Living so close to these beautiful wedding venues is an absolute dream! Since I moved to the mountains, I've connected with the sweetest photographer, Kaelee of Kaelee Denise Photography. I was delighted to have the opportunity to second shoot this intimate ceremony at Pretty Place Chapel followed by a rustic celebration at Oskar Blues Reeb Ranch. As soon as I walked into Pretty Place Chapel overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, I was overcome by a feeling of peace. I can see why it is such a popular destination wedding venue. Reeb Ranch is right down the road, and made for the perfect reception celebration. Elena of Elena Weddings & Events gave the barn at Oskar Blues a rustic elegant look with greenery hanging from the ceiling and neutral florals adorning the tables. The weather was perfect for this June wedding day. Congratulations to the bride + groom!
Read moreSPRING FLORALS AT MCGILL ROSE GARDEN
Ahh, just look at this gorgeous hanging flower arrangement created by Nectar! The magic they create with florals is guaranteed to brighten a day. I know first hand! When my husband and I were dating, he would surprise me with the most beautiful arrangements I had ever seen. All created by the incredibly talented team that makes up Nectar. He even proposed to me in Nectar's backyard - the quaint little McGill Rose Garden in Charlotte, NC.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph this vision for the beautiful sisters of Twine and Twig! They have an incredible eye for style! McGill Rose Garden was the perfect setting to showcase their Surf Collection.
BACKYARD WEDDING AT RITCHIE HILL
An intimate ceremony took place under the trees in the backyard of the elegant southern estate - Ritchie Hill in Concord, NC. Family gathered on a beautiful October day to celebrate Matt and Monica's wedding. I had the pleasure of meeting this couple while second shooting for the incredibly talented Rivkah of Rivkah Fine Art Photography. I met Rivkah at the Forest and Falls Workshop at Fall Creek Falls State Park. One of the highlights of the workshop was connecting with other photographers, and I'm flattered to have had the opportunity to work with her.
The ceremony is always a highlight for me when photographing a wedding. There wasn't a dry eye during Matt and Monica's ceremony as Monica walked her mother down the aisle to give her away to Matt. After the vows were exchanged, a family style meal was shared and heartfelt toasts made on the picturesque wrap around porch. A lovely fall wedding to witness!
SUN FILLED MOTHER'S DAY MINI SESSION IN BREVARD
You'd never believe the torrential downpour that took place prior to this sun filled Mother's Day Mini Session at Silvermont Park. I'm learning quickly that in Brevard, NC it can by rainy one minute and sunny the next! I'm so glad the sun came out for this beautiful momma. Her sweet little girls hugged on her and made her feel loved!
I'm grateful that I was connected with The Family Place of Transylvania County, an organization where families can connect and grow. I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful families and help support their wonderful cause by providing Mother's Day Mini Sessions.
WATERFALL ADVENTURE IN BREVARD | MOMMY AND ME
Moving to the mountains has always been a dream of mine. I feel incredibly fortunate to call the beautiful town of Brevard in Western North Carolina home! Pisgah National Forest used to be a place we would visit for a vacation - to get away from the city, to enjoy a slower pace of life and set aside time to soak in all the goodness. Now, we are lucky to have waterfalls galore practically in our backyard, and mountain views around every corner.
With the move, came the scary realization of moving my photography business to a new place and working from home. How would I meet people? Where do I start? As it turns out, Brevard is an amazingly welcoming community. I've had the pleasure of meeting many incredible people who have offered suggestions, encouragement, and friendship. Shannon invited me to meet her for breakfast at one of our local favorites - The Sunrise Cafe. She shared with me that when she moved to Brevard, people in the community made her feel welcome, and feels led to pass that on. I intend to do the same because I can't tell you how great a feeling it is!
Shannon has the most precious little girl, Myrick. The two of them joined me for a waterfall adventure! Mommy and Me sessions are special and intimate. I strive to capture the bond you share with your little one, showcase their personality, and document the way you interact together. I made a flower crown for Myrick to wear with local flowers and greenery from my backyard. I made sure to include some fiddlehead ferns because a mountain girl deserves those in her flower crown!
