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Two years ago today, this man made me the happiest lady on the planet. After dating for exactly five years (and LOTS of tests and trials) he still wanted me? I still scratch my head over it, but I thank my God everyday I’m alive and for John Thomas Ginn. Now seven years later, here we stand on top of our own little planet.

I once saw a snide comment on a Facebook account mentioning how couples who constantly publicly post their love and affection towards one another are fake and do it all for show. To those people who say/believe that, I say to you, you can kiss my ask.

Today of ALL days, I received a Facebook message from a person who will remain nameless. They said they were amazed by the pure and simple love John and I have for each other, and asked if I had any advice on how to get that same spark back in their relationship. I was speechless.

Obviously I believe John and I have a rare love for one another. In a broken world, where nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce how am I so positive that we’ll be together till death do us part? Because it was written long before I even existed, that’s how I know.

Some of you have seen this saying above, and even associate it with me. I had a sign that said it at our wedding, and a framed print of it in my house. Some of you have probably even questioned it. Let me try to briefly explain myself.

Every morning John leaves for work around 8:30am. I anxiously wait by my phone for a text that simply says, “I’m here, I love you.” And every morning, I quietly let out a sigh of relief, and say a quick prayer to God thanking him for keeping John safe and alive. Why do I do this? Because I’m a psycho, that’s why. No, I mean, they don’t call me Krazy Kelly for no reason at all, but there’s more behind my love for John. Maybe the fact that I lost two friends in car accidents within the last six years has something to do with me not taking one minute with John for granted. OR, or… Maybe it’s because I lost John once (ok, now I’m crying) because people (I) make stupid decisions, and let the wrong person slip through their (my) fingers. Maybe it’s because I look back at the decisions I regret the most in life, and realize it’s because I was selfish and didn’t see who was there for me all along. John. Maybe it’s because I remember what not having him feels like, and knowing I never want to feel that ever again. Maybe it’s because I know life is beautiful and short, and I want every moment with him. Maybe none of those statements should read ‘maybe‘ at all.

So no, my obnoxious, constant, public love for John isn’t fake, or smoke and mirrors, it’s me being thankful and so in love with every minute of my life with him.

Dear John,

You’re my hero, my best friend, my soulmate, and my rock. I can’t fathom life without you.

To the person who taught me to forget negative people and hold on to the ones who love and support me.

To the person who ALWAYS finds my chapstick (I swear you’re magic)

To the person who stands up for me, even when I’m wrong.

To my teammate.

My cuddle buddy.

To the person who motivates me and taught me to work until my idols become my rivals.

To the cover hog, sleep talker, and worst secret keeper EVER, I LOVE YOU.

Happy 2nd Anniversary my love.

These have been the best seven years of my life, and I can’t wait to be an old fart with you.

This post is for you.

“I’ve had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.”

(Note: Image 1-5 taken by Emily Chidester. Wedding Photo: Morgan Trinker)

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  • October 22, 2013 - 8:06 pm

    Emily Chidester - Love John. Love you. Love the nug. You guys are the best and I love your love!!ReplyCancel

  • October 24, 2013 - 12:22 am

    Emily W. - Kelly,
    I don’t know you at all, but when I read your blogs and look at your pictures, I feel like I do. This was beautiful and I thank you for sharing it. I totally cried. I hope someday to have a relationship as beautiful as the one you have with John! Its really inspiring!ReplyCancel

You may notice that this particular post is extremely different from most of my posts. Normally you’d find a young couple in love, an adventurous engagement session, or the occasional sweet family session.

No, not this one. I’m going to do my best to say very little (which we all know isn’t easy for me) because in all honesty, these images speak for themselves.

Remember Courtney and Will? I’ve had the pleasure to document their life, and grow with them. Remember their fun colored powdered session, and their sweet three year anniversary, or their sunny maternity session?

Watching the Kassner’s grow in life and love has been such a blessing. When Courtney casually mentioned me being in the delivery room with her, I felt several things all at once.

