be sending you a detailed email confirming your time slot.

Your high-resolution pictures will be emailed to you within two weeks with a print release. NO CD’s will be given for this mini event.

Time Slots

• 10:00 am
• 10:30 am
• 11:00 am
• 11:30 am
• 12:00 pm
• 12:30 pm
• 1:00 pm
• 1:30 pm
• 2:00 pm
• 2:30 pm

No refunds will be given if you cancel unless your time slot can be filled by someone else.

www.AliciaJoyPhotography.com

Some of the best bbq I’ve ever tasted!

So cute…the bride and groom had the kids come up for some cake after they fed each other.

During the reception, they had a raffle drawing to determine the winner this bike.

www.AliciaJoyPhotography.com

Erin and Garrett added so many fun little touches into their wedding, mixing traditions with a country feel, and showing a whole new way of approaching the concept of “Here Comes the Bride!”

Here comes the bride!

 www.AliciaJoyPhotography.com