Personal | The Civil Wars

It's probably a fair bet that you've heard of The Civil Wars, by now. Even if only in the last couple of weeks, as they've hit instant and massive success on iTunes (and pretty much all-platforms-musical) with their debut album "Barton Hollow". And for good reason, too. Because they, and the album, are incredible.

With the risk of sounding like a musical snob, though, I have to say that I'm proud to not be a bandwagon-jumper when it comes to this brilliant duo. Because of the fact that 1/2 of the band happens to be Joy Williams (former CCM star of whom I was a fan), my interest was piqued the first time she mentioned this "musical project" she was doing on the side with this guy named John Paul White. They called themselves The Civil Wars, and they sang smooth, folksy tunes with harmonious perfection. It only took one listen for me to be sold. And for these past 2-ish years, I've been waiting with baited breath for a full album to come out.

So, you can only imagine how excited I was when I found out that just a little over a week after said album released, they were going to be playing a show in Charlottesville, VA at The Southern - only about an hour away from me. There was no way I was going to miss it, and after just a little coaxing, my darling husband agreed to take me and even turn it into a Valentine's weekend in the adorable Charlottesville area. I call that a win-win!

Upon arriving at the venue I ran into several girls that I know (a few fellow photographers, even) and it was the perfect night of fun, fellowship and positively magnificent melodies. The Civil Wars are rightfully being deemed one of the best new things to hit the music scene, because they sound flawless live and are delightful in all ways. If they're coming ANYWHERE near you on tour, do yourself a favor and go see them. You'll be eternally grateful that you did.

Anyway, what good would an amazing concert (with a front-row spot!) be without pictures? Not as good, that's what. So, here are some shots from the show.

The magical night was started off with the catchy tunes of Indie singer Lucy Schwartz who I can also say I'm now a fan of.

Lucy was cute, talented, entertaining, and very enjoyable. A perfect opening for the main event....

Though they've apparently never played, nor been to, Charlottesville before, it was a very welcoming crowd that clearly were already familiar and in-love with their music. It made for some great crowd interaction, sing-alongs, and a happily surprised Joy & John Paul.

Joy is talented in a number of ways - she can sing anything, play multiple instruments, annnnd move around stage with graceful balance in some killer heels. She's basically my hero.

Also, she has the most beautiful, genuine, infectious smile and laugh. A perfect pairing with her name.

John Paul got referred to as "Johnny Depp" by my husband all evening. He's probably not the first person to recognize a slight resemblance there, though I tried to keep Aaron from loudly calling him that in between songs...

You can tell they have so much fun together - and that translates into great musical and stage chemistry.

I'm SO incredibly happy they came to this area and that I had the pleasure of seeing them. It ties for the best concert I've ever been to (in great company with Brandi Carlile & MuteMath/Eisley) and what makes them even more fabulous and loveable is their sincere down-to-earth-ness. They're real people, not celebrities (though their status is quickly becoming that) and that's a refreshing quality I hope they always hold onto.

In summary, if you don't already love them....go ahead and start. They're becoming popular for a reason - they deserve to be.

Easter Sunday

I love when I get time with my whole family, especially now that the brother is off at school & I'm often traveling & the sister is busy with work. Our schedules don't all mesh together like they used to, so I appreciate when that still happens. A day like Easter, of course, is helpful for just that.

Asher wanted to get some pictures together because it's been a long time since we've done any sibling shots - goofy or serious. The wind wasn't particularly cooperative or helpful for the hair, but there's much character contained in these photos and that's what makes them fun.

I enjoyed a day of quality time with my family and some friends, and a time to reflect on how grateful I am to be loved, forgiven and redeemed by a Savior who's very much alive. Because of that I can live life - all the ups and downs of it, alike - with peace and hope. And that makes it very much a life worth living. So grateful for that. So humbled.

Hope you all had an equally peaceful, happy and fun-filled Easter!

Of cold days, bright colors, and the bond of sisterhood.

I come from a fairly average-sized family; 2 parents, 2 siblings - 1 sister, 1 brother. I love that I have grown up with both types of siblings and have gained the benefit and joy of building friendships with both an older sister and a younger brother. But I always find it very fascinating to step into the lives of much larger families and observe the hustle and bustle, the joy and laughter, that comes with having 5, 6, 7 or 12 siblings.

One such family, over the past 6 years, has become very dear to me. Filled with 13 children - 8 girls and 5 boys, the Davey family is one of the most vibrant, fun, stable, close-knit, amazing families I've ever met and had the privilege to grow close to. The more I'm around them, the more I love them.

5 of the girls in the Davey family have become particularly close friends as I've gotten much opportunity to hang out with them over the years. [Spending countless late nights in their kitchen drinking tea and pondering the joys, complexities, and wonder of life together.] These 5 are the ones that still live relatively in the same area and wanted to do a "sister shoot" on a weekend that they'd all be together. So, on a very cold Sunday afternoon back in January we braved the cold wind and set out to capture some fun, colorful, sisterly portraits. :)

Lets take a moment and meet each of the amazing ladies:

Magdalen

Elizabeth

Maria

Hope

Sarah

After about an hour outside at a few different locations the girls were [rightfully so] tired of freezing. So, we did the only reasonable thing to do....and went and got coffee! There was some amazing light coming through the windows, so I decided to keep the documentation going during our break.

It was SUCH a fun shoot - but then, it always is when you get an excuse to go hang out with some of your best friends. :) [If you'd like to see some more of this shoot you can check what I have on Flickr.]

Here's to sisters, friendship, and enduring frigid temperatures to achieve some vibrant and stunning photographic results!