I love referrals--it is so fun to have clients that refer me onto their friends--last year, Jennifer and Stephen got married, and I had the privilege of being their wedding photographer.  This year, their friends, Jackie and Kevin, were married exactly one year later.  They had a perfect Saturday evening, outdoor wedding in Charlotte, NC!  The setting was beautiful along with a fabulous sunset--a photographer's dream :)  Jackie is one of the sweetest people I have EVER met--she loves to hug and it was priceless watching her compliment each guest as they came through the receiving line.  Kevin and Jackie had a ceremony and reception truly focused on their love for one another and celebrating the beginning of their marriage.  Jackie and Kevin...it was a joy to be part of your day--thank you for having us capture your precious wedding moments!

At the beginning of August, Nathan and I were able to travel to Boston for just a few days!  I have always wanted to go to Boston, and it definitely did not disappoint.  The surroundings are clean and beautiful in the midst of a busy city-life...I really enjoyed it a lot!  There is the age-old debate of...do we take the "big" camera or just our point-and-shoot?  Well, we took the D700 and the point-and-shoot, so we could enjoy the "big" camera for some of our own memories---there were several times, we didn't carry it around, but here are some of the shots that we captured while in Boston--you could say we did a quick "college tour"--we walked around Boston University and Harvard (see the pearly gates of Harvard below).

Blake is one of my brothers, and I really, really cannot believe he is in his Senior year of high school!  When I was 9 years old, I found out that I was going to have a baby brother---needless to say, I am a bit of a mother hen!  Over the years, I have found myself playing lots of different roles in Blake's life--from sister to friend to counselor to cheerleader--it is amazing to be able to remember my brother from the day he was born and to now watch him take steps into the next stage of his life.  Another crazy thing is seeing my brother on the other side of my camera!  As much as he would not want to admit it, I think he had "fun" taking his Senior portraits--especially as the Amtrak train raced behind him.  Blake--we wish you all the best as you get through your Senior year and begin the college application process!  We love you and always want the BEST for you :)

Andrew is just beginning his Senior year at Cary Academy, and he was a champ getting his Senior portraits taken outside in the H.O.T. weather!  Andrew is my husband's youngest cousin, and we cannot believe that he is almost off to college...with seven total cousins in his family, we have had lots of graduation celebrations over the past few years between high school and college...it is hard to believe that they are slowing down!  Andrew--we are all so proud of you, and we cannot wait to see where you go to college and what you end up doing--you are so talented, and we know that you are going to be great at anything you choose to do!  Best wishes in your Senior year and as you fill out all of those college applications :)

Last winter, I had the privilege of photographing Nick for his Senior Portraits.  Before Nick left for college, his mother, Debi, called to set up a family photo session.  Debi, Woody, Nick, Jenna, and Nathan were so much fun the photograph!  Between Nick and Nathan tickling Jenna and the whole family making funny faces to get one another smiling, we had a great time together.  The Sprouse family is such a genuine family, and it is so evident in the relationships they have with one another along with them simply being a joy to be around.  Thank you all for having me photograph your family!

This year, I had the privilege of taking Senior Portraits for some 2010 Seniors that are now off to college!  All of these Seniors have a bright future ahead of them, and it was a joy to work with each one of them.  Best wishes to you all as you embark on this next step of your journey!  They will be attending the following colleges and universities: Ali will attend Meredith College (my alma mater); Joel will attend High Point University; Alyson will attend Appalachian State University; and Nick will attend Mars Hill College.

In January, I was honored to photograph Susanne and Carlos' wedding in Richmond, VA.  We planned to do a "Trash the Dress" session the day after their wedding, but they went on their way to their honeymoon...plus, it was too cold for mixing water, a bride, and her wedding dress.  At the end of July, the water was a perfect answer to a HOT Sunday morning!  This was my first "Trash the Dress" session, and Susanne was awesome...it really is fun to not have to worry about the dress getting dirty, wrinkled, etc. like we tend to do during the bridal sessions :)

Trisha and Collin were married on quite possibly on of the HOTTEST days of the summer this year...July 24th!  Their wedding was at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and their reception was at the Tuckahoe Women's Club in Richmond, VA.  Even though it was h.o.t, they held up along with their bridal party throughout the day to have a fabulous celebration.  Trisha was a reader in Susanne and Carlos' wedding that I shot in January, and I was thrilled when she asked me to be their photographer too!  She is just such a sweetheart and wanted to get lots of photographs of her and Collin, which is music to my ears---she gave us lots of time to get those shots, which was awesome!  Congratulations, Trisha and Collin!

Bryan and Susanna's love for each other just shines as they look and smile at one another all the time!  With their ceremony at Edenton Street United Methodist Church and their reception at the NC Museum of History, it was such a sweet time of celebration with their family and friends, and I was honored to be a part of their day.  I just loved how Susanna did things the way that she envisioned them and not just because that's how things are at a wedding---she focused on making their wedding day their wedding day.  From walking to their reception to having a first look to leaving in a rickshaw, there were many things that personalized their sweet celebration!  Congrats you two and many, many happy years!

Sawyer had a fabulous Curious George 1st birthday surrounded by his loving family and friends at Lake Wheeler Park!  His sister, Addison, was there to make sure that he enjoyed the important events of a 1st birthday...cake smashing, playing, and opening presents!  It was so fun to be around this group as they celebrated Sawyer's 1st birthday and loved watching his every move :)  A special guest was Sawyer's great grandmother, who was also celebrating her birthday--it's so special that they share the same birthday...83 years apart.  Happy 1st Birthday, Sawyer!  Can't wait to shoot your buddy, Luke's 1st birthday in November!