ERPbyAlyson

New Blog!!

2011-01-03T21:59:00.001-06:00

Hey guys, I have a new blog!!

I will no longer be updating this one so make sure and update to the new one at:

http://erpbyalyson.com/blog/

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T16:56:00.002-06:00

I pray God richly blesses you this Christmas season!! I'm not sure if the same people read my blog as last year, but I want to share again a life changing realization about Christmas. You can read it here.

Carmen and Sean

2010-12-14T16:19:00.002-06:00

My first truly cool session of the year and it was refreshing!! The wind blew a little but I really enjoyed not burning up like all the summer sessions! I had a lot of fun getting to know Carmen and Sean and hear their story. Can't wait for the spring wedding!!

Make sure and Click Here to register to see their slideshow and the rest of their images when they are released!!

Laura and Zach

2010-12-04T10:38:00.002-06:00

We had a little trouble actually getting to do this session, so we were so excited when the day arrived...Again. The first trip they made to Hartselle for the session (from Tuscaloosa) they got stuck on I-65 for 7 (seven!!!) hours. :( So I was so glad they made it down with the second time with no trouble!! I've know Laura my whole life so it is so fun to get to share in this special time in her life and meet her sweet groom. We laughed our way through the entire session. This wedding is going to be fun!!

and this is why I don't cut the grass in my front yard :)

Allison and Jonathan

2010-11-28T22:34:00.003-06:00

I have been struggling with what to write about this wedding because I am afraid my inadequacy in writing will not do justice the emotion, love, joyful, spirit-filled, blessed day I was able to be a part of. God absolutely worked out every detail of this day from start to finish, and not for two more deserving people. We laughed until our faces hurt, cried, and laughed some more. Allison and Jonathan have a love many in life will never experience. A true love filled with the Holy Spirits capacity to love beyond human ability. I could not have been more blessed to be a part of their wedding. Thanks for sharing your lives and love with me. Keep telling your stories and serving God with your lives. I can't wait to see what he can do with you together!!!

After adopting 5 children over the last 10 years, the Shelton family is full of fun and excitement I was so glad to be able to share in!!!

Allison surprised everyone with her gorgeous song to Jonathan. It was amazing!!!!

Jonathan is the youth pastor at this church and a lot of their time dating was spent playing ball on this court, so we had to play for a minute... He missed his shot. She made hers :)

Make sure and Click Here to register to see their slideshow and the rest of their images when they are released!!

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Ashley and Harmon

2010-11-27T21:33:00.002-06:00

Since Ashley and Harmon are long distance it took some planning to be able to get them in town for their engagement session. Not only was it fun to be able to work with them, but you could tell they truly love being together. It was a reunion and session in one. I can't wait for their wedding and for them to be able to be together all the time!!! Sweet Love.

Emily and Eric

2010-11-27T14:35:00.002-06:00

Oh my sweet sister!! I cannot tell you how fun it was to do Emily and Eric's pictures. For those curious, no I am not shooting the wedding!! I am the matron of honor and won't be shooting at all :) But, I did have the joy of doing their pre-wedding sessions.

Now Emily and I couldn't be more opposite. Her hair has been a million colors, I highlighted mine for the first time last year. She has never matched her socks or earrings, I'm a little ocd. I'm organized, she's messy. She's up for anything spur of the moment, I'm a planner. But she's my best friend. It took us 21 years to appreciate our differences and actually love the differences. I couldn't be happier for my crazy, beautiful sister and her equally awesome man. I took their pictures for the first time together at their senior prom :) (I might share that picture later) I love you guys so much. I can't wait to see what God does in your marriage and lives. Continue to seek God's will for your lives and he will never disappoint. :)

enjoy.

Amanda and Brandon

2010-11-23T16:16:00.002-06:00

I had so much fun with Amanda and Brandon's session. It was great getting to spend the afternoon learning more about them. We finished at my pond with the fishing gear and this is definitely the real Brandon, with his sweet companion. Can't wait for their wedding!

Allie's First Birthday

2010-11-22T16:09:00.001-06:00

This was the second time I had the opportunity to photograph this family this year and it's always amazing the difference 3 months can make. Allie was everywhere!! We actually got to take the images on her first birthday which was fun!! Happy Birthday Allie!!

Madilyn

2010-11-22T15:06:00.003-06:00

Madilyn's mom and I grew up together and have known eachother probably since first grade. It was so fun to catch up with her and have to opportunity to meet her beautiful family. Madilyn is on the move well before her first birthday and was so fun to chase around. It was a busy session but I think we caught a lot of her in it!! Enjoy!

