Mike & Ann - Visual Storytellers

Orlando Newborn Photographers :: Meet Baby Aubrey

Ann — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:40:26 +0000

We met Aubrey’s parents back in June for their maternity session at Rock Springs Park. Such a beautiful location! Just a few weeks after their maternity session, Sarah & Corey welcomed Baby Aubrey into the world. Mike spent one morning not long after her arrival to document Aubrey and her family. Such a sweet and precious little girl!

Sarah & Corey came over a couple of month ago to selects images to decorate their home. They chose three black & white images on gallery-wrapped canvas as artwork for their walls. Aubrey in the middle and each of them with her on either side. I totally forgot to take a picture before they took it home and installed it. I do know that they love their new wall collection!

Images by Orlando Newborn Photographers Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

Thanks, Sarah & Corey, for choosing to invest in us to tell this amazing chapter in the story of your family. We are honored!

Called To Adopt :: Meet the Expanding Pighetti Family

Ann — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:10:26 +0000

We have had the pleasure of knowing this amazing family for years and are blessed to have them as dear friends. We have watched their faith grow in spite of wretched circumstances. Not only did they struggle with infertility issues for years, they ended up losing their second-born, son Jack, just a little over 2 months after he was born. Just unimaginable. My heart was completey broken for them. However, it was in how Jeny and DJ responded that was so amazing. They made the decision fairly soon thereafter to adopt. God was restoring their hearts with the desire they had always had – to be a mom and dad. Jeny & DJ did not appear to be angry, but instead rejoiced in the very short time they had with this amazing little soul that would change their lives forever! You can follow Jeny and read all about their incredible story through her blog, Smiling Through the Rain.

For me personally, Jeny’s reaction to these events in her life had a profound impact on me. She doesn’t even know this. Because she chose to rest in God’s promise and not turn away in anger, it made me rethink my own relationship with God. I decided that I should get reconnected to the body of Christ and give thanks, even in the midst of my little struggles. “If she can do it, I certainly can” I thought. I knew that her strength was coming from God. She has been such an inspiration. She and her husband, DJ, are truly vessels for God’s use. They are impacting lives in ways I’m sure they couldn’t possibly imagine a few years back.

In celebration of their decision to adopt yet again (YAY!!), Mike spent some time with them one morning at their home documenting what life looks like now. It will soon change! Their girls are so precious with such vivacious personalities. We are so honored to be able to document this amazing chapter in the continued story of this family.

Images by Orlando Adoption Photographers, Mike & Ann Studios.

Through all of this, Jeny discovered a real need to help fund domestic adoptions. In 2012, Jeny and a group of adoptive families passionate about helping other families created the non-profit Called to Adopt . This is an organization dedicated to supporting domestic adoption by providing grants and fund-raising assistance to families pursuing adoption. These families have such a heart for adoption and everything about it. I’m still in awe of what God has done in the lives of our dear friends.

We look forward to sharing more of this story with you as it continues to progress. God bless!!

~Ann

Orlando Kids Photographer :: The Magical world of Twins Myles & Morgan

Ann — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:10:40 +0000

Twins Myles and Morgan are just absolutely adorable! They are such a great age where they are truly starting to discover the world around them. It’s just “magical”. Big sis Mia in now 5 and is just a beautiful little girl – a Daddy’s little girl You can see Myles and Morgan’s newborn session here. We are just so honored and feel so incredibly blessed to be able to watch these kids grow through this next year. We photographed Nick & Kenyarda’s wedding almost 6 years ago and also documented daughter Mia’s first year.

I LOVE this session. There are so many amazing images that it was hard to pick just a few favorites. And after being photographed by Mike for 6 years, Nick and Kenyarda are just comfortable and trust us. This is SO important in creating an experience where you can be authentic and natural. We can’t wait for their next session!!

Images by Orlando Kids Photographer, Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

Thanks Anderson family!! Can’t wait to see you again soon

~Ann

Ocala Wedding Photographer :: Sommer & Brian’s Sholom Park Wedding and Circle Square Cultural Center Reception

Mike — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:40:46 +0000

Sommer & Brian have such an amazing story! You can see their getting-to-know-you session images and read all about their love story here. We are so honored to have been a part of capturing and preserving their amazing wedding day, marking the start of their wondrous journey together as husband and wife.

