Carolina Bride: April-June Cover

"What struck me the most was DJ insisting that one of the most vital things to succeed in this industry is faith. Faith that a business will blossom. Faith in thinking outside the box. Faith that the journey is just as important as the destination. DJ had no clue how close to home his words were hitting. Every sentence pricked my heart because I knew I needed faith more than I needed anything else. I hung onto his words - picking them out of midair and filing them away in the Never Forget file in my brain - and instantly knew it was the sign I was looking for. God used him as my confirmation. I'm going forward full-throttle with photography and I'm faithful I will succeed."
- Jasmine Star

It must have been a year and a half ago that I found myself POURING (as in hours upon end) through the old blog posts that chronicled the humble beginnings of Jasmine Star. If you know anything about Jasmine Star, you know that she writes. A lot. And at that point in my journey toward becoming a wedding photographer, I couldn't get enough of her story.

There are MANY pieces of Jasmine's story that inspire me. But it was the quote above that REALLY rang true with me. So much, in fact, that just as soon as I was finished reading it, I sent it through my printer, cut it out, and pasted it to the inside cover of my photography journal. Having read through her blog telling of her decision to leave law school to pursue photography....and seeing how quickly she perfected her skill and moved straight to the top...all the while not hesitating to give all the credit to God....I was inspired. I was encouraged. I was on fire. And having felt God's blessing, I was ready to take on the world.

There are many days that I feel like I'm the world's worst photographer who should never pick up a camera again in her life. But last Wednesday when I got the call from Carolina Bride magazine telling me that Jessica and Steve's wedding had landed on the cover, I thought maybe, just maybe, we were doing alright at this photography thing. Clearly, we have a long way to go, but to us - this cover is a little nugget covered in BBQ sauce to show us we are moving in the right direction.

Even amongst my mid-week excitement, it wasn't until Sunday - at the end of church while singing "Glory to God" - that I was brought to my knees and humbled before God at just how flipping big He is and how He loves me. And even though I don't even come CLOSE to deserving it, He continually gives me the desires of my heart. He gave me the opportunity to be a part of a church that rocks my world. He gave me a "there-aren't-words-to-describe-how-amazing" husband who loves me more than anyone. He gave me a passion I didn't know I had in me for photography...and has backed it up with a successful business. And most of all, He has given me life in Him....and offers me an unfailing love, comfort, and peace...no matter what happens. And THAT is what really freaks me out in the best way possible. :)

Now, I know to some this may not be anything to make a fuss about. But honestly - to us, we are OVER THE FLIPPING MOON excited. For us, seeing our pictures in Carolina Bride magazine has internally validated our place in this industry, as well as has encouraged us to keep on pushing. Now go on out and get yourself a copy!

And I'm sorry - but how HOT is Jessica on that cover?!

Many thanks to all of Jessica and Steve's vendors!

Wedding Planner: Alyse Woodward of A Perfect Engagement
Ceremony venue:The Atrium at the Design Center of the Carolinas
Reception venue:Byron's at SouthEnd
Catering: Best Impressions
DJ: Split Second Sound
Dress: Dar-Lynn's
Hair/Makeup: Kymm McLean of Who's the Fairest

Meet Erica!

Meet Erica. Our new intern.

Let's be real for a minute. As AWESOME of a blessing as it is for a husband and wife to get to work together on a business like Geoff and I do, it's also really hard. Don't get me wrong - having my husband to shoot and work alongside of me is more than I could ask for. It's really a lot of fun and I wouldn't have it any other way. But to be honest, it's hard on our marriage sometimes.

As many of you know, Geoff works full time doing motion graphics for our church - Elevation Church. As our business started to grow, we saw a lifestyle change. Geoff would get off from work and head straight to the computer to tackle the projects I had asked him to help me with. Since he was working, I thought I might as well be too. So, night after night, we found ourselves in separate rooms consumed with work until 1....2...in the morning. Not exactly practicing a healthy balance of work and life.

With 30 weddings on the books for 2009, we knew we needed help. Enter Erica. AMAZING Erica. :)

Occupation:
Designer: http://www.artdeasign.com/

Photography Website(s):
http://www.photographea.com/

Favorite Photographers:
www.cheyenneschultz.com [of course!] (Editor's note - I promised Erica a lifetime supply of chocolate flavored Bunny Peeps if she said that :) )
www.carlateneyck.com
www.anneruthmann.com

Canon or Nikon:
Canon!

Favorite lens:
Canon 50 mm f/1.8

What is your background with photography?
Basic black/white and color photography degree courses, trial-by-fire experiences in portrait, event and animal photography, a love of capturing moments, and an inherent desire to use my own photography in my design work.

Educational background?
BFA from the University of Connecticut, concentration in Graphic Design

What are you looking to get from this internship?
A library of new knowledge of the wedding photography industry - from engagement to the big day, and everything in between. Creative inspiration and technical skills. A chance to achieve more depth and *punch* in my work. And, an opportunity to collaborate with - and absorb the experience of - Cheyenne and Geoff, as artists, business-owners and amazing creative minds.

Photo Booth: Best Invention Ever

Oh, you KNOW we didn't hesitate to jump in the photo booth from the wedding we shot this past weekend!

Love, Sissor.

I think I've mentioned it on here before - I have a lot of siblings. One full brother, two half brothers, three step-brothers and a step-sister------> that's SEVEN. Besides my step-sister, I'm the oldest of all of em'.

I was around 8ish when my first half brother was born. As a three year old, Morgan was the cutest kid you'd ever seen - he had chubby cheeks and a head full of thick, brown curls. His favorite color was green, which he would express by wearing an all green outfit - including green gloves. Instead of a blankie, he'd sleep with his puzzles. He'd called a motorcycle "cycle-motor" and the ice cream man "puh-ceem man". He referred to me as "sissor". Here's a shot of him on Halloween - he was Robin HOOD (emphasis on the hood, as Morgan would put it).

Two weeks ago, Morgan graduated from bootcamp in Texas and we couldn't be more proud of him. He's the third in our family to have joined the airforce. I had intentions to write him often, but only did twice. :( As a joke (what fun is having brothers if you can't hassle them?), we put together this pic of him to include with the letter....I couldn't resist sharing.

Congratulations Morgie-Porgie! We love you and can't wait to see you again.

Kristy: Bridal Portrait

I've been DYING to post Kristy's portraits ever since we took them. Growing up, Kristy was a big time dancer - so it was an easy decision for her to shoot at the theatre she used to perform at - the Steven's Center in Winston-Salem.

Shooting at this location really gave Geoff and I the chance to stretch ourselves a bit and have some fun with the unique lighting and interesting details of the theatre. And let me tell you - we had Kristy WORKING for her portraits...dancing, bending, spinning....the girl was a champ and totally WORKED IT.

Kristy displayed quite a few of her portraits at her wedding reception, but this was the one she put on canvas and had framed big - BEAUTIFUL.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this image.

Elizabeth and Jeremy: Engaged!

Okay, so I know we've already rocked the red couch (last year for Stephanie)....and I know we've already shot at the urban barn (just last month for Maryann)....BUT....it's our business and we can do what we want. :) So we hauled out our little red couch from our living room (complete with holes in the cushions from Ellen's furious digging) and plopped it on down in the field at the barn. And it was worth it.

Basically, I love Elizabeth and Jeremy. Reason one why I knew I was going to like Jeremy - the four of us met up for coffee before the shoot...Jeremy ordered a grande mocha and then sat down with the rest of us. I kid you not - probably 7 seven minutes later he shook his empty cup and said, "I think I'm going to get another of these". I mean, 2 grande mochas within 20 minutes....that's impressive. And Elizabeth? She is SUPER cute and so so so SO nice. Together they are flipping adorable and were really ready to have fun with our shoot.

Jeremy did NOT hesitate to bust out his karate skills by jumping off of the red couch.

A little off camera light...sure, why not?

Elizabeth knows how to WORK IT.

See what I mean?!!!!

Lovin' this shot Geoff got! I know, right?!

We'll see you two in May! :)))