the why and a giveaway…

I have this passion…

You see, once people get married, they HARDLY EVER get their pictures taken.  There’s this big moment with the wedding…and then…NOTHING.

You doubt me?  Go over to a friend’s house and see if you can find even ONE professional picture taken AFTER their wedding.  (that wasn’t a part of a family session if they have kids)  It’s usually all bouquets and depending on how long they’ve been married – big hair, bow ties and oftentimes cheesy smiles.  (Don’t get me started on my passion for authentic wedding photography…)

I’m not okay with that.  And I’m here to make a change.

You see, life is messy.  Hard.  Oftentimes monotonous.  Exciting.  Full.  Boring.  And everything else in between.  And during these moments, we forget the beauty of the things closest to us.  We say hurtful words that we may or may not mean, but are usually short-sighted at best.  We can’t seem to shake the time he did that.  We can’t believe the person still does it that way.  We stop really seeing each other and instead we see what the other person didn’t do, what they did say, what they should have done and why they didn’t come through.  (Usually over piles of laundry and long cleaning lists)

And oftentimes, that person that used to take our breath away becomes someone we just go through the motions with.  Wonder gets lost amidst bills.  (or diapers)   Awe is replaced by to-do lists.

We lose sight of the incredible gift it is to go through life with this person…

For the past year, I’ve dedicated myself to creating a couples’ session just for married couples.  A session that gives them space to flirt, that prompts them to laugh, to remember, to make new memories and to cherish…  These sessions are completely different than any other session I do.  They are filled with little prompts that lead to laughter, remembering and new memories.  To really seeing each other again.  To soft, yet passion-filled kisses.  To finding those butterflies again.  Granted the pictures are beautiful, but the memories that compose those pictures?  There aren’t words…  But here’s a little glimpse:

And so today…I thought there should be a little giveaway here in our new Atlanta area…

(and a little something special for my amazing supporters/client-friends/awesome people out there who don’t live close to Atlanta)

I’m giving away one couples’ session here in Atlanta.  But here are the qualifications:

1.  You must have been married at least one year.
2.  The session must take place before April 15.  (We all need something to look forward to before we turn in our taxes, right?)
3.  The session must take place in the Atlanta area.
4.  You must be ready to have fun and be you.  My camera doesn’t tolerate fake smiles and this session doesn’t allow for it.

So…you wanna enter?  Awesome.  For each thing you do from this list – you get an entry:

1.  Go on over to my new Facebook business page and press “Like”.  Then leave me a little post saying hi!  (And if you’ve already gotten your like on – just leave that little post saying hi!)
2.  Share the giveaway with your friends and tag my page in your status update…
3.  Follow me on Twitter.  (If you’re already following me – just give me a little message to let me know)
4.  Share the love with your twitter friends and tag me in it so I know!
5.  Leave a little comment here on the blog to introduce yourself…

And now…for those of you who don’t live in Atlanta…or you aren’t married yet – I’ve got a little something for you too.  How about a little itunes love?
The same rules apply for you as well, I just ask that you let me know that you’re entering for the $15 itunes gift card!  (I’ve got to keep all this straight…)

So…ready…set…go!

The contest is closed as of Friday (1/13) at midnight and the winner will be announced Monday afternoon!