{Honoring the Fallen}

September 11, 2011 was a very chaotic day in the Burtch Household. We were in the midst of moving and getting the boys settled in the new homestead in Atlanta. Knowing this was going to be the case, I took a few minutes and stopped by the new park in Wellington that is dedicated to the victims and heroes of that fateful day. The park is aptly named Patriot Memorial. I have seen in several other parks throughout Florida, where pieces of steel from The World Trade Towers are the centerpiece. I am not sure if this is going on everywhere, but what a fitting daily reminder of God's grace on our lives and this country. 9/11 was so very tragic, and I think many of us (myself included) had become very lethargic in our patriotism up to that day. We had taken our many blessings for granted. I know, in my heart and in my family, that day really put into perspective how lucky we all are and how heroic and steadfast our service men and women are. we can always count on them and they are always there protecting. WOW! I am in awe of their bravery and am so grateful for their service.

I have been delayed in getting this post up because of the move, but I really wanted to get it on the blog. First of all, to pay homage to so many that were lost, but also to remind myself how quickly life can just...go. Thinking of this reminded me of James 4:14 (NIV) "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." I have been so caught up in the move and getting the boys settled and getting my business established that I feel I have lost a little perspective. I thank My Heavenly Father for every day that I wake up and every day that I am free to work, play and worship in the way that I see fit. Isn't it bad that I need a reminder???? I'm working on it!

Here are some of the photos from the new Patriot Memorial in Wellington, FL that was dedicated on the 10th anniversary of September 11th.

Some of the steel from the World Trade Towers

A piece of the steel and the memorial plaque. Yes, that's me in the background.

The names of all victims of the 9/11 attacks are etched into large glass panels.

No Words {Wellington Children's Photography}

There are no words to describe how very special this little beauty and her sweet Momma are to me. I photographed "Z" when she was 3 months old and have had the opportunity to watch her grow up into a big girl this year. They have been such a HUGE part of my business and you can see "Z" all throughout my blog and website. Her 1 Year shoot was the last one I did before we moved from South Florida to Georgia last week, and I am so glad I didn't miss her big milestone. Stephanie and "Z", I love you guys dearly and will miss you terribly!!!!!

1 Week, 2 Shoots {Wellington Event & Family Photography}

I was so excited when I was asked to shoot another birthday party at A Latte Fun in Wellington. This place is crazy fun for kids and parents and they always do a fabulous job on the birthday parties they host. This one was no exception and the family I was hired to shoot for....um, AMAZING! They really were the sweetest people and an absolute joy to work with. Not only did I get to photograph this BIG guy's 3rd Birthday....


But his parents called and asked me to do a family session for them as well. I happily obliged. I mean...could you just die??? Morgan is one of those boys who is all boy, but sweet and shy at the same time. He reminds me a lot of my little Colt (who now seems to have found his voice in the world...uh oh!). I met the "G" family, at Okeheelee Park, by the lake. I was sure it was going to be a wash of an evening, because I could see the clouds and storms rolling in, reminiscent of "The Never Ending Story". Yeah, it looked that bad, which is not unusual this time of year in South Florida. And by that, I mean everyday at 6 PM on the dot! Everyone was ready to go though, and had on their best family portrait smile. We were able to knock this session out in a mere 30 minutes, with over 35 GREAT shots. Here are some of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

Grandma & Grandpa came to visit too!

Surprise!!! {South Florida Family Photography}

My sister-in-law's best friend called to ask if I could help out with a little surprise for her mother's birthday! I love surprising others, so of course I was game! I waited at Fort Lauderdale Beach, as a limo picked the Pozzuoli family up and escorted them all to meet me for a surprise photo session at the beach! Cassie's mother, Pat, had NO CLUE!!!! We shot at the beach, but the rainy season decided to begin that night, so we all hopped in the limo and headed to the Intercoastal (and away from the rain) for some extra shots.

SIDE NOTE: I kinda had a Hollywood moment after the shoot, when the driver was asked to take me back to my car at the beach. Me...Photo Shoot...Driver...Limo. Yep...I felt special!

Anyhoo, I hope the Pozzuoli family enjoyed the photo! You guys were a blast to work with!!!

My Daddy's Wedding {Florida Wedding Photography}

If I haven't said it already, the summer of 2011 was a big one in our family. One of the BIGGEST events was my Dad's wedding! He married a wonderful woman, Beth, and I was on hand to photograph the big day...of course! Her are some shots from the ceremony on the beach in Cape San Blas, FL.

*** I LOVE the color in this one!***

Morgan {Seaside Teen Photography}

I am so very behind on blogging. It has been a CRAZY few months in the Burtch household (more to come on that later) and I am just now getting around to posting about some of the great sessions I had this summer.

One of my favorites, was one I asked my precious cousin, Morgan, to do for me. She was such a trooper and let me tease her hair extra big. Not to mention, she wore 6 inch platform heels while teetering on a boardwalk...not something she's used to doing in South GA! All the while, withstanding heckling from the peanut gallery (aka her mother and my mother). And did I mention that she is S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G! Seriously, a photographer's dream!

You see, Morgan and her brother have such a special place in my heart. Their Mother is probably one of the closest people in the world to me and I LOVE them all dearly. I remember the day that Morgan was born, which makes it really difficult to believe that she just started high school!!! WOW, I'm getting OLD!) Morgan is beautiful (inside and out), she is hilarious, and she knows what she believes and what she wants out of life. I think it is a pretty incredible thing to see that confidence in someone so young!

Our grandmother loved poetry and beautiful quotes. She would write them down and stash them places so that she could read them later. Following in her footsteps, I saw this quote and thought of Morgan. The author is not named, but I loved it and held on to it until I had time to write this post:

Beautiful girl, on top of the world...

Don't fall down...

Because an ANGEL should never touch the ground! (Anonymous)

Morgan - I hope you have a blast in high school. You are an amazing girl and I love you dearly. Remember who you are, what you believe and what you want for your life. Don't try to be like everyone else, because you are firecracker, and everyone would be smart to try to be more like you! I love you, girlie!!!!

{August Portrait Special}

It's been a while since I have posted a portrait special on the blog. Here is the package for August:

$125.00 Gets You.....

*1-2 hour session

*Online viewing gallery of 20-30 edited images

*1 8x10 of choice

*5 5x7's of choice

*Image CD of all edited images is ONLY additional $50.00 ($150 value)

I am only booking 4 of these sessions for August, so call today to lock yours in!!!!