I DON'T want it!!!

OH That's good!!! :)

Stephanie and Trent

2010-11-18T16:01:00.002-06:00

I worked with Trent on my first job out of college. We worked together while I was starting my business and until I left to go full time into photography. He always said he would get me to shoot his wedding, but I never really thought. Four years later, I get a call that he's engaged and they want me to shoot the wedding!! How fun!! It was so fun to get to meet Stephanie and I am so excited about their wedding next spring!! I also absolutely LOVED our gorgeous fall engagement session! It was a little windy, but I think it's worth it for all the gorgeous color!!

Sarah and Jamie

2010-11-18T13:59:00.002-06:00

I had so much fun celebrating Sarah and Jamie's 4 Year Anniversary with pictures!! Such a great idea! Their last pictures together had been of their wedding so we were excited to spend some time shooting and capturing their comfortable love. They brought along their "baby" Kong for the shoot and that was fun!! Thanks for sharing this special time with me!!

Holtz Family

2010-11-16T10:59:00.002-06:00

If you've followed my blog for long you know this family. They are our best friends and I love them so much!! We barely got the family session in before Judah arrived, yes Coleen is 39 weeks pregnant in these pictures, I know it's sickening :) But I truly love them, their hearts for Christ, their daily desire to serve Him in all they do, and their friendship!! (I can't imagine my life without them in it) Baby Judah will have his newborn session next week, so you'll see more of this cute family soon :)

And here's their slideshow:

Sam 1 Year

2010-11-16T10:40:00.003-06:00

Sam's mom, Jenny, and I have been friends since I graduated college. We started our first jobs together and were instant friends. It has been such a blessing to have her in my life and get to love on Sam! Though I don't see her near as often as I'd like, we love to catch up on the phone and can't ever stop talking!! I love her, Sam and her friendship. He was one of the happiest babies I have ever photographed, just smiled the whole time!! Thanks Jenny for sharing your life with me!!! Here's the little man's newborn session, crazy what difference a year makes!!

Here's his slideshow! Happy Birthday Little Man!!!

Kelly and Ryan

2010-11-11T16:46:00.003-06:00

We had a gorgeous afternoon for Kelly and Ryan's pictures. It was so fun getting to know them and talk about the wedding plans. They are so in love and so cute together! Ryan was a great sport with us carting him all over Huntsville!! Not to mention Kelly had been up all night working!! I can't wait for their wedding next summer!!

Here's their slideshow:

Katie Senior 2011

2010-11-10T17:33:00.002-06:00

I have literally watched Katie grow up, so this was a very special session for me to do!! I babysat her starting when she was about 7 years old!! So Fun!! She is a gorgeous, talented, sweet girl that I feel blessed to know. Katie, continue to seek God's will and to live for Him and I guarantee you will never regret a decision you make to honor Him. I pray God's richest blessings over your life and future. Thank you for sharing this special time with me!!

Here is Katie's slideshow:

Amy & Ryan

2010-11-06T23:14:00.003-05:00

Amy and Ryan had an absolutely gorgeous fall wedding. It was perfect in every way. A bride that seriously is joyful every moment and is such fun to be around. A groom so content in his love for her, that only if he is looking at her, could I get a smile out of him ;) From the very first time I met Amy, we were friends and I have looked forward to her wedding for over a year. It was gorgeous, sweet, full of surprises, fun...all the good stuff!! Thanks for sharing your day with me. I pray God's richest blessings over your lives and marriage.

A special thanks to all the amazing vendors who were able to create Amy's vision and surprise her with her reception!

Bridal Consultant ~ Callandra Terry

Dress ~ The Something Blue Shoppe

Florist ~ In Bloom

Reception ~ Party Plus

Cakes ~ Main Event Catering

Make sure and Click Here to register to see their slideshow and the rest of their images when they are released!!

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Zach Senior 2011

2010-11-03T23:59:00.002-05:00

I had so much fun at this senior session. The whole session was great, but by the end we were really having fun. When the rain started we just kept shooting and I love the end pictures of Zach by his truck in the rain. It's so fun when clients bring stuff that's important to them to the session. I do have to admit, I got a little nervous we might get in trouble for pulling a gun out on the side of the road! Thanks for allowing me to capture this exciting time in your life!

