sarahtunstallphotography

I stumbled on this memorial garden on the way home from a doctor’s appointment in Canton. The area is somewhat rural, and I was struck by the interesting collection of momentos left by each plaque. Photos, toys, Christmas decorations, silk flowers, balloons, jewelry. These folks were visited often by people who loved them and knew them well. The dead here were not neglected. 

Quite surprisingly, I came across the grave of the younger sister of a friend of mine from many years ago. This sweet girl had cystic fibrosis and was full of sunshine and spunk despite it. I knew she had passed, but I hadn’t talked to my friend for quite some time and had no idea that she was buried here, half an hour from my home. COINCIDENCES. 

A couple years ago I was in the middle of a Photo/Day project and wanted to give myself a themed assignment one week for a little direction. Somehow I ended up wandering around the beautiful Marietta National Cemetery one afternoon when everything was starting to bloom. I loved the paradox of fresh, new life growing in a place built to honor the dead. I spent the rest of the week poking around other graveyards around the area, but the MNC was without a doubt my favorite. If you get a chance on a pretty afternoon, this is a wonderful place to visit. 

Two years ago, my fiancee Travis and I took a weekend trip to Savannah. It was my first time and we got to spend the day exploring and marveling over what a beautiful city it is. Here are some pictures I took and just now edited- because i am THAT ON THE BALL. 

No one mentioned that the BEAUTIFUL spanish moss sometimes has chiggers until after this extensive photoshoot. Luckily, we were spared. 

North Georgia Adventurin’.

First time up here as MARRIEDS.

My friend, the sugar skull.

Finally getting to share the Wren’s BEAUTIFUL North Georgia wedding! 

Kristin and Andrew- you were a complete joy to work with from beginning to end. I absolutely loved getting to meet all your family (from here and ABROAD!). I know you two are going to do good things together. Thanks for letting me be part of your day. And Kristin- I’m way glad you didn’t get stung. ;)

Congratulations to you both. :) :)

Tonight, i pulled on a black stretch tank over black capris on my way to walk. I was feeling very much like Catwoman until Travis came in and exclaimed:

“!!! You look like a French mime!”

I’ve illustrated this, of course. 

Travis at the Wright Brother’s Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC. 

July, a YEAR ago, I went to the Outer Banks with a couple of my ladybuds for some beach time. I promptly blogged the first part of it here, and then I got married and never did anything again. Except for work and cook and eat and have fun. But no Outer Banks pictures were edited. Then I remembered, and so here they are.

We resume our adventures at the Bodie Island Lighthouse.

And more importantly, with US at the Bodie Island Lighthouse.

These people are not us, but they are fishing and having fun so that makes them notable.

Back at the cottage on the porch. This is the best place in the world to be. 

A little evening stroll on the beach, and a group shot taken by a NINNY PERSON.

Night bird/Day bird.

This tree has been in the driveway as far back as I can remember. It’s much bigger now than when I first knew it. 

Nobody likes foot pictures but EVERYBODY likes impalement pictures!

This kind of played out like a horror movie. I was taking pictures and noticed a sharp poke on my foot. I looked down and saw one baby cactus. And then I noticed a SPRAWLING TERROR FIELD OF CACTUS surrounding me. 

However, I survived and so we went to Jockey’s Ridge. 

… right before Allison ascended to Heaven. 

When she returned to earth, her hair was more awesome.

Looking towards the seaside

More odds and ends around and about.

5th Street! (the beach access of my youth and of always)

SPINDLYSHRUBS. Anyone know what these are? They look like Malificent bushes.

Especially here. These bushes would TOTALLY do evil deeds.

A boogie board and prune hands as evidence.

Going out the last night (Allison- you look WAY like your cousin here!)

Our journey into becoming focused. 

Uncle Mark!

Family. :)

On our way home and so of course here is a picture of a tangerine. Or a nectarine?

And another because SO PRETTY. 

My trip ended as EVERY TRIP SHOULD with some gramma time. I can’t wait to see her again. HERE I COME, GRANNY.

I’m out.

Sometimes the weather makes it hard to do your job. And then sometimes your clients are SUPER AWESOME and make your job easy again. Katie and Masten met me at a Starbucks in Marietta just after a typical kamikaze Georgia Summer thunderstorm. Despite my constant imploring and awkward weather dances that day, the rain had been pretty steady and pretty intense for at least an hour. Thankfully, Katie and Masten were super flexible and fun to work with, and the rain tapered off just long enough for us to get some really amazing photos. 

Katie and Masten, thank you for being so sweet. With you as parents, Baby Payne can’t be anything BUT awesome.