My hands smell like laundry detergent and my coffee has gone cold (again). I’ve been spending the last few days mentally sifting through every moment from my week at a wedding photography conference (WPPI). Every word that was spoken, every shoulder that was brushed, and, with special thanks to my dear friend and INCREDIBLY gifted speaker & photographer, Mary Marantz- every tear that was shed.
Read More »
There is absolutely nothing more beautiful than the love of a family- and watching these two families officially become one, was one of the beautiful moments we’ve ever captured.
Read More »
When we first met with Heather & Jimmy to discuss photographing their wedding, I couldn’t help but noticed how they glowed with love for one another. The way they told their story of how they met and fell in love gave me that same warm and fuzzy feeling I always get when watching some of my favorite movies like When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, or Sleeping Beauty (I’m such a sucker for Disney movies).
Read More »
OHMYGOODNESS! Oh, how we LOVE Samantha & Chase- and oh! How we loved this time with them! It’s been 10 years since I had seen Samantha (knew her way back when I was living in VA)- and thanks to Facebook & family, we were able to reconnect and, voila! We’re shooting her wedding in AUSTIN, TEXAS (holla!) at One World Theatre this May!
Read More »
It was a cozy, movie night on the couch last Spring when I remember my iPhone buzzing from an email. Sour Patch Kids in one hand, I grabbed the my phone to see what was going on. It was an inquiry for a wedding! Yay! (I always get really excited at these kinds of emails).
Read More »
That DRESS.
That LIPSTICK.
Those FLOWERS.
That CAR.
Those VOWS.
That MUSIC.
That FOOD.
That CHAPEL.
That LIGHT.
Their LOVE.
We fell in love with Elena & John the moment we sat down for margaritas and wedding-chat with them this past Spring. They shared with us how they met each other while on a Dragon Boat Racing team (how cool is that?!), and shared a love for the outdoors and being on the water. Their wedding was our first time visiting Carrigan Farms, and let us just say- this will NOT be the last time we visit! John & Elena picked the absolute PERFECT location for their outdoor, rustic, laid-back, love-filled, Fall wedding.
Read More »
We had such an exciting Fall Wedding Season- and Brooke & Heath kicked our season off right! Their charming, love-filled wedding was held at Irish Creek Country Club on a warm, Carolina Fall day.
Read More »
Adrienne & Jeremy’s wedding was everything we love about the end of Summer: an afternoon by Lake Wylie, a stunning sunset, and a celebration of family, friends, and love. The views from The Victorian Villa were incredible, and the sky was that dreamy Carolina Blue we all love.
Read More »
There are few things more beautiful than this couple and their love for each other (and their sweet dog). As we wind down the end of an AMAZING (and busy, and crazy, and hectic, and exciting) wedding season, Fall sweeps in with all things we love: spiced cider, colorful leaves, and engagement sessions. There’s something so magical about an engagement session. It’s a moment amidst the craze of planning a wedding for a couple to take a breather and enjoy their engagement. It’s also an incredible opportunity for us to become more acquainted with couples, and a really fun way to spend the afternoon doing whatever a couple loves to do.
Read More »
“I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address”
-Tom Hanks, You’ve Got Mail
Read More »
When most people are vacationing- ya know, at the beach, long weekends for 4th of July camping trips and cookouts, family reunions with plastic cups of lemonade and endless Monopoly tournaments (okay, maybe that was just my childhood?), we’re shooting weddings. As soon as Spring hits, our weekends are BOOKED. And, don’t get me wrong- I LOVE IT! But, there’s a teeeeeeny-tiny window between Spring/Summer and Fall wedding season that I really look forward to, and this year, we took a few days and spent some time wandering the streets of Chicago.