Here's his slideshow:

Costumes for a Cause

2010-11-03T20:46:00.002-05:00

I had really hoped to have these cuties up before Halloween but things are a bit crazy right now!! I am feeling so blessed to have a business that I really love but man am I busy! I put the girls in preschool 2 full days to have time and all I did was take on more work!!! BUT I love all my clients and I know things will slow down soon :)

Our Sunday School class has been doing small things to collect needs for the Jesse Brooks Foundation for the last year. As we were trying to think of ways to support them I had the idea for Costumes for a Cause. So one Sunday a few weeks ago we had these portrait sessions at a local park in Hartselle with all the profits going to the Foundation. We were so excited to raise enough money to support 2 of the orphans for a year!! It got us excited but also wanting to support more kids! So hopefully this will become an annual event with possibly an additional event in the spring as well!! Maybe we can support 4 kids next time!! Or maybe 10!!!

The other great blessing of the portrait sessions was that the founders of the foundation were able to come speak to our Sunday School class that morning and spent the day with us at the park. It was amazing hearing the stories of God's hands and feet working in this town of West Africa. Of needs being met, children being cared for and adopted and just the amazing things God is doing through the Jesse Brooks Foundation.

My Sunday School class just finished a study on the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. We were challenged like never before. If you read it, you most likely will want to throw it down around chapter 4 and 5, but we pushed through and have been blessed. I pray that every day God will get more of me!!

Here are the two kids we were able to sponsor for this year!!

And here are all the cuties that helped us to reach this goal!! Thanks for participating and supporting a great cause!! Of course mine are the lady bug and bumble bee (I had to have someone for test shots:) and the little flower is their sweet cousin Kylee!!)

Katie Senior 2011

2010-11-02T12:50:00.002-05:00

I had so much fun meeting with Katie for her senior pictures. I was honored she drove almost 2 hours for me to do them!! I had done her brothers engagement pictures about 3 years ago and she had wanted me to do her senior pics since then!! I hope you love them Katie! You are a beautiful girl and I know God has amazing things in store for your life!!

Click here to view the Slideshow

Brittley and Kris

2010-10-19T23:02:00.003-05:00

Brittley and Kris married on a perfect October day in Tuscaloosa. The weather was comfortable, the skies were blue, we had a fun, in love couple and great locations. With their love for the Crimson Tide coming through the details of the day, we were disappointed in the loss but still had so much fun. The groom thinks they only lost because he wasn't watching, which kindof makes it my fault since I made him take pictures :( So Sorry fellow Bama fans, that ones all on me!! (Don't tell my hubby, but I'd say it was worth it for these images!) It was such a joy to be able to capture the beautiful love between this couple. Thanks for sharing your day with me!!! Enjoy!

Make sure and Click Here to register to see their slideshow and the rest of their images when they are released!!

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Andrew 15 Months

2010-10-18T10:46:00.002-05:00

I've had the pleasure of photographing Andrew since he was born and it always so much fun to see how much they change in such a short time! This was our toughest session yet, as he has very much decided what he likes in this life and that is not being held!! He is wide open and was so fun to chase around!! I think this session catches all the faces of Andrew well!! Enjoy!!

Katie Maternity

2010-10-18T02:34:00.002-05:00

Since Katie has moved to Germany, I was so excited to do her maternity pictures while she was home for a visit. She is just radiant!! They are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Aubrey Grace and Tracey can't wait to be a big sister. Thanks for sharing this special time of your lives with me! Can't wait to meet Miss Aubrey on your next visit home!!

Kylee at 6 Months

2010-10-18T01:51:00.002-05:00

My sweet niece is here to see you again!! As always I love to photograph Kylee and this session was so much fun since she is laughing and getting so much personality!! The one thing my family knows though, is that though I love to take the pictures, family always gets edited last ;) and sometimes I have 2 - 2year old assistants along for the ride :) (Don't worry they don't come to non-family sessions :) So here is a little look at my beautiful niece and our helpers for the day... (anyone need an assistant :)

Jessica and her healing

2010-10-15T11:40:00.002-05:00

I cannot tell you how much it meant for me to do this session. My sweet friend had been faced with more over the last month than most of us have or will have in our lives. I want to share not only her pictures, but her story. Please take the time to read what our God did for her. I am so thankful my friend is alive and healthy and able to love her sweet baby girls.

JESSICA'S STORY

On August 2nd we were blessed with our second beautiful daughter, Ryleigh Harper, a sweet blessing from the Lord. My husband and I enjoyed our time in the hospital with our new baby girl and our precious two year old daughter, Maycie-Grace. We were discharged two days later and left for home to begin our new life as parents of two sweet girls.

I was so excited to get to spend two weeks with my husband and our girls. The first couple days were the typical first days at home with a newborn. We were tired but were counting our blessings. It was quite the adjustment to have a newborn and a toddler but we were enjoying every moment of it.

