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

I was contacted a few months ago to shoot an editorial piece on Coy and Joe Gibbs for the American Motorcyclist Association. I have never had so many people volunteer to carry my bags during a shoot! I don’t follow racing or football so I had no idea who the Gibbs were until my neighbor, an overzealous Redskins fan, filled me in. If it were up to me, I would have taken them to a rugged location, but due to time constraints we were limited to the showroom floor. It was definitely fun to step outside of my comfort zone for this one!

I was so excited to be featured in this month’s Birkdale Business Beat! I always look forward to getting the monthly publication in my mailbox. It’s so interesting to learn about my neighbors and local events. Check out the August issue if you live in Birkdale. If you aren’t in the Lake Norman area, take a peek at the full story here.

Nikki and Brian were married in March at St. Mary’s Chapel in Charlotte. Their wedding reception was at the Big Chill in Dilworth. They couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. I get goosebumps every time I go through their ceremony pictures. Their love for each other is SO evident in the way they look at each other! Oh my gosh, Brian’s expression when he sees Nikki for the first time…! She was the most stunning bride!! When I was editing the pictures, I couldn’t wait for her to see the look on Brian’s face as she was walking down the aisle.

Wedding colors were inspired by the spring cherry blossom tree. The bridesmaids dresses were chocolate brown and the cake by Jill DeMastro was simply amazing! I have more images of the cake-cutting than ever before because it was over the top! Brian had the entire crowd laughing all night.
I can’t believe I am just now getting around to posting my ‘09 weddings. It has been a crazy busy wedding season!

I’ll be at Concord Mills this Sunday from 12-2pm. If you have any questions about wedding photography or about the senior portrait special I have been running over the summer, please stop by! I’ll be at the photo display located at entrance 6. I’ll have sample albums along with my camera. Everyone who stops by will receive a free retouched image! One lucky person will receive a $125 gift certificate that can be used towards a photography session. Hope to see you this weekend! =)

I woke up this morning to an email from Clair at Wooden Stone photography. The video she sent was hilarious! I had to pass it on….Enjoy! =)

the dogs sneak into Jillian’s room. Of her 85 Webkinz, they always seem to go for the cats!

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:

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:

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.

Angela and Josh were married at Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church on what had to be the windiest day of the year! The wind was so brutal, I couldn’t convince anyone to go outside for pictures before the ceremony!

Angela wore a beautiful gown from Hope’s Bridal. Hope’s customer service is over the top. She makes an appearance on the wedding day to help her brides get into their gowns. I wish I could take her to all of my weddings! She had the back of Angela’s dress laced up in no time!

Josh and Angela exchanged cards before the ceremony:

I’m in love with Angela’s gorgeous antique setting:

Angela and Josh shared a private moment together in the sanctuary for their “first look” but that didn’t make seeing each other
during the ceremony any less special…aren’t they the most stunning couple!?


I had to get a few wide angles of the church throughout the day. Mt. Moriah Lutheran church is almost 200 years old! Imagine all of
the history…the love… the weddings this church has experienced! Lutheranism originated in the 16th century when gothic architecture
was still popular. Today, many Lutheran churches share gothic features. The arched door, windows, and spires represent the gothic period.
I love the way the wind is whipping through Angela’s veil in the foreground here:


When I told the bridesmaids to throw their flowers in the air- I didn’t mean literally, but I love the way this turned out! So much fun!

Angela and her dad shared such an emotional moment during their first dance together. I was choking up as I processed these images!
I can’t say enough wonderful things about her mom and dad. Tragedy befell their family shortly after the wedding. They handled it with
such grace and strength. They made me realize that my work is meaningful and appreciated. I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed.


A bubbly exit: