Ginger and Dean: Married!

We couldn't have asked for nicer weather for Ginger and Dean's wedding day on the beach in Topsail, NC. Apparently the weekend before it was nasty due to a hurricane, so we really were appreciating the sun.

Beach weddings are always so fun to shoot, as the whole tone of the day is very relaxed and go with the flow. No one is stressed out - everyone just seems to let every care in the world fly out the window and to allow themselves to truly enjoy the day. In fact, at Ginger and Dean's wedding - I was the only one who was slightly stressing as I watched the sun set lower and lower prior to the sunset ceremony. We were just a tad late getting started, but even the tad can make all the difference when shooting a ceremony and family portraits afterward using only available light. After the ceremony was over, I was like a MACHINE trying to fit in all of the pictures....but we made it! Whenever we are shooting under circumstances that are out of our control, I always try my best to stay calm and roll with the punches.....but somehow, that little part of me who is a serious control freak....always manages to peek her way out. I guess it's a healthy balance. :)

Lovin' those blue skies!

A special note to Ginger from her dad.

Geoff did great work with Dean and the guys.

Even though I know Ginger doesn't like pictures of herself when she laughs, I couldn't resist posting this one, as I think it showcases her personality perfectly....plus, she looks super cute. :)

Ginger's mom looking on at Ginger and her dad at the top of the aisle. I love this emotion.

Married!

And yeah...the sunset was amazing.

And finally, I leave you with a fun shot Geoff got playing with some timed exposures.

Congrats Ginger and Dean - love you guys! :)

Jessica's Bridals

As of yesterday just after 6pm, Jessica and Steve were married at The Atrium in South End....I can't WAIT to share their wedding day pics, but for now, here are a few of Jessica's bridal portraits.

When Jessica and Steve initially booked with us, she hadn't planned on doing a bridal portrait. I'm not sure what changed her mind, but a couple months before wedding day I got an email, "you're going to kill me, but can we still fit in a bridal portrait?". It made me laugh that she said that. Geoff and I were thrilled to shoot her portrait.

Despite the threatening rain on the day of her session, we went ahead and met to shoot. Jessica was freezing cold, but was able to make it through without it showing on her face. We started out shooting at Independence Park in Charlotte.

I think this one is my fave.

She chose this one for her portrait to be displayed at the reception.

We decided to have a little fun playing with the off-camera light.

Before calling it a day, we headed over to South End to get some shots in and around the Atrium.

Wedding day pics to come!

Sir Ellen Didymus Strikes Again

This past Wednesday evening Geoff and I decided to make our way to Target to look for a Halloween costume for Ellen (only because she would have been disappointed if she couldn't dress up this year......last year, she loved it...okay, not really - but we sure got a kick out of it). While we were standing in one of the aisles debating whether to get the pirate or the skunk, a girl walked by us, looked at the dog costumes, and then said to her boyfriend in a very nasty tone, "WHY would anyone dress up their dog??? It's so STUPID."

At first I was offended and shot her a nasty look when she turned away (I know - I'm a tough one)....then I began to think about what she said. IS dressing up my dog stupid? I mean, perhaps, yes. Well, most certainly....yes. She's right. Spending money on a costume that my dog will only wear for a couple of minutes at most so I can take a picture...is just plain ridiculous. While I'm willing to admit this, I still find enjoyment in seeing our little Ellen in character. While it is humiliating for her, she humors me just so I can have a few moments of complete and utter joy.

So - onto the real deal. I've mentioned before on this blog how much I think Ellen resembles Sir Didymus from Jim Henson's movie The Labyrinth. In fact, many months ago I posted this to prove my point:

Well, in honor of Halloween 2008, the time has come to take this to the next level. Introducing, Sir Ellen Didymus.

And, a slight wardrobe malfunction.

After we were finished she got a BIG dog treat as a reward for being so good in her costume. She didn't even know what to do with a treat that big...she usually only gets about a 1/10 of one.

Earlier this evening we shot the engagement session of Megan and Tate. After we finished, she asked if there would be a sneak peek - of course there will be! Here you go guys - we had fun tonight and can't wait for May!

It's SO late and I still have a ton to do before hitting the sack. We are shooting Jessica and Steve's wedding tomorrow and we can't wait. Check back on Sunday to see her bridal portraits......trust me....you'll want to because they are hot!

My Favorite Moment + My First Video Blog Post

**EDIT** - video post below is now working....sorry about that! :)

I woke up later then planned this morning and thought for sure the whole day was going to be a bomber - how's that for pessimism? Sure enough, my bad attitude didn't do me any favors as I trudged myself out the door for a walk (I recently found out I have high cholesterol, so am trying to get on the healthy train) and then back inside 40 minutes later for a shower. Honestly, I just wanted to crawl back into bed and stay there until Geoff got home.

However, after walking out of my two hour lunch at Phat Burrito (probably not great for the cholesterol, I know this) with my friend, Candice, I decided the day wasn't so bad after all. And from there, when I decided to actually choose my attitude for the rest of the day, it miraculously got better and better.

After returning home and checking my mailbox, I found a very sweet surprise, to which I declared to myself that I officially have the kindest and most thoughtful clients ever. Included with a gift certificate to the restaurant Bonterra was this note:

"Tim and I (as well as our families and friends!) just want to thank you one more time for all of the awesome memories you've provided of our wedding. We truly couldn't be any happier. Please accept this small token of our appreciation. I know how busy your lives are these days, so please enjoy a quiet, romantic dinner with each other on the two of us whenever you get a free moment. Take care and hope to see you soon! - Anna and Tim"

Seriously, they made my entire week. There's no better feeling in this business then knowing the people we work with are happy with their experience with Geoff and I as their photographers. Thank you again, Anna and Tim!

After Geoff came home from work we headed out for a spontaneous date. One of my all time favorite things to do with him is go to The Fresh Market for a dixie cup full of free sample coffee (with perhaps a bit of candy). I know it sounds ridiculous, but whatever...it's special to us. So we actually hit up The Fresh Market BEFORE heading next door for dinner at Red Rocks Cafe. Geez, I'm name dropping a lot of restaurants tonight!

My favorite moment of the day was walking arm and arm out to the car from dinner - snuggling up to Geoff and realizing how much in love with him I am. :)))

And finally, should you still be reading this crazy long post, you are welcome to check out my very first video blog post that I made today showcasing Mary and Niall's wedding album - hopefully I don't sound like too much of a doofus. And goodnight!



Check out Mary and Niall's wedding HERE!

Real Change Campaign

Sorry for the slack blog post, but I'm swamped with work right now. I'm sitting here wondering how in the world I will get everything done, as my to-do list is incredible. Sigh.

Anyway, a new series at Elevation started this past Sunday - "The Real Change Campaign"...check out the bumper that Geoff did for it (I think this is my new favorite song, by the way).

Lee Ann and Miguel: Engaged!

Originally, even though Lee Ann was getting married down in Florida, she had contacted me asking if I would shoot her engagement pictures in her hometown of Charlotte. As it turns out, she and Miguel are moving up to Charlotte and are now getting married here, so I get to shoot their wedding as well!

They wanted a lot of color and patterns for their shoot, so we decided to meet them in South End and then go exploring for new spots....to which we found a bunch!