Yesterday, Calley and I had the joy of photographing the celebration of a sweet and gentle young couple, Gracie and Bud.

Gracie’s mom and I have been chatting since the beginning of March, even before my grandson made his early arrival. She was so patient with me as we worked around life changes and shifting plans. And truly, the theme of the day was flexibility — plans changed more than once, even during the celebration itself — but this family took it all in stride and made it beautiful.

We started the day at Kim and Nick’s house with some bridal portraits of Gracie. It was hot and humid outside, so we began indoors where her mom joined us for a precious first look. Soon after, her dad arrived and you could see the pride in his eyes as he admired his two beautiful ladies.

Then it was time to head to the Greenway, a place very special to Gracie and Bud — it’s where they had their very first date. Bud was waiting there along with their family and friends. Before Gracie arrived, we captured some groom portraits and I reminded Bud of what I had already told Gracie earlier: “You are a lucky man — your bride is absolutely beautiful.”

Gracie wanted her dad to walk her down to Bud. As they approached, Bud’s face said it all. Her dad kissed her on the cheek, shook Bud’s hand, and lovingly handed over his daughter. With a wink and a laugh he said, “She’s your problem now!” We all cracked up at the moment, but it was also a sweet passing of the guard.

From there, we began portraits of the couple. Gracie had told her mom she wanted lots of pictures of the two of them together, so we started with one of my favorite poses: “Close your eyes, forehead to forehead, hold her close, and just breathe in the moment.”

We were right in the middle of working on the classic ring shot when Bud suddenly said, “I feel lightheaded.” We jumped into action — Calley ran for water while Gracie and I helped him sit down. Thankfully, he recovered quickly, but we all laughed later that we never did finish that ring shot. I did get a ring shot, just not the one we planned. I told Gracie this was already a test of their “in sickness and in health” vows, and she giggled, saying it must have been from all that lifting her up earlier.

As we talked, Gracie shared that she and Bud had actually gone to the courthouse on Wednesday, the 20th, for their ceremony. A smart choice, and this celebration was the perfect way to honor it.

After portraits, we moved to the pavilion for group and family pictures. Just as we were finishing, the sky opened up with a quick shower. The rain cooled us off, and while it didn’t last long, it was enough to keep us under cover until we wrapped up. Then it was time to head back to Kim and Nick’s house for the evening celebration.

Their backyard was set for the party, but the weather radar was not on our side. As we were finishing one last couple portrait, the rain headed straight toward us again. In true fashion, the family adjusted — everything was moved inside, and the celebration continued with just as much joy.

The house was filled with love, laughter, and the smell of pulled pork, baked beans, and chips. What’s that saying? Love grows best in little houses. We all danced around each other in the cozy space, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

One of my favorite moments was watching Gracie and her dad have a playful dance-off. There was so much laughter and joy in that room! They cut their cake, toasted, shared a meal, and I even gathered everyone in the living room for a big group photo.

After dinner, Gracie slipped into something more comfortable while guests lined up outside with bubbles. As they made their exit, Bud dipped Gracie for a kiss, helped her into the truck, and then — in true Bud fashion — drove off with a celebratory burnout as Gracie waved her flowers out the window.

It wasn’t the day they may have originally pictured, but it was perfectly theirs. Full of love, laughter, flexibility, and joy — everything a wedding day should be.

Gracie and Bud, I wish you nothing but a long life filled with happiness. And when tough days come, I hope you look back on this day — remember the love you felt, and do the first things all over again.

The day started off absolutely beautiful—sunny skies, warm breeze, and everything pointing toward a perfect session. But true to Tennessee style, a pop-up storm rolled through out of nowhere. For a little while, it poured, and I started to wonder if we’d be rained out. Thankfully, the skies cleared just in time, leaving us with a steamy, muggy evening—but dry, and that’s what mattered most!

Ashlyn and Jay wanted this session to be a true family moment, which meant including their two sweet pups, Sadie and Remi. We started with just the two of them, while Sadie and Remi stayed cool in the car with the AC running. Once it was their time to shine, we brought them out—and let me tell you, these two four-legged babies stole the show in their own way.

Now, ahead of time, I had been told Sadie would be a pro and that Remi might need a little extra attention since he’s still a pup (about 8 months old, I think Ashlyn said). But, as it goes with animals and toddlers, it was the exact opposite. Remi was a dream! He was curious, calm, and even gave me a goodbye kiss. Sadie, on the other hand, was a little camera shy—but still absolutely beautiful.

As we moved through the session, I asked them the big question—what do they hope the baby will be? Ashlyn immediately said a girl (what mama doesn’t dream of a little mini-me?), while Jay smiled and said he truly didn’t mind—but if he had to pick, maybe a boy. In the end, they both said the same thing every parent hopes for: a healthy baby. And I know this little one is already so deeply loved.

I’ve known Ashlyn and Jay for many years—Ashlyn grew up like a second daughter to me. She and my daughter were inseparable at one time, and it brings me so much joy to watch her start this next beautiful chapter in life.

We shared some laughs during the session, like when I told them to hold a pose and looked down at my camera. I paused and said, “Hang on, I need to adjust something—you two are looking a little green.” Ashlyn just laughed and said, “Well, I have been feeling a little green!” Luckily, she hasn’t had too much sickness—just the occasional wave here and there.

