the blog

Happily Ever After... Lionel and Ashley!

2012-02-18T23:40:00.000-08:00

How cute are these newlyweds?! Lionel and Ashley married last summer before he was deployed to Afghanistan. Lionel just got home a few weeks ago, and we were able to meet up this weekend for an awesome photo shoot in Bostwick. These photos really do show how in love these two are. During the shoot, Lionel gave Ashley her diamond wedding ring! I am beyond elated that I was able to capture that special moment! Here's to wishing Lionel and Ashley many more years of love and happiness!

A few changes coming your way in 2012...

2012-01-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you to my wonderful clients for making 2011 such a successful year for Giggles n' Grins Photography. I am hoping that 2012 will be an even bigger year! With that in mind, there are going to be a few changes coming your way.

* Pricing: Please view the 'Creative Fees' tab to see what has changed. I strive to keep my services affordable for everyone. I also want to keep things simple and with as little complication as possible! One thing that hasn't changed - all sessions will still come with a High-Res. DVD.

* A $25.00 deposit is due upon booking your session to hold your appointment date and time. This includes Mini Sessions as well. Invoices via Paypal will be emailed upon booking your session. I have been sort of 'up in the air' about this for a little while now. I wanted to keep things easy and simple, and I feel like putting a deposit requirement on sessions complicates things. However, due to too many 'no shows' for sessions last year, I've decided to try this out in 2012. If you don't pay your deposit within 72 hours of receiving the invoice, you will lose your appointment time and it will then be available for someone else.

* Turn around time: Please allow 10-14 days to receive your DVD in the mail. I strive to make every photo on your DVD look the best it possibly can.

* Option for additional photos added to your DVD: Under the 'Creative Fees' tab, I have listed the option to have additional photos added to your DVD for an additional fee.

* Proofing: Some clients have asked that they be able to pick the 20 images that are edited for their DVD. Galleries for proofing will be available within 24 hours of your session.

*Weddings - all wedding packages will come with the option to add a 'Before the Wedding Bridal Shoot'. I HIGHLY recommend that all of my brides take advantage of this. Sometimes the day of the Wedding is so busy that you don't really have time to get those photos of yourself and your gown that you really want. This shoot is usually done about a month before the wedding and is approximately 2 to 3 hours long. (2011 brides, if you want to add this to your package, contact me!)

* Boudoir Parties - Invite your girls! Each client will receive a mini-boudoir session, edited images on a DVD, and all the fun and laughter you can imagine! Includes champagne, strawberries and personal styling. Perfect for a batchelorette party, Valentine's Day, or just to spice up a boring week!

I think that covers it... of course, if I think of anything else, I'll post another blog and link to where you can find it! I look forward to working with you in 2012! Lets make it a GREAT year!

Christmas Mini Sessions

2011-12-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

Just had to share a few from this year's Christmas Mini Sessions!

Waiting on Baby Mackenzie...

2011-12-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. - James 1:17

A few months back (I know... I know... I'm SO far behind on my blogging.. but I will get caught up!), I met Meghan and Josh in Athens to shoot a maternity session. This maternity session has to be one of my most favorite sessions I have ever done! Meghan and Josh were awesome and SO MUCH FUN! They really were up for anything! And Meghan... my gosh... can you say supermodel beautiful?! I cannot WAIT to meet Mackenzie in a few weeks! I bet she will be just as beautiful as her parents! Enjoy...

Tis' the Season for Giving

2011-11-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

Giggles n' Grins Photography and The Cake Ladies are teaming up in hopes to provide Christmas for a needy family this Christmas Season. We are looking to partner with a local church or a non-profit organization such as FISH (Faith In Seving Humanity).    According to a recent article in The Walton Tribune, an extimated '3,000 to 3,500 children will need charity this Christmas'.  That's a TON of Children! With just a little help, all of us could make a huge difference!

We are hoping to raffle off a gift basket full of goodies with ALL proceeds to benefit the family in need this Christmas Season. Here's where we need YOUR help:

      - We need goodies for the basket! If you are a small business that would like to donate an item or gift
        certificate for the basket, please contact myself (gigglesngrinsphoto@gmail.com) or Sabrina Gowan
        (thecakeladies@yahoo.com).

      -  We will accept donations for the basket until December 1, 2011.

      - On November 15th, we will begin 'raffling' tickets for the basket on the Giggles n' Grins
          Photography Facebook Page, as well as The Cake Ladies Facebook Page.

