Blaire and Bucky had a beautiful ceremony at Dennis Vineyards recently. We scheduled her bridal portraits in the spring when the tulips were in bloom. I am in love with her pink heels! Here are a few from her bridal session:
Blaire’s bridal portraits
Ashley Lake Norman senior pictures
I have had a ton of blog traffic this month! I have a gazillion weddings, engagements, and bridals to blog but I’m swamped with wedding season right now so the blog is being neglected. I’m trying to update the blog every Friday during the summer so keep checking back! For now, here are a few favorites from Ashley’s senior portrait session in April- isn’t she stunning!?
Renli’s baby announcements
I have worked with Matt and Ashley a few times over the past year. They have the most adorable family! We schedule the portrait sessions in their home so it’s convenient for them and it allows the kids to be themselves. I haven’t met a kid yet who was thrilled about spending time in the studio! It doesn’t matter how many toys I drag out during a studio session, they are just more relaxed and happy in their own environment. I couldn’t believe it when Ashley told me that she was expecting another little one…how freakin’ precious is Renli?! We worked through a few baby announcement designs. This one ended up being the favorite. I was so excited when I opened my mailbox to find one of my own. =)
These were printed on linen paper. It has a textured look and feel:
- Fabulous baby portraits. Nice work!
Turks Caicos vacation
In April we went to Turks Caicos with our neighbors, Clay and Jen. We stayed at the Somerset Resort on Grace Bay. The resort was very peaceful compared to other places we’ve stayed in the Caribbean…it was almost like we had the entire place to ourselves! For the most part we just relaxed on the beach.
The only activity we scheduled was a snorkel and conch dive excursion. The water was so rough that most of us ended up seasick! Jen and I finally worked up the nerve to jump into the choppy water with our snorkel gear on…only to hear the guide yell, “Shark! Over here everybody!”
Jen and I paused and looked at each other. We had the same idea. We raced back to the boat as fast as we could! The tide was so strong that no matter how hard we swam, we were barely moving. It was such a relief to finally catch up to the boat. Chad, on the other hand, sped over to where the shark was. He is definitely the risk-taker in our relationship! =)
Another day, we took our rental car to a well-hidden resort called Amaranya, where rooms and villas range from $1,200 to $17,000 a night. As we followed the dirt road, we began to imagine scenes from movies like Turistas and Hostel. There was no sign of life anywhere. We didn’t even pass other vehicles. None of us had a cell phone. Chad reassured us that he knew where he was going. Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, we reached a guard station. Chad’s charm is hard to resist…the guard allowed us to pass through to take a look at the property. It was pretty amazing!
In the past few years, we have been to the Bahamas, Aruba, Grand Cayman, and Turks Caicos. Of them all, I would only return to Aruba. It was definitely my favorite! Clay and Jen vacationed with us in Aruba a few years ago. They plan to return at some point. Chad’s favorite Caribbean destination is St. Thomas. I’m hoping we will make it there some day.
Somerset:
Amaranya:
A quick shot from Michelle’s wedding
I’m processing wedding pictures for Michelle, Vatsla, Miranda, and Rebecca this week. I’m in the midst of a 7 wedding streak so I haven’t had much time to blog…I just came across this one and thought I would share it before I get back to color-correcting files. This shot was one that almost didn’t happen! Michelle and Justin were getting in the car to leave when I stopped them and asked them to follow me back to the building with the beautiful stained-glass. I was thrilled when they agreed! One of my favorites from their day:
Katlyn & David- Charlotte engagement
When I photographed Katlyn’s senior portraits, I had NO idea that just a few years later I would be photographing her wedding! She and David attended Appalachian State together. Both plan to teach. They make the CUTEST couple!! We had a lot of fun during their engagement session!
The sign really reads, “Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band!”
Miranda - Charlotte bridal photography
Miranda and Josh were married over the weekend. She wanted to schedule her bridal portraits at the NC research campus. We met there after hours, but within minutes we were kicked off campus by security. I find it interesting that the campus is partially funded by Cabarrus county taxpayers….but taxpayers are not allowed to take photographs of the property. The total cost of existing campus buildings is $300 million dollars. Hmmm…. We got some great shots regardless…here are a few favorites:
I use TRA2 actions Troy and Lith-e-yum often, but here is a mix of Troy, Pool Party, and Lux for something a little different:
Miranda has the most amazing eyes!!
Michelle bridal portraits
Michelle and Justin were married over the weekend. Here are a few images from her March bridal session. We were hoping that more flowers would be in bloom but the session was scheduled the week after it snowed…It really doesn’t matter if flowers are in bloom if you are working with a beautiful bride! =)
Henna (Mehndi) Tradition, Indian weddings
I was so excited when Vatsla invited me to her henna party. There was NO way I was leaving my camera behind for this! Indian music played while Vatsla, her mom, and sisters showed us some dance moves- I learned to hold one hand up as though screwing in a light bulb while moving to the beat. I plan to download Indian music from iTunes soon. I love it! The one CD I own is worn out!
A little background:
Mehndi, the application of henna, is a ceremonial tradition that originated in ancient India. The henna plant is native to Asia and Africa. It flourishes in hot, arid climates where temperatures soar to over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. A burgundy dye molecule called Lawsone is concentrated in henna plant leaves. Henna leaves are crushed and mixed with liquids to create a paste. Henna has been used to color hair, skin, and fabric for thousands of years.
Throughout Asia and Africa, henna adornment is customary for special occasions. Brides gather with close friends and family before the wedding for mehndi parties where their hands and feet are painted. Music, dancing, and food are integral parts of the celebration. Traditionally, women were not allowed to perform household duties until the marital henna faded. It fades within just a few weeks of application. The designs are beautiful and intricate. After the paste dries, a lemon-sugar solution is applied to the skin to increase absorption of the dye.
After the party, Vatsla’s mom shared a book of photographs with me taken by Indian photographer Raghu Rai. What amazing work! Check out his portfolio here.
Vatsla’s sister applying a bindi. Bindis, which once symbolized marital status and/or religion, are now decorative items that come in all shapes and sizes.
Me with Vatsla’s mom- I love my bindi! Jillian wanted to wear it to school, but the stickiness wore off too quickly.
Vatsla’s bridal Charlotte, NC
Vatsla and Curtis were married over the weekend so I can finally post her bridal session online. It is so hard to keep these to myself for so long! I’ll post images from Vatsla’s henna party within a few days. I was so excited when she invited me to join in the celebration!
by kate
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