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Welcome to the Almond Leaf Blog!

I (Elizabeth) am a photographer who loves to see people relax, laugh and enjoy life. I thoroughly enjoy the simple delights of life, and love having the opportunity to capture them through my lens.

I see my camera as a means to reveal the beauty I see in people, objects, and Light that usually go unnoticed. While I adore children, weddings, and families enjoying life together, the driving force behind Almond Leaf Studios is a deep desire to see that same freedom and joy realized in the lives of women and children suffering injustice throughout the world. Photographing your family, your engagement, or your wedding day directly contributes to my ability to help in the fight against human trafficking and other social injustices throughout the world. 

In this blog you'll find professional posts about what we're doing at Almond Leaf Studios, silly details about my quirky little life, and hopefully a funny story or two that'll put a smile on your face. Check back regularly for the latest happenings, and don't forget to leave a comment! 

mike and becky {wedding}

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Mike and Becky were married July 31st at First Presbyterian Church in Waynesburg, PA. Becky and I go way back … back to the days of Adirondack cabin porch sleeping, chaco wearing, early morning coffee brewing, and 9 days of backpacking together. (Ok, let’s be honest … not much has changed. We just don’t get to enjoy those moments together anymore.) I have shared many laughs with Becky, and some tears, too. It’s been an absolute joy and honor to know this delightful, godly woman, who radiates joy with relentless determination. She’s beautiful, fun, and easy to be around.

… And I’m so glad that Mike sees that in her. Just moments after meeting him, I knew they were a great fit. He brings out the best in my friend, Becky. He celebrates her, rejoices with her, and worships alongside her. They are beautiful and even more fun together than they are separate. Theirs is the kind of story that will move you to tears (ok, ok … maybe it was just me … tears rolling behind the camera during the ceremony.)

Mike, thanks for loving Becky the way that you do. It’s been a long road with all kinds of twists and turns in the journey, but I know she’d say in a heartbeat that you were worth waiting for. What a delight it is to see that, too, even from an outside perspective. It’s crystal clear.

Thank you both for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day. Thanks for setting a beautiful example as you chose to walk into a marriage with eyes wide open and a commitment to make it work. Thanks also for your friendship.


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Tom and Angela {wedding} – part 2

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Tom and Angela were married at Uptown Church in Charlotte, NC. They are the perfect example of graceful poise and classic elegance, and their wedding exemplified that beautifully.

Thanks to Adam Coker and Rodney Stoner for their help shooting this wedding, and for the rain the held off for all the most important moments.

Angela and Tom, it is a privilege to know you and to have had the opportunity to capture your wedding day. Many blessings on you in all the years to come. May your love grow you closer to one another as you love those around you.








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tom and angela {wedding} – part 1

Friday, August 20, 2010




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Bergen’s Bridal Shower – Duke Mansion

Monday, August 16, 2010

The gorgeous, lovely, breathtakingly beautiful Bergen hosted a delightful bridal shower at the Duke Mansion. Guests were asked to arrive “pretty in pink” and they did not disappoint! Bergen’s amazing eye for details and her thoughtfulness in both planning and caring for others made for a sweet, charming morning at the Duke Mansion.

Bergen and Douglas will be married at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in September.

Thanks also to April Walker, who helped me capture this lovely day and will also be with me shooting their wedding day. Take a look at just how fun and lovely this shower was … in all it’s pink elegance. :)

Not only is she absolutely gorgeous, she has impeccable taste, too! Don’t you just love all these fabulous little details she put together?!

The classic Duke Mansion.Hair and makeup was done by the talented Elizabeth Tolley. 

I was in love with Bergen’s ring … check out these rocks (pun intended.)I love sweet mother-daughter moments. :)
Isn’t she gorgeous?!

Bergen is such a sweetheart, too. She’s kind and gentle , too.  She was eager to share with the kids and to let them be a significant part of the day … presents, cake, and all!

These next two were captured by the talented April Walker.

The whole room was lovely.

… just like Bergen. :)

Classic. 


