Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Details to the Business | Erin Rachel

Just a few things that are in the making for some details to the business!
This week I designed and ordered business cards!

Part of my branding process was deciding on a paper that I wanted to use throughout the business. I chose linen, because it reminds me of clean and classic. So my business cards and stationary are all printed on linen paper.
This is the front:
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Then I have several different backs and these are just two of them:
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My stationary is printed on a 5x5 square card which is simple and the header looks like:
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Thankfully a couple of more things have now been checked off of my "to-do" list!!!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Treasure the little things | Lifestyle Portraits

On a personal note...I am thankful for the time I get to spend with my family. I am learning to cherish those times as well as take time from my crazy busy life for the small things in life. You know like playing mommy for my nephew when my sister in law and brother need me...picking up the niece and nephews bath toys out of the tub...fixing a bottle while they are "starving"...playing chase...taking them outside just because they want to...getting in the baby pool with them in my workout clothes because they won't get in by themselves...buying them a new outfit...giving them a drink of my water because they love sucking out of a straw...swinging them around just to see them smile and laugh...giving them kisses...you know...those little things in life we take for granted! Sometimes I get sooo wrapped up in work and what not that I don't take a deep breath, relax and enjoy life.
These were taken several weeks ago when I was at the beach with my family in Destin.
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I am surrounded by love! I have an awesome family!!
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are those not the bluest eyes you've ever seen!?!?!?
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see the little things of watching her discover sand and see what it feels like...and even tastes like!!!ha
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My little man! (aka as my nephew...just to clarify) this is his first experience in a baby pool...he wasn't too sure about it at first...he sat in my lap for a good while!!
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I truly believe that Jesus gives us the little things in life to enjoy! I hope you all will treasure those little things in life and not take them for granted...I am soooo blessed and undeserving of what the Lord has given me....and I have sooo much to be thankful for!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Remembering Christa Ann

One year ago today my long time friend went home to be with the Lord.
At times we don't understand why but all we can do is trust in the Lord rather than question him.
Please pray for her family during this time.
As I woke up today this was the first thing that came to my mind. A year ago this Sunday morning I answered a phone call telling us of this sad news. At first shock took over and I had no emotion as I was processing it all. Then it all came tears started flowing for the sadness of the loss and for her dear family. I will always treasure the impact that Christa had on my life and the impact that her family still has on my life.
As I was in our church service, a year ago, one of the songs that we sang was "When We See Christ". As I played this hymn for church, the tears started rolling down my face because of the memories this song holds with Christa. The song director had no clue when he chose this song the night before. BUT GOD knew...and God still knows. I could go on and on but I will leave you with a few pictures and the word to this song:

Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,
We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God's eternal day.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One gliimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,
We're tossed and driven on , no human help in sight;
But there is one in heav'n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One gliimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past,
We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One gliimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

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We love you Christa!!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Blog Stalker?!?!?

A few weeks ago I was having coffee with a wonderful friend, we were chatting about blogs and blogging etc. I mentioned something that I just KNEW she would know about when it came to organizing the blogs to follow them. She didn't! Soooo...I decided to share my new found addiction!!!

So if you like to keep up with blogs this is for you!
GOOGLE READER!!!!!!!! ahh I'm totally loving it! and it totally rocks!!!
Some of you may have already known about this...next time fill me in on the trick!! I will love you forever for it:)
So go and get organized with your blogs! It will save you oodles of time!!

Everytime someone updates their blog you know it without having to save them to your favorites...check them out only to find out they haven't updated in days...weeks or even months!

I know there are other programs to use but in my opinion google tops them all!!



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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Rebekah & Andy | In love session

Rebekah & Andy are truly two beautiful people that are in love!
I had so much fun meeting and spending time with them. During the small amount of time I was with them you could feel their love for one another but even more for God. What an awesome testimony!
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uhhh...this is so one of my favorites!!!
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This session was part of the internship! It was fun yet nerve racking at times because each of us had to take turns directing the photo shoot. Sarah gave us some direction as we went, so it was fun!
So can you imagine going to a photo session with 7 photographers all around you with cameras and huge lenses! It was pretty funny to step back and watch the sight. I can only imagine what outsiders were thinking!!
This couple was amazing.
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Enjoy the slideshow!!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

New Branding is Finally Launched

I'm super super super excited about my new branding and look! I couldn't wait to launch it and show everyone! Sunday afternoon we went out and did our bio shoots with Sarah! It really was fun:) Honestly at first I wasn't too sure about it!! Especially when they were trying to put me in an "urban" outfit!! haha It's cute and fun though...I actually joked with Sarah about her skirt showing up missing:) It was funny it turned out everyone of the interns had something of Sarah's on! Does that tell you what kind of mentor she is? GIVING!!!

