Christmas Ordering Deadline

There are a few things you should know about Christmas ordering:

1. For all the families whose sessions have been posted recently here on the blog - your proof account will open today or tomorrow and you will get an email notification once its ready.

2. If you need to get prints in time for Christmas, the deadline for orders is this Saturday, December 6th. Your order will be processed and shipped the following week. It should get to you by the 18th - exactly one week before Christmas. Perfect.

3. If your order is placed after Dec. 6th we can not promise that you will get it before Christmas. I mean, you probably will ... but no promises.

4. Merry Christmas!

The Pritchard Family - Children and Family Portraits - Knoxville, TN

I just LOVE photographing this sweet little bird. This is Delana and she is one year old.
Growing like a weed before our very eyes.

Merry Christmas from the Pritchards!

I think this one is my favorite from the session:

Samuel and Tate Brackins ... Childrens Portraits ... Knoxville, TN

This is Samuel:

And this is Tate:

And they are just about the cutest two brothers you've ever seen.

Merry Christmas from Brett, Becca, and Fritz Allen Boren

Your voice is powerful
And Your words are radiant bright
In Your breath and shadow
I will come close and abide
You whisper love and life divine
And Your fellowship is free
Draw me closer O my Lord
Draw me closer Lord to Thee

This is the second verse of the song "Captivate Us" by Watermark. Its the song that will play in the following slide show. This verse gets cut off in the slide show and the words are important so I wanted to be sure they were here. Those words are for my friends Becca and Brett (and Fritz too). They are a beautiful little family and they are so special to me.

Becca and I met nearly 10 years ago my first summer in college. We were on a summer missions travel team together. We had a bond that connected us instantly and even now - after not seeing each other for 5 years - that bond has not faded. Becca is such a special person. She truly is radiant with love and joy and I don't think she has any idea how much she shines.
I love you Becca!

This is Becca and her sweet husband Brett:

Most of you know that I am a complete push over when it comes to dogs ... and Fritz Allen Boren was no exception. He is a schnauzer and that breed has a special place in my heart because I had two sweet schnauzers as a little girl (Pepper Roo Roo and Daisy May). Anyway ... I fell madly in love with sweet little Fritz the moment I saw him. He is completely perfect.

The Ferree Family Plus Two!

Its Christmastime for the Ferree Family too!
We started out with some images at the Christmas tree.

Cheyenne, Jonny, and sweet baby Broedy:

Then we ventured out to the Knoxville Arboretum which is one of my favorite locations lately.
Love this snuggle shot:

Little Broedy ... he is a good smiler!

Oh yeah, and the "plus two" part ... Cheyenne's nephews (aka, complete cuties!)

Christmastime with the Kings!

This is my beautiful friend Jamie, her daughter Beth, and her mother Sheila.

They are three peas in a pod.

One to frame by the Christmas tree with Lolly, Beth, Jamie, and Joseph

Robert Kitchens - Actor Headshots

The Huiting Family - The Knoxville Garden and Arboretum

This is another one of those families that is really near and dear to my heart. I photographed Erica and Jeremy's wedding back in 2006. (Has it been that long?) Emma was born in December 2007 ... and now they are expecting a new baby girl in January. It is SO special for me to get to be a part of their lives and watch their family grow. I say it a lot but I feel so blessed and honored to do this work - which is not like work at all.

Erica, Jeremy and Emma Huiting ...

Emma is such a little monkey. I love her giggle-face-smile!

One gorgeous family:

Does this photo fill you with joy?

The Robersons from Memphis to Gatlinburg

On the same day that I met with the Booth Family, I also met with the Robersons!

This family holds a special place in my heart because little Finley was the very first newborn baby I ever photographed. She was only 4 days old! I am so excited to announce that Crystal and Andrew and Finley are expecting a new baby - Libby Kate - at the end of December. I can't wait to meet her.

Don't be confused by that nervous look on Finley's face. She is really thrilled about being a big sister. In fact, Finley got a little icky sicky during the car ride on the way to Gatlinburg. But she was such a trooper and we went on with the show - since they came all the way from Memphis right?! So yeah, that adorable, sad little expression, thats just the car sick talking.

