Welcome to the world, sweet baby Connor!

   So you know that old song that third graders sing to each other? First comes love, then comes marriage... then comes a tiny little person who will take over your entire heart in the space of six seconds... Right?
  In this particular case, I've had the privilege of knowing Mary and Bryan since long before their happy marriage a few years ago. Check out their fun engagement shoot as well as their amazing wedding post from days gone by.
  But now, there is a new man in their lives. Little Connor is the sweetest little newborn baby. All wrinkly and precious. I adore him already. Thanks so much to both Bryan and Mary for showing me a tiny window into your happy little family. I wish you many other happy memories in many, many years to come. Love you all!
  Congrats to Mary, Bryan and Connor! Here are a few of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

Joseph and Jessica Tie the Knot!

   When I first met Joseph and Jessica, I knew I was in for a treat. You might remember them from the awesome NC State engagement session that they had a few months ago. I know I certainly do!
   After that great session, I knew their wedding was going to be a fantastic event. Absolutely nothing could dampen their spirits. Not rain, not switching venues, not anything! I must say that the wood floor of that gorgeous room at the beautiful Portofino made it perfect for a wedding with style. And the dance floor stayed dry, which made for a great night with the DJ spinning tunes that had everyone singing at the top of their lungs. What a great wedding!!
  Many thanks to the talented Joshua Craig who added his lens to the mix and grabbed some great photos. 
  Congrats to Joseph and Jessica! Here are a few of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

Jessica and Joseph are getting Married!

A few weekends ago, I had the great pleasure of combining a few of my favorite pastimes. Yes, indeed, I had the chance to be with two people who are obviously about to have a fantastic wedding... and I got to hang out on NC State's endlessly brick campus.

Now, not being a State alumni myself, I was following Jessica and Joseph around like a lost puppy, but I could not have had a better couple to trail behind. These two lovebirds are planning an amazing wedding this June and I can't wait to be a part of it. In the meantime, we'll all have to content ourselves with these sweet shots of their happy couple-dom. Here's to the bride and groom to be!!

  Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy...

Durham Easter 2013

In the fine city of Durham, Vintage Church puts on a fantastic celebration of Easter. It's one of my favorite events on the church calendar. Not only do we get to be outside in the sunshine, hanging out at the Durham Farmer's Market, loving on our fellow Durham-ites, but we get to have a great time ourselves.

Of course, there is some Jesus time thrown in, because it kinda makes sense to talk about Jesus at an Easter celebration, but mostly its just sunshine and joy.

Double points if you can figure out which two images are two sides of the same view. Hint: the one of yours truly is one of the two!

  Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy...

A Fishy Story at the Atlanta Aquarium

At times, it is important to take a break from behind the camera and enjoy some family time. Well, I'll be honest. I tried that. I managed 50%. I completely enjoyed my family time but couldn't break away from my lenses. My family is a family of simple joy. We think nature and science and history are cool and often take vacations that touch on one or more of these themes.
  Recently, we packed up the extended family and journeyed to Atlanta. While we were there, the Atlanta Aquarium called our name and we went to go swim with the fishes. Actually, we just watched other people swim with the fishes. In the deep blue, there are some really, really big fishes.
  Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy...

Eric & Whitney's Rocking Wedding!

   Eric and Whitney are two of my new favorite people. Both park rangers in the area, they met and fell in love while at the incredibly romantic getaway... of chainsaw training. Of course, their common love for the outdoors showed up all over their beautiful, winery wedding. Taking full advantage of the beautiful Rock of Ages winery north of Raleigh, Eric and Whitney became husband and wife in front of a glowing sunset, decorated their cake in sugar spun leaves and had butterflies adorning every flower.
   Following such a sweet ceremony, Whitney's sisters and friends were packing a surprise of their own. They concocted a wonderfully re-written version of Call Me Maybe (using park ranger and chainsaw lyrics, of course!) and sang it full volume... dressed in park ranger uniforms and sporting a chainsaw of their own. Let me tell you, this was one wedding for the record books. It was a beautiful ceremony and a kickin' party. I'm so glad I got to be a part of this!
  Many thanks to the talented Joshua Craig who added his lens to the mix and grabbed some great photos. 
  Congrats to Whitney and Eric! Here are a few of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

Hernandez family Rocks out!

   Who's that familiar face, you ask? Why, that's our favorite Michelle and Brian back with her awesome family. This time, not only do we get to re-meet sweet Easton, but we have Michelle's brother, AJ, and sister, Brooklyn, as well as awesome Mom.
  Hey hey, the gang's all here! This particular family togetherness is inspired by AJ coming home from the Marines. To celebrate, of course, Brooklyn came out rocking electric blue pants and Easton was cuteness embodied. Michelle just smiled and raised the bar with neon yellow shorts and a pink that was absolutely to tie to die for. What an awesome shoot! Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your family, if only for the evening. I had so much fun!
  Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy...

