Behind the Memories.....Thoughts from the Photographer

2012-01-06T14:59:00.001-08:00

Babies, Toddlers, and BABIES!

2010-01-30T21:52:00.000-08:00

Random Acts of Kindness :)

2010-01-30T20:16:00.000-08:00

Thought I would blog a little tonight, sitting here snowed in with my girlies all snuggled up asleep on the couch and I'm still in awe of the most awesome random acts of kindness that anyone could ever imagine. I am a kind of person that wants to help everyone I can and expect nothing in return, and now I'm so glad that I am this person, because it does come back at some point in your lifetime and when you don't expect it at all WOW there it is!
Life has been a little crazy lately, everyday comes with a new change, a new opportunity to make the day great. I'm so thankful for those I have in my life and so thankful for many awesome clients.
So just a few words to say THANK YOU so much to you all for being so great and to Ben a dear friend aka long lost brother of mine, and one who has shown me that there are still great people out there who can and will do awesome little random acts of kindness :)
HUGS
Crystal

Borski Family

2010-01-16T19:39:00.000-08:00

I love photographing Maternity/Births/ and Newborns its an experience like no other! The Borski family is so precious. I will never forget little Pipers face as she watched her little brother being brought into this world, and some of the funny faces just make you giggle. I put together a slide show from the Maternity session and also the Birth, Enjoy :)

2009-09-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

Preston+Genevieve=ENGAGED!

2009-09-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of photographing this sweet couple who came into town for the celebration of Preston's return home from duty in the Navy. You could see the love between them both, and I couldn't imagine just how much they miss each other when away from another. But here are some of the photos from their session. Enjoy :)

Shooting with Morgan Gentry

2009-07-21T13:24:00.001-07:00

A fun therapy shoot with the family :)

2009-07-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

We headed out to the lake so i could get the Hubs and the kids with their guitars in the sunset. This was a fun relaxing shoot. Here are a few favorites from that evening :) Enjoy

Norman+Jessica=MARRIED!

2009-06-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful couple, with the threats of thunderstorms all day long, the sun came out just long enough for us to grab some photos and the ceremony to take place. They have a special place at Chester Frost Park in Hixson TN and so they knew thats where they wanted to take the first steps to spending the rest of their lives together. I will never forget how excited she was after the ceremony she just saying "your my husband" I cant help from giggling over it, so sweet!! Here is a slide of some sneak peeks from their special day!
Congratulations Norman and Jessica!!!!

Kyle+Megan=MARRIED!

2009-06-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

Kyle and Megan have been an awesome couple to work with, the bond between them is amazing, it makes you feel bubbly and excited to see whats next. Love never ceases to amaze me, from their engagement session all the way to their wedding day you knew this couple had it! The day of the wedding was an emotional day for them both as we all know that are married and have already experienced those emotions, it still gets to me with every wedding I get to be part of. They have an amazing family also and everyone wanted to tell them that during the Toast, as you will see in the slide it was amazing! It shows in the photos and when you have the photographer crying you know everyone else feels and sees it also! Thank you Kyle and Megan for allowing me to be part of your adventure to becoming Husband and Wife. I cant wait to get to work with you both again! Congratulations to you both! Im so happy for you!

Looking for Senior Reps!!!

2009-03-05T14:18:00.001-08:00

Crystal Dawn Photography Has A New Home!

2009-03-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I had a studio in Hixson which I shared space with a dear friend and fellow Photographer. This past month has not been the same and I have missed having a studio so bad, but was getting excited about getting back outdoors soon also :) As I just finished a awesome maternity shoot last week my assistant and I decided to go eat and where we ate I only not LOVED the food, I didnt know that our new studio would be ACROSS the street a couple days later! As we were backing out I looked up and saw this amazing beautiful building with all these windows (7 of them)and knew I had to have it, I wasnt gonna call, BUT did anyway just out of curiosity, well long story short, God doesnt make accidents happen, He had this shoot planned way before I did, he knew I would go to this place to eat, and he knew I would LOVE everything about this new exciting place!!! SO Lets not keep you guessing any longer........... lol! Our new home is in Ringgold!!!! YAY! Yeah maybe a little bit of a drive but its completely worth it :) So I am now accepting studio sessions again! Here are a couple photos Jess took with her point and shoot since I was too excited and couldnt remember I had my camera in the car LoL!
As soon as I get everything painted, setup, hungup, moved in (for the most part is done) and my new beautiful lit up sign is hung I will post some new photos :)