It didn't take long for Finley to realize that I am tons of fun ... what a smiler!

But, no, seriously ... what a beautiful girl!

Hands down, favorite from the whole session. That little peanut has such a personality! She really is going to be an awesome big sister!

When Andrew was a kid his family would come to Gatlinburg and buy chocolate bears on sticks at the Candy Kitchen. Keeping the tradition alive:

Funniest photo shoot moment ever: Crystal and Andrew were getting cuddly with each other in the back ground and Finley was dancing and posing for me in the foreground. She was sticking out her booty and Andrew and Crystal were so wrapped up in each other - when they finally noticed what was going on they burst into laughter. LOVE the results:

The Booth Family in Gatlinburg TN

Just a few weeks ago my friends and I went camping. Yes, I really did go camping and it was so much fun. I have to admit that I really didn't "rough" it as much as Id like to lie and say I did! In the middle of the second day I skipped out and met with some of my favorite clients in downtown Gatlinburg for some festive holiday portraits.

The Booth Family!
Eliza Mae is preparing to be a big sister very soon.

This one is my favorite from the whole session, I think:

Look! The Booths are in the booth. (phahahahah)

Ella and Ty Fitch ... Children's Portaits ... Sampson's Hollow, Walland, TN

After rescheduling because of the rain I finally got to meet Miss Ella and Mister Ty Fitch.

They are seriously beautiful.

No really, have you ever seen eyes like these?

Janice at Sampson's Hollow was awesome and allowed us to use her property for the session. I just love Sampson's Hollow. Thanks Janice!

The Hopland Family - Johnson City - Family & Kid Portraits

I am always amazed by how much these two kiddos change and grow each time I see them. I have to say that I think this was our best session together yet! We just played and had fun ... this is just not like "work" at all.

The goal, of course, was to get one good one with the two of them looking and smiling for a Christmas card. This was one of the very first shots I took. After that ... everything else was just a bonus!

Baylor and Clay

I love how this next one epitomizes the idea of little sister looking up to big brother. SO perfect.

Those Hopland eyes ... I make a note about them every session ... but I swear they are getting bluer and bluer.

Clay is such a good boy. He is so easy to photograph. One minute he is like a super model kid:

And the next minute he is my best buddy being silly and funny:

And Baylor she is full of whimsy and style. Love her ...

I love this shot of Baylor and her pretty momma, Heather:

Perfect cuddle:

Now am I just fooling myself or is this photo adorable? So, she has her eyes closed and most of the time those shots get deleted. But there is something so silly and adorable about this image that I just had to share it. Clay's foot in the air and Baylor's matter of fact little pose and pointed toes. You love it too right?

Elsa Marie turned ONE!

I love Elsa Marie!

She was just a little button when I first met her ... and now she is such a big girl with all kinds of personality and teeth!

She has the sweetest disposition and I wish you could fully experience her sweetness through these images. I think they are pretty sweet.

Can you get enough of that little coat? Rebecca, Elsa's mom, has the cutest style and I always love how she dresses Elsa. When I saw that coat the following image was exactly what I had in mind. I love how timeless it is!

Look at that gorgeous girl smile!

I am sad to say that just after that shot above was taken Elsa took a little tumble in the leaves that resulted in many tears and a bloody nose. She turned out to be completely fine but it sure was scary. We took a little break and resumed with pearls. Everyone knows that pearls are the way to make a sad girl happy again.

Beautiful girl, Elsa. She is so classy.

Maple Rae Shelton is almost a year old!

My sweet little Maple Rae is almost a year old and I feel like this entire year has past in a single day. Where did it go?

Maple is so popular she will be having several different birthday parties in different cities. I will be attending the party in Johnson City with a finger painting theme. How cute will that be?!!

Everyone loves Maple ... especially her cat Cantelope.
I love this picture.

Brandy, Maple's mom, was really excited about doing some photos of Maple with pearls. I love babies with pearls ... and I think Maple modeled hers perfectly.

Pouty and curious ...

