Happy Thanksgiving Friends and Family!

Wishing all of you a lovely Thanksgiving filled with all the love, family, and turkey, and non-traditional eats and treats that can have! Happy Thanksgiving!

Derek + Alissa Engagement Session in Pontotoc, Mississippi

Expansive green fields. Old rustic shops. Roads with little more than dirt, trees, and deep blue skies...and my little brother and the love of his life.  We started the day off with lots of laughs and lots of coaxing. I never thought that I would shoot my greatest engagement shoot, but I must say that it happened.  I captured everything I wanted to capture in the full comfort of my craft (complete with family in tow).

To see the love in their eyes..the love in his eyes..the love she has for him and the love he has for her.  That's obvious to everyone.  But what people don't quite know is that these two met 10 years ago in middle school. I'm not quite sure if they knew it then that they were meant to be.  But, they are indeed the lucky ones.  They are the ones the see love for what it is and move forward with it. They take a leap and don't wait for life or social constructs to decide what is right. As Cartman from "Southpark" says "[They] do what they want." They love how they want.

Please enjoy a few of these pictures as much as enjoyed taking them.

Intimate Wedding in the Mountains

Imagine this:  Imaging taking off, just you and your fiance, to a destination and simply signing a piece of paper. Then imagine donning your "wedding's best" hiking almost a 1/2 mile to the top of a mountain, then taking some of the most loving pictures simply to mark the day.  That's exactly what Tiffany and Jacob did.  There was no huge procession.  Tiffany's mother made the bouquet.  Jacob picked out her shoes.  And they simply stared at the setting sun and said, " I do."

Gabbi + Byrd Engagement Shoot @ UNCC Botanical Garden

Gabbi and Byrd met in college, became friends, fell and love, and now they are getting married.  One thing that was completely evident in shooting this friendly and loving couple is that they have an undeniable balance that radiates.  I had a great time shooting this couple and can't wait to shoot their wedding in 2016.

Styled Shoot: The Rebel Rebel Bride

• Styled by Tori Hardman
• Model: Nicole Swaim
• Photographer: Blue Arden Photography/Ollie Wills
• Flower Crown: Graham Jordan
• Cake:  Ollie Wills
• MUA and Hair: Tori Hardman
• Dress: Target Maxi Dress
• MUA: Ollie Wills
• Shoes: Coach
• Bouquet: Tori Hardman

NEW Custom Packaging for Blue!!

The devil is in the details.  I say again, THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS. 

I have always been one for the details.  Symmetry is best friend.  In recent months, I have worked on a design I felt would fit the new image of my business.  When Blue Arden was Ollie Wills Photography, though my business had a name, it didn't have brand.  It did not showcase the things I love which are: antique, vintage, rustic, modern, and simple.  I like bold colors.  I like aged things.  I like new things made to look old and old things made to look new.  That's my SCHTICK.  My brand, instead, was all over the place with constantly changing watermarks, editing styles, and imprints, as I tried to find myself. 

Finally, this year, the name Blue Arden found me and with it came a brand.  What came with it was specificity and direction. What came with it was a THANK YOU NOTE.  I believe my clients should always know how thankful I am for them choosing me.  It is a huge honor to be the number one choice! With that being said, I am proud to introduce what will now come standard with all large packages and weddings. It's so cute, I think I'll make one for myself.

Baby Shower: A Party and a Reunion

Pleasantries and great fun from the 40th birthday and Baby Shower of my dear dear friend who I had not seen in over 10 years. Such a joyous reunion and amazing occasion.

Lindsay + David : Couple's Shoot

What are the odds that you shoot a wedding and you meet someone who went to your rival high school that happens to be located over 1000 miles away? Well, if you're me, they are HIGH.  I attended three high schools during my teenage "tenure." One of those high schools were Marshall High located in San Antonio, TX; connection made.  It turns out that David went to MY rival high school in San Antonio!  What a small world it is sometimes.

Now to the couple:  Lindsay and David were an incredible couple to shoot.  Our meeting was quite unique.  I was at a wedding and they asked me if I could do a quick shoot for them because they "never dress up."  I was more than happy to oblige as they were a darn good looking couple!  Lindsay described herself as "the skater" and David "the drummer."  Pretty cool if you ask me! Well, enough of this small talk. Lets get right down to the pictures.

Styled Shoot Sneak Peek

Brides, Bouquets, Flowers, Sunlight, STYLED SHOOT.  I'd write more about this, but I'm saving it for some upcoming blog love about the shoot and Behind the Scenes (BTS)  Stay tuned!