      - Tickets for the basket will be $10.00 each, and can be purchased by either posting on either
         Facebook Page or via email. We will in turn send you an invoice via Paypal, which shall serve as
         your 'ticket'.

Please, share this with everyone you know. With everyone's help and involvement, maybe we can make more than one family's Christmas a little 'merrier'. Thank you in advance!

Welcome Baby Haeden!

2011-11-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world Baby Haeden! A few short months ago, I did a fabulous maternity session for Chae and Alicia. They have been anxiously awaiting this sweet bundle of joy's arrival! Haeden was a trooper during this newborn session. I can't wait to see him in just a few months for his 3 month session! Enjoy...

Fall Mini Sessions!

2011-10-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Mini Sessions! As a photographer, it gives me the opportunity to let my creative juices flow. I love coming up with each 'set' that I'm going to do. Even more so, I LOVE shopping for it! This Fall Mini Session has to be my most favorite mini session by far. I truly believe that I photographed the most beautiful children and families around! Here are some of my favorites! Enjoy...

The Ainslie Family

2011-09-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I met Megan. I was 5 years old and we were in the same gymnastics class at the recreation center in Monroe. I remember she had this really long, blond pony tail that hung down to the middle of her back. From playing in her playhouse to sliding down her stairs on our 'butts', I can't recall a single child hood memory without her in it. I remember when we were little girls, she had these porcelain baby dolls - the collector babies you find in magazines. They were the 'premature' size, one boy and one girl, and we played with them just like they were our own babies! Its hard to believe that we are now old enough to have our own real - life babies!

A few weeks ago I met Megan, her husband Merritt, sweet baby Sam, and the rest of the Ainslie family at their farm in Madison for a big family session. I am so pleased to have been able to share such a sweet moment with them. I'm looking forward to Sam's 3 month session in just a few months!! Enjoy...

Waiting on Baby Haeden... Alicia and Chae Chandler

2011-09-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so behind on my blogging! Shame on me! I met Alicia and Chae a few weeks ago in Monroe at Fair Weather Farms for their Maternity Session. They are both so excited about meeting their little boy, Haeden. As I was editing these pictures, I couldn't help but notice how much Alicia is glowing. She is such a beautiful 'Mommy' already! I can't wait to meet Haeden either.. just few more weeks! Enjoy...

End of Summer Facebook Fan Contest!!

2011-09-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

How did you guys spend your summer? Here at Giggles n' Grins Photography we would love to know! With the holidays just around the corner, we want to celebrate the end of summer with an 'End of Summer Facebook Fan Contest'! Here's how to enter:

Pick your favorite picture from this summer - it can be of you, your children, your family, a landscape picture, etc. - email it to us at gigglesngrinsphoto@gmail.com by Friday, September 16, 2011.
Saturday, September 17, 2011, voting will begin.
Promote your picture! Have all of your friends and family 'LIKE' the Giggles n' Grins Facebook Fan Page and then leave a 'Comment' on your picture.
The picture that has the most 'Comments' wins!

Whats up for grabs you say?

The winner will receive a free 1 hour photo session with Giggles n' Grins Photography, a $25.00 gift certificate to Southern Sisters and the Paper Fairy, and a dozen FREE cupcakes from The Cake Ladies!

The Fine Print:
One (1) 'Comment' will be considered one (1) 'Vote'. 'Likes' will NOT count as a 'Vote'. One comment per person per picture. Only one picture per person can be entered. Contest ends on September 24th at midnight. Winner will be announced here on our website.

Maddux .. Half Way to 1 year!

2011-09-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe that Maddux is already 6 months old! It seems like just yesterday that we were doing his newborn session! Is he not just the cutest little boy EVER?! I am so glad that we were able to get some sweet shots of Maddux and his best friend, Miley, together! Enjoy...

Cohen.. 9 Months!

2011-08-31T06:45:00.000-07:00

I first photographed Cohen back in March at the Easter Mini Session. A few weekends ago, I met Cohen and his parents for his 9 Month Photo Session. Look how much he has grown! He was all grins the entire time! He is such a cutie pie! Can't wait to see him again in a couple of months for his One Year Session! Enjoy...

Happy 1st Birthday Halee!

2011-08-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

I last photographed Miss Halee at my Easter Mini Session in March. I can't believe she's already 1 year old! Last weekend I met Halee and her sweet parents for her 1st Birthday Photo Session. I just love the cute little faces that Halee makes! Can't wait to photograph her again! Enjoy...

Brayden .. 6 Months Young!

