Inspired By The Best

I am frequently asked how it is that I came to be a photographer and I thought I'd take a moment to share with you not so much how, but why!

My Father was an avid photographer and he loved shooting film reels and stills. I was a small girl when he would come home on leave and bring with him reel footage and still photographs from the his post in Vietnam. Many of the photographs I was not allowed to view until I was much older. It was from his perspective of the images he thought worth recording, that I developed a love of photojournalism.

My Grandparents saved every Time, Life and National Geographic magazine that was ever delivered to their home. So, it was in my teenage years while staying summers with them that I had the incredible opportunity to view some of the most inspiring black and white photographs ever taken: from war correspondence to celebrity profiles. For the photographers shooting for these magazines at the time, everything was ground breaking and I wondered what would be left for me to shoot?

And it was by watching my young and beautiful mother that I developed the love of portraiture. Not only would I watch my Father, try to capture her radiant smile but I would watch her read magazines filled with the most beautiful women of the time; women like Elizabeth Taylor and Katharine Hepburn. I would study the light even then to see how it effected the image and what their expressions might mean. I watched her dress and up do her bee hive and I would wonder, could I take a picture that would capture my Mother's beauty like those in the magazine?

So I came by the love of this medium, honestly. It was instilled in me a little at a time. It came from the classic portraits of the 40's and 50's and the documentary evidence of the destruction of war. When I look back, my life is a still Poloroid, a wrinkled black and white, a shiny 8x10 glossy, a crisp magazine page, an Ansel Adams' calendar from the feed store, an Elvis album cover and picture post card from Yosemite National Park.

Photograph taken by my Father of my Mother in Germany, 1963

Designers for the coming 2012 season are having fun playing with the cut and style of the season's hottest wedding gowns and bridesmaid's dresses. New for the coming year, we will see a mix of low cut necklines, lunging backs, high cut slits and cap sleeves: some of which we have not seen in more then a decade. Granted it may take more then a few months for some of the latest trends to hit Charlotte's bridal boutiques but many brides are choosing to head out of state to find their wedding gowns. With the popularity of television shows such as TLC's Say YesTo The Dress, many local bride's find themselves browsing Atlanta's couture shops for the latest styles and fashions.

Color will continue to play an important role in bridesmaid's dresses for the coming season. Jewel toned dresses will remain in fashion because of their suitability to bring not only style but also brilliant colors to the wedding palette. Below the knee dresses with a full skirt will be a hot trend in the 2012 wedding season. Locally you can check out New York Bride and Groom for contemporary styles.

Romantic Garden Wedding

A quiet garden setting was the perfect place for Jessica and Travis' wedding on October 2, 2011. They were married at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont, NC. It was one of those beautiful, autumn afternoons before the leaves have turned and it couldn't have been more lovely. As the sun was setting, Jessica and Travis said their vows and held each others hands. The warmth and love of their family embraced them throughout the day and this quiet garden setting exploded into a place of laughter and fun during the family picture taking. This wedding was very romantic and I was so excited to share some of my favorites from the day.

Don't Worry Be Happy

Don't let the watch fool you! Its actually an hour behind! That is why I fell in love with this laid back couple. From the start, Crystal and Brian had a simple, care free attitude toward their wedding and the planning of it. I didn't even talk with them til the week of the wedding when I emailed for an itinerary. Crystal told me they didn't really have one and that they were just gonna sorta wing it! You gotta know I don't hear that every day! But that day, everything went off without a hitch and it was beautiful! In the end, this was one of the most fun weddings of our year and one I won't soon forget!

Young and In Love

Alicia and Patrick married in Morganton, NC on June 11, 2011 and though they may be young, they are truly in love. Their wedding day was an expression of the love they share with one another but also their love of church and family. During the ceremony, Alicia sang and Patrick sang and played the guitar. They sang a beautiful song of praise and I was over whelmed with emotion. This young couple, together will be a mighty force. Their photographs show that expression of love and I am happy to be able to share them with you.

Love and Service to Our Country

What an utterly fantastic wedding...Jennifer and Daniel were wed on July 2, 2011 and it was absolutely incredible. To begin their families were so completely endearing, especially Daniel's Grandfather who was quite a funny gentleman. Jennifer's Mom who just made us feel completely welcome was a delight to work with and made every aspect of the day come together seamlessly. Daniel and Jennifer are a wonderful couple and I am glad to say I feel more like a friend then a vendor. I wish them so much happiness and a heartfelt THANK YOU!

Big Love in the Lone Star State

I simply had a blast in Texas at Courtney and Michael's wedding June 17, 2011. They are an awesome couple and their friends were so much fun. I laughed harder then I have in a long time. Watching this family come together at the rehearsal dinner and preparing the reception hall, made it very clear they are loved by family and friends. And....I loved the two stepping...nice change from the Shag!

That Traditional Big Church Wedding

Stacey and Christopher had their traditional big church wedding on April 30, 2011 in beautiful Concord, NC. Stacey has one of those smiles that just warms your heart and Chris, well Chris is handsome and funny. They made a fantastic looking couple. Their wedding was big but it had all the charm and appeal of a down home good time. Their families were so welcoming to us and the groom's cake.....spectacular!