August 9th was like any other day. We were playing with Maycie-Grace and loving on our new baby girl. That evening I began to have difficulty breathing. I called for my husband who ran into the bedroom where I was laying on the floor. I told him that I could not take full breaths and that I felt like I had an elephant on my chest and my left arm was aching horribly. I told him that if I did not know better I would think I was having a heart attack. We checked my blood pressure and it was high. My breathing was becoming more labored so I asked him to call 911. I just knew something was not right. It felt like it took forever for the ambulance to arrive. In the meantime my husband called our neighbors to come help with the girls. I just laid there in bed trying to calm myself down so that my blood pressure would decrease and hopefully I would be able to breathe more easily. I was terrified, to say the least, I just kept saying to myself that I did not want to die. I was so scared that when I tried to close my eyes to relax, I quickly opened them because I was afraid I wouldn't be able open them again. Finally the ambulance arrived and I was on my way to the hospital. Once in the ambulance, they ran an EKG and the EMT said to the driver "Step on it and turn on the sirens. We have a possible MI". I heard the sirens come on and we were flying. I asked the EMT "What is an MI?" and he replied "A heart attack". My worst fear was confirmed.

I was admitted to the hospital for cardiac observation. Early the next morning, after blood work was taken, we were awakened by the nurse saying that my blood work came back and that it showed that I had an elevated Troponin level. The nurse left the room and I asked my mother what that meant. She explained that it meant that I had heart damage. We instantly prayed that the Lord would take care of me. The next thing I knew, I was on my way down to the Cath Lab. The nurse said that it was probably something minor but if there was an issue the doctor would be able to fix it while he was in my heart. In the Cath lab I was asked tons of questions and given medication to help me relax. They began the procedure and there I was staring at a screen that showed my heart beating. I must have fallen asleep because the next memory is the doctor telling me that I would no longer be able to breastfeed because I would have to take medicine to prevent clots in the stint that he had placed in my artery. I began sobbing. I was then wheeled out and looked up at my sister, who is a physician, and the first thing she did was smile and tell me how blessed I was and that God had had His hand on me. She went on to tell me that I had had a heart attack and that fortunately it was in a small artery and that I had minimal heart damage. As she rubbed my forehead the tears ran down my face as I thought about what had happened. I was in shock.

Back in my room I began the six hour flat bed rest. I was so tired that I drifted off to sleep and was awakened by the physician who discussed the procedure and advised that I should not have any more children since the heart attack was caused by an extremely rare condition called Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection which more than likely was the result of the pregnancy hormones weakening my arteries. It is so rare that as of 2004 there were only 151 reported cases. He advised that I had a narrowing in another larger artery, the LAD but that they felt it would heal on its own. This was almost too much to take in. In just a few hours I had learned that I had had a heart attack, was not able to breastfeed my daughter, that I could never mother another child of my own, that there was a possibility that this could happen again and that there was no set standards for treatment since the condition is so rare. The next two days in the hospital were tough. I was away from my sweet girls and was trying to come to terms with my new life at the age of 29. I decided to not focus on what I couldn't do but on what I could do. After all, I was alive.

I returned home on August 12th. It was tough to walk in the house because I immediately remembered the onset of the heart attack and then lying in bed scared for my life. The memories made me emotional. My husband took more time off from work to be with me and the girls because I was not able to be alone or lift over 10 pounds.

On August 17th we were on our way to pick up Maycie-Grace from preschool when I felt like I couldn't get my breath. Then my heart raced and I felt like I was going to pass out. I told my husband that something was not right and that he needed to take me to the hospital. I was terrified. I was quickly taken back to the ER where they decided to observe me overnight with the possibility that I would return to the Cath Lab to check for possible causes. The ER nurse wheeled my bed to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and the on call Cardiologist came to see me. At that point I was feeling fine and he told me that I would probably go to the Cath Lab in the morning to see what caused the near fainting episode. My mother came to stay with me so that my husband could stay with the girls. She barely got in the door and sat her purse down when my heart started tightening up and I told her and the nurse that it was happening again. Then my heart rate spiked from the 80's to the 180's in a matter of seconds. The alarms were going off on the monitors and the nurses were running in and out of the room. My mother, who has been a nurse for twenty four years, told me not to listen to the monitor alarms. I looked back at the monitor and saw my heart rate was extremely high and then I glanced at my mother who turned away from the monitor. I saw the fear in her face. She tried to calm me while they gave me the maximum strength of medicine to get my heart rate down. Finally it worked and my chest pain released a little. In a few minutes, I was back in the Cath Lab. This trip I received three stents in my LAD that had not healed but had dissected. I had to lie in bed flat for the next twelve hours so that my incision site could heal and for the stents to remain in place. This was the longest twelve hours of my life. Since I was in the CICU, I could only have visitors for an hour every four hours. This was tough, extremely tough. Thankfully I had my Bible and was able to talk to my precious friends and family who prayed with me and kept me encouraged. Still that was not the complete comfort I needed. I was scared and my family and friends could not be there to comfort me but there was Someone who comforted me. I had known the Lord for years but really came to know Him at that moment. He gave me peace beyond understanding. He comforted me like no one else could. His words spoke to me and uplifted me. Even in the scariest of moments, I knew that I was not alone and that He loved me more than I could imagine.

