Many congratulations and best wishes for a life filled to the brim with love and happiness!
October 4, 2011
Presenting: The new Mr. & Mrs. Dowdy! {Wedding}
Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Renee and Darryl on their big day! It was pretty clear that this couple is deeply in love, but also quite obvious that this community also deeply loves this couple! By far, this was the largest wedding we have photographed to date, and everyone had a fabulous time celebrating the beginning of this chapter in the new Mr. and Mrs. Dowdy's life together!
Many congratulations and best wishes for a life filled to the brim with love and happiness!
Many congratulations and best wishes for a life filled to the brim with love and happiness!
October 2, 2011
Asha & Brenton are getting married!
I recently received the sweetest little email from an inquiring bride about photographing her engagement session and wedding. Asha is quite the lady - a recent graduate from dental school (as if you couldn't tell from that beautiful smile) and she gorgeous to boot! She and her fiance, Brenton, are currently living in different states - Asha in New York and Brenton in Virginia. In preparation for their nuptials (which took place October 1st in Savannah, Georgia), Asha and Brenton came to Georgia to finalize their wedding day details. Asha requested an engagement session with Jennifer Leigh Photography so that she could display a large photo of the two of them at their reception.
Asha, Brenton and I had a ridiculously fun time during their session in downtown Brunswick. These two were up for anything. The bride-to-be even brought her own bouquet to use in some of the images, which she made up in their wedding colors. The connection between the two of them was so sweet, it was easy to photograph them and capture their love for each other.
While I was unable to photograph their big day due to already being booked for another wedding, I truly wish them the best that life has to offer, much happiness and all the love in the world! Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Photographing true love...nothing makes me happier!
Asha, Brenton and I had a ridiculously fun time during their session in downtown Brunswick. These two were up for anything. The bride-to-be even brought her own bouquet to use in some of the images, which she made up in their wedding colors. The connection between the two of them was so sweet, it was easy to photograph them and capture their love for each other.
While I was unable to photograph their big day due to already being booked for another wedding, I truly wish them the best that life has to offer, much happiness and all the love in the world! Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Re-enactment time!
Photographing true love...nothing makes me happier!
Markisha & Maurice are married!
Earlier this year, I met Markisha and Maurice in Jesup for their vintage-style engagement session. And what a fun session this was!
Our friendship carried us to September 3rd, when I had the honor of photographing the couple on their wedding day. Markisha & Maurice pulled out all the stops to celebrate in style. The vintage decor was amazing. More amazing than the decor was the connection Markisha & Maurice have with one another and their deep love and appreciation they have for their family and friends. It was a wonderful day, and I was blessed to have been such a big part of it! Congratulations to Markisha & Maurice, as they begin their lives as one. Much happiness and love to you both!
A special thank you to Shiloh Baptist Church, Lighthouse Trolleys, Brunswick's Old City Hall, and Angela's Touch and Design for helping the new Mr. & Mrs. Butler celebrate their marriage...their way!
October 1, 2011
Back in the saddle
After a long pause from blogging, I'm here to tell you I'm back in the saddle again! Did you miss me?? Don't worry - I'll be making up for lost time. I've got so much to share with you, both professionally and personally!
You may find I am going to sound a bit nuts when I tell you all the weddings I've photographed and attended (ahem...my own!) while I've been resting and recuperating from all this medical chaos. While these things may have been rough on me physically (the next day after each has found me resting on the couch for the majority of the day), mentally, they were exactly what I've needed. Photography is my passion...and it keeps me going. Getting married to my best friend / the handsomest man alive wasn't bad for the soul either. :)
Check back soon for a plethora of images from the September's whirlwind of events - you won't want to miss 'em! But for now, it's time to get ready to photograph the first wedding of October!
See ya soon! ~ Mrs. Jennifer Leigh Tacbas :)
You may find I am going to sound a bit nuts when I tell you all the weddings I've photographed and attended (ahem...my own!) while I've been resting and recuperating from all this medical chaos. While these things may have been rough on me physically (the next day after each has found me resting on the couch for the majority of the day), mentally, they were exactly what I've needed. Photography is my passion...and it keeps me going. Getting married to my best friend / the handsomest man alive wasn't bad for the soul either. :)
Check back soon for a plethora of images from the September's whirlwind of events - you won't want to miss 'em! But for now, it's time to get ready to photograph the first wedding of October!