2011-08-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I met Brayden and his sweet parents, Jessica and Kyle, for his six month photo session. Is he not the cutest little cowboy ever? Also, they told me that his Dad plays his guitar for him every night. I'm thinking he may just take after him! I can't wait to see this sweet family in a few months when Brayden is 9 months. Here are just a few of my favorites from the session! Enjoy...

Riley.. Half Way to 1 Year!

2011-07-12T17:59:00.000-07:00

The last time that I saw little Miss Riley and her sweet sister Cameryn was at the Easter Mini Sessions in March. She was around 3 months old and just as sweet and cute as could be! Look how much she's grown! We met this weekend for her 6 month photo session and we were even able to get in a few family shots! Can't wait to see this beautiful family again.... enjoy!

Beth and Reyner ... 34 Years Strong!

2011-06-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

When my Aunt Beth contacted me about photographing an Anniversary Session for her and my Uncle Reyner, I didn't hesitate in saying 'yes'. We had been in contact for a couple of weeks about the session, and when I asked her what she had in mind, here's what she told me:

" Here is my story..... a young girl of 13 that met the love of her life that lived just across the street. I was sitting in my yard when he finally came over and introduced himself -by throwing his shoes at me-which I still tease him about to this day. I told my Mother that he was the person I would marry, which I did. We will celebrate 34 years of marriage in August, plus those 4-5 years before, so its a long long time... but how do you potrait a long, long relationship? That is what I hope to show through in these photos - the love that has standed the test of time. We don't have the children to show because they are grown, and no grandchildren yet - so its just us! Yes, we have been through good times and bad, but after this many years there is no one that hasn't. We still hold hands whether it is at the mall or walking on the beach, and yes, he still brings me flowers!!! I just want to celebrate our lasting and enduring love for each other (yes he still rocks my world!!)-so how about that!! "

Auntie B, I hope that these photos capture the love that you and Reyner share. What a privilege it was for me to be a part of it. Love you!

Fun Friday Give Away!

2011-06-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

Okay guys.. starting today, and every Friday hereafter, we will be doing a Fun Friday Give Away! So to start things off, here's what's up for grabs:

*Free 1 hour Photo Session with Hand Edited CD and Copyrights - a $100 value!*

Here's what to do:

1. Share our Facebook Fan Page on your page.
2. Have your friends 'Like' our page.
3. Have your frineds write a comment on our page saying that YOU referred them.
4. The person with the most referrals, wins!

Since this pretty much kicks off our Fun Friday Give Aways, this doesn't end until midnight NEXT Thursday, just before our next give away. Now.. get to sharing!

Sabrina... Demolition of the Dress

2011-06-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Sabrina and I have been talking about doing a 'Trash the Dress' session for a couple of months, and we finally got both of our schedules worked out so that we could make it happen! I'm not sure why it's called 'Trash the Dress' or 'Demolition of the Dress'. It's more like a 'Resurrection of the Dress'. It's a dress that's been worn once, that's been sitting in your closet for years, so why not get it back out and have some fun with it? We sure did!! I'm so glad that we were able to get some really awesome shots, and at the same time, still preserve her beautiful wedding dress. Thank you, Sabrina and Dusty, for such an awesome session!

Senior Representative Model Contest!

2011-05-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

Okay Class of 2012 Seniors... it's time to schedule your appointment for those Senior Pictures! I am looking for 3 lucky girls or guys to be my Senior Representatives!

How to Enter:

"LIKE" the Giggles n' Grins Facebook Fan Page.
Email the photo that you would like uploaded to the Senior Representative Model Contest album, along with your name and High School that you attend, to gigglesngrinsphoto@gmail.com.
Share our page with your friends and family and get to voting!!!

The Goods:

The 3 lucky Seniors who are selected will receive the following:

Free One Hour Photo Session at a location of your choice.
Free comp cards with a collage of your pictures and our business information to pass out to all of your friends.
For every person that you refer that books their Senior Session with Giggles n' Grins Photography, you will receive $10.00 off your full Senior Session! You could potentially get your entire full Senior Session FREE!
A gallery of 5 images to post to your Facebook or other Social Networking Page.
Official Giggles n' Grins Photography Senior Representative title.

The Fine Print:

All photo submissions must be made by midnight on Friday, June 24, 2011. Voting will begin on Saturday, June 25, 2011 and run until midnight Sautrday July 2, 2011.
Prize is non-transferrable.
Within three (3) days after the winner is annouced, I will be contacting you to schedule your free session.
Participants will be removed from the contest if any spamming of any type occurs or any derogatory remarks towards any other participants are made.
Winners will be required to sign a waiver granting Giggles n' Grins Photography the right to use your photograph on the internet and with any promotional materials.
Comments do not constitute as votes.
One "Like" per contestant per person.
The Giggles n' Grins Photography logo must not be cropped out of the images that are given to share on Facebook pages.

