Friday, August 5, 2016

Team Noah - Update.

I got to see baby Noah this past weekend!  I also got to see his awesome Mom, Canny,  who looked nothing less than gorgeous.  Noah was waving and moving about, it was amazing to watch.  Holding his Mommy's hand and letting us know when he was ready for us to leave.  Kids got spunk, you can tell already. 
He is now up to 1lb 12oz.  Canny says he has had one really bad day, but other than that he's been holding on to his health and fighting the good fight.  
I will be updating progress again next week! Please continue to keep baby Noah and his Mommy in your thoughts and prayers.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Team Noah - A NICU Story.

Meet Noah.
Noah was born July 9th, weighing 1lb 3oz, 12 inches long.  Noah was 15 weeks early.  He's been fighting like a champ in the NICU at MUSC Charleston for the past 9 days.  

Meet Canny. 
 She's one tough Mother.  Literally.  A first time, single Mother who was diagnosed with Preeclampsia, a nightmare for pregnant mothers.  She developed pneumonia and in the midst of trying to save her son, found herself in a battle for her own life.  

Meet The NICU. 
Infants born prior to the 37th week of pregnancy are considered premature babies. These babies spend their first months calling this place home.  It is becoming more and more possible to deliver healthy babies earlier and save the lives of babies born as early as 24 weeks.  Of course, none of this would be possible without the well trained doctors and nurses who dedicate their lives to saving these babies. I had never been to the NICU.  Now that I've been, I can tell you that no matter who you are or why you're there, you are fully aware of the war being fought when you enter the doors. 
This is what a NICU family waiting area looks like at 9:00am. The only occupied room was the "Quiet" family waiting area next door, where families where sleeping on makeshift cots.  The clock was a reminder of time and all it's preciousness that we take for granted daily.  Time is the at the core of the the fight for a preemie and his/her parents.  
Meet The Ronald McDonald House
rmhc_global_logo_white-box.jpg

RMHC is the catalyst to create a world where children have access to quality health care and their families are able to better comfort and support them while actively participating in their care.  This is their actual mission statement.  They provide houses, private rooms, care mobiles, grants and scholarships to those in need all over America.  They have been housing Canny since she was released from the hospital last week.  They are an amazing organization that is deserving of any donation or volunteer time that you may have to give.  Click here to find out more about how you can get involved. 

 
 
Noah and Canny could use as much love an prayers as they can get.  I will be updating Noah's progress every few weeks.  I look forward to watching him grow and get stronger.  He will be learning from one of the strongest!  #TeamNoah

Monday, July 18, 2016

Odom + Graham Wedding - Rock Hill, SC

I remember watching The Lion King (repeatedly) with Zachary when he was a boy.  Sitting on the floor, 2 feet in front of the television, in the dark.  His big brown eyes wide open, cheering on Simba hour after hour.  I was always impressed with his love and admiration for this movie regardless of the amount of times he'd watched it.  I've watched him look at Hope with similar admiration, his long time love and brand new bride.  I've know since he was 2 years old that he was a boy with a loyal heart.  I'm so excited for these two!  Even though I'm far away, and have been since Zack was young, I've always had a special place for Zack and Spencer.  Congrats to you and Hope.  She is a lovely and welcome addition to the family.

 Part I - Getting Ready

Andrew Jackson State Park was the perfect venue for the Odom + Graham wedding! The cute little blue schoolhouse was a dream for a photographer.  

 

Part II - The Ceremony 

I totally fell in love with the rustic ambiance that the amphitheater had to offer.  From the ceremony, to the cupcakes, to the dancing, this was the place to be! 

Part III -Bride + Groom
What a handsome couple...  I'm not shocked that these two shined so bright on their big day.  Doesn't take much to make diamonds shine.  Just sayin'.

Part IV -Bridal Party

Apparently my little cousin and his gorgeous bride only associate themselves with attractive/intelligent people.  Who knew!?! 


Part V - Family, Friends, Festivities + DANCING.

Good looking' families too... guess that old saying about two beautiful people having ugly babies was just a lie.  (Could be biased).  : ) OMG... the dancing... I did not expect this.  These people can bring down a house!  Zachary and Hope (and both sets of parents) can really dance! 


 Part VI - The Details

I LOVED the rustic decor at this wedding!  Every dining table was adorned with antique trinkets that have been collected by the parents of the bride.  Each piece carefully picked with love.  An eclectic mix with a strong artistic feel.  From the scrabble board to the handwritten seating cards, this wedding was absolutely amazing!

 





I cannot explain how grateful I am that I got be a part of a such a wonderful day!  My little cousin is a man now and he's found such a beautiful, kind, and smart woman to spend his life with!  Congrats....let me know when I need to schedule the maternity shoot ; ).  


I would love to document your day as well!  Contact JW Picture Studio to book your 2017/2018 wedding today!