The next day I was transferred to the Cardiac Floor and was told that I would be discharged the following day. I was beside myself worried. I wanted to go home worse than anything but what if it happened again? I knew God would continue to give me peace but my mind was racing with fear. I cried and told my mother that I just wanted to have peace and not have to live in fear. This was not like a terminal illness where you would progressively get worse; this was my heart which meant I could die instantly. She sat in my hospital bed with me and we cried and prayed for God to give me peace about going home. Then there was a knock at the door and it was the physician who said he had reviewed my films from the first heart attack to the second and wanted the whole cardiac team to take a second look the next day. He then went on to tell me that if there was narrowing on the top of the LAD that I would have to have open heart surgery. I couldn't breathe. He had knocked the wind right out of me. I felt sick. I grabbed my Bible and began to find scripture to give me peace. Oh how I needed peace in that moment. I tried to remain calm for my family’s sake but I was terrified and felt I was running out of strength. My family and I prayed and I called on every prayer warrior that I knew. That day was now the hardest day of my life. I could not believe what all was occurring. Was this really happening? It was a bit surreal.

The next morning, I was back in the Cath Lab. I was quite the "professional" now at viewing my heart on the screen. I was watching the physicians’' reaction as they injected the dye into my vein. My heart sank when I saw their faces. I turned to look at the screen and saw something I had never seen before. There was a large "ball" attached to my heart and it was moving. I was too afraid to ask. I didn't have to ask, the physicians’ faces said it all. In that moment I felt this peaceful feeling come over me and felt the Holy Spirit speak to me and say "It's okay, it’s just another bump in the road". After they were finished the physician patted my shoulder and told me he wished me well and that I was going to be transferred to a larger hospital. My family and I decided on UAB. Back in my room, my sister explained that there was narrowing at the top of my LAD and due to its position, they believed it would be impossible to stent. She also explained that the "ball" that I had seen was a hematoma. She began to cry. Watching each of my family members cry was so hard. I wanted to take the pain away. I reassured them that I was going to be okay. I just felt it but there was that nagging voice in the back of my head telling me otherwise.

I was transferred to UAB that afternoon and was told that it was possible that I could have another stent inserted in the LAD or open heart surgery to correct the issue. We made calls to our church and every person that we could think of asking them to pray that the Lord would guide the physicians in their decision to do open heart surgery or stenting. I was peaceful and confident that the Lord would guide them in their decision. I stayed at UAB five long days while they researched and made their decision. Finally the physicians came in and told us that they decided it would be in my best interest to allow the narrowing to heal on its own due to the risks of the risky stent placement or open heart surgery. I was beside myself excited that I would not have to have a risky surgery but also beside myself scared that it may not heal and dissect again. They also told us that my heart function had increased from 30% to above 55% which is above normal. I immediately said that I knew who had done that! To have two heart attacks in eight days and to have heart function above normal is nothing short of the Lord.

At home I alternated from moments of peace to moments of indescribable fear. I prayed and asked the Lord how I was supposed to live my new life with the fear of what could happen in the future as a result of the heart attack and stenting. I felt Him say that my life was really no different than before because what I had before was false security. That really struck a cord with me and from then on I kept my focus on God and His word. There I found comfort. As I think back over the last couple months, I know beyond a shadow of doubt that I am very blessed to be here. The Great Physician saw it fit to heal me. He was with me every single moment. From the first heart attack where I was lying in bed too afraid to close my eyes to this very moment. I cannot begin to imagine what someone would have felt had he or she been in my shoes and did not know Him. That thought alone brings tears to my eyes because it was bearable only because I was held in His precious arms. I could not ask for better family and friends but there is a limit to human comforting and in moments like that your soul requires more. I know He had His hands on me as I recount the numerous blessings. The first heart attack resulted in minimal damage which I believe allowed me to survive the second heart attack in the artery that is referred to as the “widow maker”. He had me at the hospital before the second heart attack began which is a blessing because even though I was taken down to the Cath Lab in a short amount of time; my heart function dropped 25%. I can’t imagine the damage had I been at home when it began. It is very likely that I would not have made it. He had my mother there comforting me so that I was not alone in that terrifying moment. Although I was told that I either needed open heart surgery or additional stints, I was released to come home to heal with above normal heart function. All praise and glory to God!

