David + Rachel

A short time ago, I received a call from a soon-to-be bride.  There was worry in her voice.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, Rachel needed a photographer for both bridals and wedding photos.  Luckily, I was able to step in and help with both. For bridals, we met at Hatcher Farms on, what literally must have been, one of the hottest day of the year.  Temps topped out at 98 degrees that day.  Amazingly, Rachel never once complained.  In full makeup and a gorgeous long dress, she smiled the entire session without complaint or sweat!!! I was both amazed and delighted to work with such a lovely person.

Rachel and David met through a mutual friend when they were quite young.  Quickly, they were inseparable, and a storybook romance began to unfold. Despite attending different high schools and colleges, the two maintained a long term relationship and became engaged in Charleston, SC on July 19, 2014.  Eight years from their first date, the David and Rachel were married with their families and friends present.  They look forward to growing old together, and I wish them every blessing as they begin their life as husband and wife.  xoxo

No two love stories are the same, and the more weddings I photograph, the more I realize how very special true love is. Some would say this union of souls touched me greatly because I held John Ben as a baby, or because my children call his mother(my aunt)"Nonnie" with the warmest of affections, or because it took place on soil imprinted by my childhood footsteps. I would argue that this marriage would have brought me to tears if I had met John and Andrea only moments before their ceremony.  There is something special in the way they look at one another.  The air is sweeter in their presence, and they have the most gentle loving son one could imagine.

Their story began long ago with pigtail pulling and games of playground chase. Life has a funny way of turning full circle, and second chances are a beautiful thing. There are simply no words to convey how a single day, one long-awaited moment, one promise can touch so many lives in such wondrous ways.  On May.31.2014 a lucky man married the love of his life, that grown up little girl married her prince, parents gained a son and a daughter, many were blessed with an extended family, and Gage, the most amazing 10 year old I know, got his forever dad and graced us all with a reminder of what is truly important in life. There was not a dry eye to be found as his love for family and friends poured from his heart in, what is quite possibly, the best wedding speech I've ever heard.

I hope you enjoy this peek into their fairy tale day. It was simply lovely.

Erin & Cameron Tie the Knot

This wedding was the perfect combination of styled vintage and rustic simplicity.  Every detail was carefully planned, and The Garden Cafe in Rock Hill, SC provided a relaxed venue that complimented the couple's loving easy nature.  I have been fortunate enough to work with Erin and Cameron from engagement to wedding, and look forward to posting Erin's stunning bridal portraits here as well.  From beginning to end, the day was wrapped in a sweetness that warmed the heart...

I was terribly excited when I got the call to book Erin and Cameron's engagement session.  We shall not linger on how I met Cameron (some 16 or so years ago at J. Paul Beam Elementary) since it makes me feel a bit like the old tractor you will see in a few of these pictures.  I did not know his precious fiance', Erin, but her sweet spirit drew me to her instantly upon our meeting.  She is an absolute beauty, inside and out. These two are destined to have the sweetest life! Their connection is palpable.  Stay awhile and see for yourself.  I hope you enjoy this little peek into an amazingly fun and effortless session. Thanks for trusting me to capture this unforgettable time and for allowing me to share your images. Wishing you every blessing and happiness now and always.

As the evening wore on, the silly factor ran pretty high.  The images you see below are a progression of the evening.  Thanks, Andrea, for allowing me to spend a couple hours with your delightful kiddos! What proud parents you and Kirk must be!  Enjoy :-)

When this precious little one's mom called to schedule her maternity session, I was more than delighted.  After having photographed this sweet family several times, I was excited to be a part of the journey as they expanded their already lively household.  Lindsay is always quick to give a compliment concerning my photography, but it really should be the other way around.  Whenever she and her family are in front of my camera, the love they share shines in every image. Beautiful images never fail to arise from every session.  Little miss Tenley's newborn session was certainly no exception, and I am delighted to share their images.  Thanks, Blanton family, for allowing me to capture such a special time in your lives. It is moments like these that make me ever so thankful to do what I do! Sit back and prepare to smile as you take a peek into pure sweetness...

Funny how time passes without us really having much concept of just how quickly moments come and go.  It seems like just yesterday I was riding to school in my mom's Chevy Monte Carlo when she told me my aunt, Melissa, was going to have another baby.  I was elated then to hear such joyful news, and I am elated now knowing that sweet little girl will soon be holding an angel of her very own.

Though we started this session two weeks ago, the rainy conditions prevented us from capturing the type of images I was after.  When we hooked up again on Friday, the late evening sun offered the perfect golden blanket of haze.  My aunt and uncle's farm, with its utopian feel, provided the sublime setting. As children, we romped about this land on countless occasions, blanketed by our parents laughter drifting on a sweet summer breeze.  Shooting there always gives me an easy feeling, and I hope it shows in these photos. Congratulations, Callie and Monty! Your love for one another shines in every image. I wish you only happiness as you embark on this new phase of your life. May little Gatlin bring you all the joys and wonder you deserve.  Love you guys!

Goodenough Boutique

Pettit rompers, leggins, custom designed headband and hairbow all provided by Goodenough Boutique.  Here is Elizabeth's FB link if you are interested in a one of a kind headband for your little one's session.  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Goodenough-Boutique/113475252061212

By Hand Chicks

Here, Adorable Miss "E" is wearing a custom creation made just for her.  The matching scarf and hat are the work of By Hand Chics out of Greenville, SC.  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/By-Hand-Chic-by-the-By-Hand-Chicks/273638242678064.  Check out their FB page if you have a chance.