There’s something about a beautiful red-head that just says “exotic”!!!

Red hair only occurse in 1-2% of the human population. It’s caused by a mutation in the MC1R protein, that brings about high levels of the reddish pigment pheomelanin and relatively low levels of the dark pigment eumelanin.

A few days ago I was looking for a fresh face to work with in my Lightbending workshops…and found it in the girl next door! Introducing…in her modeling debut…Rachel, the beautiful and gifted daughter of our neighbors, Eric & Linda. She did an AMAZING job!!! Also, many thanks to their other gorgeous daughter and model, Julia, for helping with hair and wardrobe!

The shoot was held on the historic and dramatic grounds of Runnymede Plantation. Described as “an artist’s dream”, this venue is truly breathtaking! Nestled along the Ashley River, among other historic plantations such as Middleton Place and Magnolia Gardens, this is a much more private, rustic, and less traveled venue. I can’t thank Tim Whitfield at Runnymede enough for granting us private access to this beautiful property!

It always FEELS good when I’m working with an organization I know is DOING good!!!

We’ve been working with the Lowcountry Housing Trust for many years now. Nothing but good things to say about these genuine, caring, hard-working folks! They put a TON of work into organizing the first annual Tri-County Housing Summit last week, entitled “Housing Matters”.

This was a top-notch think-tank! From the opening address by The Honorable Joe Riley, Mayor of Charleston, to the keynote presentation by Mitchell Silver, Chief Planning and Development Officer and Planning Director for the City of Raleigh, to all the passionate speakers and presenters in between…it really was an amazing collaboration of minds to find solutions and solve the need for affordable housing throughout the tri-county area!

Since my parents were both educators, it was a real honor to have been selected as the official photographer of the Charleston County Schools annual Retirement Banquet!

Shirel did an AMAZING job of putting all the details in place, making the Montague Terrace at the Charleston Coliseum look fantastic, and helping everyone feel welcome! It was a truly joyous occasion, honoring the many years of dedication and service these fine teachers and support staff have invested in our children’s future.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the retirees on a job well done!!!

Nothing gives me more pleasure than to watch the daughter of a long-time favorite client grow up, become a beautiful and successful young lady, and find the love of her life!

It’s been so much fun photographing Erin & Rette’s engagement session, Erin’s bridal portraits, and now to have the privilege of being a part of their special day. Initially I was booked and wasn’t going to be able to be there for Erin on her wedding day…which broke my heart. My good friend and AMAZING photographer, Kate McKinley swooped in to save he day. Then the stars aligned at the last minute, and I ended up being able to join Kate in photographing part of this match made in heaven!

Erin & Rette’s ceremony and reception were held at the gorgeous I’On Creek Club, one of my favorite venues in Charleston. Although they got plenty of rain (and good luck) on their wedding day, Erin & Rette’s spirits weren’t dampened one bit. I LOVED how Erin practically jumped into Rette’s embrace, even before her uncle Ricky could get the words “and now you may kiss the bride” out of his mouth!

CONGRATULATIONS Erin & Rette! May God bless you as you begin your new journey together!!!

This week, we are honored to be part of a hand-picked team of photographers, led by our friend and fearless leader Alice Keeney, who will be covering the much anticipated inaugural TEDx talks in Charleston!!!

What a delightful young lady Jenny was! We had great time yesterday…exploring Boone Hall Plantation, then zipping over to the beach at Sullivan’s Island during her Senior Portrait Session. CONGRATULATIONS, Jenny! CofC will be lucky to have you!!!

It’s always sad to see an era come to an end. But my heart is glad to know that the end of an era marks the beginning of a NEW one!

Last weekend, the last of the three Rowland sisters tied the knot with her kind and gentle rock-star, Nick. It’s been many years since I photographed her sister Meagan’s wedding. What an honor it has been, getting to know the Rowland family over these years!!!  And now that Meagan, Micah, and Mallory are married…they are embarking on their own journeys and starting their own families.

Mallory & Nick were married at the incredibly picturesque Holy Spirit Catholic Church on John’s Island, where her uncle, Msgr. Rowland, performed the nuptials. It was a beautuful and meaningful service, joined by close friends and family.

Their reception…or should I say PARTAAAY…was held at the James Island Yacht Club. I love the dramatic views of Charleston Harbor that the club has! So after partying, dancing, dining, and toasting the evening away…Mallory & Nick snuck out to the shoreline for some dramatic photos with my assistant, Chrissy, and I. It was a crazy stormy day…which worked out perfect for the photos I had in mind. Since Nick & Mallory are huge movie buffs like I am, I wanted something cinamatic for them. The stormy clouds and whipping winds were just what we needed!

CONGRATULATIONS Mallory & Nick! May the 4th be with you!!!

We always LOVE personal referrals!!!

So when Pam called and told me the Andersons had given them our name, I was so excited. I’ve been photographing the Anderson family for YEARS…they’re like family to us!!!

Well, it looks like we’ve got ourselves another favorite family to add to that list! I absolutely LOVED working with the Jones family yesterday. They are such a wonderful, down-to-earth, easy-going bunch. It was so much fun getting to know them, finding about their kid’s passions and pleasures, and discovering new areas of this old plantation together.

THANK YOU, Pam & Matt! You guys have a beautiful family…what an honor to hang out with you for an evening!

I always feel extra blessed when I truly feel like I’m a part of a really special family! Having photographed Mallory’s sister’s wedding, which was one of my favorites that year, I was truly honored when the Rowlands called us early on, to say Mallory wanted me to be a part of their family again for her wedding!

Here’s one of my favorites from her Bridal Shoot here in our studio. Congratulations Mallory & Nick! Wedding photos are coming soon!!!

Yesterday was Erin & Rette’s AMAZING wedding celebration. This morning I’m still chuckling over how they practically JUMPED into each other’s arms for a long embrace before her Uncle Rick could get the words “You may k……..” out of his mouth!

Here’s one of my favorite shots from Erin’s beautiful Bridal Shoot at Boone Hall Plantation…along with a fun behind-the-scenes photo of her Mom helping hold a kicker light.