(Top left corner studio is mine)

(street park view)

I really cant believe it!

2009-01-27T17:11:00.000-08:00

Has it really been almost 2 months since my last post? I need to start keeping a little more up to date I guess, but I have had so many things going on I havent been able to keep up with my blog as much as I would have liked lol So for those of you who have been wondering what I have been doing the last 2 months here is a fast forward lol! I was also featured in the local newspaper so you can see that press release here: on page 5

http://media.timesfreepress.com/epaper/community/sd/01-21-2009/index.html

Here are a couple of recent shoots and weddings :)

Finally! A new Post!

2008-12-05T10:58:00.001-08:00

I know Im so sorry Im behind on blogging, I have been so busy, with a few projects that will be revealed next week and alot of editing that I have been busy with I havent been able to keep my blog up, still more to come but here are a few peaks from some sessions from the past month or so.

This Photo just makes me giggle because there is the lil sis and all her big brothers there so we decided to do a lil bride tilt on her lol so fun! This session was very special is was for a special gift for their mother who just turned 65, which I also was very fortunate to photograph, so those sneak peaks will come later, such a sweet Godly woman, awesome to be around, you could tell she just loves her family more than words could say and had no anger with anyone, you dont see that normally these days with any family. She had one of the biggest surprise birthday parties I have ever seen. It was awesome. You will have to wait for those ;)

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I love this Family! SO of course I had to share just a couple sneaks from their session :) They are a very outgoing family, so always making me feel welcome no matter what Im doing for them, engagement, wedding, family, and LOOK Anna and Graysen has a new baby! lol SWEET! They named him Oscar I will never forget that because thats our dogs name haha :)

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TJ

This is TJ, I have known him since he was a little boy for about 9 years I guess, we went to the same church up until a couple years ago when we made a switch. When his mom scheduled his Senior session we decided to make it a Senior/Girlfriend Session lol such a cutie lol I have always known TJ to be very shy and quiet and to see him with a girlfriend just made me giggle :)

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FALL Sessions! I went to Red Clay State Park last month and if you have never been to the park or cant go you really must read the history on it, I remember going when I was in the 3rd grade when I used to live in Cleveland, TN and It still amazes me. Here are a few shots from those sessions. The first 2 shots are just some random shots I grabbed while I was there I had to take a photo of the famous Blue Hole! Read on it its awesome!

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Other Fall Sessions that I have also had:
A day with The Freemans and The Boles

Lee and Samantha Boles who are now expecting yay! Congratulations you guys! Im so happy for you!!! I cannot wait to see a big ole belly hehe for maternity photos ya know ;) winks muah!

Anna Modeling the Dorothy Dandridge Look 1940s

2008-11-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

After watching that movie my heart sank because I couldnt imagine all she had to go through, with the struggles, the bad marriages, her only daughter being born with alot of mental (brian ) problems, I just felt so bad for her. So since then I have just always loved that movie and how Halle Berry played her role just perfect!! I had the opportunity to work with Model Adrianna the other day at the studio and we shot this exact theme, it was so much fun!! And Anna is an amazing girl all in herself and her mom rocks! lol :) What an awesome team we had to pull this off!! Hope you enjoy!!

Kyle+Megan= Engaged!

