Evelyn Rose Atkins {Newborn Session | Huntsville, AL}

This past weekend seemed like a whirlwind. Last thing I recall was sitting in my office at about 11 am on Friday trying to send a few remaining emails while also getting a few projects in enough order so that I could be gone for the weekend. A good friend of mine & rockstar photographer (literally… John Legend & Matisyahu to name two!), Mary Margaret Chambliss, emailed me a few weeks back to see if I’d be up for a weekend in Birmingham helping her photograph a wedding. I met MM a few years back at a photographer conference & we hit it off & have kept in touch since. And since I rarely get the opportunity to assist a wedding, I thought it would be a good experience, a reminder even of why I love what I do. It certainly was.

Joy’s parents were kind to keep our kids & we enjoyed two nights away in Birmingham. It was truly fantastic & I can’t tell you how much I enjoy date nights with my bride. Friday night we had a quiet dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, followed by brunch the next morning at one of my new favorite diggs… Another Broken Egg Cafe in Mountain Brook. A few hours later, Mary Margaret & I rocked the wedding at Canterbury Methodist, followed by a beautiful reception at the Mountain Brook Club. And congrats to MaryeBeasley & Richard… you guys know how to throw a party!!!

The next morning I woke up completely exhausted from all the activity (getting in at 2am does that to an old guy). Yet I had an idea of what the afternoon held & was eager to visit a friend I’ve known for years. I drove up to Huntsville & was greeted by the Atkins family. Eric & I went to high school together & we’ve kept in touch since. He happens to be one of the smartest guys I know & has become quite famous on #Instagram… I’m slightly jealous. He’s a great guy & has a genuine love for the Lord. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s an Alabama fan! I met his wife, Erin, when they were dating & was reminded how he clearly married up! Ha.

Erin & Eric invited me to come photograph their beautiful new daughter, Evelyn Rose. I was honored & had such a fantastic time photographing & catching up with friends. And, EV is so beautiful! When I arrived, she was nestled in her crib, sound asleep.