Charlotte, NC wedding photographer, senior portraits photographer » Charlotte NC photography- weddings, senior portraits, headshots, family photography in NC

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…!

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 :)

I have had a blast getting to know Jessica and Ryan over the past year! Jessica and I tried to plan a little surprise for Ryan just before the wedding, but it didn’t work out too well. I learned that you just can’t get anything past him! :) They were married over the weekend. The weather was amazing!! A few of their engagement pictures:

I had been dying to shoot this rusty old car that Chad pointed out to me when we first started dating, but none of my clients were too keen on the location…until Jesse and Leigh Ann- they were up for anything! There were a ton of dogs fenced in just behind the car. They were going CRAZY while we were there- it was a little distracting to say the least! I almost lost the wires to my pocket wizards! I don’t think I’ll be returning to that location anytime soon but we got some fun shots while there.






Doesn’t she have the most amazing legs!?!

Kelly and Mike are getting married at the Mint Museum in Charlotte next October. We scheduled their session just in time for their engagement party last month. Kelly teaches in Iredell county. I work with a lot of teachers and nurses- they are the BEST! I was super excited when I found out they decided to book me for their big day! I can’t wait! What a ca-ute couple! =D

On the way to meet Vatsla and Curtis for their engagement session in May, I passed the coolest truck- I was ecstatic when I found out that it belonged to Curtis! There was no question about it- we had to incorporate it into their pictures. Bring on the vintage trucks and cars if you have them….they are great for pictures! These two are so adorable together- I hope to find time to blog their wedding soon.

Mutual friends were determined to set up Audrey and Lyle so they arranged a meeting at Lyle’s workplace over 3 years ago. Their friends’ intuition was right on. Within weeks, they went on their first date and they have been together since! On their two year anniversary, Lyle proposed under a star-filled sky on the top deck of a cruise ship. How romantic is that!? We photographed their engagement session at Audrey’s parents’ house. Their property was so beautiful, I could have gone on shooting forever!! Golden fields, an old barn, and a pond provided the most amazing backdrops:

Laura and Justin are getting married next July. Next month, they are leaving friends and family behind to move to Memphis where Laura will be attending opthalmology school. I’m sure it is going to be exciting and intimidating to leave everything behind for the new city, but at least they will have each other! =) During our consultation, they told me that they prefer classic, traditional portraiture. I was thrilled that they could pinpoint their photography style so I could strike the right note during their session. I think we were able to pull it off with a few fun shots as well. A few favorites from their session:

Laura has the most amazing skin! No retouching required.

Couldn’t resist!


How cute are the kids in the background?!


Have I said how much I love photographing dogs? Scout was precious!