being a kid

02.22.11

My house is a hot mess right now. If you know me personally at all you will know that I am NOT the housekeeping type. At all. But this hot mess I am in right now might trump every other mess I have ever made. I am going to 100% blame it on my house flooding. Yes. I love that idea.  Well ok I guess that was just the catalyst that propelled me into the situation I am in now. So one might ask, why are you blogging when you could be cleaning? Well I can think of about a million, but the best reason is I shot some adorable pictures of Paige blowing bubbles today and I wanted to share them.

I am always amazing at how much kids go crazy for bubbles. I think the best investment I will ever make will be an automatic bubble machine that can be turned on and Paige can be let loose…must write that on my shopping list. As I was taking pictures of Paige today the thought crossed my mind of just how sweet and innocent she really is. I envied her attitude towards her care free life and longed to feel the same way again. Here is the question though…why can’t I feel the same way? I have an amazing 3 year old who would LOVE it if I would act like a kid with her once in a while. So my goal for this week is to make some Paige time and forget my ever growing to do list. How great it is to have a reason to act like a kid.

xoxo
Tonya

Posted in Personal

by tonyapeterson

Joy

I love this post! How we all need to be reminded of that… going back to our youth. It was a grand time of carefree living, relying totally on your parents to take care of everything. In the same way we should rely on our Father to take care of everything as we live a life of freedom and bliss. :) I love you beautiful!

Bradi Wells

These images are so cute! Totally captures my sense of nostalgia. :]

Spring Photography Classes

02.18.11

I am so excited to announce 4 new photography classes for spring 2011. I absolutely love teaching and sharing the knowledge of photography that I have!  These classes in the past have filled up quickly

Basic Photography I $150.00

Basic Photography I is all about learning to use your SLR camera. We will be learning how to shoot your camera in manual mode, understanding light, nailing your exposure and basic composition. I strongly believe that the best way to learn is to shoot your heart out and get your work critiqued. So we will have a bunch of that too!  Fully adjustable digital or film SLR camera is required. Lunch will be provided.

Basic Photography II $175.00

Basic Photography II is for people who have either completed the Basic Photography I class or that have a basic understanding of their camera and can shoot in manual mode with success. We will dig deeper into the principals of light and composition. We will work on producing high quality images through advanced camera controls and lighting. A digital or film SLR camera is required.

If you would like to sign up for a class please fill out the form below. Please specify which class you are interested in. If there is room available, payment will be due immediately to reserve your spot, and refundable only if I am able to fill your spot in the class.

Posted in Business, Portraits, Weddings

by tonyapeterson

finding everyday treasures

02.18.11

I spend a good hour or so everyday surfing through my favorite blogs and sometime I feel so overwhelmed. I see these perfect little families which I so stylish (I am in sweats with crazy hair) and put together. I end up thinking, man they have such a wonderful and blessed life.  Then something happens. I come across a small treasure while cleaning out my hard drives. A picture of Paige I forgot I even took. No, I don’t have a perfectly put together house in my perfect clothes and perfect hair style…but the truth is my life is perfect for me. I have a husband who loves me so much and a kid who thinks I am the greatest mom in the world. Life is pretty good.

xoxo

Tonya

Posted in Personal

by tonyapeterson

Brenda Fisher

Perfect people are boring. If your kid thinks you’re the best and you have a sweet heart who loves you, what more do you need? Oh yes, the in person guidance of your favorite sister. Please get your cute buns here quickly so I can act as your mentor. Thanks.

Rhiannon

Go Tonya Go!! You rock girl :) xo

Spring Shoot featured on Hey Gorgeous

02.17.11

Hi friends. A few weeks ago I got an email from Rhiannon from Hey Gorgeous Events asking if I had any upcoming events I would like to feature on her blog Hey Gorgeous.  I was so flattered and overcome with gratitude at Rhiannon’s kindness.  We have been emailing back an forth for the past few weeks and I can truly say I have found a dear friend.  I am looking forward to working with her this summer on a super sweet project! Love you girl!  Thank you so much for all your kindness and your friendship.

If you are getting married and are looking for a great wedding planner look no further than Rhiannon. She has an amazing eye for design and is one of the most talented coordinators in the country. Please check out her website and blog! While you are there checking out my green apple spring feature be sure to leave a comment!

xoxo

Tonya

Posted in Business, Weddings

by tonyapeterson

Rhiannon

You are the sweetest ever Tonya! :) Thank you for your kind words.
I’ve loved working with you so far and cannot wait for our get together!
P.S. The new blog look is so lovely and very you! xo

Alisha

Your shots are beautiful! Thanks for sharing with Rhiannon so I could find you. :) I love this photo shoot you created. Where do you get your inspiration from?!

tonyapeterson

Thanks so much! I have no idea where the inspiration comes from. I love doing shoots like this. I wish I had the talent Rhiannon had. She is amazing! I can’t wait to work with her!

Impromptu session at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

02.17.11

Ass you can see I have done a major face lift to my blog.  I just felt the other was so boring and dull, but I am loving this new design.  I absolutely love my branding that Luxecetera did for me and I didn’t feel like my last blog designed captured it well.

Ok so now on to the actual post…Paige and Mattie looked so cute the day we went to Disney Hollywood Studios that we couldn’t resist doing a mini photo shoot of them.  So while Alex and Matt were getting fast passes for Toy Story, Lauren and I found a little brick alley and shot away. One of the reasons we love going on vacation with Matt and Lauren is because we love doing the same things, but also because our kids love playing together.  So here goes…

Paige was unamused by our attempts to take pictures.

Whatever Paige did Mattie soon followed. Paige was in heaven that she had someone to boss around.

The are too cute.

I honestly have no idea why Paige has to pull the craziest faces when I put the camera to my face.

Paige has serious crazy evey in this picture, but that is why I love it! Oh, and the gum sticking out of her million watt smile!

In other new

Posted in Personal, Portraits

by tonyapeterson