Percy Warner Park shoot- DC Family Photographer

I got the call from Monica on Sunday, "Hi Abbie, my name is Monica. We would like to book a session this Wednesday if possible because we're leaving on vacation to the Philippines on Thursday." And what a vacation it will be! Nearly four months in their homeland to visit family but Dave won't be joining them until after Christmas because of work. I am always in awe of families who have family overseas and the effort, time and sacrifice that is put into maintaining close ties with everyone.

Photographing Monica, Dave and their two little boys was such a delight! The boys have the most beautiful brown eyes... like glass. They were so kind to welcome me into their home where we did the first part of our session and then we headed off to my favorite park! Percy Warner!!

Monica, I'll be praying for you as you make your long trek overseas with two little boys in tow... and for Dave too who will be in a quiet home for a few months. I hope these pictures will keep you all company during that time and remind you of the last day you were all together!

Remember what I said about eyes like glass? And the hair! I know my daughter would be jealous.

I love when you can tell that siblings love each other. Even though there is a few years age difference, these boys just adored one another.

That same love shared between siblings radiated from Dave and Monica too.

"I" loved putting this pig on his head and seeing how long until it would fall off.

We decided to do a few frames with "I" and all his plastic animals. Too cute. I love it!

This hat is from a mountain town in the Philippines where apparently everyone goes on summer vacation to escape the heat.

I and "I" both fell in the creek. Oh well. It wasn't too cold was it? :)

Had to get a few shots with Monica and Dave sans the little ones.

Wow! They worked it goooood.....

Seriously, if someone knows a trick for getting all eyes on the camera, let me know. :) It's tough work! But I love it when they turn out like this.

Picking leaves and "E's" first introduction to grass.

Love these next few shots. The sun was going down and little E was just relaxing with Mom.

And Dad too. :)

I love the emotion in this one. Can't you just feel it?

More Mom cuddles...

And finally, for Dave. I hope this image is one that will keep you company over the next couple of months.

Thank you Monica and Dave so much for allowing me to capture this special time right before you part ways. Travel safe!

Christmas Mini-Sessions

Is anyone else getting excited for Christmas? I sure am!! That said, I would love to do some mini-sessions for the holidays. If enough people are interested here is what we'll do:

When: Saturday, October 24th
Where: Percy-Warner Park (the leaves should be gorgeous!)
What: 30 minute photo session (5 people or less, $10 per additional person)
10-15 image proofs in a digital online gallery
25 flat Christmas cards and envelopes
1 8x10 print or digital image
Times: 3:00 pm-Filled
3:40 pm-Filled
4:20 pm
5:00 pm
5:40 pm
Price: $125

If you would like an additional set of 25 cards they will be discounted from $50 to $40. Price does not include tax or shipping/handling. If you are interested please shoot me an email: abbie@abbierufener.com

Another little one!- DC family photographer

Newborns are everywhere these days and I'm loving it! This little girl is almost one month already but was still sleepy and a joy to shoot. Her older sister loved coming around to the back of my camera to see the pictures and point out "mommy" "daddy" and "baby"! So cute. Enjoy your sneak peek!

E wanting to hold her little sister

A little tickling to get some smiles

Playing in dirt. What is it with kids and mud? Mine sure likes it too!

Loves for Dad

I love the dark gray tone of newborn eyes. Makes you wonder if they'll stay dark or go lighter.

Love this one!

Taking a well deserved rest.

Story behind this picture. G started crying and E wanted to help put the binkie in her mouth. This is E's attempt at getting the binkie to stay put.

I cannot remember what Dad and E called this game but it is one that they play often. Dad helps E climb up with walls until she's completely upside down.

Hope you enjoyed your sneak peek! Pics will be forthcoming. :)

Vanderbilt Campus- DC Family Photographer

I was lucky to spend yesterday afternoon with Michelle, Michael and their two adorable little girls. We spent much of our time on Vanderbilt campus with its plethora of backdrops. We worried about the on-again, off-again rain and moved our session up hoping to beat it... and we did! A few minutes before we were to finish it all of a sudden started pouring rain and we made a mad dash to the car. Here's a sneak peek of our afternoon. Enjoy!

Little C eating her monkey friend's hand.

I got this look of intrigue from L all day.

I love this picture so much because of the flying ball! Mike threw it at L, who was laying in the toy chest, and it just so happened that I clicked the shutter at the perfect moment.

Peer through the wall

One on one time with Dad

Giving loves to Mom

C loved poking her finger through the holes in the back of this chair.

The look of laughter after Dad had blown her bangs out of her face.

Everyone preparing to tickle C.

And then getting tickled back

Playing between the lights

Loved this building! The interior is designed in a way that closely resembles a Gothic Cathedral.

Peeking through a peep hole.

Checking out the reflections

Feeding the ducks

Can you tell that the storm was brewing? I LOVE this shot.

Thanks so much for a great afternoon! Can't wait for you to see the rest!!

Shooting with Jennifer Creed

I had the ever wonderful pleasure of meeting Jennifer Creed today, a wedding photographer from Bowling Green, KY. I'm lucky to be second shooting a wedding with her in two weeks and today we were able to meet up in downtown Nashville (which is amazing by the way!) and do a kind of "trash the dress" session with her cousin Kelly. Can I just say, this shoot taught me so much! Mostly that I have soooo much to learn if I ever want to shoot weddings. I felt completely out of my element... kind of like a fish out of water. Luckily Jenny was there to coach me and Kelly was a fantastic model. Hope you both enjoy this little sneak peek! Here is my little dabble in wedding photography... much tougher than I imagined. :)

Totally forgot to mention that it basically poured rain all morning long during the shoot so we were forced to be extra creative. Jenny and I both showed up in jeans and a sweater and I even wore running shoes. What was most funny was that we both swore up and down and promised each other that we don't normally dress like that... it was all the rain's fault!

I seriously need to spend more time in downtown Nashville. It is a treasure trove for great locations.

Gorgeous brick wall, gorgeous model!