He Hears Me – My First Styled Shoot

I know God always hears me but it’s really cool when I get to see that He hears me…even the things that aren’t spoken but just thought of in my heart.  It’s one way He lets me know He sees me and loves me.

It was quite awhile ago that I dreamed of doing a styled shoot.  It had become “the thing” in the industry to do a styled shoot with local vendors.  Doing these types of jobs is a great way to mingle and get to know vendors in your area and have full control over what you get to photograph.  At the time I was very busy and honestly didn’t know where to begin with a styled shoot.  Then it happened…I knew God had heard my heart when I met with Shea of Shea Hopely Flowers to design an ad for her.  I mentioned I wanted to do a styled shoot, she got on board, and ran with it.  By just a few days later she had pulled together some awesome local vendors and a venue for our shoot.  Holy Cow!  I just got to show up and photograph the beauty they pulled together.  It was such a great experience with everyone and I couldn’t have been happier with the way it all turned out.  It was like God really did see my heart and answer it just perfectly.  He’s so wonderful!  I still look back on that shoot and think it was a turning point in my business and I can really only thank God for it.

Thanks to everyone that helped and donated their time and talent:  Beach View Rentals - the linens and such, Ribault Club - one beautiful venue, Chef’s Garden - delicious food, and The White Magnolia - gorgeous dresses, Shea Hopely Flowers - one of my all time favorite florists, Shannon Sallas – makeup artist, Teresa Peterson – hair stylist, and our real life couple Amber & Trent.  Also, a huge thank you to Wedding Event Style for picking up the spread and using it in the magazine and for the cover.

A little prep…

Until later…

www.meghanstewartphotography.com

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Melanie & John

Meet Melanie and John – I first “met” Melanie over the phone while she was in medical school in Minnesota where she met her Dr. fiance.  We talked for a long time but it seemed to just fly by because we “got” each other.  Our personalities seemed quite similar and I think we both got equally excited about the possibility of working together for her wedding.  I was super stoked when I got the message that I would get to meet her in person and celebrate her and John’s wedding day with them.  Then I actually met them both when they came in to town to do some wedding stuff.  We met at Classic Cakes to taste some delectable bites and then headed off for a fun engagement session. Melanie & John, even though having been awake for far too long and traveling, did an amazing job in front of the camera.  I loved witnessing their love, how comfortable they were with each other, and the joy that they share in each other’s presence.  I’m super stoked for the March wedding and I know their day and marriage will be something lovely to behold.  Presenting Dr. John and soon to be Dr. Melanie…

Be sure to leave us some love with a comment…

 

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Jeff & His Kids

Jeff’s thoughtful girlfriend and beautiful daughter and handsome son put a surprise photo shoot together for him for his birthday.  I thought it was really sweet that he wanted new pictures of his kids for his home…what a guy!  I loved that they brought along plenty of things to do while we were at the beach.  They actually showed up to the shoot on their bikes because, well they live a block from the beach.  Then they had fun doing the things they enjoying doing while spending time together…throwing the football around, playing bocci ball, and cruising down the beach.  They were such a great group to hang out with and reminded me what is important in life…family.

Oh, yeah!  So apparently they are all on the phone A LOT!

Grandma!

Until later…

www.meghanstewartphotography.com

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Lindsay & Pete Are Married

There are so many emotions a bride can experience on the day of her wedding.  Some are just so ecstatic and overjoyed that they are a ball of energy and smiles.  Some are a bit nervous about the unknown life of a married woman.  Others are tearful thinking of how blessed they are to be marrying their best friend.  Lindsay was the later. She teared up as she dressed, she cried with her mom and dad, but there was no concern of being afraid.  She was just thankful and happy.  Happy tears are always the best. Pete, on the other hand, was cool as a cucumber and keeping everything rolling along.  A perfect pair if you ask me.

