Stephen & Ariel

It was supposed to be a Christmas party for the nursing students. A nice evening, among friends, with an open bar. But when the medical students heard news of the aforementioned open bar, the party soon became a nursing school Christmas event crashed by Vanderbilt School of Medicine's finest. And as the evening came to an end and the after parties were sure to begin, Stephen smoothly demanded Ariel's number... 'Just in case our groups are separated'.

And when a first date, complete with good food, good company, and extra good dancing, happened just a few weeks later, both parties knew this love was for real.

This year Stephen crashed another Christmas party. After flying to Houston to whisk Ariel away from her hospital's Christmas party, he took her on yet another date (no doubt with good food and good company). And when dinner was over and the couple returned to Ariel's apartment, Stephen found himself on bended knee with a diamond ring - asking Ariel if she wouldn't mind spending forever with him.

Stephen and Ariel, thank you for trusting me with your pictures and thank you for being absolutely gorgeous. You're a real dream and I cannot wait for your delightfully Southern, Nashville wedding this summer.

It may be a little premature, but I've got my boots ready.

All my love, Michelle

Meet the third member of Stephen & Ariel's family, Oliver. I think he'd be bffff's with Conway.

Le sigh.

Hellloooo gorgeous mountains.

A little dancing...

...and one last walk into the sunset.

Kelsi's Bridal Portraits Part I

This pretty lady is getting married today!! While I will be shooting her wedding with one super sexy, ever handsome man named Colton, I think we get special privileges for being related to the bride. Including, but not limited to, having a few mojitos during cocktail hour and break dancing during the reception. Kelsi is in the other room getting ready and while I'm just about to join her, I thought today would be the perfect time to show the world these bridal portraits. Since Kelsi + Matt are having a destination wedding, I know there are a few handfuls of people who wish they could be joining us today. Here's a peak at the vintage strapless dress the bride will be wearing - worn last by her grandmother in the 1950's.

Happy Wedding Day, Kelsi + Matt.

M.

Check back tomorrow for part II of Kelsi's bridal session.

Hannah Larkin Designs

With the opening of her Etsy shop, Hannah needed a few portraits of herself as well as a handful of pictures of her work. For one full afternoon we sat on the steps of her absolutely adorable downtown apartment and got down to business. The business of pretty paper, pretty pictures, and pretty people…named Hannah. Hannah is one of my oldest and dearest friends and even as early as the second grade her impressive drawing and drool-worthy typography skills stood out. Over the years her hobby developed into more than just a pastime and in college, when she began asking us what type of font we’d like on our birthday cards, we knew this girl had talent. Over the past few years Hannah has been designing wedding stationery and custom cards for quite the collection of amazing people. And being completely honest, it’s about time she made her work available for everyone.

This was my first, real product shoot and I kinda totally loved it. There's something nice about shooting in a controlled environment and being able to twist, turn, and pose the subject - er, product, as you please. Especially when the person you're photographing for is baking you fresh-from-the-oven lavender lemon cookies. I die.

To see more of Hannah's work and to visit her lovely little shop, CLICK HERE!

Hannah created the stationery for Ryan + Lene's wedding last September and Jake + Sierra's wedding this December and she's currently working on the invitations for one of next summer's brides. Making me over-the-moon with joy to work with her on not one, not two, but three weddings!

And without giving it allll away, here's a little peek at the custom stationery Hannah just finished for my business. 2012 Brides, be excited - pretty paper is headed your way!!

Isn't her work amazing?! Pleasepleaseplease stop by Hannah's new (and absolutely ADORABLE!!) store and get your hands on at least one of her lovely little cards. And while you're at it, be sure to read the 'About' section. If you haven't already, it'll definitely make you fall head over heels in love with this girl.

Happy Wednesday, Michelle