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

I like the way the calendar can be folded into a neat little square. It was the perfect size for a small gift bag.

Thought I would share a little diy project I created for myself last spring. Let me preface this by saying that I am no Martha Stewart. There is not a single crafty bone in my body! I don’t know why I thought I could pull this off (mistake #1). After I designed the pages of the calendar, I thought the hard work was behind me (mistake #2). I printed the calendar before I found something to mount it on (mistake #3). I thought it would be a quick and easy gift (mistake #4). I started this project about a week before the wedding with the intention of giving it as a wedding gift (mistake #5). Knowing my track record with crafts, I should have started at least a month before the wedding!

I envisioned a cute, little desk calendar….I spent about 2 hours wandering around Michael’s looking for materials that would make it work. I finally stumbled upon cork squares that were just the right size…but they were really thick so the desk calendar idea had to be scratched. I decided that maybe a hanging calendar would work. I bought ribbon to tie between the cork pieces. When I got home, I was pretty sure that I had it all figured out…..until I tried to punch holes in the cork for the ribbon. Using a small paper puncher to punch holes in cork - not a good idea! I had to enlist Chad’s help for that step. Finally, I had to figure out how to adhere the prints to the cork. I used 3 types of glue on each one to make sure that they were going nowhere. I finished up within minutes of running out the door to Nikki and Brian’s wedding. Take a look and let me know what ‘cha think!

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: