see you in Italy?
1987.
That is when I met Jon, who ended up becoming one of my best friends. Time and distance have never kept us from keeping in touch - sometimes more frequently than others. He's traveled the world as a military officer while I've traveled the world of motherhood. Our lives went down completely different paths, but he was always only an email away, even when I was in Durham, NC and he was in a desert defending our country.
A few years ago, Jon married Beth. And despite hearing how wonderful she was, I never made it up to Alaska to visit. Then in January, when they were packing up and moving from Alaska to Italy (yes, I'm officially jealous), they decided to make a pit-stop in the lower 48. The Mathisons were a stop along their way. They'd had a long day of travel and weren't feeling so fresh, but I talked them into letting me drag them into the cold and take a few shots. Just the two of them, before baby comes along this summer. (Yes, she's pregnant! Yay!!)
Jon and Beth, I hope when your package of prints arrives in Italy, they'll make you smile. I love how in love you are. That is what makes me smile every time I look at these... your love for each other practically jumps right out of the photographs:-)
xoxo,
gretchen
spring mini-sessions... shorter session, sweeter price!
In honor of the spectacular weather that I'm just sure we have coming our way, I'm announcing another round of spring mini's! These are shortened versions of my regular sessions, and are held outside of my studio in Durham. (I'm on a really cute street:-) This is perfect timing for Mother's Day/Father's Day gifts!
Here are the details:
* Thursday, March 26th (morning and afternoon sessions available)
* $75 + tax session fee, due at the time you book the session
* good for up to 2 kids (mom/dad always welcome to hop in a few!)
* sessions are for 20 minutes, and you'll receive an online web gallery with 10-15 proofs
* if you'd like to schedule a session for your baby, this type of session is best for a baby who is sitting independently
* feel free to bring any props you'd like - tricycles, wagons, bubbles, that special lovey, etc.
* rain date is the following Thursday
Last year's mini's were super fun, and the weather was great. If you'd like to schedule a session, please email me at: info@gretchenmathison.com or give me a call at 308-2334.
coloring outside the lines
In the fall I was contacted by Van Fletcher, a Triangle-area realtor with Allen Tate, who had a fantastic idea for a website. I knew after talking to him for, oh, 10 seconds, that not only was I on board, but that working with him was going to be an insane amount of fun. Instead of the standard realtor's website, he wanted a site that showcased the families whose homes he had helped sell and buy. I needed no persuading - I'd get to do my style of photography, and he'd get a cool and unique site. A win-win.
The project was even more fun than I'd imagined, and after countless hours of shooting and editing, brainstorming and laughter, Van's website is ready. I encourage you to take a look, and peek into the lives of his clients. Read how he feels about his job and interacts with his clients (the testimonials say it ALL). And if you ever are in need of a realtor, well, Van is definitely your man. He's real, he's funny, he's out-of-the-ballpark smart, and he's amazing at what he does. I have told him several times that I want to sell my house now, just so he can help me find a new one:-) (Nevermind we don't need a new house and have only been in ours for a year. He's just that good.)
Van's Completely Fabulous Website
...and a few shots from the site. (He has great clients... something we both have in common!)
comic relief
What do you get when you cross a fun, 6'6" dad with a spunky 3-year old on a trike?
The best laugh I've had all week:-)
So I know what you're thinking: Hey, Gretchen isn't a wedding photographer.