Read More »
There’s this photographer whose work I’ve always drooled over and admired. Her name is Elizabeth Messina. Her work is nothing short of dreamy, and captures the essence of all that is beautiful. This past February, I finally had the honor of meeting Elizabeth, and shortly after I gave her a huge hug and thanked her for how she inspires me, I sat in the front row of her presentation, eager to hear what she was going to share. The lights dimmed, not a word was said, and Alicia Keys’ “No One” began to play and the most beautiful wedding photos my eyes had ever seen danced across two giant screens in the room to these words-
Read More »
From my own personal experience, and with every bride I’ve had the honor of photographing, we’ve all had one common fear: RAIN.
Read More »
OH. MY. GOODNESS.
Where do I even begin with April & Brian? I suppose I could start by telling you how they met (singing karaoke), or I could start by sharing their FABULOUS engagement session with you, or, I could start by saying there really are no words. There are no words that can fully describe the energy and dynamic of this couple. There are no words that can even begin to describe their wedding.
Read More »
Hmm… Let’s start listing things I love:
1) FALL
2) LOVE
3) COLOR
4) THIS COUPLE
I rarely ever get home early on a wedding night, never mind early with ENERGY to spare- so, Kayla & John- here’s a few pics from your wedding today! (You can thank the 3 cups of coffee I had at your reception!) You two are such an amazing couple- and absolutely gorgeous together! Congrats & Enjoy your honeymoon!!!
Read More »
It seems like it’s been forever since we’ve photographed the quintessential, traditional church wedding. Rebecca & Sean are active members at Sardis Presbyterian Church, and were our ticket to getting back to something traditional- and, man, oh, man, WAS IT BEAUTIFUL!
Read More »
This wedding could not have been any sweeter or any more “them”. We absolutely love when couples make their big day one that describes them in every way imaginable- and, that’s exactly what Savannah & Brady did. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Savannah & Brady got married under an old tree on the campus of Appalachian State University (where they met during their undergrad).
Read More »
Picture the a perfect little chapel- old wooden floors, covered in scuffs and scrapes from all those Sunday-best shoes since 1875. Cathedral ceilings, crisp, warm light beaming in through the windows. An old-fashioned black & white checkered floor, framed by an arched doorway. Welcome To All Saints Chapel, in Raleigh, NC- where Jordan & Luke exchanged vows and kisses on a Thursday afternoon.
Read More »
It was just an ordinary day of running errands- car full of groceries (ice cream slowly melting in my re-usable Trader Joe’s bags as I sat in traffic), when I got a call from a sweet woman named Madelon. She told me her daughter, a film producer living abroad, would be getting married in just a few weeks at their home in South Carolina, and that they were in search of a wedding photographer. My first thought- THREE WEEKS?! My second thought: TELL ME MORE! In just our brief conversation, I was already in love with the bride and groom, and was so eager to meet with them. Then, I found out Megan (the bride-to-be) and her fiancé William both lived in England and were planning their wedding from an entire ocean away. THANK GOODNESS FOR SKYPE!
Read More »
“Be ready to discover His divine designs anywhere and everywhere”- John Piper
Read More »
When we met Sandie & Chris back in October for their Apple Orchard engagement session, I immediately fell in love with their personalities, humor, and love for each other. We met for coffee, got to know each other a little bit, and spent the afternoon roaming the quiet streets of Hickory, NC for their engagement session before they headed home to Texas. We were SO looking forward to seeing Sandie & Chris at their wedding after all those months- it felt like a reunion (a really well-decorated, perfectly lit, beautifully orchestrated, amazingly styled, reunion).
Read More »
What girl wouldn’t want to marry the man of her dreams TWICE?! That’s exactly what Erin did! Erin & Alok’s Mega-Wedding weekend started with a Friday evening traditional Hindu ceremony, and ended early Sunday morning, dancing the night (and noise complaints) away during their rainy, Derby Day, Southern-charm wedding.
Read More »
Classic. Contemporary. Stylish. OOOO- we loved this wedding! Sarah & Mark are by far one of the most generous, selfless, most in-love couples we’ve ever met. Their uptown Charlotte wedding was an amazing celebration of love, life, family, and friends. Sarah even had relatives from Germany come for the wedding!
