Sweet Baby Helena - Charlotte Baby

So I finished the proofs of Baby Helena. I gave her poor parents way too many proofs to look through; about double my usual number. I just couldn't cut any of them! Once you see this gorgeous cutie you'll know why. Here are some of my faves.

Amanda & Lyndon - Charlotte Engagement

Another Monday, and another weekend that's flown by. Mine was especially busy with two engagements and one baby shoot. I ventured to new grounds (Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden), old grounds (Freedom Park), and a very cute nursery at my friends' home. Here are a few of my favorites so far. I don't have the baby's pics up, but they're coming.

Sorry for not writing much more, but I'm pooped! I get a little break before my next wedding, which isn't until the end of July, but I have several more engagement shoots and kid/baby shoots in between to keep me busy. Be on the lookout...

Carrie & Jason - Charlotte Wedding

Today was Carrie and Jason's wedding day! As can only be done in the South, we were tipping the thermometer well over 80 by the time the 11am ceremony took place. The beautiful bankers got married uptown at St. Mary's Chapel. It is a tiny, rustic church that was ice cold inside (thankfully!) There wasn't much room to share, but that kept the event nice and intimate.

Carrie was a little nervous before the big moment, but I have to say both she and Jason did quite well. I've never seen a groom grin the way that one did when he first saw her. You could just see the love he has for her written all over his face as she came down the aisle. So sweet.

Everything went off without a hitch, and the party continued at the Morehead Inn shortly after. I've found that sometimes people don't know what to do at "daytime" weddings, but this crowd had no problem having a good ole' time all afternoon, Southern style. It was a really beautiful reception and the guests genuinely enjoyed themselves and relaxed a little bit, having a grand old time.

I hear the newlyweds are off to Cosmo's tonight to meet up with their friends before they jump on a plane to Mexico. Drink one for me guys, as I'm hitting the hay. Hasta Luego!

Carrie made her bridesmaids these comfy & cute flip flops for post-ceremony activities. They were ribbon wrapped with bows on top. Call this girl Martha Stewart!

First dance...

The bridesmaids are all so genuinely happy. I love the emotion in this image.

This might be the best "I caught the bouquet!" expression I've seen yet!

Beth & Scott - Charlotte Wedding

Today was Beth and Scott's wedding at Saratoga Springs which is located in Mineral Springs, NC in Cabarrus County. It's a really beautiful Southern Plantation setting complete with a gorgeous historic home, a pond and creek alongside it, and the bride arriving to the ceremony via a horse-drawn carriage. This venue takes the cake in my opinion. What a fabulous time we had!

Beth looked just gorgeous in her champagne gown all day. She fared better than me in the 90 degree heat, and her beautiful smile never left her face. She and Scott are so good together, and honestly the easiest couple I've photographed in 4+ years of doing this. They have so much fun together, you can't help but get great moments they share. I really, really enjoyed being a part of their special day.

Their colors were pink and green, and they had the most amazing, chic candy bar set up on the back porch. These M&Ms were just some of the goodies that awaited guests. The kids LOVED testing all the candy, as you can imagine.

Isn't she beautiful? I love this shot.

They are so happy together and had such a good, care-free attitude the whole time. Super fun couple! If they ever renew their vows, I think I'm going to invite myself :)

Babies, Couples, & Fundraisers, Oh My!

What a weekend... In just one day I shot one baby (that doesn't sound right???), two engagements, and a black-tie fundraiser. The first was a newborn session for an old friend who just had her first. Baby Garrett was pretty cooperative, so all went well.

Later Saturday morning I met two of my brides-to-be and their fiances at a local park for some pre-wedding engagement shots. They both brought their dogs, which I love! Cowboy didn't like getting his picture taken, but we made do. He's a nice "baby" at 85+ pounds.

I rounded out the day by volunteering my services at the Sticks to Bricks (http://www.stickstobricks.com/) fundraiser at the Levine Museum of the New South uptown. It was a wonderful night raising money to build schools in Darfur. We also got a special treat musically, as an awesome artist named Damien Horne (http://www.damienhorne.com/) performed. He's part of the Muzik Mafia in Nashville (Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy etc.) and totally rocked the house. We bought his CD and have been listening non stop! I'm still recovering from my crazy weekend... pics will come later this week from all of the aforementioned.

Carrie & Jason - Charlotte Engagement

Happy Mother's Day! This year was my second Mother's Day. It was a beautiful day that I enjoyed with my family immensely. I kicked off the weekend with a little work though, shooting Carrie and Jason's engagement shoot uptown Friday night (I wouldn't necessarily call it work though.)



We had a great time in the west end by Gateway Village. They first met while living in an apartment complex down that way, so we decided to make that the main location for the shoot. There were some great views, green areas, and of course the vintage brick backdrops from some of the older buildings around there. I've posted some of my favorites as you can see.

Carrie kept pinching Jason to make him smile "naturally". What a hoot they were! Both were a little shy at first, but we all figured it was just a warm-up for their big day next month when all eyes will be on them.

Tricia & Derek - Charlotte Wedding

Saturday I shot my first wedding of 2008! Tricia and Derek got married in the University area followed by a reception at the Hilton. What a relaxed couple they were... nothing stressed them out; not even the looming clouds all day (which never produced rain, thankfully!) I was really excited to kick off the wedding season with these two. I'm sure they're having a great time in Maui right now... (can you hear the jealousy in my voice?) Here are some of my favorite images thus far...

The wedding party of 11 practically performed the entire Hokey Pokey for a large crowd of prom-goers at the Boardwalk in University Place.

The beautiful bride... this pretty much sums up her relaxed mood for the day. So pleasant!

This was our flower girl, Alyssa. She chased the dog all over the house the entire time the girls were getting ready. Forget the bride; the dog was the center of this show!

One might argue the bride feels the same way about her puppy. :)