I know He has a purpose for this and even though I do not fully know the purpose of it yet, I know that I will forever be changed. I know that prayer is powerful and amazing things happen when people pray and believe. I know the Great Physician still heals. I know that my Redeemer lives and that His word is alive and relevant even today. I know that peace beyond understanding is available to everyone and I know that our Lord loves us more than we can imagine, more than we can fathom. What more could I ask for? My cup runs over.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength & my shield; my heart trusted in Him & I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song I will praise Him."

My blog for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection:

http://www.myscadstory.blogspot.com/

You can view her full slideshow here: Hold onto Jesus

Tyler Senior 2011

2010-10-07T16:14:00.002-05:00

I cannot tell you how much fun I had with this session!! Tyler brought so much of himself into the session with hats, jackets of his grandfathers, t-shirts he loved. It was so much fun getting to see just a small slice of his life. He reminded me a lot of my brother (which if you know my brother, you know is a huge compliment). So fun and so real. I see a lot of great things in Tyler's future. Thanks for allowing me to capture this time in your life!

You can see the full slideshow Here

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Emily and Matt

2010-09-27T13:26:00.002-05:00

Emily and Matt are one of my couples for next summer and I am so excited about their wedding. They are so natural together and so in love!! We laughed constantly throughout the session and it was great seeing them together. They are definitely meant to be. Thanks for allowing me to share in your wedding!!

Here's the link to their slideshow: http://www.erpbyalyson.com/EmilyMattEngagement/

Avary 3 Months

2010-09-27T11:16:00.003-05:00

I absolutely loved this session. This precious baby was full of smiles and personality. Then when she slept it was like photographing an angel. This is only the second session I've done at my home studio. But I am loving the light and being able to use the field in my front yard! Thanks Ashley for sharing your baby with me. You are an amazing Mommy and I can't wait to see what God does in your life. Avary is a gift. Love you!

You can see the full slideshow here: http://www.erpbyalyson.com/Avary/

I love these shots in the basket. The blanket she is laying on is a prayer shawl given my a ministry in our church. The women make them and then pray over them before giving them to the babies in the hospital. Babies wrapped in Prayer.

Barrett's First Birthday

2010-09-23T02:01:00.002-05:00

I have never photographed a first birthday before and I had so much fun!! Maggie and I were neighbors growing up and I'm shooting her sister's wedding next summer, so it was fun to be able to be a part of this fun occasion. Barrett was such a cutie, full of emotion and so fun to follow around!! Maggie had every detail covered and the party was adorable!! Thanks for letting me share in the celebration with your little man!!

You can see the full slideshow here: http://www.erpbyalyson.com/BarrettBirthday/

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Ali Senior 2011

2010-09-09T23:37:00.005-05:00

I had the opportunity to photograph Allie's older twin siblings about 2 years ago, right before I had the girls (I actually think it was my last session before I got too big to shoot :) ~ So it was so fun to meet their younger sister Allie!! Thanks for allowing me to capture you at such an exciting time in your life! Enjoy.

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Harper Family

2010-09-09T23:16:00.005-05:00

Chrissy and I went to high school together and it was great getting to catch up and see her two cuties. After taking a while off of portraits when I had my girls, I have really enjoyed getting back into them. I don't take a lot so I really enjoy each session I have the opportunity to do. It's been interesting over the years to see my style develop and to see what I love about photography itself. What I love is the ability to capture life. The fun stuff, laughter, special moments, emotion. You can see so much in a photograph. I think that's why I end up giving the clients 200 images and not just one. I don't think one perfect family picture can do it justice. It takes all the little moments. I know it's just an hour or so I get to spend with the family but I try to capture as much life in that short time that I can. I love what I do!! Thanks Chrissy and Derek for sharing your family and little glimpse of your life with me!! Enjoy!

ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!

Oh no, I am not above bribery...I am a firm believer in it... Not just a sucker... a HUGE sucker :)

The wagon and trunk came from Tin Top in Hartselle. She has tons of new stuff every time I go in!! Pat says he's going to stop letting me borrow his truck when I go because I always come home with new "treasures" Check them out!

