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As many of you may have seen recently, we have been on the hunt for a new Tiptoe girl, and after several (really great) interviews, we have our winner! Meet Melissa Grant, the newest addition to Team Tiptoe.  We have known and loved Melissa for over 5 years now, and with her bubbly personality, easy going-ness and flexibility we knew she would be a perfect fit for the team. So without further adieu .... we are super excited for you to get to meet Melissa.  Everyone please take a minute to welcome her and say hello.

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ALL ABOUT MELISSA

Hi there! I’m Melissa, the newest member of the Tiptoe team. I am so excited to be part of such an amazing business and work among some great women. I Am just shy of turning 20 years old (boring). I am the daughter of two loving parents Paula Grant, my go to girl and best friend and Mike Grant, my beautiful angel upstairs, and siblings with my two brothers, Michael and Matthew. I am the middle child out of the three of us and like to consider myself the “peacemaker” of the family. Oh! I also have a little yorkie dog named Maci, who’s currently sitting on my lap as I type this. Maci is uncontrollable, spoiled, and I love her so very much considering I brought her home when I was 14… Let’s just say mom wasn’t very happy about that! I was born in Leesburg, VA and have lived in Harpers Ferry, WV my whole life. Growing up with two brothers has been an adventure and has taught me to always get back up when I fall down. Speaking of adventure… I have a heart for traveling, seeing new places, and experiencing new culture!

I have grown up Catholic and I am a member of Saint James Catholic Church, yes the huge church on old route nine, if you’re familiar with the area. No matter where I end up in life I always know I have a church to call home. Growing up I fell in love with competitive cheerleading and competed for about 14 years, then decided to give my body a rest from the sport. Since I brought up falling in love… I adore my boyfriend, Tyler! He is in the Navy and is a self-motivated, hardworking, loving person who makes me a better person every day. We support each other’s dreams, are best friends, and make the most out of every day together.

So now for a little more about me, me, me! I absolutely love summer time and the beach. Although, there is something about fall that makes my heart warm, ya know things like pumpkin spice, chunky sweaters, crisp air, and football season! (Cowboys fan, don’t hate on it) I also love to go on hikes, bike rides, and kayak down the river. I love to run and run in the Race for Hope 5k every year, 5 years and counting. I don’t watch that much tv… but when I do its Family Feud! I love flowers, books, messy buns, hammocks, waffles, and I can scroll through Pinterest till my thumb is tired. On another note, I really hate bugs and I’m not joking; I REALLY hate all bugs! I hate when my bed is not made and I can’t stand the cold weather! I volunteer to help feed the homeless every year on Christmas day. Through this experience it really makes me thankful for what I have and gives you a priceless feeling inside.

As of right now, I am about to start my last year at Blue Ridge CTC and will graduate with an Associate’s in Business Administration this fall. YAY! I am a member of Kappa Delta Phi and plan to continue my education by furthering to my Bachelor’s Degree. I am an organized person who loves schedules and list! I love working out and lifting too. I go to the gym every day and always keep up on my cardio. I also eat and live a healthy life style that I wouldn’t trade for any other life.

Now you all know a little about me and what makes up Melissa!

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I'm sure you have seen this adorable little girl featured on our blog before.  I have been photographing Kennedy since she was two. We have come a LONG way!  We no longer have to bribe her with candy or threaten her that she won't get her toes done or go to the pool.  She comes in with her game face on and just rocks it out... I think I'm slowly growing on her..haha.  I just absolutely adore her and she makes me so proud!  Enjoy some teasers from her session.

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Hey guys! Just wanted to do a quick teaser for Gabi, since her ordering session is tomorrow! I think I have found a new favorite place to take my clients looking for field pictures! Ahhh! I am so in love with these images! I mean it didn't hurt that my subject is absolutely breathtaking too!  No wonder a couple times during her shoot people were literally copying us taking pictures, pose and backdrop,  while we were standing right there! #flattered

Anyway, enjoy Gabi, these 2 are my faves!

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So I had the honor of shooting one of my FIRST clients engagement sessions recently! Geez does this mean I am old?? She wasn't even a senior in high school for her first shoot with me and now she's getting married! (I can't even explain how happy this makes me, TRUE TIPTOE DEVOTION, *tears*)  I love this girl and am soooooo incredibly happy she has met her mate. These 2 are the best together- equally funny, quirky, and spirited!  I just love them!  So I wanted to give them some Tiptoe TEASERS!! Enjoy y'all and I can't wait for October!