A Soldier and His Family

2011-05-09T06:29:00.000-07:00

I have photographed Leah and Andy's beautiful babies before, but when Leah contacted me about this session, I just knew it was going to be something so special. Her husband, Andy, was going to be home for the week and she wanted some pictures of just him and their children... with him in uniform. I didn't want this photo session to be just your ordinary session. I wanted the pictures to tell a story. We are all so blessed to have soldiers like Andy that sacrifice so much for our country. Being away from their family is perhaps the biggest sacrifice of all. So Thank You Andy, for all that you and your fellow soldiers do for our country.

"I’m just tryin’ to be a father, raise a daughter and a son, Be a lover to their mother, everythin’ to everyone..Up and at ‘em bright and early, I’m all business in my suit.. I’m dressed up for success, from my head down to my boots.. I don’t do it for money, there’s bills that I can’t pay...I don’t do it for the glory, I just do it anyway...Providing for our future's my responsibility...Yeah I’m real good under pressure, being all that I can be...

And I can’t call in sick on Mondays when the weekend’s been too strong..I just work straight through the holidays, and sometimes all night long..You can bet that I stand ready, when the wolf growls at the door ..Hey I’m solid, hey I’m steady, hey I’m true down to the core...

And I will always do my duty no matter what the price...I’ve counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice... Oh and I don’t want to die for you, but if dyin’s asked of me...I’ll bear that cross with honor, cause freedom don’t come free...

I’m an American Soldier an American ... Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand...When liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right...

I’m out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight...American Soldier, I’m and American, Soldier.

An American Soldier an American...Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand

When liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right...I’m out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight...American Soldier, I’m an American, an American, an American, Soldier."

Gift Certificate for Mothers Day!

2011-04-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I can't think of a better gift for a Mother than a photo session for just her and her babies! So, in honor of Mother's Day, I am offering a 30 minute "Mommy and Me Session" for you to schedule at your convenience. I have had some people ask if they could schedule something on the same day as the "May Minis" and the answer is YES. Contact me to purchase your gift certificate today!

* Gift Certificate price is $50.00. With this session you will receive 5-10 hand edited images on a CD with copyrights.*

The Campbell's

2011-04-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I met up with some sweet friends of mine and my husband's for a family session! I have known David and Sarah for quite some time. Jason and David are childhood friends, and both Jason and myself were in David and Sarah's wedding. It seems just like yesterday that she found out she was pregnant with their little boy, Drew. We consider them family and love them dearly. And now look... they have a sweet new addition, Charlee! Aren't they such a BEAUTIFUL family? It was an absolutely beautiful day to head to the park, and end at the ice cream shop! Thank you, David and Sarah, for allowing me to photograph your beautiful family. It truly was my pleasure! Enjoy...

Happy 1st Birthday, Laney!

2011-04-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Is Laney not the cutest little girl EVER?! I met Laney's Mom, Haley, during all of my sister's pre-wedding events. Haley is just a sweet and beautiful as Laney! I had the priviledge of hanging out with Haley and Laney last weekend for some photo fun. We had such a great time during this sweet one year photo session. Thank you, Haley, for allowing me to be part of such a special milestone. Enjoy...

Easter Mini Sessions!

2011-04-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

I have been WAY behind on my blogging lately! Probably because I have been SO busy! I must say, as I planned this Easter Mini Session, I didn't really know where to start. This was my first 'mini session', and I was actually overwhelmed with all of the response that I received when I announced the sessions. I am so pleased with how everything turned out! 17 sessions later, I'd say that it was a HUGE success! Many thanks to all of my clients who were so patient with me on the mini session day, and for being so patient in waiting on your CD's. I am forever grateful! I am planning the next mini session now! I'm looking to switch things up a bit... but I'm not sure how just yet! Rest assured.. I'll make an announcement soon!

The West's

2011-03-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

I've known Gary and Neisha for a while, but this was the first time I've really hung out with them as a family... and boy were they a hoot!! This family session was so much fun! The picture below of Ashley and Jordan in the frame really captures their personality. Thanks Gary, Neisha, Ashley and Jordan for being such a fun family to photograph. You guys make my job so much easier! I had a great time... enjoy...