“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” ~Elizabeth Stone
Happy Mother’s Day!
more on this sweet family later…..
soft and sweet :: Southside Jacksonville Baby Photographer
May 3rd, 2012This post is loaded with sweetness and updates so get ready.
I formally introduce the spokesbaby for Marie Holmes Photography…….. (in case you haven’t seen her in one of my mailers, or my packaging materials,… or on the site..;) Isn’t this just pure heaven?
…and while we are talking promotional roles here, I think her sister wins the top model prize for working the camera. This was completely impromptu, while mommy was attending to her baby sister in between shots. Fierce right?! I really think these two were just born with it. Now these were taken a little bit ago and my processing style has changed, but I still love indoor studio style portrait sessions. This makes me remember to get my lighting equipment know how in check so we can have some more options on those rainy days 
I do also want to point out some news and updates:
Albums and Canvases are still on sale until June 1st and our Portrait Box has been replaced and updated. Because we are cleaning house on all 2011 products we wanted to offer that option to you before they officially go extinct 
Sign up here to receive the full scoop on the great opportunity. All of the new items are still rolling in so once we have everything ready there will be tons of pictures so we can do a proper reveal =) Here is a peek at last years items:
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A trip down memory lane.
April 19th, 2012So apparently I forgot that the GARGANTUAN post that I wanted to hold off on is actually going to sorta end up happening on this post and story instead.
Today or (rather most days if I’m lucky) I’m bursting at the seams with joy! I am so happy where I am at in my life right now.. it was a very hard road to get here, but I’m here..finally! and I am beyond words for how I feel.
So what is today? Well today, April 19th, marks four years of marriage to my wonderful husband. I can give you details about the “quesadilla” story and how our relationship came to be but I might bore you with that “cheesy” love story (ahh… I laugh at myself all the time). We started dating 11 years ago, neither him or I expected or really knew how to be in love but we were young and things were moving quite quickly. We didn’t get exactly “hitched” until 7 years into our relationship. It wasn’t something we felt we “needed” to cross off our do do list asap. We were both taking up some college courses when we finally had some time to think about it (heck when we met.. I was still in highschool) but we were both working full time, and the hardest obstacle for me was the fact that I was a young mom so finances were not in abundance. Then 5 years into our relationship (early college years) we found out we were expecting our little girl. The last thing on my mind was figuring out wedding plans… after all we did kinda do everything backwards so no rush in waiting some more.
We said we could have always gotten married at a courthouse, but that was too easy for my right brained thinking. And although I probably would have married him in a cave if I had to, the more time that passed the more dreaming I did. So we saved up as many pennies as we could until we finally put it towards our wedding in 2008 (again very difficult as young parents, who worked full time and also attended college but we were able to do it with some help of course). It was such a great time spending time with family and friends, really the main goal of the wedding was to unify our unconventional family publically…and so we did on that beautiful Saturday evening.
My husband has played such a major role in life, he has been my support system, my best friend an amazing father to our kiddos… everything I could have imagined (minus the days he makes me crazy). He accepts me for who I am, he is funny and quirky in his own way and he surprises me with new things to love about him everyday. I’m not saying that I live a fairy tale everyday, in fact it’s not always smooth sailing but if there is anyone that I would have to endure the storm with it’s going to be him because I know that we would make it out safe together. I am so happy and I feel so blessed that the heavens above decided to pair us up. Cheers to 4 years of marriage and one of the best days of my life!
Wedding shot by the talented Jamie and George May of Mayflyphotography.com (they were outstanding!)
this is a really special moment for me here as my oldest walks me down the aisle….
this image always makes me giggle…
our little family -1
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Forever Young :: Southside Newborn Portraits
April 17th, 2012I mean really… don’t you just wish newborns could stay tiny forever? You know, I really wouldn’t mind if they became a new species of little people that just stayed that size throughout the span of life and it would actually be considered “normal”. Kind of like the human form of a tea cup puppy (Okay, one thing wrong with that whole sentence.. I just compared a newborn to a teacup puppy?!), I think I will have my mid day coffee now. All jokes aside, there is nothing more sweeter than that new baby smell, that wrinkly peeling skin and tiny little toes. I wouldn’t hesitate to make it happen if it was scientifically possible. But back to reality… I think what’s even more monumental is being able to watch this little piece of you grow into it’s own person. Anticipating who they will be or what they will acomplish in life is the most amazing experience. The newborn stage is the one stage of life I would say cannot go uncaptured. This is going to be the most unintentionally forgotten stage because it lasts so quickly and documenting this moment while they are fresh and new will bring you back to that place time and time again.