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Tara here and I have some really great news! It's fundraiser time and this go round we are supporting an awesome local baseball team, the 8U Summit Point Pride! These boys have worked super hard and just won the Virginia District 9 Babe Ruth Rookie Championship! This means they are moving on to the state tournament in New Kent Virginia starting on June 30th. Tiptoe is hosting a fundraiser to help them cover some of the costs associated with the trip and that means you have the opportunity to get a great discounted price on our copyrights and help out the boys at the same time! It's totally a win/win situation if I do say so, myself! You are able to use this deal for almost any type of shoot- family, kids, engagement, head shot, etc.

We will be booking these sessions in 10 minute time slots at $30 per image instead of our regular $100. That's right, folks, it is a savings of $70!! You can book up to 2 slots per family at the same $30 per image. (So 2 slots= $60 and 2 copyright images.) 50% of the proceeds go right back to the Pride, so please help us help them make this happen!

To book your slot, give me a ring at 304-995-6743 or shoot me an email at tiptoestudios@yahoo.com. We can't wait to see you!

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Hello...

Ande here! Last, but not least!

It's safe to say I'm the black sheep of the Tiptoe family.  I'm only 21 years old (turning 22 the end of June though)!! I don't have a wonderful husband or a sweet, little child of my own to tell you about.  Instead, my life runs on a completely different level....

I just completed my junior year as a biology student at Shepherd University.  Although, the likelihood that you've seen me elsewhere is very high. The entire time I've been in school, I've also been a volunteer at Briggs Animal Adoption Center, a volunteer/intern at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in VA, a sales associate at Petco, a berry vendor at the Farmer's Market in down town Charles Town and Middletown, a volunteer for my friend's Relay for Life team-Sister's With a Cause, and an avid member of Gold's Gym. Do you want me to go on? Because I totally could! Lol! All in all, I'm a busy girl, and I like it that way.

When I'm not being a busy body, I'm most likely sleeping. And you might think that's understandable seeing as how I'm always running around, but when I say I sleep...I mean I sleep.  I can't get enough of it, seriously.  I've slept a solid 20/24 hours before and it's been that way since I was about 12 y/o.  I normally average out at about 10 hours each night though.  It's my guilty pleasure and it's pathetic, I know. Other than that, I'm probably having cuddle time with my kitties or at the dog park with my 1 year old. Although, I might also be watching Netflix (I'm finishing 'Orange is the New Black' right now!!) or reading various pleasure books (text books during the school year though, ew).

I also spend a good chunk of time with my magnificent boyfriend of 3.5 years (fingers crossed that I will be calling him my fiance at some point this summer)!  Some people would say that we're joined at the hip.  We do everything together, because life is bearable and overall just more functional with eachother side by side. So with that being said.... okay, here's the doozy.....

Ehem.

I regret to inform you that I will be leaving Tiptoe Studios in order to further my acedemic career at the Davis College of West Virginia University as an Animal and Nutritional Sciences major this August.

Let me explain...Chris, my magnificent boyfriend I was talking about, will be attending WVU's Dental graduate program this fall. So I was faced with the very difficult decision to leave my life here behind to venture to this new beginning with Chris or to stay behind and finish my undergrad degree at Shepherd University.  Either way, I will have to leave eventually so I can attend Veterinary school so there was really no reason to delay the inevitable.  Attending WVU will give me a better chance of getting accepted into a vet school and I get to start this exciting, new chapter in my life!!

I would like to thank...

my parents-for dealing with me and letting me live with them up until now

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my siblings-for simply being there for me when I needed to complain about the struggles of being a student

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my boyfriend-for being the definition of perfect and for being by my side through thick and thin

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my friends-for being so supportive and always being down for a good time

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my pets- and really all animals in my life, past and present, for inspiring me to become a veterinarian. I love my poopsies :3

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my girls- for EVERYTHING.  I joined the team right out of high school and I couldn't have ever imagined that you guys would take me on such an adventure. You all are the freakin' dream team.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for Tiptoe and I can't express how thankful I am to have been a part of this. I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!