Read More »
Henna. Mondap. Langa. These were all words flying around at Erin & Alok’s Raleigh wedding. No lace, and pearls here, folks (that would be for their traditional Southern-styled wedding ceremony the NEXT day). But this day? This was all about Hindu traditions. And color. And family. And food. And celebration.
Read More »
GAH!!! I LOVE THIS COUPLE!
Every inch of this wedding from Lauren’s timeless style, to the family & friend-filled reception (complete with salted caramel brownies from Amelie’s French Bakery in Charlotte, which they ceremoniously cut in lieu of a cake..MY FAVE!), was swoon-worthy.
Read More »
Four words that changed my life:: ROASTED BALSAMIC STRAWBERRY & BUTTERMILK. That’s right, y’all. We’re talkin’ the creamiest, dreamiest, yummiest ice cream you’ve ever tasted in your life- AND, it’s locally sourced and made.
Read More »
OH MY GOODNESS. OH. MY. GOODNESS. OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I love, love, LOVE this couple, and I loved, loved, LOVED this session. Inspired by all things sunny & Summery, Heather & Jimmy asked that we spend some time at one of there favorite places (the park where Jimmy proposed on a park bench!)..what a romantic, right!?! (Sorry, ladies. He’s VERY taken).
Read More »
When we met Elena & John for the first time, we were in downtown Matthews sipping margaritas and got to know a little bit about their story. We discussed a unique location for their engagement session, and when they mentioned that they met while on a Dragon Boat racing team, we knew we HAD to do their session on Lake Norman, where they met!
Read More »
Remember this lil’ guy from last year? Oh, how’s he grown! Such a curious, happy little guy. I love him with all my lil’ heart.
Read More »
Sprinkles & smooches. Warm sun & the park where he proposed….this engagement session couldn’t have been any sweeter!
Read More »
When we met Elena & John for the first time, we were in downtown Matthews sipping margaritas and got to know a little bit about their story. We discussed a unique location for their engagement session, and when they mentioned that they met while on a Dragon Boat racing team, we knew we HAD to do their session on Lake Norman, where they met!
Read More »
When we met Sandie & Chris back in October for their Apple Orchard engagement session, I immediately fell in love with their personalities, humor, and love for each other. We met for coffee, got to know each other a little bit, and spent the afternoon roaming the quiet streets of Hickory, NC for their engagement session before they headed home to Texas. We were SO looking forward to seeing Sandie & Chris at their wedding after all those months- it felt like a reunion (a really well-decorated, perfectly lit, beautifully orchestrated, amazingly styled, reunion).
Read More »
GAH!!! I LOVE THIS COUPLE!
Every inch of this wedding from Lauren’s timeless style to the family & friend-filled reception (complete with salted caramel brownies from Amelie’s French Bakery in Charlotte, which they ceremoniously cut in lieu of a cake..MY FAVE!). This wedding was swoon-worthy.
Read More »
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for any couple to get comfortable in front of the camera, while doing something they love to do together. I always ask my couples, “What do you love doing together? On a typical Friday night, where would you be? What’s some place special, or something unique about your love story, that would really help you relax and enjoy being together?”
Read More »
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this child is one of the most loved children in the world. My sweet, smart, and curious little niece, Kiyah just turned one last month, and to celebrate, we met early on a Sunday morning to get some shots of Kiyah in all her glory.
Read More »
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for any couple to get comfortable in front of the camera, while doing something they love to do together. I always ask my couples, “What do you love doing together? On a typical Friday night, where would you be? What’s some place special, or something unique about your love story, that would really help you relax and enjoy being together?” When I asked Rebecca these exact questions, her response got me all excited.
Read More »
I LOVE love; and, I love breakfast. And….so do these two. In fact, their love started over eggs and a cup o’ coffee.
Read More »
Most brides and grooms wake up the day of their wedding a little frazzled, a little stressed, and a little busied; but, Sarah & Joe? Nah.