Here is a session that was done last July, yes that’s right you heard “July 2011″. I know…. I’m terrible. (*My hopes are that I am able to catch up some of my favorites before it’s time to refresh the ol’ blog and site again soon.) In fact, mom just booked his one year session with me and I had completely forgotten that I have not posted his newborn session or any other sessions for that matter. But to avoid a really GARGANTUAN post (because I have so many favorites from each session I will just do few newborn images here and then maybe do a follow up when we have his one year, I think that will be very interesting to see .
This was one of those special sessions that I was privileged to watch from the very beginning. Let’s see… I shot their wedding … and then their maternity session….**birth** ( partial) …and then the newbie session and now coming up is one year! I really cannot believe how much time has past. But each event has been equally special and I am so honored to be able to record their family history. They really have become like even my own family now and I look forward to seeing them every single time.
Contact us to receive more information on how you can book your very own Bebe Plan!
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She works hard for her money…. :: Jacksonville Business Portraits
April 4th, 2012
Meet Jennifer Marko.
Owner and president of: Bottle Snugglers (read more of her story below)
It was one of those random days in my life that I happen upon some *really *really amazing people. Jennifer and I chatted about, portraits, life and being in business. I remember us having a great call and we were both excited to see what was to be created. After getting a good idea of the vision she had for her product and checking out her work I knew instantly that I wanted to incorporate more into her story….. a story that many of us can relate to. When I “FINALLY” got to meet her on the day of her shoot I was just blown away with her personality and savvy business sense, I seriously wanted to bottle her up and put her in my pocket! (pun intended :) Her son Max was no exception, and looked as adorable as could be and boy was a he smart cookie! I really felt like I was having a conversation with a grown up and I absolutely love it when the little one’s pack so much charm. I had such a great time capturing them both. She sure makes being a “momprenuer” look easy as she works both hard for herself but most importantly for her family which is her main priority.
So now for the meat of the story!
Jennifer so graciously allowed me to incorporate her images into a very special interview. I really wanted to know how she does it, how does she run a business and wear her mommy hat at the same time. A job where you don’t “clock in” or out..can be a very difficult task because you feel like you are always on the clock while also working double shifts as a mom and a wife. Aside from even just doing both, the mommy job alone is a big.. big job and I think most moms can agree. Is it safe to say we could all use an extra arm, (maybe even in the form of a cute stuffed animal? ) I’ll take it! When I saw her video I immediately saw the passion that she had in her product. In her video she talks a little bit about the story behind Bottle Snugglers and how it came to fruition. I can honestly say that everything she described I felt. Before my little guy came home for the very first time, I remember I was retouching images in my hospital bed, and soon after I got home things were in a frenzy, just like she described. I thought it was all going to be a piece of cake just like my other 2 kiddos. But work didn’t stop and I literally had a break down! OMD! Jennifer, I wish I would have known you 19 months ago! Even though I exclusively nursed up until 14 months.. there were times I would introduce a bottle and if only I would have known about this amazing product I think life would have been a little bit easier on those days, the things I could have gotten done in just a few extra minutes with one hand! This product is not meant to do your job, As a matter of fact, the only way to use Bottle Snugglers is to be there physically holding your baby, NOT propping up a bottle and leaving your baby unattended instead. It is meant to ease your job while you are still able to enjoy that bonding time that you love without feeling rushed…. and I think she explains that very well in her video.
Read on for her interview:
What is the name of your business?
Jennifer: Bottle Snugglers
How did you find out what you wanted to call it?
Jennifer: We based the name on what the product does. It allows Mom to snuggle and interact with her baby with both hands, even during feeding time!
How long has Bottle Snugglers been around?
Jennifer: We are just wrapping up our third year in business.
Tell us more about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it:
Jennifer: I found this stress-relieving product when my son was an infant, and I was running a business alone. I found that I didn’t have enough hands sometimes, like when baby’s feeding time coincided with a conference call or deadline. I was trying to not let anyone down – my clients OR my baby! I actually found the product online under a different name and, once I realized how well it worked, I offered to buy the company! I re-designed the packaging, website, logo and name and re-launched the product as Bottle Snugglers in January of 2009. Today, we are in more than 50 retail stores and 15 online stores, in addition to our own web store atwww.bottlesnugglers.com.
What makes Bottle Snugglers so unique?
Jennifer: Bottle Snugglers are very versatile. They help baby learn what it’s like to hold a bottle with their own hands; they allow Mommy to have an occasional free hand during feeding time to help herself or another child temporarily; they help Moms of multiples to keep everyone on the same schedule; and they double as a cute stuffed animal when baby is not using a bottle. Also, they go beautifully in the washing machine, so they can be saved and used for your next baby!