Not only is Bergen going to make one beautiful bride, all her bridesmaids are stunning as well!

Seriously … How cute is she?!


HELLO bridesmaids! *wink* (You’re all rockstars.)

Thanks again, Bergen, for the chance to capture the fabulousness that was this bridal shower. I can’t wait for your wedding!


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Bella Originals – jewelry

Thursday, August 5, 2010

For those of you interested, please contact Elizabeth at Bella Originals to purchase any of the jewelry you see here … and more of her fabulous work. You can email her at: elizabeth@bellaoriginals.com

Props to Amanda and Meigan, who totally rocked!  Thanks to the fabulous April Walker, who helped with the shoot, and to the talented Elizabeth of Bella Originals for making it such a fun evening for all.





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tom and angela {wedding} -sneak peek

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

This gorgeous couple (engagement session here) had a beautiful wedding here in Charlotte. More pics are coming soon, but for now here’s a little sneak peek. Aren’t they a stunning couple?!

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cristina {the beauty of 30} – part 2

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Here’s part two of my adorable, beautiful friend Cristina.



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cristina {the beauty of 30} – part 1

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Cristina is one of the many women who I’ve been honored to help celebrate as they turn 30. I absolutely love when I get the opportunity to capture the beauty of any lady, but there’s really a unique sweetness in celebrating the beauty of 30.

Cristina also happens to be a very good friend of mine. She makes me laugh, and helps me keep a healthy perspective on life and the many blessings we have here in the U.S. She and her husband, Ryan, are always up for a good challenge outdoors or a good home-cooked ethnic dinner with a room filled with laughter and warmth. She’s even been known to get me to play (and enjoy!) a game or two!

Meet the gorgeous, amazing Cristina, and the beauty of 30 that she so effortlessly pulls off …

See? Isn’t she SO fun?!!!!

… and sweet, too. She’s such a perfect blend of fun/crazy and sweet/tender. I love this girl!!!

She’s an absolute rockstar, too. :)

One word: beauty.

More sweetness …

… And fun!!!! Can you see why I love spending time with this crazy girl?

Ryan, your wife is absolutely breathtaking!

The vines were actually growing up through the cone! … I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of it. 

Cristi, you pulled off this look so effortlessly. Thanks for being my friend, and for being such a beautiful example of what 30 can look and feel like. You are an absolute joy to be around, and the kind of friend that every girl hopes for.

Part 2 coming tomorrow!

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Contest winners

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Elizabeth at Bella Originals (the client) chose the second image for her ad! (For those of you who haven’t been blog-stalking, waiting with baited breath, we had a little contest going on that you can check out below.) Those of you who guessed correctly were each assigned a number, then the numbers were entered into random.org to determine the winners. So, congratulations to:

Casey Eige for 1st place. You’ve got an Anthro gift card comin’ your way!

Mary Slate for 2nd place. It’s gonna be time to hit up a Starbucks soon!

Theo of @theredcloak for 3rd place. A little chocolate is always a good thing, right? :)

Since a post is nowhere near as fun without a pic, here’s another image from our shoot for Bella Originals. To purchase her jewelry, you can shoot Elizabeth an email at: elizabeth@bellaoriginals.com Be on the lookout for a full post of lots and lots of jewelry later this week!

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Friday afternoon contest

Friday, July 23, 2010

It’s Friday afternoon, which means it’s time for a little fun. So, let’s play a game. :)

I just emailed a client two different options from a shoot we did this week to help market her amazing jewelry. She’s going to pick with version of the image she’d like to use for a new print ad and I want to know which one you think she’ll choose. So, to play the game, here’s what you do …

Tweet or facebook a brief message about your favorite Almond Leaf blog post with a link to the blog or our facebook page, then leave a comment with your vote and a link to your twitter/facebook post. If you’re right, you’ll be entered to win. The prize?

Hmmm. Let’s see …

1st place: $25 Anthropologie gift card

2nd place: $5 Starbucks gift card

3rd place: bar of Trader Joe’s chocolate

Ready, set, go!!!

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