BABY ALICE IS LOVED! | NEWBORN LIFESTYLE WITH TWIN SIBLINGS
Baby Alice was eleven days old the chilly spring morning that we met. She was determined to not miss a thing during our Newborn Lifestyle session together. Her bright eyes stayed open and I was able to capture some of her sweet little personality while she watched her brother and sister giggle and play close by. They absolutely ADORE her!
I met Alice's mom at East Carolina University and had not seen her in years. I was so excited to see her again and meet her beautiful family. Being welcomed into someone's home is always an extra special experience. Lifestyle sessions allow for natural moments to unfold in the comfort of your home, with dreamy natural light shining through the windows. After a little snack and some snuggles, Alice dozed off in her adorable nursery while I photographed her tiny features so her parents will have those memories forever.
INDUSTRIAL URBAN LOFT WEDDING WITH ELEGANT CHARM
One of my favorite things about second shooting a wedding is I have the opportunity to meet wonderful couples like Margo and Tim, that I may not have otherwise ever met. Second shooting for Siobhan Lorraine Photography is always a blast, and this gorgeous industrial urban loft wedding at the Cadillac Service Garage in Greensboro, North Carolina was no exception! For every piece of industrial character that makes up this weathered brick warehouse, there was a perfectly placed piece of greenery by Blooms and Thistle to compliment it. Everywhere you turn in this wedding venue gorgeous natural light filters in through huge skylights and tall front windows. The wedding party shared songs and laughs, prayers and tears, and a genuine consensus of gratitude that Margo and Tim were tying the knot. Thank you to Siobhan for inviting me to help you capture this winter wedding day!
Read moreLIAM MICHAEL | ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA BIRTH STORY
My FIRST birth story! Not only the first time I had the honor to photograph a birth story, but also my first time witnessing a baby being born into the world. My experience was nothing short of amazing. I met Jessica, the mother of baby Liam and talented photographer of Triple Crown Photography, a few weeks before her due date. Jessica was excited to have photographs of the birth to look back on the day and remember the anticipation, excitement, and love at first site meeting her son. I barely slept the night before Liam's birthday - it felt like Christmas and I was so excited to witness the birth, the emotions, and meet the sweet new baby. The day of the scheduled birth, I arrived at Mission Health in Asheville, North Carolina. Even though Liam had a set delivery time, the delivery was pushed back to make room for emergencies. At last the time came to put on scrubs and make our way to the operating room. Jessica's doctor, Dr. Jamie Ramsey, was fantastic at making everyone feel comfortable for a smooth delivery. I'm pretty sure I stopped breathing for a few moments and a smile was plastered to my face as Liam was delivered into the world. Waiting to hear his sweet cry, and then seeing the look on his parent's faces as Jessica, and husband, Mike, saw their son for the first time. I still get goose bumps just thinking about how special the moment was. Jessica kindly allowed me to share these photographs from Liam's birth. I can't wait for my next opportunity to witness another magical birth.
CHARLOTTE WEDDING | KRIS TAKES THE FIELD
While celebrating their five year anniversary in Charleston, Field surprised Kris with a proposal in one of the most beautiful gardens she had ever seen! Family traveled from far and wide to celebrate Kris and Field tying the knot. I had the privilege of photographing their winter wedding day in Charlotte, North Carolina. The rain didn't dampen anyone's spirits as a limo chauffeured the awesome wedding party from one location to the next to continue the celebration all throughout the day.