2008-11-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

Walking some little trails and across Point Park atop Lookout Mtn. I got to get to know just a little bit about this amazing couple (they are both in fantastic shape) LOL! They are truly so sweet together and I look forward to shooting their wedding this coming spring! I loved how they could be so playful but yet adventurous and then serious all in a split of a second! :) Just makes me love my job more, and makes the session that much more fun and interesting! :) He went from one moment climbing a huge tree to having her on his neck, then lifting her almost up over his head, just AMAZING! lol BUT here are just a few sneaks from their wonderful session, and I cant forget to mention that the day turned out to be a LOVELY fall TN day! :)

Princess Presleigh

2008-11-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

This is one of many times I have photographed this little cutie, I just want to bring her home with me everytime we meet for photos. This time she got to dress up in her favorite princess costume, and boy did the princesstude come on, she was just precious!! Just like a little angel! Here are a few shots from our session! Hugs to you miss Pressy! :) Oh and your lil bebe too :)

Sneak Peek of Lee and Samantha's Wedding

2008-10-20T18:51:00.001-07:00

What a Beautiful couple!!!! Here are a couple of sneak peeks more to come soon!!

2008-10-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest for the Wedding Photography Giveaway!!

After reading thru alot of touching stories, the Judges and I have decided that we have found the best one to fit exactly what we were looking for and the most deserving for this gift from me, not that you all wasnt, everyone had amazing stories, thats why I did end up with a 1st runner up who will also get a little something too.

But here is the wonderful couple we have decided on! I hope you enjoy thier true love story as much as we did!
HUGS
Crystal

True Love’s Story

Zechariah Q. Thompson & Sarah N. Hitchcock

Every individual has a story to tell. Every couple includes two separate life stories that join into one of a deep and unique love. I must say that God has truly blessed in our lives and we have story beyond all other stories. A story of two friends, separated by time and space, rejoined, and now on a journey together as life partners. Let me take a few minutes of time to share our story to you!

Our story begins at the prime age of five. Zack and I, Sarah, me the first day of kindergarten and began a friendship at school. We would play together at recess and pretend that we were Power Rangers. We rode the same school bus and lived about a mile apart. Zack moved away after the first grade. My memories of him were soon forgotten as I made new friends and advanced in school and age. Zack also made new friends and moved on. We would have never thought that we would meet again, or that if we did, we would never in a lifetime remember each other, but that soon changed.

When Zack moved away, he went to live with his mother and step-father. Because of some very unusual circumstances, when he became of age to decide who he wanted to live with, he chose to live with his father and step-mother. This didn’t go over too well with his mother, and she has not ever spoken to him since that day. Zack’s father and step-mom lived not too far from me (approximately about a mile or so).

I was raised by grandmother. My mother gave birth to me when she was fifteen years old. I have no relationship with my father and did not meet him until I was 14 years old. I was going to be given up for adoption, but my grandmother had compassion on me and took me in to her home. I was raised in very difficult circumstances of which we won’t go into detail. I am the first in my family to graduate high school and the first to pursue an honorable career. Without Jesus Christ, I would not have been able to achieve these goals in my life.

Since the age of eight, I have attended Joy Baptist Tabernacle. My pastor has been a father figure in my life and has taught me many things about the Lord. Since the age of thirteen, I prayed for my future husband. I prayed that the Lord would give guidance and direction in my life, as well as his. I prayed that He would make real to me this person when the time was right. Never did I know that He would show Zack to me so soon.

On the first day of high school, I was so excited. I was on a search to meet someone. When I got to school that day, I didn’t meet the person that I was looking for, but I met Zack. He overheard me talking to a friend about meeting this person. He knew the young man and said that he would help me find him. I thanked him as the bell rang to begin the day. Later on that day, I saw him on my bus. I plopped into the seat with him and thanked him so much for his kindness. He looked at me rather strangely and said that it was not a problem. After that, we began talking everyday and figured out that we were best buddies in kindergarten and first grade! We caught up with each other and even took a look at our kindergarten class photo. It was very neat to see God unfolding this, but I was blind to the fact that he was the one that I was going to spend my life with.

