John and Amber’s wedding was truly a treat to photograph. They are one of those couples that have a pure spirit and a simple unabashed love for one another and those around them. They held their sweet, sunny wedding at one of my favorite locations, The Arbors, in Cleveland, NC. Even though it was a wedding that had close to 200 family and friends I would say it felt like one of the most intimate weddings I have ever photographed. Nothing is more beautiful than a union like this one! Congratulations John and Amber!
Wedding: Paul & Janine
Paul and Janine are two of my favorite people. They are so kindhearted and tender towards one another and those around them that it is infectious! Their day included bright yellows and was all held at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. From beginning to end there were so many smiles, laughs, and people just plain excited to see the two of them tie the knot. Their wedding was so beautiful I had the honored of their it being featured on Style Me Pretty. Thank you Janine and Paul for creating such a beautiful wedding and being so in love!
Bridals: Katie
Several months ago I had the privilege of photographing Katie’s Bridal Portraits at Winghaven Gardens in Charlotte. The gardens are such a unique location as they are situated in the middle of a residential neighborhood in an older section of Charlotte. Katie and her now husband Erik were married on the 28th of July so be prepared for their beautiful photos hitting the blog soon!
Film
Film is one of those age old processes that seemed to be killed when digital arrived. In fact, the first question most people ask when I talk about film is where can I even get it. It may seem that it has gone the way of the dinosaur but in fact film has been having a resurgence. While many photographers dropped their film cameras when digital became a viable way of capturing images there were a few who held onto it. They saw that there was a certain organic and truthful quality to film. It speaks to us almost as nature does. We feel connected with it. Sometimes digital images can just be too cold or seem too processed. Film does not inherently allow this and I believe this is why it has sprung back. In an age when every device has a digital monitor and our main way of interacting is through social media, we crave something that is tangible and has a timelessness to it. When all we crave is the immediate we learn to value the things that take time. This is why I love film!
These were all shot on a Mamiya 645 AFD with an 80mm 2.8 lens. The films used were Kodak Portra 400 and Fuji PRO 400H both rated at ISO 200.
The Blindfold
Tyler and Kirstie chose to meet and embrace minutes before the ceremony. The blindfold kept Tyler from seeing Kirstie until she walked down the aisle while still allowing them to hold hands and speak words of encouragement to one another.
Prayer Over the Couple
This is what weddings are all about. Family and friends joining together to love an pray for a couple beginning the journey of marriage.
Quiet Moments
Amber and John at The Arbors
A Simple Gesture
Such a pretty ring. I love to shoot beautiful photographs of the little details.
Young Love
It is photos like this that make me stop and think about how much I love photography!
Erin Grey Couture Runway Show
On Sunday, June 3rd, Erin Grey Couture launched their new gown designs at the Foundation for the Carolinas in Uptown Charlotte. This was a much anticipated runway show as the line is the new venture of CJ Bostrom, the owner of JMajors bridal. The premise for the line is based on the idea that a wedding dress does not necessarily have to be one piece but several. By creating different tops and skirts the bride could not only have a custom created dress that reflects her completely but also be able to use the pieces in other outfits if desired. This new generation of wedding dresses have given brides the opportunity to create their own look as opposed to a designer doing it for them. Brides and Charlotte wedding professionals alike attended the event and were wowed by the stunning dresses that CJ created. You can find the dresses at Erin Grey Couture and while you are at it book a consult with CJ and the girls over at JMajors Bridal Boutique.