Happy Anniversary Church Choir

Music that ministers to your soul. Every time I hear my Church choir my spirits are raised and my soul is nourished. It reminds me often of my grandmother... slowly making her way down the big cement steps (one at a time) from her home in Baltimore, getting in the car with plastic bubble seats.. you know the kind you would slide around on if you were not holding on... I know you remember... My legs would hurt later from gripping my patented leather shoes under the seat trying desperately to navigate the hump in the floor, not slide into my brother who would be bothered by the imposition of being touched and not get black marks on my white shoes... That ride to Church would either turn into a giggle fest, as we slid into each other around every corner, or a fight... depending on which side of the bed he (my brother) woke up on... either way, the noise was going to get someone in trouble. Grandma did not play..

She would give us each a few quarters to put in the collection plate and would sit beside us proud..... just happy that her grandchildren were there with her I suppose.. or perhaps (this is more like it) she was just happy to be in the house of the Lord. When the music began, the church would heat up and the people would start to sway and if it was a particularly moving song people would stand and sometime even walk the floor... I would look at her for assurance that everything was alright and sometimes see tears in her eyes... She was just happy to be in the house of the Lord...

Grandma Beulah is gone now but I still hear songs, to this day, that remind me of her and move me the same. Sunday night was no exception.. Fort Washington Baptist Church Family.... I love you guys!!

Click here to see their slideshow

Mike and Kia - Wedding

They met one faithful night at “Dream”…. That’s all I needed to know. The rest is apparent through their eyes when they look at each other. “Love is precious, love is kind ….” Michael and Kia embody all of what this verse promotes and then some.

As I stepped from the car the heat took my breath away, I was embarking on a day that had been planned for months, maybe years (the shoes). After all is said and done we all know that it was His plan that made it all so…and for me to be there as well. Grateful? You bet. There were too many treats for the eyes for me to describe… a photographer’s dream wedding for all to witness. But this day was not about me, it was about Michael and Kia.

Whitehall Manor was the absolute perfect setting for this glorious affair. Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the sun shown perfectly through the trees as the ceremony began. Susan Smith from "Simply Elegant Weddings" beamed with pride as she lifted the back of Kia’s dress helping her cross the graveled path to her father. All that was planned and dreamed was coming together perfectly via her coordination and would unfold before all of us like a perfect orchid opening slowly on a Spring morning. With Kia’s hair adorned with orchids, makeup perfectly applied by Ky and a perfectly fitted Lazaro dress from Ann’s Boutique, Kia and her father made their way across the lawn to greet her soon-to be partner for life.

Looking at the scene from afar it was hard not to notice the breathtaking floral decor skillfully created by Linda Merritt that graced your eyes at every turn. With "Ewabo", the Pan players ready to play, dinner in preparation, three cakes ready for guests and a DJ ready to rock the manor, the day was unfolding just as Kia and Mike could have only hoped for.

Kia and Mike, thank you so much for choosing me to document your wedding. From the time we all met at your engagement session I could tell that we were going to have a blast at the wedding. You are both kind, thoughtful and trusting people whom Eric and I took the greatest pleasure in capturing. Thanks ..

Click Here to see their slideshow
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Thanks to Doll, my ever persistent sister-in-law, who insisted that Kia at least look at my website.

Michael and Kia - Engagement

It is important for me to meet the Bride and Groom before the wedding day, engagement sessions are perfect for this. We were put off for what seemed an eternity because of our busy schedules and then the rain or impending rain. Kia was clear, she understood my vision for their shoot and once I told her my ideas, there was nothing that was going to stop us, together, from making it happen.

Kia and Michael are such a warm and funny couple. They have a chemistry that is subtle but magical. There were times during the shoot when I just sat and watched thru the lens and let their natural instincts take over. I wanted them to feel like models for the day and I have to say I think they did an awesome job.

Michael and Kia... thanks so much for trusting me and allowing me to help you express what is naturally there between the two of you. I had a blast and so did my bug fearing assistant. (smile)...

Eric and I can not wait until the wedding!!!!

see their slideshow...CLICK HERE





To see more of their engagement shoot CLICK HERE to see a slideshow!! Don't forget to post comments to the happy couple!!

Off you go..