When I spent an evening watching, listening, and photographing these AMAZING bands, I couldn’t help but have flashbacks to my very short-lived Middle School band days- complete with a rusty, old clarinet, a face full of braces, and never really knowing how to read music.
Read More »
After almost a week of early mornings and late nights at WPPI (an insane trade show/conference for wedding & portrait photographers,) my dear friend and fellow photographer, Alicia, and I tagged on a few extra days to our trip. We wanted to scope out the sights, lose $20 in slot machines, and get lost in all that is Vegas.
Read More »
There. Are. No. Words. ..for how much I love these two.
Read More »
I recently had the opportunity to photograph one of my FIRST couples, Brook & Dana, for an all-things-vintage inspired shoot for our AMAZING church community, Watershed, here in Charlotte, NC.
Read More »
Hayley & Jess are quite possibly one of the most in-love couples I’ve ever spent time with. We decided to do their engagement session in Asheville, NC, simply because we all loved the colors and vibe of Asheville.
Read More »
Cheale is a pretty amazing woman. And, Fredy? Yea- I love him, too. When Cheale & Fredy get some time to themselves, they like to escape to Amelie’s French Bakery in NoDa for some late-night giggles and french pastries (that’s my kinda date!). So, only seemed fitting that we start their session at Amelie’s to escape the rain for a bit.
Read More »
Jordan & Luke are having a rustic/country wedding in May in Raleigh, NC (which we CANNOT wait to photograph!), and wanted the same feel for their engagement session. Worn, red wood. Tall grass. Sun flare. A GORGEOUS couple. Love. GAH. I was a total sucker for this engagement session.
Read More »
Most brides and grooms wake up the day of their wedding a little frazzled, a little stressed, and a little busied; but, Sarah & Joe? Nah.
Read More »
What’s your favorite spot in Charlotte? Is it a coffee shop? Is it a park bench? Is it your couch? Let’s capture your love where you love to be the most.
Read More »
I slept through my alarm this morning, missing a workout I paid $5 for. Dang it.
Read More »
When Kayla & John asked us to be their photographers, I couldn’t have been more excited. Just having seen these two interact in passing, I knew they would be a DREAM to photograph.
Read More »
Hard to believe it’s almost been a year since this precious, little lady was born.
Read More »
Matt & Rachael welcomed little baby Owen Bennett Shaughnessy to the world in December, and man, oh, man, I could NOT WAIT to get my hands on this little bundle of spit bubbles.
Read More »
Cheale is a unique, glowing, amazingly talented woman. Fredy is a family-oriented, loving, caring man. Cheale and Fredy complete each other
Read More »
I had the opportunity to photograph sweet little Katherine just a day after she turned 1 last week, while I was in NYC visiting Joy, a dear friend of mine.
Read More »
I get to work with some really cool people- and, it’s awesomely creative people like Bryce that remind me of how blessed I am to be doing something non-cubicle with my life.
Read More »
Sometimes I just get really excited (and overly caffeinated…thanks, afternoon latte from Amelie‘s). So… I couldn’t help but post a few of my favorite shots from today’s engagement session.
Read More »
Jennifer Testa, winner of the Kyle’s Karnival giveaway for a family portrait shoot, has one of the sweetest families I’ve ever encountered.
Read More »
I’m thankful for love.
I’m thankful for family.
I’m thankful to be able to do what I love every day of my life.
Read More »
Every now and then, you meet ”that” couple. That couple that lights up a room. That couple that inspires you with their stories of past adventures.
Read More »
Cheale is undoubtedly caring, generous, and kind-hearted. Cheale & Fredy have such a beautiful love story, and one of the sweetest, most precious little girls I’ve ever met- Sydney.
Read More »
Last Friday I had the chance to hang out with The Sichler family in uptown Charlotte.
Read More »
Two things Sarah and Mark told me when we first met was “We’re kinda shy,” and “We want pictures uptown”.
Read More »
Baby Avery was not only sweet and absolutely beautiful, but at only weeks old, she was SO expressive! Her silly faces couldn’t have been any sweetness. She’s such a little bundle of cuteness. And, how adorable is that little knit hat with the giant bow? I mean, c’mon now.
