Personal: The Flurry of Fall!

Wow...I cannot believe I have disappeared off the blog for the past 18 days. It speaks volumes of just how busy we have been lately. I am super excited that fall is here- my favorite time of the year! Happy first day of fall today (at 11:09pm- please no one celebrate too early). So along with celebrating this season I am also busy working on a brand new website....sooo excited! I am hoping that it may launch in the next two weeks. I have been hunkered down editing for weeks now trying to get clients in the mail and images ready for the blog. Stay tuned many posts to come in the next two days! In the meantime please welcome with me a brand new logo and concept to Erin Sage Photography. Ok so it's not that drastic from the first- but I do love it! The talented Jessica Masanotti with Ugly Spots Studio tweaked her initial logo design for me and I heart it! It's more weddings specific since that is truly what we specialize in! Don't worry it doesn't mean that you cannot still book family, baby, senior sessions! More posts to come soon!

E Session: Austin & April. Hendersonville, NC

Austin and April were I guess what you would call a "guaranteed fun shoot". They are thoughtful, spontaneous, and so in love. Making my job a dream of course! This sweet couple met over four years ago through mutual friends. Both are intensely witty and fun to be around- I don't imagine it took long to realize that they were an excellent match. Austin is a writer. I check out his daily blog thoughts here when I find the time. He also published a book called High Points and Lows. Life, Faith, and Figuring it all Out.  If you haven't read his books you may just perhaps recognize him from his time on the show Survivor...although he's pretty humble and probably wouldn't tell you so! I must point out though his love and talent for writing came way before his time on the hit tv show. I'm excited for what's ahead for Austin because marriage could in fact be his greatest muse! There is so much about life that you learn through marriage- and I know April will love and inspire him well. April grew up in my hometown. She is down to earth, genuine, and true. She loves to laugh and has a fabulous way of sharing her gift of humor with others. The big day is actually just a few weeks away! It is going to be a beautiful ceremony at Pretty Place and the reception is sure to be filled with fabulous food at Hubba Hubba. Wait until you see this place! It is going to be awesome! For their e-session we started downtown before heading to the site where their reception will be held and finishing at the beautiful Carl Sandburg Home.  I couldn't help but include one of the furry friend we met there! Enjoy some of my favorites! 

Family Time: The Herbert's. Kiawah Island, SC

So the Herebert's found me through a series of people...funny how life works that way. First, their family nanny Shelley (sweet sweet bride that was my first wedding to photograph!) recommended me, and then Jamie's brother Blair booked me for their wedding. I was super excited to shoot Vera and Jamie's adorable family out on Kiawah Island. Vera really wanted images that showed James and Jaquelyn's personalities. That was not hard to do! Oh some of their sweet expressions just make me smile. It was a little glimpse of that child-like joy! Enjoy a sneak peak at some of my favorites!

  

I Do. Dave & Nikki. Palmer, Alaska

Yes that's right Alaska you didn't read that wrong. Lucky me not only had the most wonderful friend through all of college but she was from a really cool place! Oh I am not even sure where to being this post. Nikki is more than a best friend- she is family. She is contagiously caring, fun-loving, and her laughter seriously consumes a room. If I am with Nikki I am laughing- it is truly impossible not to. I laughed editing these images because Nikki's expressions were endless! ha! Just when I thought I had seem them all she pulled a new one. Awesome. That is what I love about her. So yes- this sweet and awesome young woman and I am flying ten hours on a plane to meet the man she is going to spend the rest of her life with. Let me be honest- I am protective- they didn't call me "Mama E" in college for nothing- so I am a bit anxious to meet Dave. Dave is rock steady. He makes Nikki laugh and brings her joy, but he grounds her too. The moment that won my heart though was when Nikki walked down the aisle. Dave looked like he had just won the lottery...as if this was all he could have asked for...he was complete. I have so enjoyed sorting these images and just witnessing the love and contentment of these two. Now it wasn't all work and no play. I was very fortunate that Nikki wanted me to be able to also enjoy her special day, and so she flew Melissa and her husband Graham out to shoot the reception. As I knew they would, Mel and Graham captured some unbelievable images of the party. I love the preppy Southern influence weaved into this Alaska wedding. Nikki truly thought through some amazing details that were so much fun to photograph! Here's the sneak peak! It's kind of a long post so get comfortable sit back and enjoy!

Cheers,

Mel, Erin & Graham

Fun Bride Ideas: 

Do it yourself Paper Poms for the reception site. Martha Stewart's guide on how to make them here

Ribbon as a table runner

Glass mason jars for drinks (two for one when you make them the wedding favor!)

Babies breath wreaths and garland...you won't look at this flower the same!

Loved the J Crew Bridesmaids Dresses (Nikki's dress- Tara Keely)