One more of the happy girl out in the leaves in her new fall frock.

Ashley and Ray - Gettysvue Reception - Knoxville, TN

You should recognize these beautiful people.

Ashley and Ray are the happy couple who got married in Jamaica in October.
A couple weeks after they returned home they had a reception at Gettysvue Country Club to celebrate their marriage with their family and friends who weren't able to join them in Jamaica.

We started the day out with some portraits on the golf course grounds.

This image is one of my favorites for sure. Ashley and her dad did a beautiful father daughter dance ... this is a shot of them practicing before all the guests arrived.

Some beautiful and delicious details!
The cake was by Magpies. (dear Magpies, I love you, the end.)
The flowers and centerpieces were by Lisa Foster Design - my favorite.

A very eloquent toast by Mr. Don Hillis.

Im on Wedity.com

I love Wedity.com! Its the coolest site where brides can research the best wedding venues. I am really proud to have several of my weddings featured on Wedity
Eric McCarty - super awesome photographer - put together this awesome video and I just wanted to share it here.

Julie Roberts Promo from Wedity.com on Vimeo.

CLICK HERE to see more of my work at Wedity.com

The Davenport Family - Christmas Portraits - Knoxville, TN

Its time for cheery Christmas blogging!

Starting with The Davenport Family:
Scott, Jamie, and Deuce

SO MUCH!!

Here is one of those "coming soon" posts. I have been taking so many pictures lately I hear the shutter clicking in my sleep. I mean, what sleep? I'm working around the clock here, people!

If you are waiting on a Storybook design - thank you so much for being patient with me! As most of you know I am not taking any photo shoots from now until the middle of January. I have a plan to get caught up on all album designs by the end of this year. I hope! But before I can get started on those - I have to get all these family/kiddo sessions edited for Christmas orders. Holiday madness has begun!

This is what you will be seeing here on my blog in the next two weeks:

The Davenport Family: Scott, Jamie, and baby Deuce

Ashley and Ray: Remember seeing their Jamaica wedding? Well they had a local reception so they could celebrate with all their family and friends who couldn't join them in Jamaica.

I got to go to Arizona for the first time ever. Yes, Arizona does in fact exist. And it is beautiful and so interesting to photograph. Cacti are not nice. But Cassandra and Marshall sure were! Their wedding was a dream to photograph.

I love this shot taken by my assistant in Arizona : the talented Christina Briner!

Jessi and Joe Baker ... they have a law firm. Lawyers are cool people and they like pictures too!

Guess who is turning ONE year old in a couple weeks: Maple Rae! The sweetest!

And lovely Miss Elsa Marie just had her first birthday. What a doll!!! I LOVE her smile - those teeth and that almost dimple ... I just want to squeeze her!

I met with the Hopland family and almost cried because those kiddos are growing so fast.
Clay and Baylor:

I made some new friends ... Ella and Ty Fitch. Do I have gorgeous clients or what?

Its been a year since I've seen this little sweetie! Finley was my first baby client EVER and her parents, Crystal and Andrew Roberson, came all the way from Memphis for their session. (Well, ok they were in town to visit with friends too, but still!) Oh yeah, and Finley is going to be a big sister!

Also expecting a new addition ... The Booth Family! Teddy, Kristen, and sweet little Eliza can't wait for baby Daisy! Love this family!

Yes, actors, I do head shots. This is my pal Robert Kitchens. We did some shows together back in college! He is going to be in Anne Frank this season at The Barter Theatre. Don't miss it!

Another expecting family ... the Huitings ... some of my most favorite and faithful clients ever. Im very excited for their new baby on the way! It's a girl, of course. Yay, girl power! Here is a little feature of that Emma girl ... what a giggler.

And just last night I photographed this amazing wedding at the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga. Jessica and Clayton ... shut up! This event was so much fun! Photographing a wedding in a theatre was like putting my two most favorite things ever into one day. Loved it.

I can't wait to show more of these:

OH! Now, what do I have to do to get you blog readers and stalkers to comment? You guys are hurting my feelings. I know you are there ... aren't you?

