The Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Grace.

It's a word that's been on my mind as of late.
In thinking about it I realize it holds a double meaning for me.

Grace is defined as being a simple elegance. 
A refinement of movement.

Grace is also the unmerited favor of God. 
A divinely given blessing.

I've seen quite a bit of each in my life lately.
I want to continue to implant more of the first kind in my day to day routine.
And I want to continue to be thankful for the second kind, which I already have.



Post title from this verse

Unplugging

Photo cred: Meagan Abell's Instagram

Just stopping in to say that I'm unplugging for the weekend.
So if you need me... well you won't be able to reach me. 
But feel free to leave a message or email and I will get back to you next week!
Have a splendid holiday weekend.

♥

Gosh Mrs. Cleaver

Here's the last of the just-for-fun shoots I'm catching up on this week!
This one was something my friend Lorissa thought up. She loves the 1950's and, as I've heard her say on more than one occasion, she pretty much wants to be June Cleaver when she grows up. 
I mean who wouldn't? That ladies' got class.
So the title of this post sort of just stemmed from that and Eddie's smooth talking ways. 
(Anyone who's watched Leave It To Beaver will know what I'm talking about)

We hit up Carytown Cupcakes as well as Dixie Donuts the same day, so be sure to check out those posts for more photos as well!
Enjoy!

......................

Check out more here.
Interested in getting some portraits of your own done?
Email me for more info: by.leney@gmail.com


"That's a lovely dress you're wearing, Mrs. Cleaver."

Dixie Donuts (Again)

Okay so I have actually posted about Dixie Donuts before.
But that was over a year ago... and well, their little shop is just so darn cute and photogenic that I can't help snapping photos basically every time I'm in there.
Which, I probably don't need to tell you, is a lot.

Donuts are just my favorite guys.
I can't help it.

Go give them a visit if you haven't yet! They're the cats pajamas.

........................

You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter
See more posts on Richmond eateries here. 


A Manic Monday

Photo from this shoot

So this Summer has been a huge whirlwind of events.
In a wonderfully good way. 
But also in an oh-my-gosh-how-is-it-already-almost-september-where-did-the-time-go-make-it-slow-down-please kind of way too.
This week is an especially crazy one.

The shop has picked back up again rather quickly now that fall is in sight and everyone wants knits to keep them warm. I've had a crazy influx of orders to work on these past few weeks which has been really awesome, but also very time consuming on top of my photography work.
(This sweater in particular has gotten a lot of attention and has nearly 1000 favorites! 
I'm still a little blown away by this.)

Other things I have to do this week include making 16 flower crowns, seeing The Great Gatsby at The Byrd (because I mean, hello, it's on the summer list), catch up on emails, submit some material for a few things I'm being featured on (can you say exciting!?), learn some new songs on the ukulele for a fun project, get together some belated birthday and wedding gifts, catch up on some accounting, get ready for a few upcoming out of town trips and a few many a lot 439 other things.

Needless to say I've had to repeat this verse to myself quite a lot lately to remind myself to not be overwhelmed and just take things one day at a time.
Check lists help too.

So this Monday's been a little bit of crazy one, but it'll all work out.
It always does.


A Happy List

Follow me on Instagram at @agirlnamedleney

A HAPPY LIST//

scrabble. birthday parties. sunday morning coffee and donuts. summer evenings on porches strung with lights. making flower crowns. nectarines. rainy sidewalks. those shoes. knitting. stumbling on new richmond murals. reading that book. flowers given to you by sweet little ones. rain boots. cozy quilts. bunny stamps. running late at night. bob marley and egg making in the kitchen.


Bex & Stephen

Meet Bex and Stephen.

Their engagement session was so much fun.
I really loved capturing the way these two interacted with each other. The whole time they were all smiles, making each other laugh every chance they got.
(As you can see in more than one of the photos!)
Couples like this are my absolute favorite.
I think it really says something about a couple when you can visibly see how they love each other. Not just physically with hugs and kisses, but with the way they make each other laugh and the stories and jokes they tell one another as well.
Because having fun together is just one of the most important things you know? Being able to say you're marrying your best friend is exactly how it should be.
And I can definitely see that in these two.

They had the super fun idea of incorporating their countries flags into their photos since Bex is from New Zealand and Stephen is from here in the states, which I also loved.
I think the photos turned out adorable.
What do you think?


......................

Check out more here.

Interested in getting some portraits of your own done?

Email me for more info: by.leney@gmail.com