The Ferguson Family

I met Katie when I was planning my wedding last year. Katie and her beautiful mother, Barb, are an amazing mother-daughter wedding planner team, called Kate & Campbell Weddings. Without both Katie and Barb, I know I would have been so lost with the overwhelming thought of planning a big wedding. They started out as  my wedding planners and quickly became my dear friends. 

The beautiful Ferguson family filled my morning with so many smiles. And those eyes...simply breath-taking! Katie and Eddie, thank you so much for allowing me to capture these sweet moments! 

The Cochran Family

My husband and I cannot say enough amazing things about this beautiful family. We are incredibly blessed to have Lamar and Jessica as our neighbors and as close friends. They inspire us and have become role models in our lives. We are so excited to see both of our daughters grow up together.

Daniela Cristina Thomas

These past 2 months have been the most life changing months of my life. I am now a mother to a beautiful sweet girl and I could never imagine my life without her. Daniela Cristina has changed me forever, and I am eternally grateful for her. She has taught me so much about life already. She has taught me to slow down, observe more, savor each and every moment, and be more thankful for the little things life has to offer.

I cannot believe how fast our little girl is growing.

She now:

-Smiles when she sees us

-Loves to make noises, “coos”, and squeals 

-Has the longest eye lashes I’ve ever seen.

-Lifts her neck like a CHAMP! 1 minute at a time and looks around

-Has rolled onto her back about 5 times

-Sleeps between 7-9 hours straight at night.

-Loves looking at herself in the mirror; it makes her giggle

-We love our playgroup that we have joined. Plenty of mommy & baby friends.

-Sucks on her hand

-Takes an average of 3 hour naps in the mornings

-Loves to sit on my lap and observe

-And loves story time before going to bed

Here are her weekly photos.

"Being a mother changes the landscape of your heart forever"

The Dent Family

There is just something about babies that makes the world stop. They say that babies are a piece of heaven...and this little boy is no different. Little George is such a joy and full of life! I spent the whole shoot admiring his sweet smile and watching him discover his different body parts. Thank you Marlee and Justin for allowing me to document these precious moments. I enjoyed every second!

The Schueler Family

There are certain people that impact your life in so many ways…this family is one of them. The beautiful Schueler family have taught me so much throughout the 5 years that I’ve known them. Heather, Chris, and their girls are truly special people. Each of them carry a unique personality and have spark for life. They all have given me so much joy and love…for that I am forever grateful. 

Our Birth Story

Our Birth Story

You can plan all you want and vision your perfect birth, but you truly never know how your journey is going to go. I always envisioned myself having a natural water birth and having my baby in my arms filled with love and empowerment. I did end up with my healthy beautiful baby filled with love and I definitely felt empowered by my birth; however, there were a lot of things that were very unexpected and caused a lot of life changing decisions.

It was Wednesday, August 6 around 3:00pm when I started to notice strong contractions about 5-7 minutes apart. I had been having contractions the week before, but nothing quite compared to this. I knew this was it…. we were going to meet our little girl soon. 

I was alone at my house, Chester was at work. I began to fill up my bath and light candles to relax and help me breathe through these contractions. The contractions instantly began to weaken and I felt more in control. I had texted Chester to start driving home around 4pm and started to write in my journal that I had been writing in throughout the whole pregnancy, but quickly realized that I needed to focus on my breathing in order to get through these contractions. Chester finally came home and helped ease my back pain I was having by massaging me during each contraction. I kept telling myself, “Each contraction is bringing us closer to our baby.” I labored about 5 hours at home before we decided it was time to start driving to the hospital. We called our doula and told her to meet us there. We ate a small dinner then headed out the door by 8pm. I quickly said good-bye to our sweet dogs and told them that we will be back with their sister. 

