We started out at Eden Gardens, though – and then hopped over to Seaside, which is conveniently just over Hwy 98 & down 30A a bit.  It was a little crowded, but that’s not really that unusual these days!  It’s just a big contrast to the slow quiet pace of Eden Gardens!  But no worries, Jaclyn & Adam are from Atlanta, so I’m sure it was nothing in comparison to the hustle & bustle of a big city like Atlanta!

Anyways, here’s an awesome little sneak peek.  And I’m obviously infatuated with purple lately cause I was totally loving Jaclyn’s sweater!!!

I absolutely cannot wait for them to have their destination wedding, so far from all the details it sounds like it is going to be amazing & I can already tell they are such a fun couple!  I am getting pretty anxious for this wedding season to finally kick off so I can see it!   And although they’re not getting married at Eden or Seaside, they are getting married in what I would consider THE most amazing church on the Emerald Coast – St. Rita’s! Everyone around, Catholic or not, knows St. Rita’s – it is so beautiful!

Congratulations, Jaclyn & Adam!

These two (nuts!) are such fun and I cannot wait for the wedding! They’re kind of the definition of opposites attract – Kristin is well organized, everything is planned out, and Chris is Mr. Fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants. Kristin is (like me) a worrier – all the details have to be thought out with a plan A, B, C & D… Chris – he’s laid back and knows that it will all just work out (like my husband). It’s a great combination, and they are such such fun to be around. They compliment each other so well & it’s so sweet to see a big tough guy just totally smitten & in love.

I had a great time taking them out to beautiful Rosemary Beach, which always makes me hungry because it’s filled with… well… Rosemary!  It is as beautiful as it smells, and sits right along 30-A past Destin, past Seaside, past Alys Beach.  In fact, it’s at the very end of Hwy 30-A just before Panama City Beach & Carillon Beach.  It’s beautiful, very relaxed, and has this awesome Mediterranean beach feel all while being a little bit artsy.

Ok, I’m yapping as usual – so on with the sneak preview huh!?

By the way, when posting this photo, I feel obligated to let everyone know that they both have mad hoola-hoop skills.  Something I do NOT have! lol.  And by the way, if you’re ever out at Rosemary Beach or even just touring 30-A, you have to stop by this little toy store, there’s also an awesome little kids clothing shop which I’m totally addicted to – and the Cowgirl Cafe with the most amazing white chicken chili!

And no kidding – are these not the most awesome icy blue eyes?

And this is hilarious, here is Chris… being Chris lol:

(I have a feeling that’s exactly what made Kristin fall in love though )

And of course… the video!

Kristin & Chris from Bella Vita Photography on Vimeo.

I’m sending out a newsletter, but this is just to let everyone ELSE in the world know!

I’ve decided to take on a limited number of portrait sessions to submit in the 2008 Miller’s Baby & Child Portrait contest. The rules are pretty simple & the prizes are pretty sweet! So all of you that have spawned some cute little kids, nows the time to get the portraits you’ve all been putting off! Those little cuties could be worth up to $5,000! (I’ve been telling mine for some time now they need to get a job! I guess this is it!).

Only one picture from each session can be included (those aren’t MY rules, that’s THEIRS!), so if you want more than one submitted, then go ahead and book more than one! But just keep in mind, I am limiting my sessions pretty strictly because of the submission deadlines!

So – you want more details? The down & dirty is this: there are 4 categories: Color, Black & White/Sepia, Special Needs, and Humorous. There are two submission deadlines left: May 21 and June 21. So that means my last session I take will probably be June 15. Currently I’m only booking evenings & weekends, but don’t worry – I am taking them in my house, or at yours with my portable studio set up, and also on location (you pick the place!). We’re fortunate enough to live in one of the most beautiful places on the Earth, so I say we take advantage of that for this!

And finally, I’m offering special sessions for $75 (usually $100). In addition you get 10% off your prints (online ordering & viewing of course available), and a free storyboard/collage design using the photos from our session! Things are booking up quick, though, and I am ONLY going to allow a set number of sessions! I cannot stress this enough! So let’s get this thing rolling, shall we?!  Book your child’s portrait session now, they can be done on location in Okaloosa, Walton or Santa Rosa County:  in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, Seaside, Niceville, anywhere along the Emerald Coast!

(and for the official low down, visit Miller’s.)

Well, with it being Womens History month and all (yes, it’s March already), I decided its a good opportunity to announce that I am a partner photographer (one of only 3 in the local Destin, Walton, and Okaloosa county area!) with “Think Pink”!!!  Its a great program for portrait photographers!

So… what is Think Pink?!

Think Pink is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families who have been touched by breast cancer. From the THINK PINK website itself:

Think Pink Session
Through our photographer network, we are helping breast cancer survivors and their supporters to celebrate life with charitable photography sessions.

Any individual that has been diagnosed with breast cancer or completed treatment within the past 12 months qualifies for a Think Pink Session. Sessions are available to document the fight before or during treatment or to celebrate the victory when treatment is completed.

Clients will receive a complimentary session, (20) small prints, and a discount off additional print orders.

This is really an awesome program and I am very excited to be a part of it! I’ve been involved in helping the American Cancer Society for the past few years, particularly with their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk (MSABC) held each October.

So if you know someone who has been touched by breast cancer, please do let them know about this wonderful program! Hopefully it will give families and individuals something to really hold onto and be proud of.

And of course, my little personal “factoid”: Did you know that breastfeeding is one of the single most important things you can do in your lifetime to reduce your risk of breast cancer, that will have the MOST significant impact on reducing your risk of breast cancer… not to mention various other cancers & diseases!? And if you breastfeed your daughter, you also reduce her risk! Breastfeed to help cut your risk of cancer in HALF! (And a special hello to my fellow LLL‘ers!)

This is down a neat little path up here in Crestview with an awesome creek. It almost looks artificial it is so perfect, but I assure you – this is the “real thing” – a “true” little fishing hole. Perfect for first time fisherman!