We watch our children grow with hopeful anticipation that they will BE ... whatever that "BE" is for parents, if you ask, is different depending on so many things and it changes as the children grow up.

This beautiful young lady is well on her way to BE...! Mom and Dad...you should be very proud...

AW... you go girl!

Out Of Her Element!

Her grandmother spoke of her in hushed tones through my car window on many occasions. Telling me short stories of where she was and what she and her mom and dad were up to and the exotic places they were able to live. You know... that very proud and adoring talk from grandmothers who tell the stories of their little grandchildren. I knew this little one was special and I wanted to take her picture from the moment she was first described. " ... I'll call you when they come to town again maybe you can take her picture. I've told my daughter about you..."

Last week I passed the grandmothers house, whizzing by as usual, ready to throw my hand up to extend informal greetings and there she was.. so small, gentle with the most precious eyes you have ever seen. Tossed sun lit hair and a warm perched smile. She had a relaxed demeanor that only an island child has. I backed the car up 50 yards and immediately arranged to take her picture.

After meeting her mother, I now contemplate that perhaps the relaxed demeanour comes from those who are closest to you and not necessarily the environment in which we live. None the less... mother, daughter and grandmother... certainly very much alike...

Thanks to grandmother and of course mom... who did not know me from Adam but trusted the gentle advice from her mom...

Looking forward to taking another round of pictures when Dad can come.


Take care..

The perfect pair!

We all know those perfect jeans that you wear until they fall off, or that favorite sweater that grows holes and does not matter, or the pajamas that you could swear were your friend. The world of favorites does not go away but it seems to change.. I have watched our daughter put on this sweatshirt and wear it like it is a piece of favorite jewelry.
In the morning.. she has it on.. in the afternoon she has it on.. after school it once again appears, and at night she will sometimes even sleep in it. It seems like it is in the wash every time I go in the laundry room. She will even wash it all by itself to make sure it is ready to put back on. She has now added another favorite.. the proverbial pink plaid pajama pants. I thought I'd better take a picture of the perfect pair that she just won't give up.. after 10,000 washings they are the softest pieces of clothing in the entire Holloway household.. there is only one small problem...

I won't be the unusually frank mom who will embarrass her, not this time.. Lets just say, they are going away soon unless she wants to make them into Capri's or shorts (smile)..

What about it does she love so much? I had to wonder and then it dawned on me that the sweatshirt to her is like my favorite pair of jeans dawning holes in both knees; I wore them until I just could not justify being forty something with my knees hanging out. The kids thought they were cool. Teachers and Principles just thought.. I'm sure..
But if you took them away I would feel miserable.. So it is the same with her...
You are your mama's child and that is clear.. you will look back on these days and remember these plaid pants and the sweatshirt and recall how they made you feel when you put them on, just like I still go into my closet every now and then and put on my favorite butter soft Jeans complete with holes and recall how I used to feel when the holes were not there!!



and you thought you were helping mom out with focus issues.. Thanks sweety.. I love you!!

Days Gone By!

Such a funny relationship is ours.. We lived together after college.. ready to spread our wings and make it on our own.. a three bedroom apartment, but who was to get the largest room? Phyl insisted, but Denise (our other roommate) and I made her pay more for the privilege of more space and her own bathroom.. Phyllis went to decorating and I will never forget that teal and black bedspread that she treasured.. not to mention the matching shower curtain and floor mats in her adjacent bathroom. Too funny now, but hilarious then.

We both started flying the friendly skies of Delta Airlines and savored those times we had as "just us girls". Making it on our own. Clothes, shoes, haircuts, food, no food, parties, decorating the place (we left that up to Denise)....... Not two months later did I meet the love of my life who walked up to me on a plane and proceeded to change everything . Romance, teddy bears in the mail, travel, proposal, marriage and later..kids.

Things proceeded to change for Phyl too. William came walking into her life in much the same way..on a plane as well and later they too were married. Travel, moving, jobs, romance and kids!

Eighteen years for Eric and I and Fifteen years for William and Phyllis.. we haven't changed much... Have we?





Thanks Guys.. Happy Easter!

Hey There Yvonna!