Zack and I dated other people in high school, but remained best friends. Zack’s girlfriend ended up moving away and breaking his heart. My boyfriend at the time was a total jerk face, so we both ended relationships around the same time. Zack said that he wanted to take me to the movies as friends so we could both feel better. I WAS SO BLIND!!! All of my other friends were telling me that we would just make the cutest couple ever and I thought that there was no way under the sun that we could because we were such good friends.

So, Zack and I talked on the phone all the time. I still was blind to the fact that he liked me. I began to wonder within myself if he was someone that I should date. He asked me one night on the phone whether or not I liked him. I reluctantly said yes and agreed that we could go to the movies, but JUST AS FRIENDS!!!!

Well, the day of our first date finally came to pass. I was nervous and got dressed up and ready for it! I knew that I liked him and that we could possibly become a couple. He had been sick the night before and wanted to make sure he could still go on our date. He drank over half a bottle of Nyquil and was very sleepy! He slept during most of the movie!!! It is always quite funny to share our first date to people because it was so awkward!

He started coming to church with me and I began to see that he was a great person (a candidate for me to date!) and so when he asked me on January 9, 2004 (at the age of 15), I said yes. J On my 16^th birthday, he gave me a promise ring and said that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. I still wear that ring!

As graduation approached, the college decisions were worrying us both. He didn’t really know where he wanted to go or do, and I knew that I was going to a small Christian college in Powell, TN. Zack’s parents offered to help him, so he decided to go there too. Second semester, money was very tight and he was not able to stay at college. I returned and he stayed home. It was very difficult going from spending all day every day with someone to not even getting to talk to them. I didn’t have phone at the time and he would call my friends just to get to talk to me for just a few moments. The time that we had away from each other assured both of our hearts that we were meant to be together. Our love intensified as the miles separated us. God was testing our faith in Him, as well as in each other…and may I say we passed with flying colors!!!

Zack is God’s greatest gift to me! The way that he proposed was so very special. He took me up on Signal Mountain and began to talk about how we met. He talked about all the things that God had brought us through and that he knew that we were meant to be together. Since Chattanooga is such a special place to me, he asked me to make him happiest man in all of Chattanooga by being his bride. I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down my face! As we are working on five wonderful years together, we are looking forward to the future and growing old together!

We are planning on getting married on June 27, 2009 at our church. We chose that date in honor of his grandmother, who has been a tremendous blessing to both of us. She was the person that taught him about the Lord and has impacted his life in a great fashion. She is on oxygen and has suffered from congestive heart failure. June 27 is her birthday and we hope that we can remember her in the years to come on each anniversary that we share together.

As you consider each story you read, it would be our prayer that you have received a blessing from reading ours!

Congratulations you guys!!

Baby Lilyana-True Gift from God

2008-10-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of getting to go the the Blaylocks home and photograph their beautiful new lil family and new addition :) Lilyana. Most precious baby! She was good the entire time we were messing with her haha, a photographers blessing!!!! When a baby completely works with you too hehe. Here are a few photos from that session :) Enjoy! Oh and I cant forget to mention the other "baby" her name really is "babie" haha! I was able to grab one photo of her protecting her new lil bit before she lunged at my camera lens trying to bite it off, thats what everyone didnt see lol! But she didnt like the shutter sound so everytime I would shoot she would bark haha so funny!! Its hilarious how animals have such personalities almost like humans haha.

Scott +Nicole Engagement Session

2008-10-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Scott and Nicole are a blast to be around, we went a couple weeks ago to Cash Canyon to do their engagement photos, I have never been there before and its one of their favorite spots, and when we got there it was absolutely breathtaking! They are so fun to be around but can quickly turn on the passion too!! Here are a few photos from their session. I cant wait for their wedding at the end of the month!

Kevin+Dawn=MARRIED!