Elegant Ceremony: Myers Park Methodist Church
Brunch Reception: Charlotte Marriott Center City
Hair Stylist: Tammy Dalton
Makeup: Irina Foksha
Wedding Dress: Leaann Belter Bridal, Kenneth Winston Phoebe Veil from Ladies of Lineage
Champagne Toast: Sophia's Lounge
Beers and Cheers: The Broken Spoke
Wedding Invitation: Paper Source
DJ: Crackerjack DJ Productions
Wedding Planner: Ashley Green
Videographer: Katie Hodges
Second Photographer: Yessica Grace Photography
Florist: Mimi Eden Garden - Melissa Wilson
TWIG AND OLIVE IN THE DESERT
I pretty much floated back home on a cloud to North Carolina from my visit to Arizona! I soaked up desert sun and buckets full of knowledge that I can't wait to apply to my photography practice. From elevating my client's experience to technical camera tips, a 14 hour day spent with the photographers of Twig and Olive went by in the blink of an eye. Investing in education to continue to grow in my craft is a yearly goal that I set for myself. Having the North Carolina Arts & Science Council* choose to invest in this opportunity for me is truly an honor! North Carolina is home, and being able to bring back what I learned at the workshop and contribute to my community is one of my biggest takeaways.
Read moreDOUBLE THE LOVE WITH TWINS
I met Amber and Caleb at a Tree Farm when they were weeks away from welcoming their two little boys into the world. What a treat it was to be invited into their home and meet the boys when they turned six months old! They are identical but sported their own little individual personalities. They cuddled on the bed, showed me their precious nursery, and showed off their squishy rolls for the camera. I could hang out with these guys all day!
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN VIEWS | WINTER FAMILY HIKE
I had the pleasure of meeting at Andi at Hawkesdene when she photographed a wedding with me. I couldn't wait to see her again and meet her family! Her husband, precious little boy, and a new boy on the way, joined me for a short hike to a stunning view! They ignored the winter chill in the air as we laughed and explored, taking photographs along the way. It was a privilege to capture this special time for their growing family! I LOVE exploring my new area in Brevard, North Carolina. Having these stunning views mere miles from my backyard is such a blessing. Sometimes I have to pinch myself! I feel so fortunate to call these mountains home.
Read moreTWINE AND TWIG | A VERY THANKFUL FAMILY
I'm very THANKFUL that I had the opportunity to photograph the beautiful families of Twine and Twig again. Their impeccable style, incredible kindness, and the cutest kids ever make them a joy to photograph! Check out the awesome behind-the-scenes drone video on @twineandtwigstyle Instagram that they put together of our session. Tom Petty's "Wildflowers" is the perfect song pick for the time we spent frolicking through the field.
These are a few of my favorites!
Read moreASHEVILLE WEDDING | NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM
There are so many awesome wedding venues with stunning backdrops in Brevard, North Carolina and the surrounding areas here in Western North Carolina. One that I had been looking forward to photographing at is The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC! My first visit to The North Carolina Arboretum was a day filled with beauty, wonderful vendors, and a lovely couple! I had the privilege of second shooting for the talented Julia of Amore Vita Photography. We started our day traveling up a steep mountain road to a home with an incredible view to capture the bride and groom getting ready for their wedding day. The ladies stayed upstairs, and the men downstairs. Once everyone was ready and we arrived at the arboretum, we had just enough time for a first look between the bride and her father. These moments are so special and worth pausing for on a wedding day! After a sweet ceremony, the wedding celebration continued on a stunningly decorated grassy lawn, lit with strands of bistro lights, candle centerpieces, and the moonlit sky. The band was amazing! They had everyone on the dance floor dancing the night away. It is always a privilege to be able to help capture a wedding day for two people so in love, and even more so a pleasure when they are kind and grateful. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with - Julia and Mary Bell Events of Asheville.
Read moreMOUNTAIN TOP | FAMILY AT SUNSET
Exploring mountain tops and reuniting with friends are perks of my career that I do not take for granted. We waited for the perfect evening to meet at the mountain top summit. After exchanging hugs and meeting my friend's beautiful children, we shared laughs and took in the view. Aside from an awesome evening spent together, one of the things that I will hold close to my heart from this session is one sentence that my friend told me after receiving her gallery - "If for a second you ever second guess what you are doing, DON'T." I can't wait for my next mountain top adventure, and capturing memories for another beautiful family!
ON THE FARM | FAMILY AT SUNSET
This family session = when everything just falls into place perfectly! Thank you to Jenny, for finding the perfect location! We had a warm, sunny evening together, chasing down horses and twirling in the field at sunset. It was a pleasure to photograph your beautiful family!