Video by Ocala Wedding Photographers, Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

Sommer and Brian united together as husband and wife in front of friends and family at Sholom Park in Ocala on a gorgeous March afternoon. There was not a dry eye as Brian serenaded Sommer as she made her way down the aisle. Brian’s sister and Sommer’s sister held hands and cried together! It was a beautiful ceremony filled with much love and emotion. Following the ceremony and some bride & groom time, Brian and Sommer surprised everyone by arriving to the reception in an unbelievable vintage firetruck. It was truly amazing!! Not only was it just okay to have kids be a part of this day, it was encouraged and they were all invited. There were so many kids and it was, at times, as if there were more kids than adults. Sommer & Brian absolutely LOVE kids. They celebrated with family and friends at the Circle Square Cultural Center where the dance floor was often filled with nothing but kids. There were, of course, a few adults that wished they were still kids! There was so much fun had! It was an awesome day

Images by Ocala Wedding Photographers, Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

Thank you, Sommer & Brian, for trusting us to preserve these amazing memories for you and your families. We are truly honored to have been a part of your journey into marriage. We wish you God’s richest blessings!!

Thank you to William Arthur Photography for helping us document this day for Sommer & Brian.

Stay tuned for their full-image gallery and album pre-design soon!

~Ann

Orlando Newborn Photographer :: Baby to Big Brother, Oh my!

Ann — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:26:12 +0000

Just when you’re getting the hang of being the baby brother to your 4 older siblings, along comes another baby brother to change your role and title really quickly! That’s what happened to this family just months after the youngest turned one. Little William went from little brother to big brother before he knew what was happening! But what an adorable big brother he is. These two brothers have a lifetime of adventures and a wonderful friendship that awaits them. They also have 3 older sisters and an older brother to watch out for them. It’s a full house full of love!! We are so excited that we will get to document Baby Ryan’s first year to see how much he will change and grow, and to capture all the relationships and love in his life.

Mike spent some time with only Mom and little big brother William for Ryan’s newborn session a few weeks ago. It is so important for us to document lives in an authentic way, so we use only items that belong to the baby or family. We don’t bring in any newborns “props” because they mean nothing to you. Documenting babies doing what babies naturally do is what we do. Swaddled & sleeping, being held & loved, interacting with loved ones, peering out into the world with fresh eyes – these are the images that tell a story. Here are some of our favorites from their session.

Images by Orlando Newborn Photographers, Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

~Ann

Orlando Wedding Photographer :: Thomas & Mandy’s Beautiful Backyard Celebration

Mike — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:38:31 +0000

The threat of rain lingered all day long with dark ominous clouds crowding the sky. God seemed to show favor on Thomas and Mandy’s wedding celebration by holding back the rain. He then cooled everyone off while dancing during the reception with a little sprinkle. It was such an awesome day with so much to celebrate as Mandy & Thomas became husband and wife.

Images and video by Orlando Wedding Photographers Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

Mandy and Thomas were wed on beautiful property belonging to Mandy’s family in Umatilla, FL. Mandy wanted something simple and intimate and her family was involved in almost all areas. Her sister Caitlin was the makeup artist, her Aunt Cindy did florals, and Uncle Charlie was the videographer. It truly was a family affair! After Mandy made her arrival in the gorgeous vintage truck, she and Thomas exchanged vows under a majestic oak. And even though Mandy dropped the heirloom ring handed down from Thomas’ great-grandfather, they were still pronounced Mrs and Mrs Roomy at the end. She did recover the ring!

Friends and family then celebrated with the new Mr & Mrs under the pole barn with dinner catered by Mojo Grill and Catering, drinks and lots of dancing. Her two sisters watched and cried while Mandy and her father shared an emotional dance together. Mandy and Thomas each had awesome dance moves of their own. You remember the worm, right? Well, so does Thomas! The Rivertown Band totally brought it that night and were just amazing! These guys know how to keep a party going. There was no shortage of a good time being had!!

Images by Orlando Wedding Photographers Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

Thank you, Mandy & Thomas, for sharing such a special day with us! We are honored to be able to preserve these memories for you and your families for generations to come. We wish you God’s richest blessinsg on your marriage!

