An Epic Elopement { Moab, UT }

If you’ve been following my work for a while, you probably remember that I shoot video for a few elopements every year with Pop Up I Do. This time we headed south for some red rock, and epic views for these vows! Terry + Gabby are both pilots, their boss headed to Moab for the Jeep Safari and they decided it would be a beautiful place to hitched.

They were right! The morning before the ceremony, Marisa, Kayla (Kayla Bertagnolli Photography) & I drove up to scout the spot and to be sure of what time the sun would peak over the cliffs. It was absolutely magical and we were all stoked about how pretty everything was going to be! The next day we met up with the bride and groom around 5am. it was still very dark and you could see Gabby doing her makeup in the light from the vizor mirror in their jeep.

She had always wanted to stay at Under Canvas, and thought it would be a perfect time for their special occasion. Apparently though, their tent didn’t have any mirrors , or electricity ! (I mean, it is a tent….even if it is a luxury one) So she had to do all of her primping in the car, even curling her hair. But when she emerged , she looked absolutely stunning!

It was a very windy morning and a bit overcast, which didn’t give off the same golden affect as the previous morning. But still breathtakingly beautiful! Terry isn’t at all afraid of heights and kept freaking everyone out with his desire to be right on the edge. Well everyone except Gabby, I think she’s used to it.

It was such a pleasure getting to capture this quiet and beautiful wedding and to meet these amazing people!
I don’t normally take too many photos when I’m hired for a film, but this was such an awesome location I couldn’t not sneak a few in! This was my very first visit to Moab, and I had such a great time taking in all of it’s magnificence!

Best wishes to this happy couple! To book your wedding, elopement or whatever else you’d like to shoot, you can chat with me here. I look forward to hearing from you, and thanks for stopping by my blog!

Rowan's Birth Story

A birth is the most magical event, and I always feel so honored to get to be in attendance! Every one is so unique and special. I actually met Misty at a birth story that I shot for her sister, and was excited to now be capturing hers. Rowan is their 3rd boy and rainbow baby. We were all looking forward to seeing how his brothers would react to meeting their new brother

The tone of the room was very relaxed as we waited patiently for things to progress. There was some discussion of what he would look like and how much he would weigh. Guesses were made of his hair color and it was fun to see Misty’s reaction when she ended up being right. He had a little bit of red fuzz peeking through all that vernix.

Of coarse he was absolutely adorable and his mommas love was oozing all over him as she snuggled him for the first time. I would agree that it’s a magnificent feeling to look at your sweet baby and memorize all their tiny features, staring at them all day and adoring the funny and lovable faces they make. It’s definitely a love drunk phase and I suggest soaking it up as much as possible!

When it came time for the boys to meet him, they were a bit timid. Little Bryce looked on him lovingly, but was definitely nervous. I think he even said aloud that her was “terrified” haha. And Grayson was not so sure about him at all, he kept shooting him the stink eye. It was so funny, and cute at the same time! You just never know how kids are going to react. But it’s always fun to witness!

A big thanks to this cute family for allowing me to be part of their big day and capture these memories for them! I love it so much and get to always keep my newborn fever at bay when i get to shoot a birth for someone else, I think I’d just keep popping out kids otherwise haha!! (So my husband also thanks you ;) )
For more info on birth stories or to book yours, please click here.

An Anniversary Session / Antelope Island UT

Linzee is an extremely beautiful and talented photographer. We attended a newborn photography seminar together a while back and got to shoot a birth with her last year. I love building relationships with other creatives and supporting and celebrating each other’s successes! When she asked me about doing an anniversary session with her hubby for their 10 year anniversary I was so excited!! Most couples don’t get their photos taken together after their wedding day, and I thought it was such a great idea. Every couple deserves a good cuddle sesh in front of the camera to document their love!

She started our session by wishing me luck, as both she and Steven were “not photogenic at all!” But I wasn’t the least bit worried… I mean just look at them! I will give her credit that I may have culled a few more blinkers than usual, haha. I don’t make it out to Antelope Island very often and when we got there it was still pretty bright, so we scouted out a good spot where we could get some creamy light peeking out from behind the rocks. Hundreds of little gnats fluttered all around us as we made our way through the lush green grass. The birds were flying overhead, singing the prettiest melodies. It was unreal how beautiful everything was. There was really no way we could screw this up haha!

I’m in love with the dress she chose, it really popped against the rich colors of the landscape. I also love that they brought an outfit change, to create a more casual, fun look and add variety to the images.
As the sun began setting, the more flying creatures appeared. But we were having so much fun, and it was seriously magical in every direction that we just kept shooting!

We watched in awe as the golden light painted the countryside, and tinted the clouds with a pink and purple hues. Linz and Steven were so damn cute together, it was no secret that they are clearly still in love even 10 years after their honeymoon! Steven was so attentive and sweet with Linzee and you could tell how much she appreciates him.

I haven’t had many couples sessions lately since i’ve been focusing on families and births, but it was really refreshing. I think I want to do more! So if you’re thinking about booking a couple session, the answer is YES you should, and you can book with me here!

Our Easter Traditions

We celebrate Easter with the usual traditions, starting with dying eggs. This is one of our very favorite things to do! The kids are all very creative. Paisley absolutely loves crafts, so she really looks forward to decorating them. Brooks has that perfectionist gene and when it didn’t turn out exactly the way he envisioned it he kind of lost interest haha, andI think Easton and Collins just enjoy the mess. We thought it would be a good idea to try out the faux eggs from Walmart to save on time and to keep collins from breaking them all. But they were not the best for coloring. they held the paint and the dye that was in the package that it came with, but just wasn’t the same experience as dying real eggs. They just floated on top of the water, which hindered a lot of the kids creativity. At least we know now to go with the real thing, also we didn’t get to do deviled eggs with them either.