Read More »
It doesn’t get much better than a day in the park with an adorable British family!
Read More »
Mario & Luigi, “Black Swan“, A bearded lady, An out-of-work Santa, Gnomeo & Juliet, iPhone Apps, the entire cast of “Clue” (complete with props!)… Yea, we know how to do Halloween.
Read More »
I had such an awesome afternoon getting to know this beautiful family during our cozy, Fall family session in Jetton Park.
Read More »
When Michele asked me if I would be willing to come to their home for their family session, I couldn’t have been more excited. There’s nothing sweeter than families where they are most comfortable…HOME.
Read More »
April rocks lime green cowboy boots, while Brian rocks his ginger-’stache. We love these two.
Read More »
I recently had the chance to spend an afternoon with Shawn from The Inspired Button, who designs these beautiful handmade headbands, barrettes, clips, pins, baby clothing and other adorably fresh, youthful accessories for girls of all ages. Shawn is extremely creative and full of life.
Read More »
Bryce McNabb, a new friend and amazingly artistic videographer spent some time with us at Sandie & Chris’s engagement shoot this week, and is working on a pretty flippin’ sweet promo video for us. Can’t wait to share the final product! Thank you SO much, Bryce. You rock our world.
Read More »
New Creations Flower Company not only designs beautiful arrangements and elegant atmospheres, they are dedicated and passionate about their work.
Read More »
Sandie and Chris met in college, and their love has taken them from the hills of North Carolina all the way to Houston, Texas where Sandie works for probably my most favorite store in the world- ANTHROPOLOGIE, and Chris for Toshiba. Yes. I refer to Sandie as my “Anthro Bride”. She makes my heart happy!
Read More »
Red capes & glittery princess crowns…We love us some Halloween Costumes. Check out our Halloween Special!::
Read More »
Rachelle and Peter are genuine, fun, soccer-loving, laid-back, and so in love.
Read More »
WE ARE SO EXCITED!!! We had the privilege of shooting Elizabeth and Blake’s rustic, Tennessee wedding last October for Motion Picture Co, and we’re so happy that their wedding has been featured in DIY Weddings Magazine.
Read More »
Elizabeth and Blake wanted a rustic, outdoor wedding- so they decided their family’s farm in Dayton, TN, was just the perfect spot for their ceremony and reception.
Read More »
a waterfront family house, southern charm, and chocolate covered Krispy Kremes
Read More »
Gavin is an incredibly active, adorable, genuinely happy baby
Read More »
Soccer, anyone?
Rachelle & Peter’s love for soccer is what brought them together.
Read More »
My sweet, Bostonian Grandma
My Grammy Dais, who is stunning and a few months away from turning 90, lives in a small, one bedroom apartment right outside of Boston.
Read More »
a weekend of family, southern culture, and a waterfront wedding
Seafood. Horse-drawn carriages. Palm trees. Sun. Sand. Candied Pecans. Cheese Grits. Bouquets.
Read More »
Well-weathered. Hand-stitched. Custom-made cases for Apple products
Read More »
buzzing with love
Supporting local businesses is something we love, big time- and it’s just one of the reasons we were so crazy about Jesse & Brian’s wedding.
spring, love, and the mountains of NC
Elizabeth & Cameron were married in Blowing Rock, North Carolina- a town nestled in the mountains, just a few miles down the road from Appalachian State University, where they met and fell in love.
Read More »
singer & songwriter (…and the best sister a girl could ask for)
Like a novice to a virtuoso
Read More »
ballet slippers & soccer cleats
Jesse & Brian are the kind of couple you want to get to know. And go on camping trips with. And have over for a Sunday BBQ. And, lucky for me… photograph.
college sweethearts
Elizabeth & Cameron met while attending Appalachian State University, so we felt that spending a beautiful, Fall afternoon, reminiscing around campus was the perfect way to get to know these two.