At first glance she was not having any part of it.. pensive, searching, thinking, you could almost hear her thoughts. They were written all over her face..
What is she doing here? What are those bags for? Who is this lady mom? What is that thing in her hand? Is mom going to leave? oh and ohhhhh what was that flash?
Then mom started the music and she was transformed in an instant.. the rhythm had her dancing, hands clapping, head moving to the beat... and all the questions seemed to melt away.
She is growing fast guys.. Enjoy!

Hurry up and wait..

It is very hard to tell an expectant mom "everything will go smoothly" and "you will be back on your feet in no time" and have her look at you as though she believes it. In this case they both looked at me like I had two heads. I had fun recording these moments for Tiffiani and Louis.. they are due in a few weeks and are really, really...READY!! Good luck you guys.. can't wait to see the baby boy... don't panic family and friends... I'm not telling any secret. (I've had three.. it's just my guess)..
Click on the picture below to go see your session photos..

Happy Birthday Gene!

Click HERE to see Slideshow!! turn up the volume!!
A Very Special Happy Birthday goes out to Gene..

Camelle spoke softly as she whispered that she needed Eric and I to come to Gene's Surprise Birthday Party. Gene was just steps away and was thinking we were just working out the details of the family shoot we were about to start..

Later she confessed that she did not want to burden me with taking the pictures.. "I just want you to come and enjoy yourself, you know relax and not work."
Are you kidding ME!! This is what I do.. This is what I love.. it does not define me but is a big part of what I am.. I get a thrill out of making it happen.. God's gift to me and to all that look at it and love it as well..
"a moment in time.. to be treasured forever." Eric and I were glad to be just a small part.. I took some pictures, he took some pictures.. later we just danced!!
The party rocked.. you know the blue light, basement, back-in-the-day-type-party.. Mr. dj from Master Productions had the place rocking late into the night, Premier Productions of Maryland was there to capture it all on video and Danny's Catering of Indian Head topped it all off by suppling the awesome soul food. You know...the kind of Mac and Cheese that makes you go hummmmm!!!
Thanks Camelle for the invite and Happy Birthday Gene!.. You are not Over the Hill.. you are blessed..

Dear First Lady Vicki

Click Here to view the "First Lady Day Slideshow"

What a blessing it is to have you as First Lady of FWBC. Thanks for all that you do and may you have many more years of fellowship and friendship with the ladies (specifically) of FWBC. May you find comfort in the fact that we have your back... more importantly may God continue to bless you and your precious family.
To all of you who helped plan this event for Vicki, thank you for trusting me to record this special occasion for her. Over the years you have helped me grow as a photographer and designer by allowing me to record many events at FWBC. I will always be grateful for that. Enjoy the Show!

One more thing... a special thank you to our very own Fred Dendy who allowed me to use his song "Here I Am", with lyrics by our very own Joii Foxx. Fred and Joii both have cd's available for purchase here on the web.

Twins are twice as nice!

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Another first for me.. Twins.. (a boy and a girl)!

Twice the ears..
Twice the nose..
Twice the blessing, God always knows..
Twice the dreams
Twice the tears
You'll build twice the memories in all of your years!

Thanks Hollie.. You've been blessed and so have I to have met you and your kids..

New Years Day.. "It's an emergency!!"

"It's an emergency", she uttered.. "I hope you can help me out". As I held my breath as to what she was about to ask (at 9:00pm new years eve), I was shocked at the request but deeply honored that she thought of me. I was smiling the whole time she was making her plea and knew that if it was humanly possible I would be there for her.
You know you love what you do when your heart skips a beat at the chance to make someones dream come true. It is for her Dad.. how could I say no. So I said yes!
What a blast this was to get all of this family together for a family portrait. I enjoyed meeting each and everyone of you.. I hope the guest of honor loves his portrait, there is definately love that is felt when you look in the faces here.. May God continue to Bless you and Keep You All!!

Our Beach!

Click here to see the slideshow
What fun it was first scouting this location.. I have the best customers in the world. Year after year they come up with new ideas for their family pictures in some of the most unusual locations. Mrs. V described what she wanted and we both searched until we found the perfect location.. the driftwood was right in place for the perfect shot.. God was watching over us...

You all are too much..

Everything was going fine until I told these two (adults) to get on the ground... I suppose I should know we are not getting any younger.. Tony laughed so hard we were all in tears..

thanks guys for another great shoot!!

Our great nephew..

I could not resist when I saw his eyes.. I knew he was a charmer...