HOLIDAY CHEER | FAMILY IN THE FOREST
Oh deer! Christmas is right around the corner and I'm excited to share my evening with this beautiful family.
I have LOVED receiving Christmas cards in the mail and seeing which pictures are chosen to adorn them. I have them all displayed in my office, and when I glance at them, they bring me back to the time we spent together.
We had a warm fall evening together, and Annie and Lacey looked like Christmas fairy princesses with their tutus twirling in the sunlight. Thank you for the opportunity to photography your family for holiday! Here are a few of my favorites.
OLD SALEM PAINTINGS | WINSTON - SALEM ARTIST, BILL EDWARDS
In March 2017, we strolled through the streets of Old Salem. He would point to the buildings that interested him, and I happily photographed them. He had a vision to create a calendar of Old Salem buildings. Fascinated by the history, array of colors, and mostly the challenge, 98 year old artist Bill Edwards had dreamed of putting together a calendar of his watercolor art. He explained to me that every true to life detail of the buildings needed to be represented in his paintings, with the only added liberty being to remove vehicles out of the background. This is to ensure that Old Salem is authentically represented in his work.
Born in Alabama in August 1919, Bill Edwards has story after story to share of his colorful life. With a special knack to grow anything, his picturesque art studio is nestled in his back yard garden, currently boasting blooms of a camellia named after him - The Japonica 'Bill Edwards' Camellia. Bill Edwards traveled the world aboard the USS Memphis Flagship of the Atlantic Fleet in World War II. Some of the many places that he visited surround him in beautiful paintings in this studio. Bill Edwards moved to Winston - Salem in 1957, and opened his art studio in Clemmons, NC in 1982. After chatting it up with my mother in the produce section of the grocery store, he has been welcomed into my family for Easter and Thanksgiving celebrations for many years.
I put together a gallery of photographs for Bill Edwards to choose from our day at Old Salem. He narrowed them down, and then had them transferred to slides. He then projected the images onto a screen, and began to sketch. Over one hundred hours went into the watercolor paintings for his calendar, and a countless number of foot taps as Bill Edwards loves to listen to jazz while he works. He even sang while I photographed him in his studio.
I'm proud to have played a small part in this beautiful masterpiece.
OLD EDWARDS INN WEDDING | BRITTANY AND DAN
Wow, Brittany and Dan's wedding was nothing short of spectacular! I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to photograph their beautiful, love filled day in the stunning Old Edwards Inn. A big thank you to the talented Siobhan Lorraine who invited me to second shoot for her, and to Jacquie and her team with Stunning and Brilliant Events who kept the day flowing seamlessly. There was so much beauty to take in at every turn. The backdrop of the Highlands, stunning floral art by Springvine Design, a short mountain view filled drive to The Chapel of Sky Valley, and the love of two awesome families joining together for an epic celebration. I spent my morning with Dan and his groomsmen. Dan's anticipation to see Brittany walk down the aisle warmed my heart. Having a front row seat to witness true love on such a special day will never get old. To Brittany's surprise, she was serenaded by a bagpiper upon exiting the ceremony! He continued to play for guests and welcomed everyone to the cocktail hour, while Siobhan, Brian of Brian Bunn Films, and I spent portrait time with the newlyweds as the sun was setting. After a mouthwatering plated dinner, guests flooded the dance floor to celebrate with each song trumping the one prior by Lucas the DJ. A pom pom exit filled with cheers concluded Brittany and Dan's awesome wedding day. I wish for them that the start of their new adventure as Mr. and Mrs. is a reflection of their wedding day - a heartfelt celebration.
SUNSET IN THE TREES | JENAE + FAMILY
I love that photography provides me with the opportunity to meet wonderful new people. This sweet family recently moved across the country. Everything came together perfectly for our sunset in the park. We had a beautiful evening with the sunlight shining through the trees. Jenae rocked her flower crown and showed me her favorite spots in the park. And how perfect is mom's dress twirling in the rays of light?