On our way to the hospital, we saw the beautiful sunset. It was truly a beautiful gift from God. As we get to the hospital, I tell Chester to park in the parking deck and that I could walk in with him instead of having him drop me off. As we near the main door to the hospital, another women in labor was dropped off at the entrance by her husband. She looked like she was further along so I decided to help her out and wait for her to come to our elevator. Unfortunately, we did not know this woman was about to take the LAST room available in the hospital. Yes, you heard me right…there were no more rooms available in the hospital… not even the triage was available. Apparently the Full Moon makes more women go into labor. We were sent to the waiting room without knowing when they were going to have a room for us. Our wonderful doula, Maegan, met us there and helped me calm down by all the chaos going on. 

Maegan Hall Photography

Maegan Hall Photography

Two hours later  of laboring hard in the waiting room and bathroom, we finally get called by our midwife and takes us back to the recovery room for C-sections so she can at least see how dilated I am. By the look on her face I could tell that I was very far along. “You are 8cm dilated!” she stated. I was feeling so proud and grateful that I was pretty calm by this point…especially after all that had happened. My water hadn’t broke yet, however. All of us instantly thought I was going to have this baby in the next two hours or so. It was about 10:15pm by now. She quickly pulled some kind of magic and found us a room. As we were walking into the room, another woman was being pulled out with her baby. They quickly put the monitor around me to check the baby’s heart rate for about 30 minutes. Everything was looking great! The midwife asked if I wanted her to break my water. She thought by doing this that the baby would easily come out. Maegan and Chester both reminded me how much I wanted to delivery my baby in the water. We kindly asked her to meet my vision and bring on the bath. The instant my body hit that water, my whole body relaxed and eased my mind. I was completely happy and relaxed. 

Maegan Hall Photography

Maegan Hall Photography

After about an hour of being in the tub and pushing, there was no progress at all. We decided to get out of the tub and break my water to see if it would help speed things along. And thats where things started to go downhill…the baby’s heart rate started to go all over the place and put her in distress. Two hours later of switching positions and pushing, the midwife thought it was best to get an epidural to see if my body’s muscles would relax and allow my contractions to push the baby out. I knew everything I had dreamed for our birth was now out the window. It was all about getting our little girl to the world healthy and safe. And I was ok with that. Now I am not the biggest fan of drugs or interventions, but that epidural felt amazing once it kicked in and allowed me to rest. The midwife told me to rest for an hour and see where things go…things did not go …they stayed the same. It had been four hard hours of pushing.  I could tell the midwife and doctor were now getting worried. They let Chester and I know that C-section was our last resort and had to be done now. They got me ready for surgery and starting pulling me to the operating room. I saw my mom in the hallway and my heart instantly sunk a little bit. 

Maegan Hall Photography

The wonderful thing about our doctor was that she performs what she calls a “Family Centered C-section”, meaning my husband could be in the operating room and that our baby would immediately be placed on my chest for that important skin-to-skin contact and bonding of mother and baby. It was now around 4:45am and there I was on the table, arms strapped down, body shaking uncontrollably, and fearful about the unknown. I told Chester to just look into my eyes and to talk to me. I felt so out of place, so scared, and just wanted to be in that tub birthing my baby naturally. Five minutes later, we heard the most beautiful cry I have ever heard…the sound of our baby in this world. I see my husband look over the curtain and starts to tear up. I instantly see one of the nurses come over with our sweet Daniela and is placed on my chest. Her eyes open and aware. I have never experienced such emotions in my entire life... Our daughter…. We are parents to this beautiful little girl. She is perfect, she is healthy, she is more than I ever could have asked for. The greatest gift I have ever received. We instantly fell in love with her and never felt so blessed.

Maegan Hall Photography

Maegan Hall Photography

Daniela Cristina Thomas entered the world on August 7, 2014 at 5:09am, weighing exactly 8 lbs and measuring 20.5 inches long. 

Chester and I stop and just stare into her eyes and thank God for this miracle. 

We love you sweet, Daniela… More than you can ever imagine. You are our everything.

