E Session: Sam & Rachel

The morning of Sam and Rachel's e-session was absolutely perfect. The sun shining, a warm breeze would occasionally blow in, and we had a few quiet and very rare moments at Boone Hall before the rush of tourists came tumbling in. This couple is especially close to my heart as Sam and my husband are best buds. Sam stood by Matt when he said "I do" and he has continued to edify and support Matt in our marriage. Sam is just the kind of guy every Dad should want to marry his daughter. He is intensely loyal, strong yet very sensitive, loves God with all his being, and is the most gentle giant you will meet. Oh- did I mention he is an NFL running back? yeah that too. Sam has been searching for his perfect mate and without a doubt he has found her. Rachel just exudes life. There are a handful of women I have met in my life that contain this quality- the ones you meet that just seem to glow a little bit brighter than everyone else? Rachel comes from a big family and therefore by nature she's pretty easy going. She loves all things that pertain to the outdoors and marvels at creation. Sam and Rachel got engaged just a few weeks ago in Sam's home country of Nigeria. After a full day of spending time with little ones at one of the orphanages there Sam popped the question. Rachel said yes to a lot of things that day. Yes to Sam first and fore most, and yes to whatever crazy journey lies ahead...from life on the road with the NFL to medical school when the day comes that Sam returns to school, and finally yes to return to Nigeria one day with Sam to serve the needs of his people. Yes- it really is pretty awesome. I cannot wait to see how God uses this couple- it's going to be amazing. So here are a few of my favorites from their e-session. Sam and Rachel are waiting until the alter to kiss- so they stretched me as a photographer as I couldn't say "ok kiss her now" and had to come up with other options! Best wishes you two...I cannot wait to watch you say "I Do" in July.

We will start with one of my favorites!

oh my goodness- love love love this one...                                                                                                                                                        So this is certainly not a "typical pose" for me...but come on Sam is in the NFL...who else could do this?    love   and my last two favs...                                                                    

I Do: Charlie & Margaret. Beaufort, SC

This wedding just took my breath away. Beautiful scenery, beautiful people, and fun...lots of fun. Margaret and Charlie have this contagious excitement about life and love. They just look at each other with a glance where you know they don't see anyone but each other...like the whole world is standing still for that moment. Oh how we love shooting love! Melissa and I were both clearly in photo paradise capturing almost more than we know what to do with! I have to also say a big thanks to Ashley at Ashley Rhodes Events for yet another stunning affair! So let's start with a brief history (the whole story could be an entire blog post!)... Margaret and Charlie met in London, where they both live. Charlie is a soldier in the Welsh guard, and Margaret's uncle had met him overseas during the war in Afghanistan and was sure he would be a good match for Margaret. I think he was right. Margaret was immediately smitten by this decorated war hero with a witty sense of humor and British accent. Of course one look at Margaret and it is easy to know that Charlie was likely left speechless by this gorgeous southern belle who shared many of his same interests. It didn't take long for them both to know they had found "the one". So a Beaufort wedding was planned for April in Margaret's hometown at a perfectly southern historic home on the waterfront. It was stunning.  It was hard for Mel and I to narrow these down...so perhaps grab a cup of tea (for all of you viewers across the pond) and enjoy this beautiful southern backyard soiree.  These are some of our favorites from the big day!

We will start with a few of the many details... 

   a        This image Mel took absolutely takes my breath away...I love it!      It's a British tradition for the guys to have a brunch before the ceremony all dressed in their best. I love all the colors!                  A southern gospel choir singing praises as guests entered the church...chill bumps...really it was amazing.                                                     The first look...I mean really does it not just melt your heart     Love love love this shot by Mel!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The details at the reception were gorgeous. It was southern cuisine with British accents. Leeks were used everywhere as they are symbolic of the Welsh Guards.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Did I mention the band was amazing? The Swinging Medallions had the dance floor packed all night!          I loved this idea of a door hanger for guests to take with them as they left! 

  

Leaving on bikes! What a great idea! >  

Miss College of Charleston. Charleston, SC

I am finally getting around to blogging my session with Meagan after going away on vacation and rushing feverishly to catch back up! I had so so much fun on Meagan's shoot. I guess i should start with what many of you may not know about me...that back in the day I competed for Miss South Carolina. So you could really call this shoot a blast from my past. Meagan is Miss College of Charleston, and will be competing at the state level in July. I really think she has what it takes to do very well. Meagan is smart, thoughtful, and so sincere. I love meeting girls who defy the "pageant stereotype". Meagan is one of those girls. Just as all-American as they come and really does want to use the platform of the Miss America program to make a difference. Regardless of where life takes her I know that success is in this young woman's future.  Here are some of my favorite images from the session!

Family Time: The Crider's

I knew I was in for a treat photographing the Crider's when they first walked up and Carson literally had a smile that stretched from ear to ear! I mean this little guy is all boy, and life moves at about a mile a minute with him! I know he has his Mom and Dad always laughing! Kelly and John David are expecting another little one any day now and they wanted a couple pregnancy shots to remember this time in life. We had a blast just playing on the beach! Enjoy some of my favorites!