Monday, July 20, 2009

Emily & Brian - Charlotte Whitewater Wedding

This past weekend I got to shoot a wedding at one my favorite Charlotte destinations... the US Whitewater Center! If you've never been, you really should give it a try. My husband and I have been hiking with our dogs and kids for a few years now out at the Whitewater Center. He's gone rafting with BoA, but my company's legal department didn't think it would be such a great idea (hey, we tried.)

Anyway, Emily and Brian are very adventurous people so the location fit them perfectly. You couldn't have asked for better weather, either. I was dreading a high-noon, outdoor, Carolina July wedding for the longest time, but it actually turned out to be the best of the summer! Cool breezes, sunny, highs only in the 80's... who could ask for more? The only part I didn't like were the swarms (and I mean SWARMS) of yellowjackets all over the place by the water. I've been here so many times and never saw a single yellowjacket, so be on the lookout. Those suckers are literally 2" long. I read in the paper today a well-known, local businessman was stung by one Saturday morning and sadly died! Anyway, I digress...
... the wedding was great! You can tell this is a very laid back, carefree couple who will have few moments of drama in their decades to come. They just let things roll off their back most of the time and laugh at everything else. I wish I could have stayed longer to witness Emily ziplining and rafting in her wedding dress (no joke.)

I caught this image of Brian before the wedding waiting for Emily to come out for the "first look". He was so relaxed!


I took this just seconds after Brian and Emily saw eachother for the first time
This is one of my favorites... chillaxin on the adirondacks.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Drew & Matthew - Charlotte Babies

In the past week I had the fun opportunity of capturing two cute Ballantyne kiddos, both recently turning one year old. I'm so flattered that their parents chose me to photograph this awesome milestone. I've been capturing Baby Drew since he was just a week old, actually. I was thumbing through some of my older shots of him from last year which just reminded me how FAST these sweet babies grow up. Having two beautiful daughters of my own (ages 3 and 5 months), I've learned first hand how quickly they change from squirmy, wrinkled newborns into fat babies full of personality!

This was my first time shooting Matthew, and he made my job very easy. He's very relaxed and easy going, and doesn't move around too much. He's very easy to make laugh and enjoys simple things like bubbles and playing peek-a-boo with his Mama. Speaking of his Mama, he's her identical twin as a baby. It's almost scary how identical they look! I wish I had a picture of her as a newborn to show you. You'd die!

My advice to any new parents out there: have your baby photographed all year long (newborn, 3 mo, 6 mo, 12 mo.) You will never get this time back and they change so much... it's worth every penny. I don't care who you go to, just have it done! You won't regret it.


This is my favorite of Matthew
I just want to SQUEEZE those thighs!

So innocent and pure

When Matthew gets excited, he gets excited!

Drew's playful side coming out. He is a silly boy.

Look ma... no hands!

I wish I were this flexible.

Drew LOVES his wagon!