Bethany Ann Photography – Nashville, Tennessee Wedding & Portrait Photographer » Southern Weddings & Portraits

Cooper Brian arrived after 1Am on March 15th. And it just so happens that I picked March 15th for his birthday in a Dr. Seuss book at Ashley’s shower. What a neat idea, right? It was all Mamie’s idea! I love it. You have guests write what day they think the baby will be born along with the weight in a children’s book as a keepsake.

I was so honored when Ashley asked me to capture Cooper’s first moments. His resemblance to Ashley and his blond hair was amazing. I would have guessed it was dark like Ashley’s. :) I didn’t think he could be anymore loved while Ashley was pregnant, but when he was here, life was different: better, happier, more loving.

Cooper is such a joy to so many people. However, there’s something about a mom’s love and joy that overpowers anyone else’s. Ever since I met Ashley in the dorm room, I knew she would be a great mother. I knew she always wanted to be a mother and looked forward to the day with her whole heart. When she told me she was pregnant last year, I literally screamed, “Are you serious!? Yes!!” I admire how much light and happiness she brings into everyone’s lives, and now Cooper is an extension of that joy. When she held him the first time, her eyes lit up and she kissed his little nose repeatedly. I remember at one point she said, “I’ve been waiting for you a really long time.” And, if I wasn’t already crying, I would have started crying then. It was a big happy cry-fest after he arrived. :)

And the first time Justin held Cooper? Oh, melt my heart! I’ve known Justin as long as I have Ashley, because he would visit her in the dorm. I cannot express how emotional or exciting it was to capture those first moments in between a father and a son. Seriously, looking through all of the photographs made me cry again. I’ve never cried so many happy tears in my life!

I have shared a few images of Cooper’s pre-birthday and birthday. One of my favorites is the really, really dark one before Cooper arrived. The whole room was dark, and Cooper’s heartbeat on the monitor was the only sound. As Ashley rested, Justin held her hand & watched the monitors. It is a moment I never expected or thought I would be able to capture, but I knew, later on, they would want to remember this moment. This moment just before a family of two officially became three.

The last set of images are his newborn images. We took those when he was a week and a half old, and he already seemed to have changed so much since his birthday. Crazy! During the photo shoot, I kept telling him how handsome he was and how much I loved him. I’m pretty sure that annoyed everyone in the room, but he will always hold a special place in my heart. :) I can’t wait to photograph him growing up, watch him grow big and strong, and teach him about UK basketball… or, maybe just basketball in general, being as Justin is a Tennessee fan. ;)

Congratulations, Ashley & Justin! I am so thrilled for you, two. Cooper is perfect. I love all three of you!

Here are a few of my favorites with more on the slideshow at the end.

View the slideshow here. For the best viewing experience, hit play, then pause, and let it load for a few minutes, and then hit play again. :)

Comments

comments

Share OnFacebook Share OnTwitter Pin onPinterest EmailLink
Post a Comment

I have been trying to post Cooper’s newborn photos all day, but since the hosting company I use keeps failing me, I will wait. :) Instead, I would like to tell you a story I would like to call “Washing Machines & Cell Phones.”

Have you ever absentmindedly placed something in the microwave? Like your remote? Or what about in the refrigerator? Or have you ever thrown away a fork by accident? Or, have you ever, like Rick did, place your glasses on the fridge and then forget to grab them and spend the whole day blind?! Yeah, I haven’t done that last one either, so Rick, you are on your own, buddy. ;)

Last night, as Rick finished eating supper, I put a load of laundry in the washer. I had just turned it on, when Rick said,

“Your phone is ringing.”

I said, “Where is it?” and looked around confused because it sounded muffled.

“Where is IT?!”

“I don’t know, sounds like it’s over that way.” and he pointed toward the washing machine.

“Did I just put my phone in the washing machine!?!” I opened it, looked at the water pouring in, and thought, SURELY TO THE HEAVENS ABOVE I AM NOT THAT ABSENTMINDED!!!

I didn’t turn it off because 1) I’m not exactly sure how to turn it off after water has already begun pouring in (Yes, I know…), and 2) I really didn’t think I would have done that.

I kept looking around, until I finally looked upstairs, where my phone sat safely on my desk.

See, I am not that absentminded! :)

Anyway! I have always held a special place in my heart for engagement sessions. I love them so much, because the couple & I get to know each other, have fun, and create beautiful images that they will keep forever. :) This morning I had such a lovely engagement session with Lauren & Chris. Here’s a preview of their session and all the goodness to come! Thanks for the fun you guys.

I think I fell in love with both of them after I saw this photo in camera. And I love it even more in black & white: 

How gorgeous is she? And how amazing are her eyes?! 

I will call this one – Checking for traffic while their crazy photographer stands in the road:

Um, yes, we found a bike! How funny since I posted on Facebook a few days ago that I thought every engagement session should include a bike. ;)  Have a great evening,

Bethany

Comments

comments

Share OnFacebook Share OnTwitter Pin onPinterest EmailLink
Post a Comment

For the past few weeks my car has been acting strange.

My car, which after UK’s 8th National Championship WIN last week, I named Calipari, (I know, pretty amazing right?!), now needs a new wheel. Since I don’t want to go back to the dealership, (and even they suggested going to another place), I spent this morning trying to find one with no luck. And you know what happened?

I almost cried! Seriously. Over my car troubles! ha!

That’s when I realized, I’m such a GIRL!

Then, that made me laugh because crying over my car would not solve the issue. Hopefully, a new wheel would.

So, I did what any girl in distress would do. I called my dad! Here’s to hoping he can help me find another one. I definitely don’t want to go back to the dealership, but that’s a whole different story that evoked another emotion from me that doesn’t involve crying. ;)

Here’s to a cry-less evening!

Comments

comments

Share OnFacebook Share OnTwitter Pin onPinterest EmailLink
Post a Comment

« Older posts Newer posts »