It was one of those sessions that left my heart full. I’m so honored to have captured this sweet moment, and I can’t wait to meet the little one who is already so cherished.

Congratulations, Jay and Ashlyn! This is just the beginning of your greatest adventure yet.

Yesterday, Calley and I had the absolute honor of capturing something truly special with Holly Sisk Photography—a celebration that few couples today reach: 50 years of marriage. Ricky and Eva Armstrong marked their golden anniversary in the sweetest way possible, surrounded by their closest family and friends in a little country church in Toney, Alabama.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear this was no ordinary celebration. The air was full of love, laughter, and gratitude. We began the day with family portraits, starting from where they are now—surrounded by generations they’ve created—and then worked our way back in time to where it all began.

Ricky and Eva’s love is the kind that speaks volumes without saying a word. They’re the kind of people who make you feel welcome the moment you meet them—genuine, kind, and full of grace. The day was beautiful in every way, from the stunning decor to the delicious food (and yes, the cake was every bit as good as it looked!).

Before this beautiful celebration with friends and family, Ricky and Eva marked their 50th anniversary in another unforgettable way—with a six-day cruise! They said it was the perfect way to relax, reflect, and enjoy each other’s company without the hustle of everyday life. With big smiles, they told us they highly recommend taking a cruise if you ever get the chance. After 50 years of marriage, they’ve certainly earned it—and it was the perfect start to their golden celebration!

As the afternoon went on, stories and memories filled the room—reminders of a life well-lived together. When I asked them the secret to their lasting marriage, Mr. Ricky smiled and said simply, “Always love each other.” Mrs. Eva added, “It’s about commitment.” She shared that in hard moments, she would ask herself, Why did I marry this man?—and every time, God would show her the answer. It was clear that faith has been the foundation of their journey together, every step of the way.

They have been blessed with three children—two daughters and one son—several grandchildren, and one sweet great-grandson (with another due in just a couple of weeks!).

One of the most touching moments of the day came when Mr. Ricky surprised everyone—including Mrs. Eva—by singing two heartfelt songs. The second song was the same one he sang on their wedding day. Wanting to keep his emotions in check, he snuck away into a separate room to sing without being seen. As his voice filled the room, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. Mrs. Eva looked around, asking, “Where is he?” not realizing her husband had been secretly preparing for this moment for weeks. His voice didn’t waver—not even once. The love in that moment was palpable.

When he emerged, the two embraced with a kiss and a hug, their daughter Amanda revealing the surprise and the secret practice sessions. It was a moment we were so grateful to witness—and to capture.

After the blessing was given by their son-in- love Adam, the fellowship continued over a shared meal, more pictures, and plenty of laughter. The celebration ended with Ricky and Eva sharing a slow, romantic dance on the stage. Watching them hold each other close, you could see the joy and deep connection that only comes from a lifetime of choosing one another—day in and day out.

It was a perfect picture of what marriage is meant to be: two imperfect people who never gave up on each other, showing grace, choosing love, and building a legacy for the generations to follow.

Calley and I left with full hearts and a deep sense of gratitude. It was more than just a job that day—it was a gift. Thank you to the Armstrong family for welcoming us in and allowing us to share in such a sacred, joyful milestone. ❤️

Happy 50th Anniversary Mr. Ricky and Mrs. Eva! We wish you both many more years together!!

I have to admit, I was a little bit like Mia, and had really hoped for a little girl. As I told Mia, they have been known to get it wrong before.

I just pray that it’s a healthy baby! ❤️🙏

Ashton is my niece, and I couldn’t love her more. I have no doubt that, she will be a great mom! She has had, so many, wonderful examples before her, and around her, all her life, for her not to be, a great mom.

She wasn’t really sure about taking pictures, but I assured her, we were only going to do just a few. 😉

Anyone who knows me, knows a few, just a little, or just a second, are really not in my vocabulary. 😂 It’s really going to be more!

Jimmy, who is my brother, and Ashton’s dad, drove us to the perfect location, for her session! Really, the grass was that green. It was electrifying, green! He also assisted us with holding, and grabbing things we needed, for each shot.

I think they turned out great! I did keep my promise, of only doing a few, even the ones with the pink tree! These pictures were made a couple weeks before her gender reveal, and we had no idea what the baby was, at the time. Now we know, it’s a BOY!

🦌 After Ashton’s portrait session, we started to leave, and we realized there had been a deer in the woods, nearby us. So, I did what any photographer would do, and jumped out expeditiously with the camera, that I grabbed. I had to walk closer to the deer, to get a good shot. So, each time the deer would look up, I would stop moving. As the deer began to move, so did I. With each step, I kept getting closer to the deer, and was snapping pictures the whole time. I was trying to move around this low lying branch, that was blocking my view, of the deer. The deer and I walked, and I snapped away, until the deer went out of sight. It was such a peaceful moment.

Jimmy and Ashton sat in the car, watching me. I knew how to approach the dear, from all the times, I had been hunting with my brother. I could hear Jimmy in my head, heal to toe, with each step. Plus, he was watching me! Here are a few of the images, of God’s beautiful creature!

~Holly Sisk