Until we meet again <3

Seeing 2017 go so soon.

We’re going to close this year with all the sessions neglected on the blog. We were able to fulfill some of last years hopes and dreams (booking a solid summer, traveling ect.) but we didn’t get any better with blog upkeep. Don’t fret though, it’s in the works.

We are forever grateful for those that have followed our journey, encouraging words are some that stick with you for life. & a huge thank you to the wonderful friends we met and photographed this year. Seeing so many faces in front of my lens brings so much joy to my heart. Like, I love y’all for real. I love hearing your love stories, your triumphs, your good news, I love being able to give you moments that you’ll look back on in 10-15 years and smile over. It brings me the purest type of satisfaction to see so many people in love or growing families, joining families, remembering families & to be able to put your personalities into one little photograph. Y’all are the real MVP’s!

Have plans for 2018?

This year I will be back at it when the weather warms up. But, with my family. I plan to fill weekends with your beautiful faces but I intend to photograph my kids, boyfriend & family more than I ever have before. A promise to pick up my camera daily and photograph the tiny little moments that usually only I see. Because kids aren’t kids for long. I plan to continue to travel. And I hope to expand into food photography wildly this new year!

So, let’s look back at Southern Cotton’s 2017!

Celebrating 2016.

What an incredible year 2016 was for us.

We moved out. Ventured on our own. Booked some fabulous weddings. Participated in Birmingham’s Big Fake Wedding! Entered some national contests. Finished school. Photographed family non-stop. Did a ton of personal work. Met some incredible people! Saw some gorgeous bellies, families, couples & kids. Supported other small businesses – promoted whole heartedly. But most of all, we grew.

What will 2017 bring?

For us, we plan to – be present more. Blog more. Gift more. Get published again. Book a solid wedding summer. Continue to meet & connect with great people. Try something new. & travel.

Thank you. For your support. Your love & encouragement. My clients push me to continually be better and my friends/family keep me going when I’m unsure of myself. There’s no way I’d be here without y’all. I really am grateful for all of y’all!

Cheers to this crazy new adventure of a new year!

More Woods & Families.

Meet the Kopecky’s.

This is my sister, my niece & nephew, my brother in law. My sister is always ready for family portraits, my brother in law – not so much. But man have they made some cute babies & we can’t lie, they photograph beautifully. Corlee-Ann & her brother have become quite the little hams with my camera and that makes my heart happy! Until next time!

Wooded Family Maternity.

The Paul’s.

I went to high school with these two! I’ve also been blessed with the task of photographing their first maternity photos, Madi’s newborns, their second maternity photos & Colt’s newborns – you must’ve seen them before. I love these guys to death! It’s been a long time but each time I get to catch up on life, see how they’ve grown, learn about what they’re into currently and play with some spunky little kids! Keep on coming y’all!

Wooded Families

The Jones.

This family is hilarious. Chris & Kalyn are getting married next weekend and I was lucky enough to photograph their first family session! I always enjoy my clients, but these guys were so much fun. Kas – crazy cute 11 year old with some serious flirt skills. We play kickball together on Thursday, so seeing these two in real clothes, not yelling at a ref was a treat. & I get to attend my first wedding as a guest in a few days! I hope you guys enjoy your lives together in laughter every day.

Sock Monkey Roll Tide Fans

Baby Lawson.

I’ve been photographing you since before you were born. Your mother is so lucky to have you & your beautiful soul. You’re absolutely adorable and I look forward to seeing you grow! During your 6 month session you cried, screamed, peed and laughed – a lot. But you started sitting up so we can see all your slushy rolls! Yes, we love them. & your mom and dad wouldn’t go a session without have you tied to their favorite football team, roll tide baby. What are we going to do at your next session?!

Woodsy Portraits

Kim Possible.

This sweet little babe is a great friend! We’ve been working together on a project for one of her classes so it seemed fitting to have her model for one of my classes. A black and white theme full of textures. Naturally, I found myself in the woods. & oh the delight! While I’m working to get my Certificate in Portrait Photography, I generally find myself shooting with more of a purpose. I enjoy shooting with a goal and theme, it’s an incredible way to expand the way I photograph. And for this assignment I was lucky enough to have such a captivating model. I look forward to all the new adventures these classes will be taking me on!

Nashville Bridge Engagements

Megan + Nilesh

Every girl deserves a photograph like the first one in this post. & you two do it so well! When I met Megan and Nilesh I could tell how special they were to each other. They were so patient and throughout. They were quick to make sure the other was happy and laughed at the mistakes made. They’re adorable, no other way to put it. I’m pretty excited to share in their wedding day, for Indian & Western traditions! & I can’t wait to get this girl back in front of me for her bridals, stay tuned – they’ll be viewable after their wedding!

Cotton Inspired Country Engagements

Amanda + Brian

I love you two dearly. Your personalities make me laugh and keep me rolling. You’re a perfect fit, your highs match your lows and all that mushy stuff. I’m forever thankful to have friends like y’all, I’m super excited to watch y’all say your vows and embark on this conjoined journey. So here’s to you two!

The Ultimate Selfie

Surprise!

If you guys didn’t know, I’m currently working towards a Certificate in Portrait Photography through the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. This often means that I’m out photographing strange things or creating abstract themes for school assignments. It’s tons of fun and I’m super excited to almost be done! & every now and then I get brave enough to tackle the art of self portraits for an assignment. The ultimate selfie. This assignment was a recreation of another photographer I admire deeply. With her consent I was able to use her photograph as inspiration to create it again, with a little bit of me if you know what I mean. Selfies are no joke friends, this was hard! Enjoy.