The Gillis Family {Nashville Family Photographer}

November 7, 2017 Kaitlyn Holeman

On the blog this week is the sweet Gillis family. We did this portrait session at their home in Brentwood, and I love being able to capture photos right in my clients' own backyards! They bought the home back in January, and feel like this is where they're meant to be. It made the session all the more meaningful that way!

They have two furry family members: a welsh corgi named Max and a chihuahua named Mable. Max is 8 years old and loves to play soccer and chase anything that moves. He also treasures his blue nerf football, which doesn't surprise me -- just wait until you see the look on his face while playing with a football in the photo below! Mable is almost 7 and she weighs only 5 pounds. The Gillis family say she is a "tiny, sweet angel" and loves exploring her backyard -- and eating bacon!

Celeste and Casey have been married for almost 15 years and have three amazing (non-furry) children. Brendon is nearly 14 and loves all things sports and geography related. Bella is the next oldest at almost 13, and loves her fur babies. Someday she even wants a career with animals, and I don't blame her! Georgia is the baby of the family and turned 3 this past August. She is pretty much excited about everything and adores her puppies!

Thank you for letting me capture a few special moments for your family!

~ Mandy

Family Photographer in Nashville Tennessee

Have furry family members? Bring them to your portrait session!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!

The Loeffler Family {Nashville Pet Photographer}

October 24, 2017 Kaitlyn Holeman

I absolutely love it when other photographers come to me for their photography needs, especially when they have not one, but three adorable pets! Meet Kelly (the fellow photographer) and her husband Chris! These two have two cats, Leroy & Ralphie, and just adopted a new puppy named Rhett.

Kelly said that when they brought Leroy home from Paws of Rutherford County he was originally named Penguin -- but he acted like such an old man so they thought "Leroy" would be a better fit. He loves treats and quiet time, and hates being petted anywhere but his head. What they love most about him is his distinguished look!

Then with their second cat, they liked the old man name theme and Kelly's grandpa's name is Ralph, which is how they came up with Ralph(ie). He loves snuggles; however, he isn't too fond of his snuggles being interrupted by Rhett jumping on him.

With Rhett, Kelly and Chris were debating between a Tennessee-driven name or another old man name. And since they really like Thomas Rhett, they thought Rhett would be the perfect Southern boys name for their new pup. He loves frisbee, but doesn't love that his cat brothers won't play with him.

Here is what Kelly had to say about sweet Rhett: "Rhett's eyes are just so beautiful and he has a great personality and temperament. Although I have always loved Australian shepherds, because of their intelligence and looks, I love them even more now after meeting Rhett! I also cant get over how cute he is!"

And I can't either!

~ Mandy

Taking Family Portraits? Bring Your Pets!

4 Ways to Include Your Pet on Your Wedding Day {Nashville Wedding Photographer}

October 18, 2017 Kaitlyn Holeman

*This article was also featured on the CJ's Off the Square blog.

I love it when my couples include pets in their wedding day. After all, they are family too! Here are a few tips on how to include them in a stress free way.

1. Find a Pet-Friendly Wedding Venue

Not all venues are pet friendly so make sure you ask before you book if you want to include your furry friend. Even if the venue is pet friendly, make sure they are pet friendly to the extent you need them to be. If you want your little pup with you while you are getting ready, but the venue only allows him to be outside, it might not be the right fit for you.

2. Designate Someone to Be a Pet Handler

The best advice I can give is to find a pet handler for your wedding day, since it really helps takes the stress off you! This can certainly be a guest, but it must be someone who won’t be in any of the formal photos so they can handle your pup without worrying about getting dirty, and they will be able to take them home at the appropriate time.

3. Include Pet Decor

You can add an additional touch of pet love by adding pet decor in your wedding. You could have a pet related theme on your invitations. At the wedding you can add a take-home treat table, or you could even have a 'dog park' set up for your pup and any of the guest's dogs that attend your celebration! Consider including your pup in your engagement photos and display them at the wedding location as well.

4. Know Your Pet

Not every dog is up for a wedding celebration. Some pups get nervous in crowds and just aren’t going to be a good at walking those rings down the aisle. Please don’t try to force your pup to participate when you know they won't enjoy it. If I’m talking about your pup (and don’t worry, I have one of those as well) and you’d really like to include him/her, consider having that friend we talked about bring them in for a few photos with just the two of you!