Thanks for Voting! I'm a Winner - Best of WNC 2011

Wow!  I won second - Best Photographer in Western North Carolina - in the Mountain Express WNC Best of 2011.

Who made it happen?  My much appreciated group of supporters, followers, fans, friends and family.  I truly appreciate all the votes.  It’s always fun to win something, even if you don’t know what it’s worth.  From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for the thrill.

Winston-Salem Engagement / Winston-Salem Portrait Photographer

Beth was Abby’s big sister in their sorority at Wake Forest University.  Beth and Abby must have gotten along pretty well because Beth and Chip will be at Abby and Barr’s wedding this September at the Biltmore.  Beth and Chip will be getting married later this year in Mexico.

I can’t remember which happened first.  Beth and I scheduled our engagement sitting.  Abby booked me to photograph her wedding.  All I know is that they found me independently of one another and they independently decided to hire me, which I think is pretty neato.

Firstly, this is not a story about Beth and Abby.  This is a story about Beth and Chip.

Also, this is not a story about me, my childhood or my father.  However, I’ll just mention *for a second* that my dad went to Wake Forest.  I spent my childhood at (what seemed at the time) every single basketball and football game with my best friend, the basketball coach’s daughter.

And as it turns out, Chip played football at Wake Forest.

Beth and Chip live in Charlotte.  It seemed a natural choice to meet up in Winston-Salem for their engagement sitting.  We went to Old Salem followed by their alma mater’s beautiful Wake Chapel.

I got these icecream parlor Sweetheart Chairs from stylists Maura and Tara of The Darling Bee.  Aren’t they sweet?

 

 

Biltmore Estate Wedding / Part Three

We’re still at the Biltmore with Kathryn and Doug.  It has been so nice to revisit this wedding as an extended feature.  Thanks for hanging in…  I know it was a healthy little break between Part Two and this posting -  I’ve been traveling a lot the last couple of weeks.  I’m sure you’ve all been at the edge of your seats, waiting for when Kathryn and Doug are married.  No, Kathryn didn’t just take a pretty carriage ride. She actually went somewhere very important!  :)  I will take you there…

Isn’t this ceremony lovely?  Everything about Kathryn and Doug’s wedding was so romantic.

I usually include only shots taken by me on my blog, but this one is by my second photographer Camilla Calnan of Kathryn’s father shaking Doug’s hand.  A beautiful moment:

Biltmore Estate Wedding / Part Two

The Diana sits on the hill above the Biltmore House.  This is where Kathryn and Doug’s ceremony and reception took place.

I know I said I’d turn this into a two part posting.  But I think I’ll spread it on a bit thicker.  How about three or four posts?

This one is all about the amazing ride in the horse-drawn carriage Kathryn took to her wedding to Doug.  And meeting up with her father on the way!

Kathryn’s smile when she see’s her dad.

I just gracefully floated and landed in this spot.  No bounding in the woods like a hefalump did this require…

Biltmore Estate Wedding / Part One

Kathryn and Doug’s wedding took place at the Diana on the gorgeous Biltmore Estate in Asheville.  Kathryn and Doug are an adorable couple and their wedding was absolutely beautiful.  Tara Jordan of Weddings with Tara did a wonderful job coordinating all of the details - everything was perfect!  And Stacey of the Bloom Room created stunning floral arrangements. Scott Thompson did a fabulous job with makeup as always.

Kathryn and Doug’s wedding story will be told in two parts.  Welcome to Part One!

Kathryn’s beautiful dress was found at The White Room in Birmingham, Alabama.  She wore her mother’s veil.

Kathryn’s great-great grandmother’s brooch:

Kathryn’s Grandmother’s wedding dress sleeve around the bouquet:

Scott and Kathryn:

Such a beautiful laugh…

Gardenias in her hair and bouquet to honor her grandparents…

Kathryn and Doug have a special moment when they see each other for the first time.

On the shuttle:

The Biltmore House and the wedding party:

Come back later for the ceremony and the reception at the Diana!