Robbie & Lily - Knoxville - Atlanta - China - Engagement!

Robbie Underwood and Li Meng are engaged! And whoa: This couple has an amazing story!
When I spoke with Robbie on the phone he told me about how he and Lily met. I knew that I was going to love photographing the two of them because they have such a special and very unique relationship.

Here is the story of how they met in Robbie's words ...

The Lord works in mysterious ways...that is the story of Lily and I. What we thought was a chance meeting was really God's plan for 2 lives that were a world apart. I had been considering taking a trip somewhere in the world, and with the 2008 Olympics coming to China later in that year, it seemed like the place to go. I had heard about all the amazing travel stories from my brother, family, coworkers, and friends...so I decided that I needed to stretch out beyond my barriers to see what the rest of the world was like for myself. I was looking around on Facebook one day and saw an app for 'Find New Friends'. It let you choose by country so I thought that would be the best way to meet someone from China and find out what it was really like there, where to go, what to see. I clicked on about 20 or 30 different people who looked interesting, including one girl named Li Meng. It was February 19, 2008 when she added me as a friend on Facebook and our story began.

We chatted a few times to start, but she never really seemed to have time for me. She was a workaholic....when I say workaholic, it's more than what we here think of workaholic....she was working almost 20 or more hours a day, 7 days a week. She was always too busy to chat with me, I would ask her questions about her life there...her answers were always "work, work, work". I had all but given up trying to chat with her, until one night when I sitting at home she asked if she could see me in my webcam. I was suprised she asked, but I agreed. I honestly cant remember too many days after that we were not on webcam chatting about every part of life in China or the US. Without a doubt the strength of our relationship was built talking to each other about our likes, dislikes, ups, downs, families, friends, work...we talked about anything and everything...talking was all we had. It only took a couple of months for us to find out that we were made for each other. We didn't know at the time how to make it work or how to be together, but God had a plan for us.

I decided to go visit her in China later that year...we counted down the days together starting at 139. It seemed forever, but the day finally came to leave....I dont remember being more scared in my life. I honestly didnt know if she would be at the airport to meet me or not. When the plane landed in China it was overcast and rainy, and I think I was the most scared I had ever been in my life. "What am I doing in a communist country?" "What if she is not real?" "What if she is not here to meet me?"....all those things and more went through my mind as I walked through the airport, but as I came through customs I heard my name being shouted. As I looked through the crowd....there she was...Piao Liang....Chinese for beautiful...I held her for the first time in my life there in the airport in Beijing and spent the most amazing 3 weeks of my life with her...exploring China, visting her family, and talking with her...we were a perfect fit.

The Poston Family at The Biltmore in Asheville, TN

I've been photographing Heather and Brian Poston and their baby boy, Knox ever since Knox was just a few weeks old. When Heather first mentioned doing a session at The Biltmore Estate in Asheville ... I just knew we HAD to make it happen! I've been wanting to do a session there since the very beginning of my business. Can you blame me? That place is breath taking!

Let me just make it official. I REALLY LOVE my clients! They are SO good to me! Heather and Brian were completely generous in arranging this weekend. I can not thank them enough!!! Nick was able to come with me and we made a whole weekend of it. It was the perfectly relaxing weekend away ... and a wonderful beginning to a beautiful Autumn (my favorite season).

So, yes ... Knox is growing ... FAST!
Those blue eyes are more and more charming every time I see him.

Oh yeah! Heather and Brian invited both sets of their parents to attend this session. It was a great opportunity for them to get some family shots as well as some individuals of each pair with Knox. Knox loves his grandparents!

Knox also really likes to play with rocks. He calls them "cockies" ... its hilarious and adorable!

Love this sweet boy!

Here are a few of my favorite detail shots of the estate ...

And here is me and Nick looking like complete tourists. :)

Thank you so much Heather and Brian for arranging this weekend and being so generous! We had such a wonderful time and Im happy we made it back before the rock slide!

The Harris Family - Daffney, Alan, & Corbin!