The day was lovely.  Everything ran smoothly, was beautiful, and a total blast.  Their reception was so much fun that  Steph, my totally tubular second shooter, and I couldn’t help but get our jiggy on through the soul train at least once.  I left not feeling like I had worked but enjoyed an evening celebrating with friends and with me I carried the proof of love.

Lindsay and Pete – You guys are awesome and I am so happy for you.  May your life together be abundantly blessed.  Meg

Until later…

www.meghanstewartphotography.com

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An Evening at the Beach

Ann and Even came in to Jacksonville for her sister’s wedding and while they were here we spent some time at the beach together.  We had a great time bumming around, taking in the local flavor, and enjoying the sand and sea.  I’ve always loved watching the bond between a mother and her child and the connection Ann and Evan have is nothing short of beautiful.  I loved how they laughed, cuddled, and played together.  I’m sure they’ll be dear friends for many years.

Until later…

www.meghanstewartphotography.com

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Matt & Courtney – Happy Anniversary

It’s my favorite when I meet a couple and they seem to have been my friends for ages.  That’s how I felt just minutes after introducing myself to Matt & Courtney.  They met in the military, fell in love, and then they had to make a decision.  He was to be sent in one direction and she in the other.  Did they love one another to make their love be a forever thing just months after dating?  YES!  They got married and they’re still in love and it’s working.  I’m always amazed at how different each relationship is and what love is like for each couple.  I loved Matt & Courtney’s story and I wish them all the best and many blessings.

I love their romance, laughter, and friendship.

Until later…

www.meghanstewartphotography.com

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Elizabeth Turns 2

I think two is a fun and adorable age (aside from those two year old tantrums).  Elizabeth totally fits the bill of adorableness with her inquisitive looks, abandoned laughter, and cuddles for comfort.  Then well, just look at her, can we not say what a gorgeous little girl!

As always, I had a wonderful time hanging out with Elizabeth, her family, and her friends to celebrate her birthday!  The Elmo cake was perfect and all the activities (the best was just running circles through the house) led to lots of smiling on those cute little faces.  A great time was had by all and the party was a success…at the end Elizabeth was ready for her cuddles.  Enjoy!

 

Until later…

www.meghanstewartphotography.com

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Will & Jamie said “I Do”

Jamie is just the sweetest person you’ll ever meet.  She has a quiet, gentle spirit about her that you can’t help be drawn to and it’s mixed with a good dose of fun.  It was no surprise when I met Will that they were match for one another.  He’s full of adventure and kindness himself.  I was so honored and excited to celebrate with them on their gorgeous wedding day.

Jamie & Will, thank you so much for having me there on your big day to document your love for one another.  I with you all the best! – Meghan

Until later…

www.meghanstewartphotography.com

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Waiting For Anna Claire

My friend, Laurie Ann, and her husband, Beau, traveled from Georgia to spend a couple of hours with me to photograph this special time in their lives.  We had a wonderful time and the light was just scrumptious.  It was fun to hear the excitement in their voices as they talked about the coming arrival of their little angel.  It was also the first time I had met Beau and it was wonderful to see how much he and Laurie love one another and complete each other so perfectly.  I couldn’t be happier for these two…and wait until you see little Anna Claire…ADORABLE!!!

For now enjoy the anticipation…

Beau is a big time hunter so this camo onesie was just perfect.

Their first child.

Until later…

www.meghanstewartphotography.com

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Finley Turns One

First off…isn’t his name just great!  I love different names and it’s not too often you hear of a Finley.  Finley’s mom and I were roommates for a bit while she got ready to marry his dad.  Liz and Adam are so perfect for each other and when little Finley came along I couldn’t be happier for the pair.  They’ve done a great job raising him thus far and I was so excited to be invited to his 1st birthday party.  It was a great, relaxing (as only Liz & Adam would have it) time with friends and family to celebrate their adorable little boy.  So, here’s to Finley…

Happy Birthday, Finely!

Until later…

www.meghanstewartphotography.com

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