1. I felt confused. Such a personal moment, caught on camera, why the heck would she want that?

2. I felt honored. When someone asks you to be a bridesmaid in their wedding, it’s them saying “I can’t start my new life without you.” Similar scenario, only multiplied. Courtney respected/loved/trusted me enough to be right beside her and Will as she delivered Crew. Let me just take a minute……. WOW, that’s huge.

Most people looked at me like I was absolutely NUTS when I told them I’d be in the delivery room with Courtney and Will. To those people, I say to you, look at these incredible moments Courtney has captured. No one has photos like this. She’ll be able to look back at these in 20 years and say “and I thought I loved you then.”

Let me wrap up my soap opera by saying this:

These photos are raw, real, and extremely emotional. As you look through them I ask you to turn your iTunes/pandora/tv off. Just look. You will feel every intensified moment. When I was in the room, it felt like everything stood still for a moment. I’ve never felt that way in my life.

And lastly, Courtney and Will, we’re blessed to know you, to know Crew, and to continue to watch you all grow.

Congrats to my favorite family of three.

Enjoy.

Courtney had the most tasteful, great quality bump updates that she would post weekly. I loved the one she posted the day Crew was born, it said “We get to meet Crew today!”

As some of you may know, you can easily get nauseous and hot quite frequently, Courtney handled it like a champ!

Will was such a huge support system for Court. He constantly fanned her and was quick to offer help!

So sweet!

Anxious daddy

“It’s the moments you only experience once that our hearts are on fire for.”

Courtney and Will had several visitors who waited in the lobby, one of which was their minister, he was kind enough to pray out loud for Crew’s safe arrival.

And Courtney’s sweet parents came in to wish her luck!

Courtney’s dad has Courtney’s footprints stamped to his smock that he wore when she was born. How sweet?

It takes a selfless person to become a mother, I can’t think of anyone who deserves this more!

These sweet moments.

Minutes before it was time to deliver Crew!

I cannot even look at these without crying.

Crew’s precious little foot.

I.can’t.even. I live for moments like this.

At this point, I was sobbing. I’m surprised these are in focus.

I will never forget watching Courtney see Crew for the first time.

And Will’s precious reaction

Already framed in my house. Some photographers go their entire life without capturing such an earth shattering image. I can check that off of my bucket list.

9 pounds 5 ounces.

Such a proud dad!

Will went to tell everyone the good news…

and even filmed their reaction.

Proud grandparents

And Will’s sweet parents.

A perfect little boy.

I told Courtney I feel like Crew is partially mine. Crazy, but so true.

My heart is overflowing.

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  • October 14, 2013 - 9:47 pm

    Nancy Harmon - Absolutely precious pictures, my eyes are filled with tears! A beautiful story!ReplyCancel

  • October 14, 2013 - 9:56 pm

    Abby - These are exquisite. Absolutely beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • October 14, 2013 - 9:59 pm

    Christina Conley - These are phenomenal. Every mother should have photos like these, I know I wish I did.ReplyCancel

  • October 15, 2013 - 12:13 am

    Karishma - Congratulations Courtney!!! Your baby is so precious!! Kelly- you did an amazing job with these!! For such a huge moment in Courtney and Will’s life, you did every bit of justice in capturing these precious moments!! Well done! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • October 15, 2013 - 2:03 pm

    Emily - I MEAN. Girl. You totally rocked these. I can’t even.ReplyCancel

  • October 15, 2013 - 8:03 pm

    Runt - Wow. Those pictures are absolutely beautiful. I really really really really really really really really wished you lived in NC.ReplyCancel

  • June 27, 2015 - 5:40 pm

    Susan Mills - This is the most precious montage of photographs that I have ever seen. What moments! What joy!There are many things that can be captured over and over again. But this? Only once, and I could feel every emotion. Bravo!ReplyCancel

 

I’m afraid I am going to make this post much longer than it needs to be, because of all of the wonderful things I want to say about Sadie, Clayton, and both of their families. At least now I can say you’ve been warned.

 Let’s rewind.

The first time I ever saw Sadie, I was a recruitment counselor at the University of Memphis. I remember watching her to see what chapter she would join. Even though I am several years older than Sadie, I could tell what an asset she would be to any greek chapter at the U of M. Sadie’s college roommate was in my sorority, and she told me that she and Sadie would avidly ‘stalk’ mine and John’s wedding pictures online, but let’s face it, who doesn’t do that. That’s what Facebook is for!