All the photographs were shot by our wonderful doula, Maegan Hall. We are so grateful for her tender spirit and her amazing talent. I don't have enough words to express how thankful I am for you. 

www.maeganhallphotography.com

William Frederick Parkman

There is just something about being around newborns...they make everyone around them smile and be filled with pure joy and endless love. I am always in awe of their perfect little toes, fingers, lips, etc. Documenting these sweet moments fills my heart with such gratitude because this stage in their life passes by so quickly and I just love to make these moments still with my camera. I have a huge passion in capturing these authentic moments between newborns and new parents. William Frederick Parkman was such a joy to be around with and such an honor to photograph. I truly believe that life begins when you create a family. 

"A baby is a bit of stardust fallen from the hand of God."  

Samuel Ross

My job is filled with amazing clients who truly become friends by the end of the photo sessions. This sweet new family was a joy to photograph! Meet Kathleen, Jon, and their precious 3 month old son, Samuel. It was such a privilege to document them and simply capture the sweet in-between moments of their every day life. 

Newborn Session: Baby Toño

As I near my due date, I find myself surrounded by newborns, new parents, and parents to be.  I love that I get to capture the moments of these beautiful families, as in a couple of months someone will be capturing these precious moments for our family! There is nothing like seeing parents look at their new babies and being able to capture the priceless baby moments that pass by so quickly. Marco Antonio Rosa V, "Toño", filled my morning with sweet smiles and pure joy. I'm sure this little boy knows already how much he is loved, as he is so lucky to have amazing parents who absolutely adore him. 

Toño, I cannot wait to watch you grow up and document your childhood. 

Sweet moments with August

I love seeing this sweet little boy grow up and documenting these special moments. It fills my heart with so much happiness and gratitude that I get to do this as my job. 

The beautiful Smith sisters

Ever since I found out I was having a baby girl, I have been so focused on getting prepared for our sweet little one...eating healthy, finding a birthing class, decorating her nursery, researching baby gear... The list is endless. However, when I have a moment to photograph two little sisters who are filled with so much joy, I can't help but forget about that list and focus on these moments. Salem and Blair are so incredibly sweet. They have such a beautiful and special sister bond that every girl wishes for. Their laughter is so contagious and smiles are full of love for the world.  I met Shannon, their wonderful mother, back in November through a photography group online and got to trade work for one another. Not only did I get to work with an amazing photographer at a wedding I shot, but I also gained a new friend. And I am so thankful for this new friendship. :)

My dear grandmother

This past month my mom and I went to Spain to visit my grandmother and family before I got too far along into my pregnancy. It was a bittersweet trip because I know this will be the last trip with my mom alone. The sweet part?...taking my precious little girl to visit in the future and show her where I spent my summers as a little girl. I have endless memories in my beautiful grandmother's house. Every time I go to visit, I savor every moment. I love to document the beautiful little corners in her house. I wanted to make a small video of my grandmother, Mami. I asked her to show me her wedding album, photos of her during her pregnancy, and photos of my mother as a little girl. I love this moment...a moment I will always cherish. So thankful for her kind heart and soul. Te quiero Mami! 

Jess + Micah

Jess and Micah are celebrating their one year anniversary. How sweet are they? :)

Marissa + Tommy are married!

Marissa and Tommy have a unique story...  Two people seeking to make a difference in the world were joined under unusual circumstances.  They ventured outside of their homes and outside of their countries, to find their lives sharing a parallel moment in time.  Their story began in Zambia where the two met, seeking to heal and empower African youth through teaching HIV awareness by playing soccer.  By giving love to others they received each others love and decided in that place that they would become one.  

Marissa and Tommy were blessed with a beautiful wedding, amazing weather, a loving family, and incredible friends.  You could feel how much everyone loved this great couple.  Thank so much for giving the honor of documenting your beautiful day!  

With much love and gratitude, 

Olga 

A quick shoutout to my amazing husband for helping me throughout the day as I am 18 weeks pregnant and couldn't carry all of my gear alone. Also, Shannon Smith from 214 Photography. Check out her amazing work HERE! 

