Fripp Island

Last week, Renda and I traveled to Fripp Island to photograph the Lashley family. We had a great beach session with them!

What a surprise we had when we realized that there were deer all about the island!

I must say one of the highlights of our trip (besides shopping) was when 2 deer came up to our porch begging us to feed them... straight out of our mouths!

Here's a few pictures for you to see!

Enjoy!

Karen

Baby Auden!

We're ready for baby Auden! Ashley and Adam are expecting their first baby on July 12th and we can't wait!

We thought we'd try something different, so we're hosting a Portrait Shower tonight! We asked our guests to purchase baby albums, frames, gift cards, scrapbooks, etc. Cute idea, huh? We'll let you know how it goes!

Update: Gail

The power of prayer is evident in Gail's situation. As you know, Gail left on Mother's Day to go to Baltimore to have a 12 hour surgery to remove a tumor on her pancreas.

The good news is... The tumor was not as large as the doctors originally thought and the surgery only lasted half the expected time!

Gail will stay in Baltimore for a while to recover from the surgery. Then, she will go through chemotherapy and radiation.

Thank you for all your prayers so far. Please continue to keep Gail's recovery in your prayers!

Client Showcase

We like to showcase our clients that understand the value of photography. The Kelly family has truly become a part of our IP family. We look forward to every chance we get to see them or photograph them. It is a pleasure to watch the Kelly children grow into the respectful young adults their parents have taught them to be.

The following is a letter written by Kristina, telling their IP story.

Engagement, wedding, pregnancy, infancy, school years, hobbies, athletic events, dance recitals, family vacations and graduation - so many priceless, albeit brief, events in our family's life that leave indelible images on our hearts, souls and minds. The Lord has blessed me with a fabulous husband, Patrick, and five fabulous children; Carlos, age 17, Christian and Victoria, age 11, Alexander, age 10, and Isabella, age 9. Each one is divinely unique, with vastly different personalities and interests, which I want to capture and preserve for future reflection. So how does one bestow permanence to these intangible qualities and memories? We, the Kelly family, have chosen fine portraiture and location photography by Irresistible Portraits, to "seize our moments" for eternity.

My initial experience with Karen and her staff was seven years ago at Pegge' Lee School for Dance when Victoria had her first dance recitals pictures. Although hundreds of other ballerinas were there on the same day to have their recital memories immortalized, Karen made Victoria feel welcome and beautiful and her staff did not rush the shutter to simply get the job done. I knew that our family would embark on a photographic journey with Karen from that moment forward.

It is a pleasure to visit the studio for individual portrait sessions. Karen, Buddy and the staff have become "family" and I look forward to each visit. Karen not only possesses true photography talent, but she has the God given "gift" to capture the unique essence of her subjects. Those precious "looks, smirks, smiles and mannerisms" are a mother's treasure. Karen knows what I like and knows how to work my kids to get that special image. Irresistible Portraits also strives for excellence in all aspects. The creativity, equipment, service, and portraits are simply the Best!

I am known as the “picture freak” by my children, as my digital camera is never too far from my hand. They mumble, groan and complain, but have the art of smiling on command down to a science. However, they never grumble when it is time to visit “Mrs. Karen” for their yearly portrait. Each looks forward to seeing how imaginative and clever the session can be! I know that there is something always spectacular that awaits them. The 50’s look with the 1957 Chevy and the Sunset beach photographs are still some of our favorites.

As I reflect on my childhood, it is easy to see why I love photography so much. My grandmother decorated her home with pictures of family and friends and these were her most beloved possessions. What a joy it was to listen to her stories about the events of a simple moment in time. She was a great storyteller, but also carefully documented and archived the photos for future generations. I love to decorate our home with “Mrs. Karen” photos and I pray that if my memory may fail, that I can let all of these pictures “speak a thousand words” for me. May there always be rainbows after every beach storm and may the Lord bless each of you! We love you guys!

Kristina, Patrick, and all the Kelly kids

Prayers for Gail

Last week I had the honor of photographing a really beautiful family. I get to photograph beautiful families a lot, but this was different.

I have known Gail and Ronnie Lazenby for many years. I have photographed their family many times. This was different.
On Monday, Gail's best friend, Tammy Tucker called and asked if we could fit Gail's family into our schedule. Gail was leaving on Sunday to go to Baltimore to have a 12 hour surgery. She had just found out recently she has a tumor in her pancreus. After the surgery, she will then go through chemotherapy and radiation.

I was bound and determined to make it fit into our schedule. I wanted to have a family portrait that was special. Their kids are grown and it has been a while since they had a family portrait.

It was so beautiful to see them love and hug each other. They are a strong family. I know they stand on their faith in God.

We will be praying for Gail and her family that God lifts them up, wraps his arms around them, and gives them peace through all of this.

Please pray for the Lazenby family. Gail will have her surgery on Wednesday, May 14th. I will try to keep you posted.

God Bless,
Karen

Joy Prom 2008

Karen and Renda volunteered at Joy Prom 2008! Joy Prom is an annual event held by Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. The event is for those in the community with special needs. The theme was "Rock Around the Clock" and it was just like a high school prom, complete with dessert and dancing, ties and formal dresses, corsages and boutonnieres, shoe shines and makeup.