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Jordan Senior 2011

2010-09-03T07:39:00.002-05:00

I had so much fun with this senior session!! I had never met Jordan before the session so it was so fun to get to know her. She was a natural in front of the camera and we had a great time shooting!! Enjoy your preview!!

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Candace and Heath } Huntsville Wedding

2010-09-02T22:03:00.003-05:00

Candace and Heath were one of my couples that booked me before we even met. This is always exciting for a photographer but also makes you a little more nervous showing up at the engagement session and not knowing the couple. Well it took about 2 seconds and I knew we were meant to work together. I am a romantic, I know this is probably a requirement for a wedding photographer, but I really LOVE love. It makes me giddy and excited. Well Candace and Heath are so in love it makes me happy to just be around them. They are perfect together. The joy in these images is just a glimpse at the true joy that was part of their entire wedding day. Surrounded by loving family, their adorable niece Callie, their incredible dog Chipper (also their first child ;) and a fun wedding party, this day was full of fun and surprises!! Thanks for sharing your love and lives with me. Enjoy!

Make sure and Click Here to register to see their slideshow and the rest of their images when they are released!!

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Also a thanks to the other vendors helping to make this a great day!!

Caterer- Bubba's catering
Flowers- Jolly Green Thumb
DJ- Music Machine

Sweet Baby Adelaine

2010-08-24T17:20:00.003-05:00

It was such a privilege to be able to meet and photograph this sweet baby girl. Her parents grew up here but are living in Indiana, so I was so excited to be able to photograph her while home for her first Hartselle visit. My home studio (only for newborns :) is still a work in progress but since they didn't have a nursery here anyways it was great practice!! The light in there and around the house is perfect so I was so excited with how they turned out. I also loved the family heirloom crib she brought for the session!!! She was a perfect, gorgeous sweet little baby and I know her momma and daddy are already crazy about her!! Enjoy!!

Ellie ~ Huntsville Newborn Photography

2010-08-16T16:16:00.002-05:00

So many sweet babies!! (and I have 1 more to blog and 2 more this week!!) Ellie decided to arrive a few weeks early and her parents were so happy for her to arrive. Her beautiful dark downy hair and tiny little body were so precious I could have stayed and loved on her all day! Is this not one of the prettiest nurseries you've seen. It was just so peaceful and perfect for their sweet little angel. The butterflies were a collection started for her mom when she graduated high school, the second set for pharmacy school graduation and the third set for her first Mothers Day. Beautiful. Thanks for letting me come into your home and capture some of these first days of parenthood.

I love how tiny she looks in her crib. It won't be like that for long!!

The blanket it these shots was the Mom's baby blanket.

Allie 9 Months

2010-08-16T14:55:00.003-05:00

I had so much fun photographing Allie and her sweet family at their home last week. I always love getting to get pictures of kids in their nurseries and in their yards where they play. There's just something special about the shots being where we live. Allie is already standing on her own and will be taking off walking in now time. She was such a happy baby and so loved. Thanks for sharing your afternoon with me. Enjoy!!

Brittany and Carter } Huntsville Wedding

2010-08-10T11:15:00.002-05:00

I had an absolutely amazing time photographing this gorgeous summer wedding. Brittany and Carter light up when they are together and are such a joy to be around. Surrounded by so many friends and family their day was perfect. God was definitely looking over us as it rained a few times during the day and literally stopped as we were stepping outside for pictures. I mean seconds before we were heading out!! I don't know if Brittany even knows it was pouring during the whole ceremony!! I normally only take 2 weddings a month and was already booked for 2 when Brittany contacted me. I could tell from one conversation we were made to work together so I opened up the date. I am so glad I did!! It was such a joy to be part of this day!!

Brittany surprised Carter with the inscriptions on the band. Beautiful.

One of my favorite "first look" reactions ever.

A gorgeous shot by my awesome sister and second shooter! Great job Em!

This moment between she and her father before walking her down the aisle was precious.

We made a little extra time for some pictures at the depot before the reception. I love them!!

His "gift" from the groomsmen as they came down the aisle :)

This gorgeous event was put together by some amazing vendors that I love working with and want to give credit for an incredible job.

Wedding Gown ~ The Something Blue Shoppe ~ Hartselle

Floral Design ~ In Bloom ~ Mark and Ron are incredible!! ~ 256.519.8898

Catering by Narvelle ~ 256.830.1210

Reception band ~ Juice

Church ~ First United Methodist Church in downtown Huntsville with wonderful coordinators Monica and Billy Byars

Reception Venue ~ Round House

Make sure and Click Here to register to see their slideshow and the rest of their images when they are released!!

