I had sooo much fun with Hali and Mark!! Hali chose the most unique cake ever! She incorporated zebra print into all the details of the day, including the cake and tuxes. I was excited when I found the ugliest building near the reception…Hali is not traditional at all- I knew she would love it! A few pics from the big day:
Funniest shot ever…! And I didn’t even set it up :)
Charlotte Wedding Photographer - Hali & Mark married
Congrats to Laura and Justin!
I want to post a few quick blog entries this morning before I leave for today’s wedding in Raleigh….it has been a crazy, busy summer of weddings! Laura and Justin were married at Antioch Lutheran Church. Their reception followed at Deerbrook Country Club. Everything came together beautifully, despite a downpour and 100 degree weather! ….just a few pictures for now:
North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue- Spotlight on Kiki
My heart goes out to animals who have been abused. If I could take them all in, I would! I’m hoping that if I share the story of Kiki, someone will give her a good home:
KiKi is sweet and playful 4 year old. She gets along well with other dogs and people. She loves to snuggle. She is house/crate trained and does well on a leash. She does come with a few life scars. Her ears were cut off with scissors and she has a large scar all the way around her neck from a collar. But you would never know how badly she has been mistreated from the loving girl you see now. Kiki is heartworm negative and on preventative, spayed, and up to date on shots. Adoption fee is $100.
North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue wins $50,000
Congratulations to North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue! They won $50,000 from Pepsi to build an indoor animal shelter. In the past 10 years, they have found homes for over 2,000 animals. Their original location in Harrisburg was devastated by a flood last year. Funding was desperately needed to rebuild the shelter. I’m so happy for Beth and all the wonderful people who keep NMAR going. We adopted Kaya from them 2 years ago and would highly recommend NMAR to anyone interested in adopting. Check out the contest here and pet listings here. The adoption fee of $175 includes shots and spay/neuter. Here are a few cuties that are currently available:
What to wear for engagement pictures
I receive numerous emails every month from clients asking for advice about what to wear to their engagement sessions. I always recommend showing a little personality and completely disregarding the old rule of wearing only solid colors. Bold patterns are great in moderation! Choose a combination of clothing in coordinating colors and patterns. Black photographs well and is always a good color choice; add colorful jewelry or shoes for a pop of color. Bring hats, scarves, and other accessories to add a little variety. In the examples below, notice that each couple chose outfits that incorporated 3 colors: purple/white/denim…black/white/tan…pink/white/denim, etc. If you’re still unsure about what to wear, bring several options to your engagement shoot. Your photographer should be able to help you narrow it down to the best choices for each location.
Maggie Sottero and Midgley wedding dress trunk show
I just got news that there is also a Sottero Midgley trunk show in Buford, GA this weekend. If you plan to head to Atlanta from the Carolinas for the other trunk shows, Buford is on the way. You will definitely want to call ahead to schedule an appointment. There are only a limited number of appointments available and they are booking fast! Browse the collection online here.
July 9-11: Charme Bridal
Sottero Midgley trunk show
2725 Hamilton Mill Road #1700
Buford, GA 30519
(678) 546-7880
Wedding Dress Trunk Shows
If you are still looking for the perfect wedding dress, you might consider heading to Atlanta this weekend. There are several trunk shows featuring Demetrios, Casablanca, Priscilla of Boston, and Monique Lhuillier. Trunk shows travel throughout the country to allow customers to preview new styles and to see a larger variety of dresses than what most bridal salons carry. Special incentives and discounts are sometimes applied to purchases. I’m planning to make the Demetrios trunk show on Saturday…maybe I’ll see some of you there! :)
July 9-11: Brides by Demetrios
Demetrios trunk show
3280 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
July 9-10: J Andrews Bridal
Casablanca trunk show
308-A Willow Bend Road
Peachtree City, GA 30269
July 8-10: Impressions Bridal salon
Monique Lhuillier trunk show
99 West Paces Ferry Road, N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30305
July 8-12: Priscilla of Boston Atlanta
Priscilla of Boston trunk show
3234 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Charlotte wedding photographer- finally engaged!
In April, we went to Aruba with my best friend Ashley and her husband Jason. It was a trip we had all been looking forward to for months! We spent our days on the beach drinking pina coladas and soaking up the sun. Over the years, we have been to so many Caribbean islands, but none compare to Aruba! The calm blue-green water is so relaxing. The waves are so gentle, you can float on a raft in the ocean for hours. I would highly recommend it as a honeymoon destination! Chad and I extended our stay by a couple of nights because we just couldn’t bear to leave.
On our last day in Aruba, we decided to walk to the shops to look for souvenirs. We passed several jewelry stores along the way. Chad, a self-proclaimed commitment-phobe, asked if I wanted to get rings to symbolize our commitment to each other. I assumed that after 4 years together that was as good as it was going to get! We browsed the jewelry stores for simple bands. After choosing rings, we decided to exchange them on the beach before we went to dinner.
At sunset, we found a secluded spot on the beach that had a covered bench. We sat there for what seemed like an eternity. Chad was unusually quiet. He had the rings in his pocket. I finally broke the silence and told him that we didn’t have to exchange rings if he wasn’t ready for it. He just smiled and shook his head. He suggested that we have a passerby take our picture. I wondered why he was stalling. After our picture was taken, we returned to the bench. I was shocked when he got down on one knee. He had the cutest boyish grin on his face as he proposed. I got choked up and couldn’t even respond. I just nodded. I couldn’t believe it! I have worked with over 100 brides over the years…arranging their day of timelines and photographing all the details of their weddings… I never thought I would be planning my own! After the proposal, we headed to the Taj Mahal restaurant for Indian cuisine. They had the most delicious korma navratan dish!
We’re planning a small ceremony in Aruba next May. Originally, we were just going to invite 4 of our closest friends, but after receiving a little pressure from family (namely my sister!), we decided to extend invitations to our parents and siblings. My mom and sister, Elaine McDonald and Heather Houston, are both wonderful wedding photographers so we’re excited about having them photograph our big day! Stay tuned for all of the wedding planning details…!
- Hahah love the ss minnow, if you shoot their wedding let me know would love to tag along to Aruba ;-) Http://Bellaloren.com
- Dustin, I'm the one who is getting married in Aruba next year ;)
- Congratulations Kate!! I know the pictures will be great. Just wanted to let you know we are due in December and look for me to call early next year for some new arrival photos. Congrats again.
- Thanks Lauren!! I am so excited for you too. Can't wait to see pics of your little one!! :)
Charlotte NC wedding photographer- Jessica and Ryan are married!
Jessica and Ryan had a spring wedding at Trinity Wesleyan church in Salisbury. Their wedding colors, sage and chocolate brown, couldn’t have been more perfect for the outdoor pictures at the church. Some of my favorite pictures of the day were taken nearby at a golden field that I couldn’t resist photographing. Jessica and Ryan didn’t even give it a second thought when I suggested wading through the weeds for the bride and groom session. It’s wonderful to work with couples who trust me and are willing to do whatever it takes! Some highlights from the day:
Charlotte NC Engagement Pictures- Frank and Meredith
Frank and Meredith were married at St. Mary’s Chapel in uptown Charlotte. We had a lot of fun during their engagement session. I fell in love with Meredith’s boots, but just wait until you see her wedding dress! Here are a few engagement pictures…wedding pictures will follow shortly :)
by kate
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