Aaron and Heather's Beautiful Mountain Wedding

   A few weeks ago, we had the chance to meet Heather and be absolutely wow-ed by her beautiful bridal photos. What an amazing bride! Remember those shoes!?
   When the big wedding day came, Heather and Aaron broke out all the stops. The ceremony was gorgeous and the party closed the venue down! It was epic as the wedding party slowly (and not so slowly) mobbed the band and took over the stage. Heather and Aaron are both Clemson grads and so the Tiger showed up and added his own striped magic dance moves to the floor.
   From the shoes to the flowers to the harpist to the secret garden hideaway, we were firing shutters on over drive to capture such an awesome day. Quick shout out to Aimie Burns who added her lens to the mix and grabbed some great photos.
  Here are a few of my favorites from the day. Enjoy!

Heather's Beautiful Bridal Session

We first met Heather a few years back when we were up to our eyeballs in the fantastic wedding of Tommy and Elizabeth. But even then, Heather stood out. From the photos below, you can see why!
Heather and Aaron tied the knot a few weeks back but before they could walk down that aisle, Heather took an afternoon and wow-ed us with her amazing bridal session. My favorite part are those shoes! Can you believe she decorated those bad boys herself?! Talk about DIY. I love it.
Quick shout out to Aimie Burns, who was the eye behind the camera on this particular afternoon. Didn't she do a great job?!
Take a look... here are a few of my favorites...

Emma turns three whole months!

Friends, bloggers, country men... let me introduce to you... the fabulous Emma.
Recently, I met up with my good friends   Molly and Ben to get better acquainted with their daughter, darling Emma. Honey, let me tell you, she is a diva waiting to happen.
I had the BEST time taking photographs of this little sweetheart on her third
"month-iversary." I love everything about how this turned out. I loved the hair bows, the feathers, smiles and the pearls!!
But best of all, I love the family together in these pictures, so laid back and so happy just to be taking it easy in the sunshine. Clear skies above and sweet smiles all around. Thanks again for letting me be a part of this day!

Take a look... here are a few of my favorites...

Newborn Ashlyn Makes Her Entrance!

Remember just last month? We went for a beautiful, blustery day in at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC with Leanna and Ben. They were such a precious family ... even with only two and a half of them there!!
   Well, allow me to welcome Ashlyn to the family, just in time for Easter! She is indeed a photogenic and darling little child. She loved all our soft blankets and she adored being wrapped up tight and warm. See if you can photo the shot where she really wanted to be warmer! She's so tiny that she made the perfect Easter bunny to celebrate the spring.  Too cute!
   Regardless, I had a great time playing with Ashlyn and I am so glad for the Kendall family as they start their new lives together.
  Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Durham Easter

  Spring has sprung! Which means that this weekend, we sponsor an afternoon of fond chaos for the city of Durham. That's right, Vintage 21 Church pulled out all the stops and shut down a block of Durham city streets to have an all out party.  Break out the bouncy houses and TEN THOUSAND EGGS!! Holy smokes, there were so many kids...
   We had so much fun. I hope it shows in these fun pictures.
  Enjoy!!!

Leanna and Ben - Ready for Baby...

 New babies are arguably some of the sweetest images you can take as a photographer. With Ben and Leanna, we decided to get a few pre-baby pictures and celebrate just how beautiful Leanna is with her "bean."
   Ben, Leanna and I got together at the scenic Duke Gardens in Durham, NC and wandered around in the fields and flowers and trees. We even found some bamboo to use as a backdrop!
   It was a gusty, blustery winter day and Ben and I were constantly throwing our coats around Leanna shoulders, while she spent her time convincing us that she was a happy incubator and quite warm without our help! I hope that helps you understand just how much fun it was to photograph these two!!
   I can't wait until their little girl makes her entrance in April. I'm sure she'll be as much fun as her parents and just as photogenic.
   In the mean time, here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Andy & Kate tie the knot!

  The year was Two Thousand and Eleven and Andy and Kate decided that our boring New Year's Eve plans needed a serious kick.  Their beautiful love bird wedding was just the ticket!!
  Andy and Kate are the kind of folks who do everything themselves and yet, when you see the final product, you think, "there's no way that's a do it yourself project." From the handmade sash on the bridal gown to the massive collection of classy love bird decorations to a stunning wedding cake, these two certainly raised the bar!
   Of course, there were a few professionals in the crowd. Mystique Salon and Day Spa provided an amazing array of gorgeous hairstyles and early morning conversation. Kim Poutre, owner of Special Event Beauty took time out of her busy schedule to handle flawless makeup. We also had Astro Entertainment banging out the beats for the crowd at the fantastically decorated reception hall. 
   However, I have to say that no matter how impressive wedding event, the actual wedding ceremony was the real specialty. These two love bird wrote a heartfelt message for each other to read in front of the crowd, and, let me tell you, they should both be in public speaking! The stories and the promises and words of devotion ... it was tough not to drip tears down the lens. A beautiful ceremony, a kickin' party and a wonderful couple starting a whole new life together.
  I'm getting misty again just thinking about the day! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your amazing wedding.
  Here are a few of my favorites. Congrats you two! Enjoy!
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Chad & Erin...Wine, Wedding and Joy!