I had a break through when I was photographing this family! I have heard it before ... I've even said it before ... but this time I really embraced it. Photographing kids can be such a challenge ... especially when they are old enough to run away from you! The simple trick is just to play with them. Sit down with them, engage with them, and play their games. Its fun and it really works!

Corbin wasn't a challenge to photograph at all. He is actually one of the smartest most well behaved little guys I've ever worked with ... I mean PLAYED with! It came so easily and that's when this new method made complete sense. It couldn't have come to me at a better time. I have SO many family photo shoots this week and I feel ready and excited!

On to the pictures of this amazing family.
Here's my buddy ... Corbin:

I think this family is HOT!

I really love this dreamy one ...

Peek-a-boo!

Favorite:

We also did a few shots in their beautiful home. I just LOVED the decor in Daffney and Alan's bedroom. That's their dog, Rush ... completing the family photo.

Glen Williams : Actors : Headshots

So did you know that I actually majored in Theatre in college?
Fine Art Photography was my minor.

Sometimes I really miss being on stage ... but I think eventually I might get back around to it.
We'll see.

Anyway ... as a result I have a lot of friends who are actors and those people are always needing head shots for their future auditions and the like. This guy, Glen was actually a friend of a good friend (thanks for the referral Amy!). I am excited to see his career take off. He isn't just an actor but also into directing, producing, and more!

Break a leg!

The Gurley Family

Olivia Gurley!
I can't believe how she's growing!

Her little personality is beginning to really shine! Beverly says that Olivia never meets a stranger. Of course not - look at that smile!

I love this clever little portrait of such a happy family!

But this is my favorite ... and this is my idea of a perfect family shot ...

What a little stinker!

Larry, Christy, and Michael Headla

Christy contacted me because she wanted to do some portraits of her husband Larry and his brother Michael as a Christmas gift for their parents.

We met in Market Square and wondered around downtown ...

Aw, brothers! Now, isn't this the kind of photo you know a mom would love?!

Larry and Christy ... what a handsome couple!

Brittany and Adam Thornhill

Brittany and Adam actually got married last August.
As a wedding gift Adam's sister got them a gift certificate to have a photo session with me.

NOTE: Yes, I do gift certificates! And, YES! That WOULD be a perfect Christmas present for someone you love! Now announcing 20% off all gift certificates purchased now through the end of December. Email for more details: Rachel@julierobertsphoto.com

On with the show ...
When Brittany called we decided to do their session in Townsend because her one wish was to get a photo with the mountains in the back ground.

I knew the perfect spot. And I think she got her wish!

The moment I saw Brittany and Adam I knew their session would be special. They have that thing I love ... that thing where they just really love each other and they are so good at showing it. It makes my work not like "work" at all. I love people in love. They aren't really "posing" in most of these pictures ... they are just loving on each other.

I just knew they would think I was crazy when I suggested we drive into this gravel lot that had a bunch of port-a-potties lined up. I wasn't after the port-a-potties. I was after this bus. I am SO glad they trusted me on this crazy idea because this is my favorite shot from the whole session. I think.

How CUTE!

Okay, okay ... another favorite:

Melissa and David - engaged!

This adorable couple will be getting married this coming March and I can't wait!
The bridesmaid dresses will be my favorite shade of green (YAY!)

Until then ... check out their engagement photos!
They met me one beautiful fall day a couple weeks ago in Townsend.
We just rode around and looked for interesting spots and we found so many cool things!

I really love a field will tall grass.

I also really love the way this bridge photographed. All the lines are just so cool!

Melissa's engagement ring originally belonged to her grandmother. I love sweet significant details like that.

My favorite of the day:

Lawson and Millie Brannon - cousins!

It has been almost a year since I photographed this handsome guy.

Lawson Brannon

He has grown up SO much! He is the most well mannered little fellow there ever was.

This one is my favorite ... just shining with personality.

I also got to photograph Lawson's cousin Millie.

She is pretty quick and not that interested in having her photo taken.

But she's so beautiful and just full of smiles and giggles.

Ashley Hillis and Ray Strutton - Married in Jamaica!