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And with that, I will say...

...Goodbye.

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At least I can say that I tried. To tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart...

That's right I am a Jefferson County native too, but I am the ONLY Tiptoe girl that resides on the outside... You know that "little place called Millville" that you had never heard of until you read Jennifer's post? Well, guess what??? This Tiptoe girl hails from Millville too. Fishing down by the river, riding my bike to the rock quarry, and taking a trip to the "end of the road" are all forever in my memory. Some may call Millville "that town where nothing ever happened", but I beg to differ.

It's not typical of me to talk about myself, and I'm sorry... but I have been told that by the "higher ups", (you can thank Tara, Lisa and Jennifer), that it MUST be done. So, here goes:

I moved to Virginia the summer of 2001, graduated from Warren County High School in June of 2003, and met my husband two months after I graduated. Yep, I was engaged to be married at the ripe age of 18, and we "tied the knot" before I turned 20. Crazy right??? Everyone seemed to think so, but I am happy to report that this Sunday, May 29th, 2016 we will celebrate 11 years of marriage. And, truth be told...I would marry him again tomorrow! He is without a doubt my soul mate, and he is pretty handsome too.

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In September of 2008, we welcomed our one and only daughter, Brynnen Layne. Most would say she is my "mini me". She has a very strong/outgoing personality, and is destined to be an athlete. We could not be more proud of the fun loving little girl that she has grown to be. She is without a doubt everything and more than we expected her to be. We definitely "broke the mold" with her...which is why we only have one. And, let's keep it real...we "broke the bank" too. She is into EVERYTHING! Softball, training team gymnastics, PRIMS, and a member of the swim team for the first time this summer...I am not sure how people have more than one. Kids are EXPENSIVE, but I would use every last penny I had just to see that smile!

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My little family has planted new roots in Winchester, VA. We have lived here since we got married in 2005. In 2013, we bought 9 acres and built our current home which we plan to live in until we retire. (Unless we hit the lottery and can afford a bigger piece of property.) We are so grateful to FINALLY have our horses with us. And with the horses, come the boots. As some of you may have read in a previous blog, my family has a boot addiction. Because remember...EVERYTHING looks better in boots!

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Although I hated to leave Jefferson County, I am thankful that life didn't take me far. They say 'Virginia is for Lovers" , and "everything happens for a reason"...so I know it was meant to be. I may live in Virginia, but I will always remember my roots... and I will always wear my boots!

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xoxo,

Beth

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Hey Everyone! It's Jennifer, the baby out of us three and one of the owners of Tiptoe Studios.  I was born and raised in Jefferson County in a little place called Millville, that not many people even know is here.   I live with my husband, Codie and two boys, Maximus and Maverick. I will be 30 this year and dreading every minute of it.  I swear I'm going to stay in bed all day, and probably cry.  I have the worst fear of getting older.  We are currently living with my parents (I know that sounds so awful) but it's just temporary until we build our dream home on our 2.5 acres that we have in Summit Point.

What makes me, me.....

First and foremost, I'm a daughter to the most amazing parents ever, that will literally do anything for anyone.  I'm the little sister to a twin brother (by only 5 minutes) and two older sisters.  I'm an aunt to 9 nieces and nephews.  I'm a wife to my high school sweetheart Codie and I'm a mommy to two rotten little boys who are my entire world.

The mom life was made for me. I always knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a mommy.  It's definitely not easy..like me trying to write this post that I've had to walk away from 1000 times to wipe a butt, runny nose, tear, pull Maverick off of Maximus...etc.  It never ends, but I take the good with the bad and wouldn't change it for the world.  It's the most rewarding job ever, because at the end of the day...I didn't miss any of it.

A little bit about my boys...Maximus, my oldest, is 5 years old and Maverick oh my Maverick (the name fits him to a T) is 3. I didn't know what love was until I had them.  They have changed me in so many ways and I'm forever learning  from them.  Maximus is a true mommas boy, I mean he acts just like me and I hate to admit it. He has a heart of gold though.  Maverick, well let's just say he is Maverick.  He will for sure do big things when he gets older, I just know it....but he gives you this big smile and in that moment everything in life is perfect.