See ya soon! ~ Mrs. Jennifer Leigh Tacbas :)
September 11, 2011
My journey, my future and when "thank you" just doesn't seem to be enough...
I've been meaning to write down and publish these thoughts for some time; however, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. But I'm ready now.
As many of you know, on August 2nd, life as I know it morphed into something that was, well...partially scary and uncertain. 4 seizures in 12 hours after never having a seizure before was something I thought was a possible result of working myself too hard. Why it was difficult to speak for a long time after each seizure was a mystery. But an abnormal CT scan and MRI revealed a quiet answer - a mass in my brain.
Fast forward through trips to a neurologist in Savannah, blood tests, MRI's, IV's, a brain biopsy, medicines and recovery time. At first, I was so out of it, I couldn't remember what had happened during the day...how much time passed...or answers to questions such as what bills I paid. I went from working 80+ hours a week some weeks, multi-tasking, and building a business to laying lifeless on the couch or in bed. It was frustrating and frightening.
I asked my fiance, Jason, as well as my mom and two sisters who drove down from Ohio, to write down everything that happened each day. And a few days later, when I was coherent again, I looked around my house in awe and I read the list of daily events they created. I was moved to tears. My personal friends, co-workers/friends of my fiance, local people who didn't even know who I was visited, dropped off food, cards, flowers and donations in support of my recovery. You should have seen my house. Co-workers of my fiance began a fundraiser for my medical treatment. A group of amazing women photographers - my SOAR Sisters - reached out to me in a variety of thoughtful, selfless ways. My Facebook page blew up with positive thoughts and prayers from friends from around the world. People I didn't even know sent me Facebook messages and email with names of doctors who may be able to help me and offers for lodging if I needed a place to stay if I had to seek medical attention in other cities. It was all so overwhelming - the love that I felt, the support that I had. It brings me to tears even now to think how lucky I am to be supported and loved by so many wonderful people.
Fast forward through to less-than-desirable aggressiveness and lack of answers by my first neurologist, my anger stemming from the two, a miracle connection with a photographer friend - Andrea - that delivered me into the hands of a new amazing group of neurologists at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, the meeting of my new team of doctors, more tests, and a preliminary diagnosis.
So where does that leave me now? At the core, it leaves me with a brain tumor. It leaves me with a team of doctors that have given me great care, information and confidence. It leaves me with more doctor visits and a functional MRI (fMRI) this week and a diagnosis with treatment plan options the following week.
There is a lot I have chosen to keep on the DL at this point about the particulars of my situation...the possible diagnoses and treatment options. I think Jason and I have been told them all, which is comforting and scary at the same time. I'm one of those girls who'd rather know EVERYTHING instead of being kept in the dark. But being all-knowing can sometimes be just as scary as not knowing.
From the 20th, which is when I should find out my diagnosis and treatment options, through the 30th, which is when I believe the doctor visit where we solidify a treatment plan will take place, I'm going to hide away for a little while. One of the reasons is because I am not going to want to talk or think about the upcoming battle for a while...but I will be quietly preparing myself for it surrounded by the ones I love. The big reason I'm going to go into hiding for a few days after next week is because I am going to be marrying my best friend, as originally planned, on September 24th. And that, to me, is definitely worth everything.
So how do I feel now? I'm recovering nicely. I'm pushing myself to becoming stronger. I'm preparing for the next battle. I've come a long way in the 6 1/2 weeks since this all began. The way I view life and everything in it has changed.
So how did I get through this first phase of the battle? Well, Jason saved my life (truly) during/after my seizure at home in the middle of the night on August 3rd, so he deserves the first shout out. (Thanks, honey. I owe you one.) Honestly, my sense of humor and positive outlook have gotten me quite far. But what I couldn't do on my own or with Jason by my side, I attribute to YOU. I was carried through all of the crap to where I am today...a stronger me, both mentally and physically...by YOU. All of you who took time to care, to write, to pray, to give, to support, to cook, to call, to inquire, to visit..."thank you" just doesn't seem to be enough.