   Chad and Erin have long been two of my favorite people. Erin and I have been friends since we both lived in Boone, NC and we killed time by traveling the parkway, our cameras in tow. After a while, getting lost among the mountains and leaves became our favorite pastime.
  Chad is the kind of guy who can fix anything you throw at him and he was certainly up for the challenge of fixing himself a permanent spot in Erin's life. We had a chance to showcase Chad's love of classic cars in their engagement session this spring and Chad broke out an epic Chevy truck as the gettaway car. Love it!

  Since both Erin and Chad love being outdoors, it's no wonder that they made a deal with the Powers that Be to grab themselves an absolutely beautiful autumn day to cap off their gloriously joyful wedding. Set in a picturesque vineyard against a magnificently blue sky, these two love birds tied the knot in front of family and friends. A sweet gazebo over head and love all around. I had a hard time seeing through the weepy- joy tears in order to snag some photographs.
  Of course, a sweet ceremony had to be paired with a kickin' party... and Erin and Chad brought down the house. From the firecrew to the bridesmaid brigade to the Shag dancers cuttin' a rug, everybody had a great time partying with Erin and Chad on their fantastic wedding day.
   I am so grateful I had a chance to be a part of such a joyful occasion. Truly, it was an honor.
  Here are a few of my favorites. Congrats you two! Enjoy!
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Taylor and Jenny's Hot Savannah Wedding

We first met Jenny and Taylor at Mary and Bryan's wedding last autumn. Jenny was a sweet bridesmaid to Mary but, when Taylor and Jenny tied the knot in Savannah, GA, Jenny made an amazing bride. And Taylor? Taylor was an absolute riot! Check that, Taylor IS an absolute riot. No doubt about that. Remember their engagement pictures?! Remember that hula hoop??
   Jenny and Taylor gathered all of their friends and family together in beautiful Savannah, GA where the Spanish moss makes for long lazy ribbons among the huge oak trees. Let me just say... a photographer could get carpal tunnel taking so many photographs down there!  Of course, since we got the chance to be there with Jenny and Taylor, we had even more to photograph!   
Jenny started her day with a trip to the salon with her girls, enjoying a relaxing moment at the hands of professionals at 40 Volume Salon. These ladies broke out all the stops and brought in catered shrimp and fruit for these bridesmaids.
    Taylor enjoyed his wedding day morning hanging with the boys and cruising around Savannah, GA in a bright blue trolley car. Very snazzy.
     When the big moment came, it was The Mansion right outside of Forsythe Park that really broke out all the stops. With art everywhere on all the walls and a beautifully draped garden tent and hanging chandelier, Taylor and Jenny had the perfect spot to tie the knot.
    Beyond the simple, sweet ceremony, Taylor and Jenny spent the rest of the night at a red hot party. "Reception" doesn't quite cover this shindig! With The Rubber Band mashing Motown and hip hop, the party rocked along all night long.
    It's tough to explain just how much fun it was to be at Taylor and Jenny's wedding. From the first beautiful view to the last power chord, it was an absolute blast and we were lucky enough to be around for the whole ride, snagging great shots all day. What a great way to spend a Saturday. Great people, great pictures, great fun!
  Here are a few of my favorites. Congrats you two! Enjoy!

Rob and Jamie Throw a Party

   Jamie and Rob are amazing people. I feel like I need to say that again so that you fully understand the rampant fun that goes on around them. Who else would celebrate their upcoming wedding with a backyard throw down?! We had roasting barbeque out on the huge metal drum grill. We had competing cornhole games. We had salsa with strawberries and cupcakes with Whiskey. It was ridiculously awesome.
   This party had all the relaxation of a hot summer evening and all the bottled crazy of a house party complete with a band. Did I mention the band?! Oh yeah, this happy couple were surprised with a band. A Durham specialty band called Bombadil. These guys were two parts folk, one part rock, and three parts quirky lyrics. I found myself chair dancing so much that it was hard to keep the camera still.
    I'm so glad I got to crash this party. Special thanks to Leslie who brought me a long as the other surprise of the night. Surprise! It's a photographer!
   Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy...
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Jon and Erica tie the knot in Lenior, NC

  You had a chance to meet Jon and Erica at their fabulous rehearsal dinner. I have to tell you, I'm a fan. Jon and Erica tied the knot on a beautiful afternoon in June underneath a clear blue sky. I'm sure glad they had such great weather, especially with an outdoor reception! Held in Lenoir, NC with family and friends all around, Jon and Erica were married at First Presbyterian Church. Yes, their reception was outside that afternoon. Hot weather, but nothing was hotter than Erica's fabulous white bridal sunglasses. Oh, I loved the Model T getaway car! Actually, I loved every second of this wedding... especially the pictures!
  Here are a few of my favorites. Congrats you two! Enjoy!
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