A relatively new part of my website is the ‘featured couple’ section. This is where I showcase a particular couple and show examples of their entire wedding day - from beginning to end.. My first featured couple was Maggie and John. Check out my website if you haven’t seen Maggie and John’s gallery…it will be going away soon!
I’ll be revealing my second featured couple in the next few days… who will it be??? 
Sunday was a gorgeous day for engagement portraits! I met Lindsay and Jay at the horseshoe for their session. Jay and I go WAY back - all the way to our first day of English 101 freshman year at Clemson. I still can’t believe he decided to have their portraits on USC’s campus! Lindsay is such a sweetie too - they make a really cute couple! Lindsay is in her 4th year of medical school and is going to be an anesthesiologist. I can’t even spell that word (thank goodness for spell check)! Their wedding is in January in Columbia. Here are a few of my favorites from our session:
I think this is my favorite -
The typical "perfect for the engagement announcement" shot-
We found this nice harvest scene-
Sweet-
Another one in front of the pineapples I love-
So, those of y’all that follow my blog have known for a while that the time was coming when I was completely free of my corporate job. Back in July I really felt led to take the leap to quit and be a full time photographer, and then I was pretty much asked to work part time till October because there was a lot going on. Well to make a long story short - I am now officially a full time photographer!
This is just one of those time where I sit back and I’m just astounded at the grace of God. Never in my own personal life have I been given such a testimony of what God can do. For so many months I prayed for it, and I don’t know why it surprised me so much when it actually happened..that I could be a full time photographer and work for myself. I guess this is the first time I truly sought His direction on something and felt led to do it. Don’t think I didn’t have doubts! Just the other day I was looking back at my prayer journal and there were so many times my prayers went something like this "God, I really feel like you are leading me to quit my job but I just don’t see how it is finacially possible". From God orchestrating me to work part time for 3 months as I transitioned, to the 26 weddings I photographed this year for experience, and the 17 weddings that He’s brought me so far for 2008 - I am astounded. I’m astounded by His provision, at the fact that He DOES have a will for me, that He will reveal it if I just am still and listen. Astounded most of all at His grace for me - and that He’s been so good to me, in spite of myself.
My friend and amazing assistant, Amanda and I talked about this the other night - I truly think God has a sense of humor. I mean isn’t it funny that the direction of my life has changed 180 degrees? From finance to photography. can’t get further apart than that!
What is even better is looking forward what He has for my future. I have clearly seen Him moving so evidently…not only in my heart, but in my circumstances!! Its just amazing. I can’t wait to see what this new journey holds.
So, what is next? Well, I have a lot of stuff in the works, but for now Justin and I are going camping to celebrate.
Sunday I took Erin and Scott’s engagement pictures in Charleston and Folly Beach. I had met Erin and her mom before, but this was the first time meeting Scott. We had such a good time! I’m especially excited for their wedding next year because the reception is where I had MY wedding reception - the Columbia Museum of Art….obviously my personal favorite :) It was so much fun getting to know this adorable couple a little better. Here are a few from our session.
In Charleston:
Now on to Folly:
CLICK HERE for Nina and Jason’s slideshow!
Nina and Jason’s wedding on Saturday was just as Nina had described it to me several months earlier on the way to their engagement session. Rustic and woodsy- many of the special touches had elements of the outdoors. I was amazed at all of the details! The ceremony took place on the grounds of the Lake House in Northeast Columbia. Jason and his buddies even built the arch for them to be married under. So impressive! Here are a few sneak peek images…and as usual the slideshow will be coming shortly as well.
The bridesmaids waiting for portraits. These beautiful flowers the handywork of Leslie at Southern Stems.
Gorgeous Nina
Jason and Maggie (aka the ring bearer). Maggie was such a good girl all day!
The first dance to one of my all time favorite songs: "Feels like Home"
Awesome cake by Parkland Cakes (Brenda is awesome!)
On the way to the honeymoon under birdseed.
Y’all have fun in Cape Cod! I’ll be posting the slideshow soon.
CLICK HERE for their slideshow!
"If Dianne and Michael have made it through the events of the past few years, they can make it through anything!"
Dianne’s sister Stephanie made this statement during the toast she gave to the new couple. Not a dry eye in the place. You see, this strong couple has been through SO much since they have started dating…cancer diagnosis in the family, car stolen, possible deployment, and most recently a terrible accident involving Dianne’s mom. They met in elementary school…lived down the street from each other..and then parted ways. God had bigger plans for their relationship than just neighbors though. After college (Dianne) and Marine life (Michael) they had a chance meeting while out with friends one night. The rest is history.
The ceremony and reception location was the Lake House…off of Clemson Road. Ironically, I’m shooting there this coming weekend as well. It was such an honor being a part of this special day. Here are a few of my favorites:
The dress!
Beautiful bouqet. I love the fall colors!!
One of the adorable ring bearers. You can see the other ring bearer in the corner of this pic. He wasn’t quite as fond of the camera though.
Dianne and her dad about to walk down the aisle-
At the end of the ceremony, the guests were asked to raise their hands while a blessing was spoken over the couple. This was the first time I’d seen this…it was really moving. Dianne and Michael also chose to do a "hand ceremony" as part of the service. This is where the officiant spoke about all that their hands would go through in the course of their marriage…wiping each other’s tears, holding each other, and lovingly holding their future children. I hope no one noticed I couldn’t hold back the tears! What can I say ..
YAY! We’re married!
A portrait of the happy couple-
First dance. Look how cute Dianne’s family is - over to the side looking on.
These guys know how to dance!
Sparkler goodnight!
Check back for the slideshow!
As I mentioned in my last post, on Sunday morning I met April and Bryson at the Congaree Swamp for their engagement portraits. They were just in town from Louisiana for the weekend, and I’m so glad they found time to squeeze in their pics! April and Bryson are getting married in December and I just know the wedding is going to be so sweet. I can’t wait!
Here are a few of my favorites-
What a weekend! Over a 36 hour time frame on Saturday and Sunday, I photographed an entire wedding in Columbia, went to the Congaree Swamp National park in Hopkins for engagement portraits, went to church, then up to Clemson and back for bridal portraits. Needless to say, today will be spent uploading and backing up my cards, recouping, and housework (yuck).
On the way over the next few days I’ll be posting some sneak peek images from Dianne and Michael’s wedding Saturday (and slideshow!) and also a few from April and Bryson’s enagement session Sunday morning.
Off to catch up on laundry! …..
