I’m big on memories. If you know me, you know how I light up every time I recall a special moment from the past. My love for memories is one of the reasons that I became a photographer. I could spend hours pouring over old photographs, thinking about good times in years past…

I’m also big on family. Frankly, I think my family is amazing. I’m really close to my parents and all of my siblings and my memories with those 6 people have shaped who I am as an adult.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the moments that I shared with my mom as a little girl. We spent over 5 years together – just us – before my twin sisters were born. That time is something I will treasure forever. I love that my mom made sugar cookies with me for every holiday. I love that she took me to the pool in the summer. I love that she taught me to color, dress up, dream, count, play, tie my shoes, pretend, grow… The list goes on and on.

Now that I have my own kids, I appreciate those moments even more. There are times when I do something that I remember my mom doing… Then I realize it and I know just how much of her I have in me.

Today was one of those days.

When I was a really little, there were mornings that my mom gave me oatmeal for breakfast while I had my bath. It was such a simple thing, but it always made me feel like the day would be extra special.

Emma had her first “Oatmeal Bath” today. She enjoyed it so much… almost as much as I did. = ) She sat calmly in the bubbles saying, “Bite please” whenever she wanted some more. We sang “Old McDonald”. We counted her wrinkled fingers and toes. It was wonderful.

I am so blessed.

Mama :: Thanks for the memories, the lessons, and an amazing childhood. If I’m half the mother you are, I’ll do a fantastic job. I love you tons!!!

- Annie

She’ll hate me for these later…

She ate the whole bowl!

We were singing “Old McDonald”…

Emma was showing me her nose…

… and her eyes. = )

I love this one. No idea what she’s doing, but it’s adorable!

I can’t get enough of that smile!

I figured that Emma’s ducky deserved a shot. After all, he is her favorite…

The curls on this girl are too adorable. I love them.

Nose…

Mouth… I LOVE this one!!!

Wrinkled feet are so cute.

I had to do an antique finish on at least one… I love how it turned out.

We’ve finally reached the end of Amanda’s Trash the Dress session!!! I have so enjoyed blogging it and I can’t wait to share lots from the upcoming workshop on 11.02.08!

When I first talked to Amanda about trashing her dress, she threw out the idea of paint and I was immediately excited about it! I’m a HUGE fan of color and was so happy about the chance to shoot a colorful Trash the Dress!!! Doing this was everything that I hoped for and more.

Remember, this is the first post of 9 in which the dress is getting seriously trashed! If you’ve missed any of this series, you can find links below!

More than anything, shooting Amanda’s Trash the Dress has made me even more excited about the prospect of doing lots more of them! To all of you who have given such kind feedback, thank you so so much! To all of you brides who have contacted me about Trash the Dress sessions as a result of this series, you rock!!!

Make sure to check back for the workshop pictures at the beginning of November!!!

Now, without further ado, here they are! Finally!!!

- Annie

Following our Trash the Dress around Cincinnati? So far we’ve been to a field, Starbucks, a parking lot, a tattoo parlor, an alley, a random street, and some railroad tracks, and Union Terminal!

Why are we traveling around Cincinnati? Find out here! Our Trash the Dress workshop is less than one week away!!!

We started with red and the first couple looked a little creepy… I really like this one, though!

I love that she did most of this to herself!!!

I decided to try one in black and white and I really like the effect! Very moody and the tones are gorgeous!

LOVE IT!!!

So cute!

Officially trashed.

So now we’re into the good stuff!!! I have been dying to shoot a Trash the Dress at Union Terminal and we were so excited when Amanda was up for it! She was such a trooper – the water was so so so cold! Personally, I think it was totally worth it! She looks fantastic!

We had to work quickly since the water was so cold, but I am extremely happy with these! Not only was this part of the shoot a blast, but it makes me want to shoot lots more sessions with water. I just fell in love with the way Amanda’s dress fanned out around her. = )

My plan is to have the last post up today, so stay tuned for some serious trashing!!! If you’ve missed any of this series, you can find links below!

Brides :: Keep in mind that we’ve shot at 8 different locations and Amanda’s dress could probably still be fine after a serious cleaning!!! While I love the term Trash the Dress, it’s a little misleading… You could certainly stop at something like the pictures below, have your dressed cleaned, and keep it forever! = )

One more trashing post coming soon!!!

- Annie

Following our Trash the Dress around Cincinnati? So far we’ve been to a field, Starbucks, a parking lot, a tattoo parlor, an alley, a random street, and some railroad tracks! Stay tuned for the other location! The trashing is just around the corner!!!

Why are we traveling around Cincinnati? Find out here! Our Trash the Dress workshop is less than one week away!!!

FAVORITE!!!

I love this one!!! Isn’t she gorgeous?

Love the sparkles in the water behind her!

This is my favorite picture of Toby shooting… ever.