The co-workers of my fiance held that fundraiser and sold 350 Boston butt roasts. The fundraiser was so successful, they had to cut off the number of orders they took and ended up grilling roasts all day and all night before the scheduled roast pick up day came. In fact, we were told that the company that supplied the meat said it was the largest order of meat they had ever received. The selflessness of this group - which asks Jason how I'm doing every single day - nearly raised enough money to cover my out-of-pocket brain biopsy expenses when all is said and done. Amazing. How can "thank you" ever be adequate enough so they know just how honored I am to have them supporting Jason and me?
My SOAR Sisters...this amazing group of women photogs from around the country...most of who I never even met...they have my backs, too. They first sent flowers. Then a group of them sent me a generous donation to help me with medical expenses. And today, some of them put together a slide show of original, inspirational photos for me, which will help me through this next week. I've watched it over and over and cried each time. Not tears of sadness, but tears of joy that I am so loved and supported by these wonderful ladies. If they have never even met me face to face, how can I ever say "thank you" in a way that they could know just how grateful I am to them?
If I didn't have all of you in my life - Jason, my family, my friends, my supporters near and far - what would I do without you? Where would I be without you? I don't even want to think about it... Because a life without all of YOU would not be worth fighting for. So there you go...now I have no choice. Whatever comes next during the journey, I have no choice but to fight with all my might and beat this thing because doing anything less would let myself down and so many hundreds of people who are in my corner, pushing for me to succeed.
While I may still have my quiet moments, my dark moments, and fears from time to time, know that I recognize that it's part of the process...and also know that those things won't keep me down for long. I have so much to live for...and I see it every day. Even though it doesn't nearly convey all that I feel, from the bottom of my heart and from the depths of my soul...THANK YOU. Thank you so very, very much. I love you all!
As many of you know, on August 2nd, life as I know it morphed into something that was, well...partially scary and uncertain. 4 seizures in 12 hours after never having a seizure before was something I thought was a possible result of working myself too hard. Why it was difficult to speak for a long time after each seizure was a mystery. But an abnormal CT scan and MRI revealed a quiet answer - a mass in my brain.
Fast forward through trips to a neurologist in Savannah, blood tests, MRI's, IV's, a brain biopsy, medicines and recovery time. At first, I was so out of it, I couldn't remember what had happened during the day...how much time passed...or answers to questions such as what bills I paid. I went from working 80+ hours a week some weeks, multi-tasking, and building a business to laying lifeless on the couch or in bed. It was frustrating and frightening.
I asked my fiance, Jason, as well as my mom and two sisters who drove down from Ohio, to write down everything that happened each day. And a few days later, when I was coherent again, I looked around my house in awe and I read the list of daily events they created. I was moved to tears. My personal friends, co-workers/friends of my fiance, local people who didn't even know who I was visited, dropped off food, cards, flowers and donations in support of my recovery. You should have seen my house. Co-workers of my fiance began a fundraiser for my medical treatment. A group of amazing women photographers - my SOAR Sisters - reached out to me in a variety of thoughtful, selfless ways. My Facebook page blew up with positive thoughts and prayers from friends from around the world. People I didn't even know sent me Facebook messages and email with names of doctors who may be able to help me and offers for lodging if I needed a place to stay if I had to seek medical attention in other cities. It was all so overwhelming - the love that I felt, the support that I had. It brings me to tears even now to think how lucky I am to be supported and loved by so many wonderful people.
Fast forward through to less-than-desirable aggressiveness and lack of answers by my first neurologist, my anger stemming from the two, a miracle connection with a photographer friend - Andrea - that delivered me into the hands of a new amazing group of neurologists at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, the meeting of my new team of doctors, more tests, and a preliminary diagnosis.
So where does that leave me now? At the core, it leaves me with a brain tumor. It leaves me with a team of doctors that have given me great care, information and confidence. It leaves me with more doctor visits and a functional MRI (fMRI) this week and a diagnosis with treatment plan options the following week.
There is a lot I have chosen to keep on the DL at this point about the particulars of my situation...the possible diagnoses and treatment options. I think Jason and I have been told them all, which is comforting and scary at the same time. I'm one of those girls who'd rather know EVERYTHING instead of being kept in the dark. But being all-knowing can sometimes be just as scary as not knowing.