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Jason & Brigitta are Engaged

When Jason and Brigitta enter a room together, they fill up the room with so much love and positive spirit. I absolutely loved getting to know them and their inspiring relationship. Thank you both for letting me capture these special moments. 

The Smith Family

The Smith family and I met at Piedmont Park on one of Fall's last beautiful days…the leaves still had the gorgeous colors and the weather was not too cold yet. They came to me with open arms and instant smiles on their faces. It had felt like I had know them forever. This is why I love my job... Shannon, is also an amazing and talented photographer! Check out her work HERE!

Thank you for allowing me to capture these moments for you.

Season of Gratitude + A Sweet Family Season

For me, Thanksgiving is a time for family, a time to reflect on our life, a time to give thanks, and a time to count our blessings. I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who I have encountered this year. Thank you for inspiring me in every way possible, even if it was a small gesture like a smile. I am so grateful for every moment I have experienced…even the bad moments. Thank you to my amazing, wonderful, and loving clients. I feel so lucky to have captured a moment in your life. Thank you to my family and caring husband…without you, I would not be the person who I am today. Your endless love and support fills my heart with pure joy. This sweet family session has a place in my heart. I have been lucky enough to capture the most important moments of their lives together. For this, I am so grateful. When they asked me to photograph their first family portrait, I instantly smiled and said OF COURSE! :)

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Barrett Thrasher

Everyone, meet Barrett..my yoga teacher and dear friend of mine. She is truly an inspiring and strong woman.

 

"As a life long student of alignment, I recognized an early age that a well organized lifestyle gives way for creativity to take hold, allowing the body and mind to align with something bigger.  After an intense knee injury I was introduced to yoga by my friend and tattoo artist, Kurt Fagerland.  After one class I found a passion and love that I never knew existed; finding union between the body and the mind. Yoga is a union between all aspects of the self: all our 'bodies' and 'centers'.  Each 'limb' can deliver hints of union.  If you consider the octopus, the tentacles on their own are not the octopus. The same way it is when the 8 limbs are combined - working together they become something greater than the sum of their parts.  They become Yoga.  They become Union.   

Kurt tattooed a gorgeous octopus on my back, as constant reminder for me to stay connected to my heart, present in the moment and to never lose sight of my path." -Barrett

 

I was always intrigued to do yoga, but was always scared that my "bad" leg or wrist would get in the way of my practice. I went to one of Barrett's classes and she asked me if I had any injuries or things she had to be careful with. I told her that I had a "Bad" leg and wrist and she instantly told me its not bad...just a "challenge". Those words gave me a different perspective of my "flaws". She instantly  gave me hope that I could do yoga. That first class was hard, something I never experienced...I was sore the next three days. But I also felt grounded, more connected to my mind and body. I was hooked from that day on. Barrett pushed me. She gave me the courage to try new poses, poses that I never thought I would ever be able to do. I found myself doing crow and handstands in my house, at the park, on vacation. I showed my husband everyday what I learned in class. Not only did yoga help with my body, but my mood changes.  I felt so alive, rejuvenated, and at peace every time I left Barrett's classes. 

 

The care and support that Barrett gives all of her students is really inspiring. She not only shows that she cares during class, but she also outside of class. When I told her I was getting married, she took the time to give me a routine to do the morning of my wedding. I am so grateful for her presence in my life. 

 

 

 

My Fairy Tale Wedding

Every little girl dreams about their prince charming, their gorgeous wedding, their happily ever after… On October 20,  my dream came true.

I woke that morning feeling so calm, at peace, and filled with overwhelming emotions of gratitude. I ordered some hot tea, wrote in my journal, did some soothing yoga, and prayed for a beautiful day.

Not only was I marrying a man that makes me whole, supports me, and loves me… but I was also marrying into a beautiful family. Since day 1, Chester's family welcomed me with open arms and blessed our relationship immensely. This is truly the best gift God could ever give me. I was blessed with my amazing family and now I have another beautiful family to share holidays with, laugh with, build more memories with.