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Hendersons

2010-08-07T13:34:00.002-05:00

I've been photographing this family since Callie was born and it's always so much fun! McKenzie and I've been friends since highschool and our hubby's are best friends too. These two girls are full of life and personality!! Enjoy!!

And I couldn't leave without sharing this face!!

Lizzie and Chase } In Love

2010-07-27T16:39:00.003-05:00

Lizzie and Chase started their relationship earlier than most... as early as the first day of Kindergarten. According to Lizzie "It was love at first sight. ;) They automatically became boyfriend and girlfriend and continued to "date" until Lizzie moved to the new elementary school after 2nd grade." They began to officially date during their sophomore year of high school and the rest is history. This is a special couple to me for a number of reasons. I've know them both growing up and they are two of the kindest, most genuine people you will ever meet.

Chase has been battling cancer since January of 2008 and will be having a very serious and complicated surgery on August 10th and will be losing his left eye and will have to also continue chemo. I know a lot of people read this blog that don't know me personally so I ask to you be praying for Chase and this precious couple. It is so encouraging to see their joy amid trial, a true embodiment of the scripture James 1:2-4 " Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." I can't wait for their wedding next summer and will be praying it is a cancer-free celebration!!

These shots are from a beautiful plantation home in Bella Mina ~ Mitchell Plantation

~http://www.mitchellplantation.com/Home.h tml

They are available for rental for weddings and is a photographers dream!! Old barns, big beautiful trees, long fence lines, a silo... seriously an amazing place!!

Also a thanks to Jane at Tin Top for the old chest, fence piece and old quilt!! She has so many treasures, check them out!

Amber and Chad } Florence Wedding

2010-07-27T12:35:00.004-05:00

Amber & Chad married on a beautiful July day. The weather threatened all day but thankfully stayed nice so we got to venture around downtown Tuscumbia. Amber & Chad have a sweet, peaceful love. The good stuff. It was such a joy to be able to photograph their beautiful wedding and capture their love for each other. It was a perfect ceremony officiated by Amber's dad ending with "you now may Shake hands with your bride" Unfortunately Dad lost that one and Chad stole a kiss from his beautiful, laughing bride!!

See that's the sweet, peaceful love I was talking about :)

I pulled in a few of Amber's bridal portrait images that I loved and haven't gotten to share yet!!

The bride and her beautiful sister. Such a sweet relationship between them.

Thankfully we didn't fall through the floor of this old shop being renovated. I just couldn't pass it up!!!

So this was such a fun surprise. We were looking for somewhere to cool off for a second and Amber's aunt works at the bookstore so we decided to stop for a minute. Well, we cooled off for longer than a minute! I loved all the texture an personality of this little bookstore.

I love all of the joy in the faces of the friends and family in this shot. It makes me happy.

Make sure and Click Here to register to see their slideshow and the rest of their images when they are released!!

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page

Abby Senior 2011

2010-07-22T11:35:00.003-05:00

Abby is an upcoming senior and I couldn't have been more excited about this shoot. Since getting back into portraits (after taking a break when my girls were born) Senior portraits are one of my favorite types of sessions! I've know Abby since she was a toddler in the nursery at church (I know I'm old!) and it's been so fun to watch her grown into such a beautiful girl!! Thanks for this opportunity to capture this amazing time in your life!! Enjoy the preview!!

These shots are from a beautiful plantation home in Bella Mina ~ Mitchell Plantation ~ They are available for rental for weddings and is a photographers dream!! Old barns, big beautiful trees, long fence lines, a silo... seriously an amazing place!!

The old trunk came from Tin Top in Hartselle. Check them out they have an incredible amount of items!!!

Click here to Go To My Facebook Page ~ Feel free to tag yourself in any pictures or use for profile pics!!

Carter Family

2010-06-29T15:15:00.003-05:00

I had so much fun with this family last week. Not only are their children beautiful but they are so fun to be around. Jeremy is my accountant (check him out ~ he's awesome) and I've been photographing his family the last 3 years. It has been so fun seeing Sara grow up, the addition of newborn baby Sam and now Sam's a year old!! So fun! Thanks for being great clients :) Enjoy your preview!!

Since I didn't blog portrait sessions before this fall, here they are the last 2 years :)

2008

2009

Brittley and Kris

2010-06-29T14:05:00.005-05:00

It was so fun getting to work with Brittley and Kris last week. We waited as late as we could in the day to try to beat the heat, but unfortunately it was still hot. Guys, summer HAS ARRIVED! But they were awesome about it and let me take them all around downtown Huntsville!! They are so fun together and had me laughing the whole time. I am looking forward to their October wedding in Tuscaloosa!