We are very thankful for all the talented photographers who let us use their beautiful images in our Christmas cards. We are excited to first introduce you to Mary-Keeley McAllister Smith:

I’m married to my best friend, Cole, and we currently reside in Homewood, Alabama with our fur baby, Buddy, the bichon frise.  Raised in Tuscaloosa, it’s no coincidence I have a passion for creative arts – my mother was an elementary school librarian and folk-artist and my father has been a photographer for over 40 years. In 2009, I graduated with a degree in visual journalism from the University of Alabama and, in 2011, I started my full time portrait photography business. My approach to photography is a unique blend of photojournalism and classic family portraiture, which I find lends itself well to capturing the swift season of childhood. While I do enjoy photographing the occasional wedding, the majority of my business is family portraiture.

Dream Vacation: Tuscany, Italy

Magical Place: Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama.

Dinner Date: Oprah – and we’d bring back “Oprah’s Favorite Things!”

Listening to: Ryan Adams “Gold” + Vince Gauraldi Trio “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

Good Read: The Art of Cooking by Julia Child…I realize this is a cookbook but I read it like a novel. It sparked my interest in cooking and was a gift from my sister, inspired by my late mother who was a Julia fanatic.

Last great film you saw? The Bridges of Madison County

Favorite Foods: Tacos, pasta, wine

Favorite color: Blue

Beach or mountains? Beach

What inspires you most? Relationships

Prized Possesion: My engagement ring with my grandmother’s diamond.

Preferred sign-off: Warmly

Go-to hostess gift: Wine

Hidden Talent: I have a nose like a fox hound – I can identify a scent from a mile away.

Coffee: Almond creamer and extra hot

What did you dream of being when you were a kid? A fashion photographer

What fuels your creativity? Music

What is your number one tool of the trade? Patience