Bellies
Brand New
Babies
Posted on January 21, 2012
I have recently discovered Pinterest and have been marveling at the unique, amazing, and clever ideas that I’ve found. Then I realized that *I* did something unique and clever…with my wedding dress! What do you really do with it? Your dress, I mean. After the wedding, you either keep it hanging in a closet, pay a few hundred dollars to have it preserved (to keep it in a closet) or sell it. Well, I didn’t want to do those things with mine. I am not sentimental and didn’t figure my future daughter (if I had one) would want to wear my dress. I would rather she get to pick out her own perfect dress someday. But I love the idea of heirlooms dresses. So, when I did have a baby girl and was looking at christening gowns, I realized that my wedding dress could be recycled and made into a gorgeous, heirloom gown for her to wear to church that baptism day.
My amazing aunt Ilo, who is one of the best seamstresses I’ve ever known, took the challenge and ran with it. I knew the dress would be pretty, but I didn’t realize the detail and painstaking work she would put into this project. She used my beaded train on many parts of the gown. She used my veil and the ribbon edging for the collar and ruffled sleeves…it was gorgeous and special and will always be treasured. The final piece was the bonnet. It was over-the-top! But the dress will always be a treasure and hopefully, someday, my daughter’s daughter will wear it at her baptism, too. How awesome is that? I’ve included a couple wedding pictures (remember it was 1999, so don’t judge). 
And it was pre-digital, so I had to take a photo of the picture in my album to share them here!)
*Photos by Jessica Riehl (thanks, Jess!)
The original wedding dress:
*Photos by Andrews Photography, Decatur IN
Ava in her gown and bonnet:
Posted on October 22, 2011
Posted on September 7, 2011
Posted on July 11, 2011
Facebook is an amazing tool – a way to connect with people across the country (or even world!) that you might not otherwise communicate with. About a year ago, I re-connected with some old (and I use that term loosely now that I’m in my 30’s – ha ha!) friends from my hometown in Ohio. It’s been really cool to see where they are, what they’ve been doing since the *gasp* 15 years since high school. One of those people just happens to live in Charlottesville, VA now – only a few hours from here. She asked me a few months ago if I would take portraits of her boyfriend and her when they came to the beach this summer. Flattered, I said, “Of Course!” Then, a couple weeks before their session, I received an email from ‘the boyfriend’ – who let me in on the secret – he planned to propose on the beach! Would I be interested in capturing the moment for them? ABSOLUTELY! :D And here’s just a peek at how it went:
And then we were able to take some portraits. I brought along some bubbly (since I was in on the secret!) and it was a beautiful evening! Now, I do not pretend to be an engagement photographer – and truthfully, I get nervous shooting couples – but they were so natural and so in love with each other that it was a breeze! Thanks so much, Aimee & Rich for allowing me to capture your love and I hope you enjoy this peek!
The obligatory RING shot:
And, of course, a fun silhouette!!!
Posted on February 13, 2011
Celebrate Your Love
When was the last time you had good pictures of yourself and your significant other. Do you have ANY on your wall? Only that wedding portrait that’s….5 years old…10 years old….more??? 
Why not treat yourself this Valentine’s Day to a Love Session with Kimberlin Gray Photography?
Mini-sessions are a bite-size version of a regular session with KGP. They are only done a few times each year and are always at an incredible discount on my regular prices. Minis are booked first come, first serve and will only be reserved online with $100 deposit made via PayPal. You must visit http://kimberlingray.bookmonline.com to see available session times and book your spot! Don’t delay – these will go FAST! I’m only offering 5 of these on each of the available dates. When you have booked and paid for your session, please fill out the Mini-Session Portrait Agreement. You’ll receive a confirmation e-mail from me once both the deposit is paid and the agreement filled out! Here are the details:
Don’t let excuses hold you back.
“I always feel awkward in front of the camera!” I’ll be there to help pose in the most flattering ways – plus we’ll have FUN!
“My husband HATES having his picture taken.” Tell him this is the only thing you want for Valentines Day – he’s probably not shopped for you yet anyway, and will be happy to not have to go to the mall (or the jewelry store)!!
“If only I had something to wear?” I’ll help you with a wardrobe consultation! You probably don’t even need to go shopping – dust off those heels, find your best earrings and you’ll look smashing!
“If only I were 10lbs lighter!” Trust me, you’ll look beautiful, no matter your size! It’s my job to know what poses flatter women and I will do my best to capture you – and your love – to create a timeless portrait of your love.
So, no more EXCUSES! Don’t delay – Book Today!