Do you have a store-front/ website?
Jennifer: Store-front location: www.bottlesnugglers.
http://www.bottlesnugglers.
What is the part you struggle with the most in your business?
Jennifer: Having been a public relations professional prior to this business, I had to learn retail and online retail from the ground up. I also had to learn import/export, safety certifications, distribution, the difference in boutiques and big box stores…the list goes on and on! Bottle Snugglers are adorable and sweet, but believe me, it costs A LOT of money to start a product-based business. The steep learning curve plus the large investment level have been the two most challenging aspects of the business so far.
How do you balance it all?
Jennifer: I think that true balance is a myth! Some days, I get a great deal of work done, and that is satisfying. Other days, I get to go on a field trip with my son’s kindergarten class, and that is satisfying. And other days, I get to take some time for myself: a pedicure, a little bit of a longer walk, or something like that. My husband and I keep a couple of standing date nights on the calendar, too, which is important. I do keep a running list of “accomplishments” for myself so that I can look back at the end of the month and see progress. For me, as long as I have accomplished things in each category over the month, I consider that a pretty balanced life.
Do you have any future or long term goals with your business?
Jennifer: My main goal is to start working with a distributor in 2012 so I can increase my sales volume. I would like to place Bottle Snugglers in a big box store sometime soon, though I am willing to wait for the right placement.
Thanks again to Jennifer for such a great time and story. I absolutely love your version of balance and I think we can all take some of those ideas away with us as well.
The proof shows that as long as you have the drive, the passion and your priorities are in the right place…. anything is possible.
Jennifer is giving MHP readers 10% off on Bottle Snugglers! with this code:
JAX10 for 10% off online purchases.
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Obsessing over my obsession.
March 24th, 2012Lets change gears on the blog here for a minute. I finally found some time to share a little bit of my other passion here on the blog and that is interiors/event decor. While I don’t have the time nor the budget to go full force, I may as well manifest my dreams right here, right now, on paper….err.. on screen I mean. Let’s take a tour into some homes that scream spring, while some may be a bit too much for my daily living I think I’m rather inspired. How are you incorporating spring into your home?
I just love the soft palette here with yellow and the contrasting wood tones….
source :: Best Classic Interior Design
This room has some great pops of color and I am just in love with all of the patterns..
source :: The decorista
Now this is one blog on my blog bible, of course I had to check YHL to see what they had that could inspire some spring into a decor. I absolutely love the mixing and matching of furniture in this room. The colors are just enough of spring without overdoing it. I also just bought a white slipcovered sectional myself so looking at this I am getting even more excited to see what I can create in my own home. Okay and who can’t spot that amazing IKAT signature slipper chair (say that three X’s fast) from urban outfitters LOVE!
source :: Young House Love
Not a fan of pepto pink walls, but I think it really works in this space, again the mixing and matching of vintage pieces and modern prints in this room is what bring it together.
source :: House Beautiful
and of course I couldn’t leave out some party inspiration, don’t you just love this table setting?!
source :: BelleMasion23
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“The Family” :: Southside, Jax Family Portraits
March 17th, 2012I came across a quote last year and I immediately invsioned a shoot of a family and children painting on an easel in a field, as it were in real time. While this session did not exactly end up with just that one concept, it became more…. It became, an evolution of a family portrait. As I began to research and store notes in my little “inspiration folder thank… you Joy!”. I started to realize that with such an explosion of ideas I had no family in the books to photograph and play that special role. I wanted to get started before the vision got lost in my sea of things to do. Then came M and her family (which you might have already seen them plastered all over my branding… I’m a little not suttle when I REALLY love something . As If I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect and delightfully adorable bunch to join the mhp family, she let me have at it with the theme for her session. We combined not only the painting aspect I had originally only dreamt of, but also incorporated one of my favorite Disney movies “UP”. This lifestyle session came at a time where I decided to break out of the monotony of my shooting style and immerse myself into more of what I felt made my heart tick. As a photographer, it’s not often you get to look back on a session and be 100% happy. You are constantly critiquing yourself and your technique and in the very early stages even possibly comparing yourself to other photographers (hopefully no more than that, as it will put a damper on you moving foward). All in all, that’s how we grow in good faith and come the next session we end up just one step closer. It’s hard to deny that sudden burst of happiness when you know you’re taking steps forward without really going back. We did have a few hiccups and I’m not going to lie.. this is far from technically correct. But I left feeling accomplished, fulfilled and with a new friend to boot. My photographer heart became full. While I don’t shoot too many “posed” family portraits and how I know my photography style may not be for everyone, there are those that can appreciate the beauty and the emotion of what I try to convey. There is just something about capturing life in the moment that you just can’t get out of a family grouping where everyone is looking into the camera………
check out these really cute hairbows mom makes, I had her make me a couple for my big girl too
I had to add this out take.. it just makes me giggle a little [sigh] family….
