Cox & Peterman: A Live Oak Type of Family

Last weekend I spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon with the equally as beautiful Cox and Peterman families. And though we had the threat of rain (and even a few showers sneak up on us) come picture time the setting on Dinner Lake in Sebring FL was truly gorgeous. But it was the trees out front that really captured my attention as I drove up the drive way. One thing I love about being back in Florida are the beautiful twisting Live Oak trees you seem to find most everywhere around these parts. I never seemed to take much notice of them when I lived here for the first 20 something years of my life. As a child they served as the scaffolding for tree forts and shade for make believe picnics with my cousins. And as I grow older they serve as backdrops and themes for friends weddings. But for me today they stand for what I have come to discover as the essence of small town living. Each one has its own, unique, dignified look that speaks of a history and solid traditions, with roots running deep and branches stretching wide. I have known the Cox family since I first could form memories and they are a "Live Oak" type of family if I've ever seen one. It was a true treat to photograph them beneath the twisted limbs.
















And thank you, Jen Lindley, for all your help with this one; creative conceptualizing, reflector holding, stringing up quilts, carrying giant terracotta pots across a lawn and scaring away all the giant bugs that made me scream and run. You're a gem!