Merriment | Charleston Christmas Photos
Posted on December 12, 2012
‘Tis the season! Last week, on one of the few cold days of this unusually warm December, I wandered the historic district with Ellie and her mom. Yes, she’s really this adorable. Quite a chatterbox, too. We discussed all sorts of curiosities as we meandered quiet streets admiring Charleston Christmas decorations.
“Taking pictures is really more fun than school!” she exclaimed. I couldn’t agree more.
If you think smiles like this will land you on Santa’s master list of Nice Peeps, please click “like” and share the joy! Contact Jen to book your 2013 session (click the mail icon below), and check out my wedding photography, too.
Sisterly Sweetness at the Farm
Posted on April 14, 2011
On the morning before a 15-family campout at the Smith clan’s farmhouse by the Cape Fear River, Rachel and Tavia joined me for some sisterly photo ops. I especially love how little Tavia alternates between being five and trying to be the stoic Big Girl.
After our session, campers started arriving and setting up their tents. We enjoyed hayrides, swinging, seesawing, smores and a flick that was projected onto a tarp mounted between the columns on the farmhouse. I was surprised we all slept until after the sun was inching up in the sky. Here’s the lawn on the morning after the photo session. Good times!
If you like colorful outdoor portraits in a relaxed, natural environment, contact Jennifer to arrange a session.
Afternoon at Boone Hall {Family}
Posted on February 28, 2011
My friend Julia gives new meaning to the term Supermom. Honestly, I think most of my friends with more than two kids could fit that description, but Julia handles daily challenges with grace and the grin that her adorable daughter has inherited. Julia and Larry’s eldest son attends Pattison’s Academy, a new charter school that caters to the unique needs of children with multiple disabilities. The school opened its doors in August and relies heavily on fundraisers to operate smoothly and serve more than 30 kids from Charleston’s tri-county area.
I was just about to sign up for the school’s second Catch the Leprechaun 5K when I was reminded that I had not yet shared images from this session. Will is such a happy, full-of-love boy! His smile lights up a room — and a dance floor! His younger siblings are pretty spunky, too — the three of them seem to have such a good time together. And Supermom? Well she recently hosted a sleepover for a dozen girls while hobbling about with a broken foot.
Okay, so I’m off to register for this little jog. I am the furthest thing from a runner, but I know several people involved with Pattison’s Academy, and it is a worthy cause. Most of the kids who attend have limited mobility and spend hours soaking up their environment from their wheelchairs. Even if I finish the run 15 minutes after my friends and Will’s dad Larry (who coordinates the race, too), I am grateful that I have the ability to jog unassisted in the great outdoors. Won’t you join me? Save five bucks if you register today (before March 1).
Party of Five {Family}
Posted on September 12, 2010
So the third time was definitely the charm! After rescheduling twice, we had a perfect morning with temps a bit more September-like. Ben and Michelle have three of the cutest kids I know! Sparkly eyes, curls and dimples galore. Boone Hall Plantation was a great backdrop for our laid-back session. If you need a dose of fun and a field trip for your family, book your session soon.
Pattison’s Academy Educates and Rehabilitates
Posted on August 25, 2010
Several years ago, some dedicated parents, social workers, therapists, and teaching assistants came together to host a unique summer camp catering to the needs of children with multiple and severe disabilities. Their goal to create a year-round charter school serving these same children was lofty to say the least, but with the tireless support of an enthusiastic community, talented fundraisers and passionate board members, their vision has become a fantastic reality!
Yesterday, the community came together to celebrate the opening of this amazing school. Speakers included Pattison’s mom Pam Sloat, executive director Sloan Cooper and Mayor Joe Riley. Beth and Darius Rucker joined some of the students to cut the ribbon and welcome the community to tour the classrooms. Beth has been on the board since its inception, and the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation made key contributions to Pattison’s Academy.
Like other schools in Charleston County, Pattison’s Academy opened its doors August 18. It was truly humbling to be surrounded by the people who have made this happen and to meet the children, the teachers, the founders and the local people who have provided funding, energy, transportation and a wonderful facility. My words are truly inadequate to describe yesterday’s celebration full of hope and joy, but I am grateful for the dedication and generosity of my friends and our community to engage 32 children with playing, learning and laughing every day.