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Codie- my love, my boo, my babe....I remember the day I saw him, I was 15 years old and I told my mom that I was going to marry him. Sounds super crazy I know, but I'm a sucker for love and I believe in love at first sight.  We have been together for almost 15 years and married almost 7. I love doing life with this man by my side. 

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More about me...

I hate mornings with a passion, if I could sleep all day I would. I'm late for everything...ask anyone, no matter what the appointment is, you can bet your sweet ass I'll be 5-10 minutes late.  I love the gym, I'm obsessed and pretty much live in workout clothes. I love peanut butter, I eat it ALL DAY!   I can't add or subtract...honest, it's sad but true...and to think I even worked at a bank for 6 years.  I absolutely HATE doing the dishes like every ounce of my body HATES it!  I use way to many napkins , like it's bad...every time I need to wipe my hands, I get a new one.  I will never get into an unmade bed...I'll make Codie get out of bed just so I can make it.

So now that you know so much about me, it's okay to think I'm a hot mess....but this is my crazy, beautiful life and I love it and everyone that's in it.

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Hi there... Lisa here! Number 2 in line for the meet and greet of Team Tiptoe. Which is appropriate because I am the middle "child" among the 3 owners of Tiptoe. I'm a born and bred J Co. resident and have no plans on ever leaving again.  I always say that I moved away once (to Virginia Beach) and learned my lesson... There is something about home that I know I can't get anywhere else. Being surrounded by family and friends is one thing I never take for granted, especially after I started my own family!

I have been married to the love of my life, Tom, since 2008! He is my rock, the ying to my yang, and makes me happier every year we spend together. We have 3 kiddos, a beautiful forever home we built a couple years ago, and a chocolate lab, Chelsie.

Here is a little about my kiddos! My stepdaughter, Taylor. She is the most beautiful, talented 16 year old I know.  She has taught me so much over the years. Now she's like one of my best friends... I know they say that you shouldn't be your kids friend, but there has to be an exception here, as sometimes I think Taylor is more mature than I am, LOL.

Olivia is my 7 year old, who is so smart, far beyond her years, who never met a stranger and who is exactly like her mother in more ways than I'd like to admit out loud. She just gets life, and that is so amazing to see in such a little girl!

Then my baby Tre, who will probably always have the nickname of "baby Tre" no matter how old he gets.  (He's about to be 3 this summer.)  I just love the way he loves me. I always heard the saying mommas boy and didn't really get it until I had him.  He is my little man, my baby noonie baby, my baby fat balls, and the wittle wuv of my life!

I don't know what I did to deserve these 4 people as my family but God has given me a beautiful life.

A little about me and my photography! Like a LOT of things in my life, whether it be my closet, decorating my house, or even the 1000 lists I make everyday, I am constantly learning, trying and changing! I spend a lot of time perfecting this craft that we call Tiptoe! I would say that my style is light and airy, happy and fun!  OHHH, and I love, love, love our Tiptoe Teaches classes!  It gives me an outlet to educate new photographers about my passion!  #Winning

So outside of my family and the obvious of getting to own a flourishing photography business with some of my BEST friends, here are a couple things that make me, me!

I love my God! I love my church, New Destiny! And I love everything that comes with His word. I am fairly new to this journey, but I love everything it has taught me, so far!

I coupon! I love a coupon and a sale! I am on a constant look out for a discount! I love the Sunday paper, Ebates, I botta, SavingsStar, Find&Save, and Checkout 51! I check them out before I buy ANYTHING, like even a tea at the convenience store. It's bad, ya'll!

I over punctuate EVERYTHING!!! I am not screaming at you... I promise! I also feel like I can never just end a sentence, which is the reason for my ... after everything! Sorry guys!

I cry, unlike my partner Tara, I will cry at almost every wedding , sappy movie, kids program, and showing of a DVD slideshow! I'm a tad emotional! I can't help it!

Things I can't stand... showers that are already wet, dirty floors, waiting, and being butt in front of while standing in line! (Like, seriously if you do this I will cut you! )

My babies!

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Me and babe!

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Now ya'll know a little of what makes up my life. I will leave you with my all time favorite quote - "You're perfect... now just smile" by Ryan Star (one of my favorite musicians of all time, I don't even have time to get into all my love for true musicians, or all the time I spent before Tom going to shows... Yep that'll have to be a story for another time...LOL)