2008-09-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

Chattanooga Photographers Luncheon

2008-08-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

It was awesome going to our local monthly Photographers Lunch! I had an amazing time getting to chat it up with some of the most amazing photographers in this entire area! They are all great, and its always awesome to be around people who like the same things you do and understand the same things when it comes to photography. Its an insane world out there, but its always fun to stop and take a break every now and then and relax with a few friends :) Thank you Melody for a great day out! Cant wait till the next month!!

We grabbed a group photo before we departed but i think a few escaped before so there are a few missing, maybe next time they will hang around ;)

Pictured are (front row first, left to right): Cristie Sims, Jennifer Meyer (with her daughter), little Miss Addison Holritz, Crystal Shirley(me), Shannon Atchley, Melody Hood, (back row, left to right) Amber Holritz, Nathan & Austen Holritz, Ty Miller and his gorgeous twins, Aaron Thomason, Marc Climie (standing), Mike Houston, and Joy, Garrett, and Graceyn Nudd.

Samantha

2008-08-13T20:41:00.001-07:00

I had a awesome shoot with little miss Sambo, we did a shoot so she could build onto her modeling port. and well needless to say, that girl just pops into any viewfinder! I mean WOW! Here are a few of my favorite shots, Her Mom Dawn is also a local Photographer who was also on the scene with us, she will be sending me some photos over as well of me working in progress lol! those should be interesting haha. But for now enjoy these beautiful BLUES :)

Seniors Seniors Seniors :)

2008-08-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

I have been swamped with Senior Sessions, then again IM LOVIN IT! :) Now that school has started they are slowing down a little so now maybe I can get a little sleep haha but just wanted to share some of my fun photos :)

This is Ashlee, this was the first time she had worn heels and I must say the GIRL can strut her stuff!! hehe I would fall flat on my face haha.

This is Brandi, she was very shy, but soooo sweet and so cute had to share lol

This is what I have been doing the last couple weeks...

2008-07-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

Busy Busy Busy......... I had a few senior sessions, a toddler session, trash the dress session, so fun! Enjoy!!! :) This little girl is Anslee, she was so photogentic it blew my mind, she loved having her photos taken!!! and she is only 3!! lol SWEEEEEET!

I got to spend the day with little miss Presleigh too, such a sweet sweet girl!!!!!

Amanda Amanda Amanda, she was a hoot!!! So funny and was up for anything!!!! SO very easy to work with!!!! We had a blast with her modeling shoots, then especially with the TTD session! YAY my fav!

WOW ok alot has been going on so here goes......

2008-07-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

Had my surgery, All went well, go back in Sept. to be put on the "MED" EEWW but it will be better than hurting I guess, but I the moment my doctor released me back out into the field, here I go...... lol so I have alot of catching up to do on posting lol! Here are a few photos from some weddings I had just gotten finished with right before surgery, so now ya know what I was doing during recovery (editing photos lol)

This is Karen and Brian, they had their wedding at the old mill at the Battlefield, talk about a beautiful setting!! The only thing we were facing well was, lighting bolts coming down all around us, and rain pouring so much that every step I took my shoes squished EEWW but by the time it was time for her to come walking down the field to meet her soon to be hubby the skies cleared and it was perfect! Sweet Couple!!!

I have had the honor of working with Anna and Graysen for a year now well since their engagement photos, and now their wedding, it was sooo beautiful!!! They chose to have it at the Baylor Chapel, which is just amazing if you have never been in there. But here are a few photos of their big day :)

This was my Fav Shot!!!!

Their wedding party was amazing!!!

You can see more of their wedding photos by going to my website at www.crystaldawnphotography.com

Here are a few Sneak Peeks from Jeff and Venisha's Wedding, So looked amazing in white and with accented colors in red!!! Stay Tuned for more photos from their big day later :)

Wedding Commercial Please Help Spread the Word and Paste it in your Blog!!!

2008-06-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

Destination Weddings!!!

2008-06-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Yes its true!!! I am now doing destination weddings some of you may wonder what that is, first.......