The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.~ George Santayana
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The time has come.. sorta :: Jacksonville Portrait Photographer
March 5th, 2012I’m so excited to share the news with everyone, but it leaves me with a little bit of a bittersweet taste. From the time that I started Marie Holmes Photography I knew that my main goal was to work as hard as I could until the time came that I could finally own a fully functional portrait studio outside of my home even if that meant less time with my family, a small”er” fee for my services, and really really late nights all the time. Now, I’m am not there yet, but I noticed that while I am extremely happy shooting, I am also a wee bit unhappy just because my plate is always just so so full with no time for a breather.. and decided to finally let go of some of the other responsibilities that comes with managing a business. No matter how long in future that studio dream may be, there was just no way I could continue and reach my goal the way that it stands. I’m a little nervous.. and a little scared to let some of it go (since I’m kinda of a control freak) but I know it will be for the best. It took a big knock on the head but I realized that I couldn’t do it all. Operating a small business requires tax paying.. and a lot of it, wearing many hats like marketing, managing, shooting, sales, graphic design, customer service, bookeeping and the list goes on and on. Plus.. being a mom of three kiddos, that job alone can be left unsaid. Together it is nearly impossible, at least for me personally, to be able to successfully balance it all and not compromise one or the other. Balance however, is always the issue, but if there is anything that I can do to help it I am always more than willing to give it a shot. So this year I have decided to hire out some help. I will now have an an assistant with me at all sessions to help the flow of the shoot, and a portrait consultant to help with sales side and the back end of what I do, which will help drastically bring down the turnaround of images. I want to be able to provide stellar services for all of my clients and making this next step will help me achieve that. With that being said, I have also updated and slimmed down my price list to include beautiful products handcrafted by artisans all of which I can vouch for because I use them even for my own family. So yay! for extra snuggle time with my loved one’s and maybe now I can actually have a real bedtime, fun!
I am in the last stages of the new product line up and collections which I know everyone will love! But in the meantime while I am making way for them I will be offering a concession on some of the pieces that I will no longer offer. This will be available to current or new clients for a limited time only. If you would like some more information please call 904.701.8317 or email marieholmesphotography@gmail.com
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Love is all you need :: South Florida Valentines Day Photographer
February 14th, 2012Alright you got me, so I’m not good at blogging. Yet another session I needed to blog from last year. But I promise, you will forgive me once you see this little cutie pie’s pictures who also had her adorable little brother along for the ride, which I will need to post more images on that as well. Either way I can’t believe how big they have gotten. I now know why those eyes sparkle the way they do and that’s because she is meant for something much greater than posing in front of my camera. So watch out world! I bet you will be seeing a lot more of her than on this old blog, like here and as an upcoming cover angel for this magazine here (shot by yours truly). I am so honored to have been able to partake in this “early Valentines” themed shoot back in October and I could have not been able to pull it off in just a short amount of time without her mama, which also happens to be the brain child behind Enchanted Fairytale Parties Inc.
So if you happen to find yourself needing a model or a princess it looks like it will be a one stop shop..hehe..
Anywho, in lieu of the holiday I felt it was only fitting to show you some love…… Happy Valentines Day!
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Dreaming.
January 19th, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with this wonderful and amazing girl a few months back and I have been itching to share this session. While it played out exactly how I had envisioned, it did not come without it’s hiccups. The location, nearly within walking distance to my home was the perfect setting for my anticipated shoot… however, we will just say next time: *I will strap down the mattress a little better*. It was very lightweight therefore causing the gust of wind at nearly 2.5 miles per hours to send it flapping away on the roof of my car. While it was about 7 am on a weekend upon my arrival and within close proximity, this could have been very dangerous! It was a bit embarrassing to say the least, more so that I had to drive at a glacial pace giving people enough time to identify the woman with the flapping mattress. But after the initial shoot.. I held that sucker down with one arm out the window and the other on the wheel with a big ole’ smile on my face. Another mishap was that I was so wrapped up into the shoot that we never did a second outfit change. On the positive side, we ended up with so many different frames in the end that I really don’t think I will miss it. Either way, everything worked out with the more intense dreamy feel I was going for… I am really happy with the results. Thanks again R for being such a good sport!