When Sadie emailed ME inquiring about her May wedding at Dunleith Plantation in the charming Natchez, Mississippi I tried my absolute best to put on a poker face so I didn’t automatically nerd out in front of Sadie and her precious parents (who bought us lunch when Sadie met with us initially to discuss booking, precious I tell you.)

Sadie and Clayton are wrapping up their bachelors degree at the University of Memphis, which is actually where these love birds met. Both Sadie and Clayton are mature beyond their years, and I know they have two wonderful familes to thank for that. Sadie is the definition of fearless. She is bold, brave, and knows exactly what she wants. When Sadie and I sat down to discuss engagement plans/locations, I was surprised to hear what was important to her. In a nutshell: Clayton’s family’s home in Jackson, TN, Sadie’s parent’s home in Collierville, and Clayton’s apartment which will soon be ‘home’ for both S & C. Sadie’s requests speak VOLUMES to me. Most 21 year old girls could care less about their families homes, let alone most 21 year old girls are not mature enough to make such a huge commitment, and I admire Sadie for cherishing what is really important in life, family.

When we traveled to Jackson, to Clayton’s family’s home, I was greeted by the most beautiful Pug I’ve ever seen. I had to compose myself. Clayton was raised by amazing parents, like Sadie, and they too invited us in with open arms (and fed us before we left to drive back to Memphis, I think these guys know the way to our hearts.) At Sadie’s parent’s house, they ALSO fed us after we finished shooting. Talk about southern hospitality!

Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson, and Mr. and Mrs. Williams, I can’t even imagine how incredibly proud you must be of such wonderful children. The love that they have for each other, their families, and all that they come in contact with is admirable.

Sadie and Clayton, we can’t wait to document chapter one of your story in Natchez, Mississippi.

Enjoy.

Sadie has a love for all things Jadeite.

These are just too adorable!

Sadie has green eyes, red hair, and freckles. I’m pretty sure that is the definition of adorable!

I love the 1960’s feel of this.

SADIE. I can’t even. You are gorgeous.

melting.

Some of my favorites.

SO. ROMANTIC.

Sadie…..wow.

As I was editing these, I kept singing “It’s a love story, baby just say yes.” What else is new?

Sadie has such a rare beauty, she is hauntingly beautiful.

One of Clayton’s pups!

I.love.pugs.

I bet you’re wondering why this engagement session is called ‘Sadie and Clayton take the plunge’ huh?

wait for it

SO.DREAMY.

Congrats, you guys!

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  • October 13, 2013 - 12:08 am

    Becky Seals - Beautiful photos…beautiful couple…beautiful romanceReplyCancel

What’s NOT to love about Rachel and Whit? Remember these cuties? Click here.

The amount of love I have for these two people is ridiculous. The amount of love that Rachel and Whit have for each other is even more ridiculous. I think in one of the first emails Rachel sent to me, she called herself awkward. If she is awkward, then I’ll have whatever she ordered, because she is constantly glowing. The way Whit watches Rachel is mesmerizing. You can tell that she is his entire world, and that’s how it should be.

I can honestly say that their bride and groom portraits are some of my all time favorites. Rachel and Whit were dressed to kill. Rachel had one of the most stunning, keyhole, white lace dresses I have ever seen, and Whit was dressed to impress all the way down to his loafers. Together they ruled the world. The bridal party was nothing short of stunning either. The contrast of the navy satin dresses with the giant yellow sunflowers, and the gorgeous groomsmen and their trendy hipster sunglasses, made for an extremely flattering combination all around.

Rachel is a bride turned friend. She has been so supportive since day one. She’s quick to compliment my work, encouraging at all times, and her thoughtfulness puts her in a league of her own. I’m thankful for such wonderful clients, I constantly have a heart that soars because of you all.

Rachel and Whit decided to stray from tradition and do a first look, this enabled them to relax and have fun before the actual ceremony. Looking back, I wish I would have done one as well.(A word of advice to all brides who are on the fence about a first look, do it.)