I am Internationally Available for your Big Day :) Just email me for more information!! Or if you would like for me to come to your town for your Big Day just let me know :)

Here are some reasons why Destination Weddings are the way to go............

Destination Wedding Coverage:

When you think of a destination wedding, you might picture stunning beaches and exotic lands; or maybe even mountains with snowy peaks. Destination weddings bring to mind ancient castles, sun-kissed islands and fragrant gardens; but along with these pictures comes the hefty price tag of traveling to a far off land. Luckily, you don't have to leave the United States for your perfect wedding destinations. From the coasts of Florida and California, to the snowy mountains of Alaska, the US has many different locations to make your destination wedding unique and affordable. So pack your bags (no passport required) and head to any area of the country for your perfect destination wedding. There are some unexpected wonders in every part of the US waiting for you.

Destination Weddings Florida
Florida can be a great choice for those seeking a beach wedding but don't want to leave the United States. Florida's two beach areas, on the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, make for perfect beach settings that are easy to get to. The Florida Keys are a romantic and relatively secluded family vacation spot that's perfect for a US tropical wedding.
I would LOVE to be your personal photographer for your wedding!!!
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Outside US Overview:
In the past, marrying away from home usually meant eloping. The couple would steal away in the night to flee family disapproval or expectations and tie the knot on their own terms. Today, the idea has shed its stigma and a growing number of couples are hightailing it away from the traditional formal affair to a casual, intimate occasion in their dream honeymoon spot.

These destination weddings involve just the couple; the couple and a select handful of friends and family (often just another couple); or the couple plus enough guests to constitute a bona fide weeklong family -- or college -- reunion. Then, the just-marrieds can take a second week to disappear on their own. The "reception," if any, is more like a big party and held when the couple returns home. Why are destination weddings a growing trend?

Even some tourist boards are jumping on the bandwagon, with brochures listing ceremony sites and local wedding vendors in their area. Even governments are working to ease restrictions and attract to-be-weds.
1. They're Virtually Stress-Free
Pop in the classic movie "Father of the Bride" and you'll soon understand why destination weddings are so popular. They are almost guaranteed to be simpler (and faster!) to plan than a traditional wedding and reception for two main reasons:

* Honeymoon-happy resorts and cruise lines around the world have made it easier and more appealing to wed on-site. Many have full-time wedding coordinators on staff who are familiar with that country's marriage license requirements and who offer wedding packages that take care of all your ceremony essentials (photographer, cake, minister, etc.). You step off the plane and sign the papers; they take care of the rest.

* If you're not getting married at a resort, you can hire a stateside wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings, contact a wedding planner in the town you plan to wed, or start early and do it yourself. Either way, you won't have to plan a reception, and won't that be a relief?!

2. No Family Drama
The second reason destination weddings rule? No scene-stealing family drama.

3. They're Cost Effective
The affordability of a destination wedding has many couples speeding off to the airport faster than you can say "I do." For instance, a couple can fly to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, get married, and stay for a deluxe weeklong honeymoon for a few thousand dollars, including lodging, meals, drinks, and airfare. Compare that with your average 150-guest wedding costing about $22,000 -- which can easily skyrocket to more than $100,000 in big cities -- plus a few extra thousand for a honeymoon. To ease the financial burden, many couples opt to travel to a place where they can get married, have a honeymoon, and still have some money left over to start their new lives together.

4. You Call The Shots
While formal weddings hold meaning for many couples, linking them to the traditions of their ancestors and culture, others want the experience to be unique, with a ceremony and location that reflect their true colors. Perhaps an "Out of Africa" experience? A snowy mountain-peak ceremony? The world is your altar.

5. They're Simply Perfect for Second Marriages
Been-there-done-that couples who are getting married for the second or third time choose destination weddings because they're simple and private. Either the bride and/or groom have done the Hollywood-scale production before and want something quieter or less expensive this time around, or they want to be someplace anonymous, without the watchful eyes and whispers of the hometown crowd. (Get married at a kid-friendly, all-inclusive resort or cruise to help your new Brady Bunch do some solid bonding.)

