eLifespaces

I'm kind of a technology afficianado. So I had an AMAZING time photographing Fred Fabian, CEO and Chief Designer for eLifespaces. If you asked me what exactly these guys do at eLifespaces...without hesitation I would reply "MAGIC"!:-) This was one of my favorite images. It was taken in their sound proof home theater at their showroom. I used the Nikon D3 mounted with the 14-24mm f2.8 lens. I had two SB800's firing through a 36" softbox to my right. Dragging the shutter allowed the ambient light in the room to fill out nicely.

Joy & Ken

Since my Dad was in the Navy, military weddings have a special place in my heart. Joy & Ken's was even more so because over the time I've gotten to know Joy, I've realized she is absolutely the nicest person I have ever met! I'm SO HAPPY for these two...

Their wedding was held under the old Live Oak on the Grand Lawn at Alhambra Hall, overlooking Charleston Bay. It's one of my favorite venues in Charleston! Joy was truly STUNNING in her fairytale wedding gown. Ken in his Dress Whites had the proverbial "dashing" good looks I expected...knowing Joy's impeccable taste! :-) The climate was a beautiful, breezy, sunshiny day. All the gorgeous floral arrangements were provided by The Blooming Village. The Coast Guard Chaplain who performed the ceremony was both humerous and poignent in his no-nonsense, yet eloquent, homily. Eric Scalise of Complete Music provided the euphony for the service, and later, did a FANTASTIC job leading an exciting reception.

I thought it was fitting that Joy & Ken exchanged their vows the day after Valentine's day. The support from their family was unending. The admiration from their friends was unwavering. And their love for each other IS unconditional. CONGRATULATIONS you guys!!!

Click Here to see the rest of their photos...

Anticipation

This afternoon I had fun catching up with Brittany & Mitch, who's wedding is just a few short months away. We met at the Legend Oaks Country Club where their wedding will be to go over details and logistics. Since I CAN'T go anywhere without a camera, I grabbed this shot of them under the Spanish Moss coverd Live Oak where they will be exchanging vows.

I shot with Nikon's flagship D3...the vintage look coming from a Lensbabies. These guys are such an AWESOME couple. We had a BLAST at their engagement session. And I can't wait to photograph their wedding!!!

Old is New

2008 commemorates the 35th Anniversary of one of the premier sporting events of South Carolina! "The Family Circle Cup has a 35-year history of accomplishments in women’s professional tennis and has set a standard of excellence as a Tier I tournament on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour."

This morning, I had the honor of photographing the image that will grace the cover of this year's program guide and brochures. Robin Reynolds, Tournament Director, and Mike Saia, Communications Manager, arrived at the studio at 9:00 with all the props...including the brand new Waterford Crystal trophy, fresh off the plane from the factory in Ireland. I was a little nervous doing so, but I got to touch it when we were positioning everything! HEHE! :-) The fabulous Amy Reed of Helium Inc was the art designer for the project...I love her creative eye! We all had a great time and everyone was very pleased with the modern punch we added to this vintage "look", honoring the incredible heritage of this amazing tournament.

Big Momma

Aren't you glad I won't be carrying this behomuth around at your wedding!?! :-) My friend Robin Knight shared this with me. Click here to read about this 1200mm f5.6 monster.

Amanda & Johnny

WOW! All I can say is WOW! What an AMAZING wedding Amanda & Johnny had yesterday. Johnny's parents live in Blufton, which is where Cami's parents live. One day when he and Amanda were on their way to attend a friend's wedding, they stopped over at his parent's house and he asked her to mary him out on thier dock. She was SO surprised...and has been on cloud nine ever since. Well, yesterday their big day arrived. :-) Amanda was a bridesmaid in Anne-Magill & Brad's wedding which I photographed a year and a half ago. Anne-Magill & Brad were SUCH a joy to work with that when Amanda asked me to be her photographer, I was ecstatic because I knew she would be just as much fun. (Thanks for the recommendation, Brad & Anne-Magill...you guys ROCK!) The girls all got ready at Anne-Magill's Mom's house (thank's Jane!), so that's where I met up with the "Bride" and her girls. I love the excitement in her eyes in this first photo! I was also joined by my good friend and fellow artist, Kelli Nixon, who came along to do some second-shooting with me. Johnny, now a military man, is a Citadel graduate. So that's where I caught up with him and the guys. The ceremony was in Summerall Chapel, which you can see behind him. I think it's one of the most beautiful sanctuary's in Charleston. Amanda pulled up in her DBH Limo just a few minutes before 2:00pm and waited with eager anticipation for her grand entrance. The ceremony was very elegant. Linda Ruggles, another good friend and fellow photographer & videographer, was there providing her vision in "moving pictures". It was wonderful to see her again. After the service, Amanda wanted me to shoot a silhouette of her and Johnny in the doorway of the chapel...which came out GREAT! Before heading to the reception we stopped over in the Quad where Johnny spent his years in Hotel Company and got some wonderful images of the two of them. I love this last one of him looking at his beautiful bride. Her bouquet, and all the flowers, were freshly arranged by Frampton's Flowers. The reception was at the I'On Creek Club with my favorite DJ, Eddie L of Pro Wedding Entertainment, presiding. Beyond Expectations had a fantastic meal spread out for everyone. And for desert, Lady Fingers pulled off another one of their delectable confection creations. After the sun dipped below the horizon, Amanda & Johnny made their way through the gauntlet of sparkers, boarded the impressive yacht waiting for them at the dock...a different dock...and drifted on down the creek, out of sight and into the brisk night. Again...WOW! Congratulations Amanda & Johnny!!!

Click here to see the rest of their photos...

The American Dream

Sharon & Tony have climbed the mountain of owning a small business and are living The American Dream! I had the pleasure of photographing them this morning at their young but thriving company - Tosha, LLC. They are a recycling facility specializing in Catalytic Converters. They have exceeded expectations by bringing integrity and customer service back to the industry. Tony is from Costa Rica, which is a country Cami and I fell in love with last year when we vacationed there. So we had a lot to talk about. Sharon, a fluent Spanish speaker, is Tony's inspiration and the love of his life. I wish you guys all the joys life can bring! Pura Vida!!!