On Easter morning the kids woke up to their baskets, each one filled with some eggs stuffed with treats, some goodies and he always leaves pair of shoes and usually an outfit for each of the kiddos. We love it when he brings those little cartons of gum, and painting our lips with the wopper eggs. It was raining pretty hard all night and into the morning so the kids found some eggs that were hidden around the house. Then ended up having an egg fight with their Dad in the living room, making a giant candy + plastic egg mess, but they had a blast. They all looked adorable in their pastel pajamas that I found on Amazon, they fit so cute and were super soft and comfy!

After their candy breakfast we got into our Easter best to head over to Grandma Shell’s. If you grew up with cousins, then you know that Grandma’s house on the Holidays are the best! These kids have so much fun together. By the time we had eaten the sun came out and was perfect for the rest of the festivities. They raced to find all the eggs hidden all over the pasture. The babies got a bit of a head start, but that didn’t stop the older kids from making away with a ton of goodies! Then we tie dyed some shirts for the MS walk we’re doing next weekend. We spent the rest of the night relaxing, and eating candy. It was an absolutely perfect day. What are your Easter traditions?

Easter Pics With the Chicks

What can I say, I’m a sucker for babies! These chicks are the sweetest things, and all the kiddos were so good with them. Some of the little ones weren’t too sure about touching them, but nonetheless they were fascinated by the bitty fuzzy creatures! Back to back 15 minute sessions, cleaning up and chasing after tiny beings for 4 hours straight is super exhausting, but totally worth it! I mean just look at those cute faces.

But that’s why I don’t do sessions like these very often! Usually only for Easter & Halloween (another one of my faves, to see everyone’s costumes!) Not very many studios allow animals, but I was able to rent my talented friend’s space The Studio 1918 . It’s such a beautiful place with lots of natural light and she has many great furniture pieces and props, I love shooting here!

We decided that we are keeping the chickies this year, my kids are delighted. I think it will be fun to watch them grow and begin to lay eggs. I’m not a big egg eater, but my kids LOVE them, so that will be nice to have some readily available all the time. Although it might take some getting used to, I’ve heard they taste a bit different. I’m currently looking into plans for a coop, to keep them safe from all of the stray cats in our neighborhood! But for now they will stay inside where it’s dry, warm and safe

Their names are Princess Lay-a, Henny-Penny, Beaker, Midge & Cleo(pecktra). They are all really good with being held, and was told that Buff Orpington’s make good pets. We also got an Easter egger, but she is growing a lot faster than the others and is really quick on her feet! It should be entertaining to watch the kids chase them around the yard when they get bigger.

Although I’ve had chicks many times, I’ve never actually raised them into chickens before. We usually find loving homes for them, so I guess I’ll be reaching out to some of those peeps (pun intended) to see what to do.

So far the biggest challenge has been all the poop!! And keeping Collins from wanting to snuggle them all day long. I don’t know how many times a day I hear, Mommy I want to hold a chickie please please please please please!

It’s pretty cute to see their personalities coming out as the days pass. Just like real babies do once they get out of that sleepy stage. Unfortunately I won’t be offering any more chick sessions, but there is still time to book some spring minis with the blossoms! You can find more info about them here, or email me at shailynnphotoandfilm@gmail.com to schedule!

A Fresh 48 Session /Meeting Baby Grey

I had the pleasure of shooting Aleisha and Tyler’s first look video for their wedding alongside the amazingly talented Jessica Janae. Now I got to capture another first look of sorts when their stunner of a daughter Aria met her new baby brother Grey. It was the absolute sweetest! She was beyond delighted, the look on her face was priceless. In her sweet little voice kept saying to him “ I’m your sister” and telling him stories, it was absolutely darling!

When his tiny hat came off I was amazed by the amount of hair this itty bitty head had on it. It took his daddy quite a bit of time to get it all washed out during his first bath. It was fun to see it get all sudsy, while big sister Aria peered lovingly at him through the nursery window.

Fresh 48 sessions are so precious, and the perfect addition to a birth story. Maybe you chose not to do a birth story or baby came too quickly but you want to preserve those first few days of life. I enjoy shooting them because it gives Mom and Dad a chance to freshen up and settle in with their new babe. It also adds the convenience of being able to select a preferable time when lighting conditions would be ideal.

I enjoy capturing how the siblings and other family members react to meeting this new mini person. I love getting all those newborn features, and just capturing all of the emotions that surround such a momentous time. The atmosphere during these sessions is always so tender and filled with sentiment!

Another advantage of doing these fresh 48 sessions is the ability to plan ahead. You never know when you’re going to go into labor, but with this type of shoot you have a better handle on how you want things to go and have more control. We can capture baby’s first bath, meeting family members for the first time or simply focus on the connection between mom, dad and their newborn.

The first few day after having a baby are usually a blur. You’re probably still in a bit of pain and there’s usually a flood of visitors flowing in and out of your room all day. You‘ve waited several months (long ones at that) to meet this little human, and they change so much within those first few weeks, even the first few days and hours they seem to transform right before your eyes! Fresh 48 sessions allow you to put your phone down and be present as a family.

If you are interested in booking a Fresh 48, head over to the Scheduling page or send me an email at shailynnphotoandfilm@gmail.com. Due to the on-call nature of these sessions, I only take a limited number each month, so get on my schedule as soon as you’re ready to book!