6. They're a Once-in-a-Lifetime Reunion Opportunity
At a typical wedding, you're on the run, meeting and greeting. Destination weddings are on vacation time. You're usually required to arrive a few days early to fill out the paperwork, so by the time your wedding rolls around, you've had two to three days of fun with your sweetie, family, and friends. How often do you have the opportunity to spend no-rush quality playtime with dear, far-flung friends? This is your chance.

Want to have a destination wedding in Mexico? Find out some of the best places to wed in Los Cabos, the Riviera Maya, and beyond.
Marry in a picturesque island setting at one of these five chic places to host a Caribbean destination wedding.

I would love to shoot your exotic beach wedding!!! Please email me if you would like to book me for your wedding!!

A couple more amazing weddings!

2008-06-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

Time for a new post, I have been on computer day and night seems haha editing wedding photos YAY! That makes me happy :) Here are a sneak peaks from a couple of wedding I did over the last 2 weeks, check out my website for more to come :)

This past week was Anna and Graysens wedding, Look for future posts for their wedding photos. You could feel the love and I couldn't help from getting all teared up just from going thru their photos, a couple that definitely I have been working with this couple for a year now, since their engagement session and they have been amazing, their wedding was one of the most beautiful weddings I have seen indoors. LOVELY! And her family is just amazing as well!! Here are also a couple of her bridals we did before the wedding, beautiful girl!!

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I also had the opportunity to work with Karen and Brian as they shared their special day, Im still working on their photos as well and hope to have them up really soon! After a day with flooding rain, lighting bolts coming down all around as I sit in my car ready to get out and start shooting, the skies opened up just in time for a beautiful outdoor wedding in historic Chickamaugua Battlefield In Georgia. More photos coming soon!!!

Beautiful Outdoor Wedding

2008-05-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

I had this wedding this past Sunday and it was lovely! The bride radiant, her family was wonderful the house was OH MY! Here are a couple photos from the Bates wedding, see my website or myspace for more photos of this wedding. Huge thanks to Britt for allowing me to be part of your special day!! Im so happy for you!

Caught in Action!

2008-05-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

LOL thought this was funny haha, did you know that I climb chairs, step, lay, roll in the floor just to get a shot haha
This is me during a wedding, sporting my Tracy Joy lens bag LOVE IT!!! the flap was open, but its soo sweeeeeet!

Model- Amanda E.

2008-04-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of photos from a session I had with model Amanda E. She is such a pretty girl, it was so fun working with her! And I look forward to working with her over the year, as she prepares for her wedding! YAY! But here are a couple photos from her shoot, you can view more on my website www.crystaldawnphotography.com :)

Marino Wedding

2008-04-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege to shoot this wedding this past Saturday, such a sweet sweet couple! Im still sorting thru the 1500 photos taken lol but here are a few sneaks :)

Tagged by Natasha, Thanks girl LOL :)

2008-04-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged yay! Its been a while since I have done any tagging haha, but Im hoping to get back to blogging again :) Thanks Natasha haha!

THE RULES:

1.) Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.2.) Share five (5) songs you are embarrassed to admit to others you like and tell why.3.) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.4.) Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their Blog.

THE SONGS:

Ok please dont laugh or make fun of me haha But hay what can I say??!! haha And of course you cant tell I have daughters can you?? LOL

Not in Order

1. Bop To the Top-(high school musical, lol i know i know, but dont you wanna start bopping your head?? lol)

2. Start all Over - Miley Cyrus (makes ya wanna dance)

3. Bye Bye Bye - Yes i know, but for some reason that boy band cant get outta my head because of that song lol

4. Love Song- Sara Barellis (spell?) I know most people think its annoying because of the mac air book commercial LOL but i like it haha

5. Wasted - Carrie Underwood (not embarrassed, but I normally dont listen to country music, so its not something anyone would know lol) (well until now lol)

TAGGING:

Mod Kid Boutique

Gocks Frocks

The Vintage Pearl

60 Piggies

Intimate Photography by Amelia

Natalie K Photography

Creative Outlet

Cross the Line Tour! You gotta go see them in your City!!