From the 20th, which is when I should find out my diagnosis and treatment options, through the 30th, which is when I believe the doctor visit where we solidify a treatment plan will take place, I'm going to hide away for a little while. One of the reasons is because I am not going to want to talk or think about the upcoming battle for a while...but I will be quietly preparing myself for it surrounded by the ones I love. The big reason I'm going to go into hiding for a few days after next week is because I am going to be marrying my best friend, as originally planned, on September 24th. And that, to me, is definitely worth everything.
So how do I feel now? I'm recovering nicely. I'm pushing myself to becoming stronger. I'm preparing for the next battle. I've come a long way in the 6 1/2 weeks since this all began. The way I view life and everything in it has changed.
So how did I get through this first phase of the battle? Well, Jason saved my life (truly) during/after my seizure at home in the middle of the night on August 3rd, so he deserves the first shout out. (Thanks, honey. I owe you one.) Honestly, my sense of humor and positive outlook have gotten me quite far. But what I couldn't do on my own or with Jason by my side, I attribute to YOU. I was carried through all of the crap to where I am today...a stronger me, both mentally and physically...by YOU. All of you who took time to care, to write, to pray, to give, to support, to cook, to call, to inquire, to visit..."thank you" just doesn't seem to be enough.
The co-workers of my fiance held that fundraiser and sold 350 Boston butt roasts. The fundraiser was so successful, they had to cut off the number of orders they took and ended up grilling roasts all day and all night before the scheduled roast pick up day came. In fact, we were told that the company that supplied the meat said it was the largest order of meat they had ever received. The selflessness of this group - which asks Jason how I'm doing every single day - nearly raised enough money to cover my out-of-pocket brain biopsy expenses when all is said and done. Amazing. How can "thank you" ever be adequate enough so they know just how honored I am to have them supporting Jason and me?
My SOAR Sisters...this amazing group of women photogs from around the country...most of who I never even met...they have my backs, too. They first sent flowers. Then a group of them sent me a generous donation to help me with medical expenses. And today, some of them put together a slide show of original, inspirational photos for me, which will help me through this next week. I've watched it over and over and cried each time. Not tears of sadness, but tears of joy that I am so loved and supported by these wonderful ladies. If they have never even met me face to face, how can I ever say "thank you" in a way that they could know just how grateful I am to them?
If I didn't have all of you in my life - Jason, my family, my friends, my supporters near and far - what would I do without you? Where would I be without you? I don't even want to think about it... Because a life without all of YOU would not be worth fighting for. So there you go...now I have no choice. Whatever comes next during the journey, I have no choice but to fight with all my might and beat this thing because doing anything less would let myself down and so many hundreds of people who are in my corner, pushing for me to succeed.
While I may still have my quiet moments, my dark moments, and fears from time to time, know that I recognize that it's part of the process...and also know that those things won't keep me down for long. I have so much to live for...and I see it every day. Even though it doesn't nearly convey all that I feel, from the bottom of my heart and from the depths of my soul...THANK YOU. Thank you so very, very much. I love you all!
August 31, 2011
Battle-Washington Reunion {Family Portraits - Brunswick, GA }
But where, oh, where, were my clients at the time of their session?
Let's just say some of these folks had a really good time at the party and thought sleep would get in the way of their celebration! Although we started a little late, everyone but one person showed up...and as tired as they may have been, you never would have known it. What a fun bunch!!
The first people to show up was the Battle family, so we photographed them until others made an appearance.
I allowed Mister CJ to pick out a few poses, and he knew exactly what he wanted to do! Isn't he adorable?
Next, it was Miss T's turn to pick out a few poses...and she had a few that instantly came to mind. Love her!
I adore these kids!
Momma Washington and her handsome hubby!
Momma Washington's daughter, CeShaun, and son-in-law, Joshua.
Dad Washington and the Washington/Holland/Battle boys!
I was honored to meet Grandma! What a great spirit she has! Pictured here are 4 generations worth of beautiful ladies...
...followed by 3 generations of handsome men!
Almost the whole group!
We ended our session with a fabulous image of the cousins.
Thank you, Washington and Battle families for one of the most fun sessions I've had. You know how to have a good time!
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