Also, another gigantic thank you to our dear friend Chris with C&C Photostories for sharing his time and talent to help capture this memorable day.

~Ann

Orlando Kids Photographer :: Sam’s Story From Precious Newborn to 4 month Adorableness

Ann — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:58:37 +0000

We met this wonderful family when we captured their daughter during her first year. You can see her newborn, 9 month and 12 month sessions here on the blog. This past October she became a big sister to little baby brother Samuel. We were there to create some newborn and relational images for them just after he was born. They chose to invest in our Baby’s First Year program which includes maternity, newborn, 4 month, 8 month and 12 month sessions. Mike recently went back out to visit with them since Sam had reached his 4 month mark. He is so full of personality! I love seeing the interactions between the kids. They are both so precious! They came to our studio last week for their view and order session and I got to hang out with Maddy. Such a sweet, sweet child. She was totally entertained by my two crazy boys!!

We are so excited because they are starting an official story wall in their home that will document the progression of this year. All told on beautiful canvas gallery wraps!! What an incredible way to have your favorite images of an amazing year live and breathe in your life and home. We can’t wait to share it with you.

Images by Orlando Kids Photographer Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

Orlando Wedding Photographer :: Layne & Ryan’s Beautiful Bellemoor Plantation Wedding and Reception

Ann — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:24:03 +0000

It is often in simplicity that true beauty is able to shine through. And this was certainly the case for Layne and Ryan and the beginning of their marriage on their wedding day at the beautiful Bellemoor Plantation in Ocala, FL. Layne and Ryan’s fun yet laid-back and elegantly-simplistic style was evident throughout the day. The Bellemoor Plantation is drenched in God-designed elegance and splendor. It is simply beautiful! It was a perfect backdrop for Layne & Ryan’s nuptials and celebration with friends and family.

Click to watch Layne & Ryan’s Bellemoor Plantation wedding story video:

Wedding photography and video by Orlando Wedding Photographers Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers

Images by Orlando Wedding Photographers Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

There were several other awesome vendors that helped make this day as amazing it was for Layne & Ryan. They include but may not be limited to The White Magnolia for Layne’s dress, The Petal Pusher Florist, Enve Salon, Betty Cakes, KTG Entertainment, and Woodlea Gardens for catering. A huge thanks goes out to Brad with William Arthur Photography for his time and talent.

Thank you, Layne & Ryan, for sharing yourselves and your friends and family with us on this aazing day. We wish you the happiest of marriages and God’s richest blessings on your lives.

Visit their storypage and log into the image gallery to be notified when their wedding gallery is released.

~Ann

Orlando Kids Photographer :: Cutie Carter Turns Toddler

Ann — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:33:12 +0000

We have been so blessed not only to document this family since its inception, but we’re honored to now call them friends. We have enjoyed watching Jill & Jon’s family grow since their wedding in 2011. Their son was born last February and we were there to document his newborn adorableness. We just recently captured him as a busy toddler in and around his home with his parents. Everything from playing to eating to taking a bath. It’s a little slice of life

Video by Orlando Kids Photographer Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

Images by Orlando Kids Photographer Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

From Carter’s newborn session, I designed a fine art book to forever preserve that amazing newborn time for him and his parents. It’s always amazing to see how much they transform in just one year! I will be designing another fine art book for his 12 month session.

Thanks, Jon & Jill, for inviting us to document and preserve such a precious time in your lives. Again, we are honored by your trust and choice in us and what we do. Thank you!

~Ann

Orlando Kids Photographer :: An Adorable “Twosome”

Ann — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:18:27 +0000

We showcased these girls last week in the fine art book we designed from a previous session. They are at such a fun age now. This most recent session was designed to capture the youngest since she just turned two. She’s gotten so big and changed so much since our very first session together almost a year ago in Isleworth. She is so full of life and personality, and sometimes big sis doesn’t quite know what to make of her little baby sister. It was such a beautiful day over in Isleworth with the blue skies and all the surrounding colors. It made for an awesome backdrop to capture the adorable twosome enjoying the afternoon with their family.

Images by Orlando Kids Photographer Mike & Ann | Visual Storytellers.

To view the full-image gallery, click HERE.

~Ann