Newborn: Cole

For being a month old Cole is still such a tiny little guy! He was born about two weeks early, so he has a lot of catching up to do. His mom and dad had told me that he is normally a fairly sleepy little one, but of course for our shoot he was wide awake almost the whole time! He caught a few five minute naps in there as only newborns can. He endured almost an hour and a half of photos so I have to give him a lot of credit. Here are a few of my favorites from our session. Enjoy!

The many sleepy faces of Cole.

I really love thise shot. Kim is super photogenic, and her expression so content.

This is one of my favorites. Such a sweet family!

 My favorite. I don't remember moving his little finger...I guess he just wanted to be a part of the love!

I Do: Jason and Ruth

I don't even know where to begin with this post...I just have so very much I could say. I smiled so much shooting Jason and Ruth's wedding that my cheeks hurt at the end of the night. It was an experience that I can honestly say I am grateful to have been a part of. I know that both Brook and Melissa who shot the wedding with me feel the exact same way. I have to say, going into the day, I knew it would not be a "normal" American style wedding. Ruth was born and raised in Nigeria before coming to the United States with her parents who are missionaries. The whole day was such an experience for me...a true glimpse into someone else's world...I just loved it. From the food to the music and the culture I was just soaking it in. Did I mention I had fun?! ha.  Ruth Gado met her husband Jason Coleman in Philly where they are both musicians. Jason was of course born and raised in the United States so he had a lot of learning to do when it came to Nigerian customs! After meeting up for their engagement session a few months ago I knew that their wedding day would be a blast. They are just completely in love and that makes my job a breeze! Enjoy some of my favorites from their Irmo, SC wedding. It was really hard for me to narrow it down!     

     

   

This is one of my favorites!!! love!

 Ruth was so easy to capture. She looked stunning! It's so hard to choose just a few!

 Precious. Look at those eyes!

  I love these shots. Seeing the bride and grooms reaction to seeing one another is probably my favorite part of the whole day.

Both fathers prayed for the couple during the ceremony...so powerful.  

Pronouncing the marriage- they did it!  

Love the vibrant dresses. In Nigeria every family essentially has their own pattern. So it was really easy to tell who was related at the reception! 

 Speechless. They are such a beautiful couple.

  

 

 The dancing was awesome. I want a soundtrack of Nigerian music. It was so much fun. You can see Melissa shooting in the background below. Notice the smile on her face...I am telling you it was a good time!

 A Nigerian wedding custom. The money represents their offering to the new couple starting their lives together.

They did it!!!! Love it.   

Growing Up: Riley Ann

Riley Ann turns one in about a week. I know her mom and dad can hardly believe it's been a year. Mike and Brittany live in Atlanta, but traveled up to Charlotte for their shoot. It was the hottest day on record in Charlotte. We were dripping in sweat! Amazingly I don't think their photos show it! We finished the shoot with a "smash cake" for Riley Ann. She wasn't quite sure about the cake at first. She would look up at her mom and dad almost as if she was saying "is this really okay- you're not going to stop me?!". In the end she was completely covered in hot pink icing. Love it. Enjoy some of my favorites!

Riley Ann is so precious! Such a happy baby! I love her blue eyes.  

 

 

 

 

Can you tell that they are a super fun family? Brittany is always laughing which is awesome.  

 

 

 

Probably one of my very favorites right here. She almost looks remorseful...kind of like we all do after stuffing ourselves with cake!

Personal: I'm Back!!!

Yes I know...it's been quite a few weeks since I have updated the blog. With good reason though as I was off celebrating my one year anniversary with my sweet hubby. Now I am back and have my nose to the grindstone trying to catch up!!! Matt and I spent a week in Northern California enjoying cities like San Francisco, Monterey, and Healdsburg. We planned our trip to see a little of the city, a little of the shoreline, and a little but of wine country. It was perfect. We had so much fun together. We both love to travel and see new things so it was great to enjoy this adventure together.  Enjoy some of the sights of NorCal....more client postings to come later today!!!!

     

This was our first stop on the trip...Alcatraz Island. I know I know- nothing says romance quite like an old high security penitentiary. It really was cool though. Above is the photo of the old wardens house and tower.

Below is the view of the city from the Island.    

This is the section of the prison they called "Broadway". When inmates first entered the prison they were walked down this row of cells. The cell blocks were so tiny! This prison once held Al Capone and "the Birdman" just to name a few.  

I know...only people in the South photograph their food. I couldn't help myself- this was one of my favorite things. Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. Yum!

 Sea Lions everywhere! I thought these guys were so cool!

Then we left San Francisco and hit the road to Monterey. This was a lookout spot on the Highway 1 drive. Notice the fog? This would be a theme for the entire trip!

 

 Monterey by night. My sweet and oh so patient husband is standing behind me while I wait for the wave to crash in just the right way for my photo. Thank goodness he understands me and my love for photography!

 Me and my beloved :)

 Our gorgeous hotel in Monterey had a beautiful view from our balcony. On Saturday there was a wedding right below us...I couldn't help myself I took a few shots.

Sunset our final night in Monterey...now on to wine country.

Healdsburg...in Sonoma county...breathtaking.

 The famous Redwood Forest on our drive back to San Francisco.

Back in SF. Bet you can guess what this is.

 Ok all you children of the 80's sing with me..."When you're out there and you're all alone....a light is waiting to carry you home."  Recognize this row of famous houses? The Full House house!

 

 The Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park. This was one of my favorite places.

That's it for now....back to editing! Thank you to all of my clients for waiting on your photos...they're headed your way!