When I consulted with Ashley and Ray I didn't have a whole lot of hope that this whole "Jamaica" thing would actually work out. It just seemed too good to be true. I LOVE my job ... Knoxville, Johnson City, Asheville ... where ever my work takes me ... I love it.

But Jamaica?!!! Seriously?!!! I officially have a dream job.

To make it even better my beau, Nick was able to join me on the trip and we made a whole week of it. Of course! We kind of had the time of our lives.
(here is a link to view some of the personal photos of us from the trip - they were taken with my little point and shoot - so don't be disappointed, they aren't fancy!)

But I know what you are really here to see ... the good stuff from the wedding day.

Alright ... I just want to start out with some gorgeous "getting ready" details.
As her "something old" Ashley wore her mother's ring which also at one time belonged to her grandmother. Her dress was an original Maggie Sottero Design with their names and wedding date embroidered inside the panel (by Sandra G Alterations). The dress was her "something new". Her "something borrowed" was her mother's garter (which also had a little blue detail). The embroidery was "something blue" and they didn't have six pence ... so instead Ashley put two 5 pence inside her shoe.

I liked this moment where the minister was explaining things to Ray. He had a very thick Jamaica accent which is such an endearing quality about the culture there.

Loving me some beachy details ...

A little ceremony moment ... how beautiful!

This is Sydney ... Ray (and now Ashley's) daughter. She loves having her photo taken so much that its actually tough for me to catch her when she isn't posing or putting on for the camera! She is such a funny little chick! But I love this photo of her laughing ... totally natural.

It was HOT HOT HOT!!! But everyone was so happy!
I LOVE this gorgeous natural laugh from Ashley too ...

The first dance ...

Followed by a lovely small reception on the beach. Amazing.

The funny thing about Beaches, Negril (the resort) is that they don't allow outside photographers and Ashley and Ray were required to hire the resort photographers - who do the standard posed stuff, you know. Nick and I were actually there as "guests" which actually worked perfectly. Ashley's family couldn't have been more gracious and welcoming of us. We really did feel like family members!

I was not allowed to take pictures when Ashley and Ray had their portrait session with the resort photographer. This shot is a funny showcase of how that sort of worked out. This is Nick ... and in the reflection of his glasses you can see Ashley and Ray getting their portraits done on the beach.

I just want to say an extra special Thank You to Phylis and Don Hillis. These are two of the most warm, gracious, and down to earth people I've ever worked with. Nick and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them as well as the whole family. Thank you both so much for welcoming us and making this whole trip happen. It was wonderful!

Back to the reception ... Ashley's brother Ryan was the Best Man and I was so excited to catch him and Sydney dancing together while Ashley and Ray were doing portraits. I love this moment!

Now, I certainly didn't want to step on the official wedding photographer's toes. So Ashley and Ray agreed to meet me for some photos at sun set on the beach later that evening.

These were just some columns on the resort property. The whole place had some beautiful decor and architecture. It was a dream to photograph!

Perfect Bridal Portrait of Ashley ...

A different positioning of the sun turned up the drama. Love this one.

Can you believe this sun set? Will someone please take me back to Jamaica soon?!!

Credit goes to Nick for this little shoe idea. Love it!

Thanks again so much to Ashley and Ray andt he Hillis Family for trusting me! You will actually be seeing more of these folks soon because just this past weekend I photographed the reception that they had here in Knoxville this past weekend so all their local friends and family could celebrate their marriage. Yay!

Be sure to check this slide show ... of course its backed up with a little Bob Marley.

Rebecca, Riley, & Madeline ... The Ramsey House, Knoxville, Tennessee

I just LOVE this adorable family!

This gorgeous momma ... Rebecca Osborne ... contacted me about doing some photos of her with her two kiddies.

Riley:

And Madeline:

love this little treasure ...

It was sprinkling and threatening to rain us out ... but we stuck to the plans and had a blast.
Riley and Madeline were SO MUCH FUN to photograph!

I LOVE this pair. I especially love how you can see the rain drops in the image to the left.

But this one is my clear favorite from the day.
Madeline shouted "free as a bird"
This is the kind of memory that photography was created to keep.

Monday, November 30, 2009