This whole year of wedding planning was filled with so many emotions…but mostly it was filled with joy and excitement! Because Chester was gone most of the year with the Airforce, my mom was there for every step of the way. We had the time of our lives looking through wedding magazines, pinning ideas on pinterest, trying on wedding gowns, and meeting with different vendors. When it came to choosing our vendors, I not only looked at their portfolio, I also asked myself, "Can I see myself being their friend?" We were blessed with the most wonderful vendors…and had the best time planning my fairy-tale wedding. They brought my vision to life..,.no, they went BEYOND of what I could have ever imagined!!! Please look below to see the links to their websites.

The wedding planning was the easy part of the year… the part I had the most difficult time with was imagining myself in the center of attention, saying my vows with confidence and strength. The last thing I ever wanted was to have my voice stand in the way of expressing my love to my future husband. I prayed to God every night to give me strength, to give me full confidence in myself, to stand in front of all of our friends and family and say the vows that I wrote to the love of my life. The two months leading up to the big day, I was anxious, nervous, and filled with anxiety…not because I was doubtful about who I was marrying, but only because of my voice condition.

Finally, our wedding day was here…the moment of truth. Was my Dysphonia going to get in the way of being confident, calm, and happy? God blessed us with a gorgeous Fall sunny day. The whole day was filled with magic, serenity, and pure Love. When it came to walk down the aisle with my dad, I was surprisingly at peace…I was ready to marry Chester. That walk down the aisle was a moment I will never forget. I made sure to walk slowly…I looked around to see my family and friends smiling at me…soaking this moment…I looked up to my dad's eyes and saw how proud he was of his little girl….then my eyes met Chester's and saw his eyes light up, tears starting to roll down both my face and his face. My dad kissed my cheek and gave me to Chester. God gave me the strength I needed to say my vows to my love. I just wanted to press pause and really take in all the emotions that I was feeling.

Our wedding was simply… magical.

A day we will always cherish.

A day we will one day tell our kids all about.

“Love is a partnership of two unique people who bring out the very best in each other, and who know that even though they are wonderful as individuals, they are even better together.”

Our dear friends, Ashley and Graham Scobey from Scobey Photography were their to capture these beautiful moments. Please click the link below to see their blog post of our wedding. Ashley and Graham, we are forever grateful for your friendship and talent! We cannot thank you enough!

http://www.scobeyphotography.com/blog/2013/10/summerour-wedding/

Event Coordinator: Kate and Campbell / Ceremony & Reception Location: Summerour / Bride’s hair & makeup: Claudia Mejerle / Dress Designer: Anne Barge / Bridal Salon: Guffey’s Bridal Store / Bride’s shoes: handmade in a little shoemaker shop in Spain / Groom’s attire: Guffey’s / Florist: The Savage Garden / Catering: Endive / Cake: Anne Kathleen / Calligraphy: Kara Swilley / DJ: DJ Fonix / Transportation: The Trolley Guy / Videographer: Ryan Rodinis / Wedding Invitations: Ashley Buzzy Craftery

Taking time off

What a couple of busy months it has been... As many of you know, I am getting married in 17 days!!!! Even though I have been so  overwhelmed for the last few weeks, I could not be happier for the journey I am about to embark on. I keep reminding myself to not get stressed over the small things about the wedding and that I want a marriage more beautiful than my wedding. After months of planning, I am ready to become a wife to my wonderful fiancé. He has blessed my life in more ways than I ever imagined. I am forever grateful for his presence in my life.

I decided to step back from work this past month so I could put all of my energy on preparing for our marriage. I wanted to take the time today to thank everyone who has been there for me…I feel so incredible blessed for all the love and support I have received all my life. Thank you for your patience as I take time away from my business. I will be ready to come back to work in November and will be filled with so much inspiration and ideas. :)

"Take time to live. Life will only inspire your work"