hilary + shawn

Last Memorial Day weekend, I met with Hilary and Shawn at Wrightsville Beach to photograph an engagement session for them. At the time they weren’t sure when or where the wedding would be. But Hilary knew she wanted something different. She wasn’t quite sure what she wanted, but she knew what she didn’t want – a cookie-cutter wedding. I don’t think any of us were surprised in September when Hilary and Shawn decided to take off to Las Vegas with just close family and tie the knot.

They had a great wedding but didn’t get to share their joy with the rest of the family and friends. So Charlotte and Billy, along with their friends, decided to have a party to honor Hilary and Shawn. And what a party it was! Polly, Val and Joanne transformed the Jacksonville Country Club into a winter wonderland. The decorations were exquisite – snowmen as far as the eye could see. And Kathy Canby outdid herself with a snowman cake.

I believe everyone had a wonderful time. It is always fun to spend an evening with friends and family – especially when there is good food and great music. I’m not sure who enjoyed the party more – the adult guests or Griffin. Griffin is a party boy – much like his mother and aunt

Charlotte and Billy were such gracious hosts. The Hardisons are much more than clients to me. They are friends. I feel blessed to have them in my life – and to share in the important moments of theirs.

Hilary and Shawn decided they didn’t want to cut the cake, make toasts and all of the normal wedding reception activities. They did that in Vegas. But Billy didn’t get to dance with Hilary at the wedding, so he wanted his dance. And Hilary lovingly obliged.

We didn’t do formal, posed pictures at the party. But we did take a minute to run outside and get one family picture. This is for Mrs. Bridge – the woman who started it all. And I’m so glad she did!

Best wishes to Shawn and Hilary. Your party was great fun and I’m so glad I was there.

meet max

I have a new grandson – a 4.5 pound, 9 week old, Boston Terrier puppy.  My daughter, Megan, has wanted a dog for years.  She read and researched to determine the best dog for her. And, she changed her mind over and over.  Every time she saw another breed, THAT was the one she had to have.  After Christmas Megan decided the time was right, so she drove to Boone and came home with Max.  Her father and I didn’t know for several days that we had a new grandson.  But it was a little hard to keep him a secret when Rusty went for a visit last week.  Since the cat, or should I say dog, was out of the bag, Megan decided to bring Max home to meet me.  Mostly she brought Max home to have me take some pictures of him while he’s still a puppy.  Megan has been telling me all week how cute Max is.  And she didn’t exaggerate; he is adorable.  He has ears that appear a little too large for his head.  And his eyes look in separate directions.  I love to watch him run because he ends up going sideways.  And when he fell asleep on my shoulder – he snored in my ear.  I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love!

Meet Max.

You have to admit, he’s precious.  Max is quite a mama’s boy – so he never strayed far from Megan’s side.   But as long as she was there, he allowed me to take pictures.  Here are Megan and Max together.

One of these days I hope to have a 2-legged grandchild – not of the canine or feline variety – but for now, Max is a great addition to the family.

cotillion gallery

Whew, finally!  The Onslow Cotillion Christmas Ball gallery is now ready for viewing.  To view and order pictures, go to www.elisebeall.instaproofs.com.  You will need to register using your e-mail address, but I promise not to sell it or spam you.  However, you will get a couple of e-mails reminding you of when the sale ends and when the gallery ends.  You can always unsubscribe if you don’t want to receive future e-mails.

I have found that the easiest way to view the pictures is to watch the slide show in each category.  You can set the speed so that you can go through the pictures quickly – or at a slow, leisurely pace.  When you see a picture you might like to purchase, just add it to your favorites.  Your favorites will be saved so that you can go back later and purchase your favorite images.  Oh, and if the music drives you crazy, just click on the music notes on the top right to mute it.

All Cotillion portraits will be on sale for 10% off the already discounted price for the first 10 days the gallery is active.  So place your order early to get the best deal.  The sale drops to 5% for the next 7  days.  The gallery will expire on February 10th.

I have done basic editing on each portrait.  When orders are placed, I go back and make further corrections, if necessary.

Enjoy the gallery!