2008-04-02T14:00:00.001-07:00

I know its been way too long since the last time I blogged, but I thought I would give it another shot lol! SO I wanted to share my latest event :)

www.crystaldawnphotography.com

I had the great honor of being invited by Disciple to be VIP Photographer for the Cross the Line Tour that came thru town. If you have the chance to see this concert, you will not be disappointed! The show totally rocked!! I got to meet one of my favorite bands Superchick, but thats not all, this tour features them, Disciple, Britt Nicole (loved her), Starlit Platoon, and KJ-52. I cant wait for them to come back! I got photo happy so dont forget to check them all out hehe (this isnt even all of them lol)Here are a few photos enjoy :) You can see the rest of them on my website at www.crystaldawnphotography.com

Dusty and Ashleys Wedding

2007-12-08T23:31:00.000-08:00

This wedding was beautiful too!! Candle light wedding!!! Here are a couple photos from it, i have more on my website you can see them by going HERE.

It was so fun when the wedding was over and they are leaving everyone has these sparklers since its dark outside, it was beautiful!!!!! Enjoy :)

New Wedding Photos Now Up!!!

2007-11-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

Whoohoo, Im so excited that I got to do Ryan and Brittanys wedding photos for them, they are such a sweet couple!! The ceremony was a catholic ceremony which was my first, and I must say, it was absolutely beautiful!! Afterwards we headed over to the reception which was a hoot!! I dont think i have laughed so hard during a photo shoot, well per say lol, they had karaoke some songs that were dedicated to the couple could just make you cry, and then some would make you laugh so hard your crying anyways lol, I had almost 800 photos to choose from, and of course I wasnt able to post all 351 that I finally got them down to, but I did post quiet a few, so please jump on over and take a peek :) Enjoy :)

Crystal Dawn Photography

Here is one sneak peek......

Mini Fall Sessions

2007-09-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of sessions on Saturday and they were great! Yeah a little bit hot outside, bright sun and tons of bikers lol, but overall Very Happy :) The newly engaged couple is soo cute!!! And the sisters were just as sweet as ever! Here are a few photos from those sessions :)

Sharing some Bridal Photos :)

2007-08-28T19:51:00.001-07:00

This is my friend Sam, she is absolutely gorgeous and I was THRILLED when she told me that she would let me help her trash her dress hehe, although it really only got a little dirty we are going to do more later this week, soooooo stay tuned for those ;) But here are some from our first session with her.......

Photos of My Nephew

2007-08-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

While my sister was in from Texas we decided to take that chance and grab some photos of my nephew, he is so cute but a little stinker lol you can tell just by some expressions lol!

Trash Your Dress Sessions..

2007-08-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have been having so much fun with these sessions, I am hoping to be adding some more asap! :) So if you or anyone you know wants to "Trash her dress" let me know :) This doesnt just only apply to Brides, but also, bridesmaids, senior prom, any dress you would like to trash :) And this doesnt actually mean that we will be cutting up your dress, it just may get a little dirty :) You can view some more Trash the Dress sessions HERE

Here are just a few reasons to trash your dress JUST in case your wondering, WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO DO THAT :)

I got a few of these from the site its self....

1) Its a BLAST!

Go ahead, you know you want to. Trash it. Get it dirty. Get it wet. Roll around in the mud. Drench it in the ocean. Totally trash it.

Why? … Why not? You’ve made a commitment to your husband. He’s your one and only true love, right? Then you’ll never need the dress again. And no, your daughter won’t wear it in 20-30 years. So you have two choices:

2) Suffocate it in plastic and throw it in a closet
3) Show your husband how committed you are by trashing the dress, and get some great fun pictures while you do it!

Here are a few shots from some recent "Trashings"....