Rachel and Whit, congrats. I hope you enjoy these lovely images as much as we did!

Rachel brought one of my photos in from a May wedding for her hair stylist. I loved seeing it!

I.love.this

RACHEL. You are so cute!

One of my all time favorites, so soft, so lovely.

If you wear red lipstick, I’m more than likely going to take 100 pictures of them.

These groomsmen seriously made our life.

This funny groomsmen let me call him Tebow all day!

I may have had a little bit too much fun with these.

Rachel and Whit were excited to also get some portraits at their wedding reception. I like how light and fun these are, especially the sunglasses.

Stunning.

Rachel and Whit dance when they’re happy.

There is something about sitting portraits in your wedding attire, so casual, while still being formal.

I did not tell them to dance, they’re just that adorable.

What up, John Ginn original

You guys know these balloons made my day!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker!

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I am so incredibly psyched to finally be posting this engagement session. Get ready, because you are about to fall in love with Lena, Sallis, and good ‘ole Clarksdale Mississippi.

When John and I sat down with Lena and Sallis, alarms went off in my head. I KNEW I had to have her. She was so unique and stunningly gorgeous. She sat there with such great poise and posture (something I am fresh out of). Lena and Sallis came with a list of great questions to ask me, some I am frequently asked, some, not so much. I loved how prepared they both were. At the end of our meeting, the sorority girl inside me slipped out, I told Lena I considered her a ‘target’ bride. I loved how edgy she was, and how well she and Sallis complimented each other. John and I really felt like we were all on the same page. Luckily, Lena and Sallis felt the same way about us!

I always ask my bride and groom’s where their story started. I love hearing their uniques tales, but this one in particular, is one of my favorites. Technically Lena and Sallis’ story started when Lena was in kindergarten, 1995.

Lena is the adorable little girl to the right of the chess board, and Sallis is the first boy on the far left with his arms crossed.

Lena and Sallis went to high school together, but Sallis was three years ahead of her, so they lost touch for a bit, then reconnected in 2010. They’ve been attached at the hip ever since. Sallis is a fourth year medical student, with interest in internal medicine. After Lena received her degree from Memphis College of Art in sculpture, she became an apprentice for a jeweler. I have seen some of her work, Sallis wears a ring she made him, and she is VERY talented! This adorable couple is getting married this April, and we are SO excited to be a part of their big day.

 We met up with Lena and Sallis at our favorite place, Flying Saucer. They told us they had a great idea for their engagement session. This was the first time I had ever head of the Shack Up Inn. I knew we HAD to go there for Lena and Sallis’ session. It’s a little less than two hours away, and DEFINITELY worth the drive. When we arrived I was in awe. This charming, bizarre plantation is a MUST see. If you appreciate history, then you will absolutely LOVE the Shack Up Inn. Head on down to the deep south! The Shack Up Inn’s website says “Shacks are loved by artists, musicians, writers, and just plain cool folks. I could have stood there for hours just looking around. According to the Shack Up Inn, ‘they aint no Ritz.’ That they aren’t, but they do have the original cotton gin, and multiple authentic sharecropper’s shacks that you are able to reserve for the night. The shacks are virtually unchanged from when it was a working plantation.

Before I get TOO wordy, I’ll let you decide how incredibly awesome the Shack Up Inn is.

Enjoy!

As inappropriate as this probably is for me to post, I just HAD to. Johnny Cash is my absolute favorite.

You’ll notice I took about a million of Lena, she is so gorgeous!

Sallis is equally stunning!

Lena is so creative. Every time I’ve seen her, she has the coolest nail art. I drink so much caffeine, I am too shaky to be so precise.

Both Sallis and Lena were dressed to impress!

“Put on some red lipstick and live a little.”

All of the shacks have their own name. L&S’s was called ‘The Chicken Coop.’

Lena’s hair!!!

Most definitely my favorite. So romantic.

I was honestly in love with ALL of the vintage appliances.

Being the art fanatic that Lena is, she proposed we recreate ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt. I love it.

We can’t wait for April!

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