We started the morning off yesterday at an awesome coffee shop-Crema! If you're ever in Nashville make time to stop!!! hahaha
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Well...leave me comments with your opinions on the new look!! I can't wait to launch the website so be on the look out in a couple of weeks for that!
Let me leave you with this picture since a post isn't worth much without a picture!!!
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Another good day in Nashville...but I can't wait to get home basically for two reasons!!!
1-Jeremiah (my nephew)
2-Hannah (my niece)
:) :) :)

Monday, June 22, 2009

Nashville Friends!!!!

While here in Nashville I was able to meet up with some wonderful friends! They came and picked me up on Sunday and I got to spend most of the day with them! I was super excited!!!!
We went to church at New Beginnings with them and the service was sooo refreshing and encouraging! You know how there is always that one thing that jumps out to you-which is God speaking to you- which is the most amazing thing especially when it's meant to be a Father's Day message! Well the pastor briefly mentioned Psalms 106:3b "and he that doeth righteousness at all times." I know I've read that verse before but this time it was God speaking and it's what I needed to hear to keep me going! -All Times not just when I want to or feel like it. God is amazing!
So after that "sermon" hahaha...
Let me introduce to you my friends!!
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Aren't these girls precious! They have great parents raising them up as a godly generation and they are oh-so-sweet! Oh and did I meantion beautiful! Wow!!
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They are heading to Colorado to plant a church and I know God has great things in store for them. They are an amazing example of followers of Christ and desiring God's will for their lives. I can't wait to see how God uses them.
----Thank you for the fun and fellowship! You're in my prayers as God gives you direction and makes the journey ahead smooth sailing!!!
Love y'all!!!

Happy Daddy's Day!

I just wanted to make a special. belated. quick and late post!!
"Happy Daddy's Day" To the most amazing dad in the world!
I'm so thankful to have a dad that cares about me and takes care of me in all aspects of life.
I wouldn't be where I am today had it not been for the wisdom and character that my dad has.
Thank you Daddy!
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This is also the first Father's Day that I haven't been home to spend with him which is kind of weird:) But yes I did call him and send him a card:) I am thankful to my Lord for what he has given me in a father. I don't want to take one moment for granted and cherish each day I have with him.
I'm also thankful that my brother is a daddy and so is my brother in law! This makes me happy because I'm an aunt!!! But seriously I know these are desires of their heart and God is blessing them and giving them those desires! It's awesome to see them raising them up in a Christian home and for the Lord!
So Happy Daddy's day to all of you Dad's out there!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Franklin Tennessee | Day 6

So if you've ever been to Franklin, Tennessee you probably fell in love with it like I did. Well that is if you're a good Southern Gal! I felt soooo at home:)
We spent the morning at Merridee's Bread Basket drinking iced tea and iced coffee...hooked up to the wifi learning all about Camera Settings and Photoshop techniques! Pretty amazing stuff:)
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Today I learned one of the most amazing techniques that will be such an awesome asset to the way I shoot! I'm super excited!! It's all about Back Focus!
We headed out to walk in downtown Franklin to put our skills to the test! Shooting in manual mode, learning about some lighting techniques, shopping, eating yummy food and cupcakes!
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Then we all piled in the car and headed to Natchez Trace and got some pretty amazing shots and having lots of fun with lots of laughs! Isn't the lighting amazing...and yeh these gals are too:)
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Ok seriously you don't have to tell me! I know I went a little Photoshop happy but I figured it was better than an extra 50+ pictures on this blog!! I saved you time:)
Happy Weekend!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Good things are happening | Day 4

So what do you think of the new look on my blog??!?!?! I'm sooo excited. I wasn't going to change it BUT I figured now would be the time to totally freshen things. I'm so happy I did because today I found out I get a one-year subscription for a showit website FREE! That called for a happy dance:) I am super excited about adding this dimension to my business!
The layout on my blog isn't complete this is just the start of my design. ANNNDDDD...Guess what? I designed it "All by myself"! Pretty impressive huh! haha

Today the sun decided to peak out and shine on Nashville! It was a nice change from the last two days of dark clouds, wind and rain! I spent most of the day designing my blog and getting a jump start on my website!
We decided to get out of the "house" for a bit and took a walk across the street to Urban Outfitters where I got a few fun shots of some texture!
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Xenia cooked an awesome dinner! That was sooo yummy! Thank you Miss Xenia!
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Then we had a fun fun fun visitor Miss Jasmine aka "Jazz" drop in for a visit! She had dinner with us...she stepped out on the balcony to the beautiful sunlight which happened to be so perfect so we all grabbed our cameras!
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When there is a house full of girls that are all photographers someone ALWAYS has a camera and snapping away!! Fun stuff for sure!
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What a fun day for sure! I am suuuupeeerrr excited about my website that is up and coming! I will definetly let you know when I launch it! We might just have a surprise that comes with it!!!!