Introducing Marley

This turned out to be a very special Anniversary for Cami & I. After loosing Henry several months ago, our hearts have finally healed. We met Marley through the Low-Country Golden Retriever Rescue program and fell in love! :-) He's a beautiful and fun-loving dog, just under two years old. He needed a family to love him and we are so thrilled that he chose US for the job!

Nicole & J.B. at Legend Oaks

I had the pleasure of being a part of something really special last weekend! Nicole & JB were referrals to us from Brittany & Mitch, two of my FAVORITE clients in the whole world! And I'm sure Nicole & JB will become the same. :-)

They are both so fun and full of energy. Nicole was absolutely beautiful on her wedding day. She had this radiant smile that is either indicative of a wonderful day at the salon...or true love! (I don't think she spent the day at the salon...HA!) JB is such a great guy. We had an absolute BLAST together. Though he's been in the US many year, he's originally from France. And since I'd grown up in the Congo, where once upon a time I was pretty fluent in French...I had a great time slipping into his mother tongue every now and then.

Their ceremony was held at the scenic Legend Oaks Golf Club. And we all went to historic Middleton Place for pictures before heading to her parent's fantastic spread for the reception. Though his family couldn't make the journey, his Host Parents were absolutely wonderful...as were Nicole's parents and brothers. I specifically selected the song for their slideshow to lend a European flare to their images. So enjoy the show! Then head over to http://www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/ to see the rest of their pictures. Alors, FELICITATION Nicole & J.B. !!!

Our Hearts are Sad

Abby & Dan were married at Alhambra Hall on July 28th, 2007. I remember their wedding like it was YESTERDAY! They were such a beautiful couple with so much joy in their hearts and a real connection with each other. I recently received the sad news that Abby just lost her battle with cancer. You can read her story here: www.mylifeline.org/abbadoo. Cami & I were shocked when we heard the news. Our hearts and prayers go out to Dan and her family during this difficult time.

It was an honor to have been a part of this special day in Abby's life many years ago. Her passing is a powerful reminder to me that what I do is not just a job. Creating beautiful images that tell the story of special people, bonds of love, and the gift that is LIFE is something that I am humbled to be a part of!!!

Mandy & Jerry at St. Luke's Chapel

Mandy & Jerry tied the knot last weekend! They are from the DC area, but Mandy went to CofC and Jerry lived in Goose Creek for a year during his Navy days. They both LOVE Charleston, so what better place to get married, right?

As always, Amanda of Southern Chic Weddings did a fantastic job of keeping everyone organized throughout the day. :-) I first caught up with Mandy and the girls at the gorgeous Charleston Place Hotel for some preparation and pre-ceramony photos. Then I headed over to St. Luke's Chapel to meet up with the guys and do photos in the beautiful courtyard over there. After the ceremony we zipped over to Waterfront Park for some really fun shots of the wedding party before ending up at the Old Exchange Building for the reception. Click Here to see the rest of the photos!

I had a FANTASTIC time with everyone! Mandy & Jerry couldn't keep their eyes off each other, which I love! What an honor for me to be a part of their special day. CONGRATULATIONS you guys!!!

Mandy & Jerry's Day-After Shoot

On Sunday afternoon, the day after their wedding, Mandy & Jerry met me for a "walk-about" session in downtown Charleston. I always enjoy these Day-After shoots because all the pressure is off the couple and they can truly relax and be themselves. Plus they aren't inhibited by time or location. Clients often tell me their FAVORITE wedding photos are from their Day-After shoot! Shortly after our session Mandy & Jerry jetted off to their honeymoon...WOOHOO!!!

Africa

My good friend, Eric, shared this with me. He and I attended TASOK together in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And since Cami and I just returned from our trip to Tanzania, this rendition of Toto's "Africa" by Perpetuum Jazzile, an a cappella jazz choir from Slovenia, is quite poignant. Enjoy!

The Ngorongoro Crater

After we left Arusha, we headed strait into the Ngorongoro Crater. It's not actually a crater left behind by some ancient meteor as some scientists originally believed. It's actually the world's largest unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera...formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago.

Based on fossil evidence found at the nearby Olduvai Gorge, we known that various hominid species have occupied the area for 3 million years. Aside from herds of zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest, the crater is home to the "Big Five" (rhinoceros, lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo), which we saw within our first two days! An estimated 25,000 animals live within the crater, almost every known species of East African Wildlife. Notably absent are giraffes, impala, and crocodiles. But it does boast the densest known population of lions, thought we actually saw more later in the Serengeti...which I'll share when I get to them. :-)

The Ngorongoro Crater is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World!

Katelyn & Seth

I SO enjoyed getting to know Katelyn & Seth and working with them throughout their wedding planning process. (Many thanks to the beautiful Rachel Clark for recommending us!) They are both really creative individuals! Katelyn even had a hand in designing her beautiful and unique wedding gown with Lula Kate's, which I LOVED! And Seth, with his mad graphic design skills, personalized the cover of their Photo Guest Book, containing their favorite images from the Engagement & Bridal Shoots I had photographed earlier.

They were married at John Wesley United Methodist by the fun-loving Rev. Gary Phillips. And their reception was at the Elks Lodge in West Ashley with Sinclair, The Music Maker, keeping things hopin'. Their friends and family were so much fun and the PACKED house of guests really let their hair down and had a great time. Click Here to see the rest of their photos!!!

Katelyn & Seth, it truly was an HONOR to be a part of your special day. Growing up as neighbors and sweethearts has given you a very special bond. Cherish that gift!

Karibu Tanzania

When we landed in Kilimanjaro International Airport, it was 9 O'Clock at night. The first words we learned were "Karibu Tanzania"...Welcome to Tanzania. While going through customs, the power went out...twice! (But that's a story for another time.) It was dark and we were tired. So we didn't notice much about the town of Arusha besides the bumpy ride until the next day.

We were staying at the UAACC run by exiled Black Panthers, Pete & Charlotte O'Neil. (Yup, that's another crazy story.) It's a "global community of people committed to making a positive change in this world!" One of the reasons we wanted to stay there was to see their school and meet the children in their orphanage. So the following morning we went down and met the "House Mother" and got to play with all the children, give them cartoon stickers we'd brought (a HUGE hit!), crayons, colored pencils, etc. It was SUCH a fulfilling experience to see their faces light up at a couple Wazungu (white outsiders) who took the time to show an interest in them.

I was particularly drawn to this little girl who seemed to be more of a loaner...often sitting by herself...and frequently displaying a far-away feeling of sadness in her eyes. I could only imagine what pain, suffering, or abuse she might have already endured in her young life. But she had fleeting bouts of excitement and joy, like when Cami put a sticker of Cinderella on the pack of her hand. Now that she's in an orphanage of people who care for her, I can only hope she finds a brighter future than her past.

Masai Warrior in the Serengeti

Cami & I are finally home after our AMAZING trip to Tanzania. We never travel without getting our share of "oops" stories, which don't seem funny at the time but provide a good chuckle later! Other than that, everything went without a hitch.

The wildlife was UNBELIEVABLE, the people were so friendly and BEAUTIFUL, and the experience will stay with us FOREVER!!!

It will take a while to sort through the thousands of images. But here's one of a young Masai Warrior at sunset in the Serengeti to whet your appetite. ;-)

It's good to be home and back in touch with all of you...