Did you know that the word sabbatical comes from the Latin word sabbaticus, which literally means "ceasing"? I can't think of a better word to describe this past January. Everything came to a halt after the last of my many Christmas guests left and I collapsed on my bed...then I got the worst flu, which a few weeks later morphed into a really bad cold. Needless to say I've been in bed most of the month and on a little hiatus from work. Maybe I needed the break...from shooting, from social media...just to clear my head and think about how I'm going to tackle the new year.  
 
Last year was incredible and I have so many great clients to thank! My goal for 2011 was to book 10 weddings and much to my delight, I booked 20! I am incredibly grateful to the many couples who took a chance on me in my first year of business and even more thrilled that they love their images. While it was a great first year, it's been overwhelming to have so many images to share, all the while learning how to edit images, file my taxes, create albums, and so on! I had every intention of showing every wedding and portrait session on my blog this past year but my first priority was to get the images to the client and then it seemed like I had another photoshoot or wedding to attend to, so putting the images online got put on hold. I have so much content to share and I've spent a lot of time thinking about just why I started this blog in the first place. I find myself answering questions in meetings with couples and thinking "I should really put this online". I need to share the story of our wedding (which changed my life), and about the workshops I've attended, what I've learned and why I do things a certain way. I've come up with a system of updating my blog that I think could work well...now I just need to stick to it. I can't wait to share what I've been working on with you! Cheers to new beginnings in 2012! xo, Char

Image shot on my LOMO while visiting my friend Kate in Point Loma, CA. I was going through my archives looking for a good picture and found this one...it reminds me of a dreary January sky but the birds represent new direction. (Steph proof read this post and told me I needed to explain why I chose such a random image).

I'm officially out of the office enjoying hot cocoa, backyard campfires and the original Muppets Christmas Carol soundtrack with my family! May your holiday be merry and bright! Lots of love, Char, Steph, Lexi and Goose

I'm so delighted with the images that my sweet friend, Gayle Brooker took of our family a few weeks ago. She is such a talented and amazing photographer...a true artiste! Thank you, Gayle, I will love these forever!

How hilarious is this photograph? I must be 7 or so and Hunter must be around 2 years old. It has to be Christmas morning since it looks like we woke my Dad up at the crack of dawn. And look at my face! I look so mad! Let's just say that after having my parents all to myself for the first five years of my life, it was a little hard for me to accept my new baby brother into the house. I probably told my Dad that Hunter did something bad and my Dad is pointing his finger at Hunter trying to humor me (I framed Hunter for things he didn't do, poor guy). I was such a bully of a big sister (of course I feel bad about this now) but I'm so glad we grew up to be good friends! There's not a week that goes by that we don't tell each other we love each other. Merry Christmas, Hunter! I couldn't ask for a better friend and a better partner for my business! We are going to rock it in 2012! Love, Char

I recently had the pleasure of being a part of my brother's Christmas card. Each year, Hunter and his best friends from college get together and do something totally absurd for their holiday card. Last year, I photographed them in footie pajamas, sitting on Santa's lap at the James Island Festival of Lights. This year, they opted for an ice skating theme, in tiny shorts and suspenders (why not?). They like to make fun of themselves for everyone else's enjoyment...and they have a blast together all the while. The photos are absolutely ridiculous but when I look at them, I'm reminded of the strong friendship they have with each other. I've watched these guys grow up (slash, party) together in college, graduate, secure great jobs, move away and then come back, propose to their girlfriends and grow into some of the most wonderful people I know...and they've supported each other through it all. I know these guys will be friends for life. Here's a video they created for your enjoyment! Happy Holidays, y'all!!!

I really didn't think that I could have any more room in my heart for another puppy. Lexi has been like our only child since before we were married and we couldn't even imagine having another pup to share our attention...but as luck would have it, Steph and I were wandering around a local festival when we saw the cutest little puppy...we paid $1 to give him a hug, then we started asking questions, took down some numbers, had a serious conversation about another dog...then one thing led to another and the puppy was at our house for a "trial period" to see if he would be a good fit for our home. Well, of course the trial period is over and he's still here with us and is the sweetest little love. Lexi is starting to love him and he is quite the cuddler. Would you believe his mom is a Golden Retriever? The rescue wasn't sure about his Dad...the vet suggests that he's part Black and Tan Hound or maybe even Shar Pei! I've always loved the name Augustin and Steph agreed that he could be french (bien sur!) but he goes by "Goose"...which is a perfect little name for nicknames like Gooseybear and Goosebump. He is so cute and I'm so thrilled that we have another little creature in our house to love and take care of and grow old with. We are pretty sure, at this point, that Lexi is pretty happy too. With out further ado, I'd like to introduce you to our petit Augustin.

Here is is watching Lexi swim...he's still taking his time deciding if he likes the water.

Oh yes, of course there was room in my heart for these long ears flapping in the wind!

And to see my two pups playing on the beach makes my heart melt!

Here he is as a little tiny guy....he gets bigger every day!

And my two little pups standing on the front doorstep.

Here he is waiting for some cuddle time in bed.