US Grains Council Salt Lake City Board of Directors Meeting – Day 2

It’s been a real pleasure photographing the USGC’s annual Board of Directors Meeting each summer. This is their 64th annual meeting!!!

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in over 50 countries, as well as the European Union. The Council’s work is vital to global economic development, and to the profitability and sustainability of American farmers.

This year’s conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT. Cami and I flew out a few days early to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, the Tabernacle at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, the Conference Center, and Hogle Zoo.

But the main event was of course the USGC conference! With a welcome address by Mike Mower from the Utah Governor’s office, a motivational speech by Matt Booth, a CEO outlook by USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and keynote presentations by the likes of Carlos Suarez (USGC Director of Global Sustainability), Lloyd Day (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), and Keneth Smith Ramos (ARGON), the schedule was absolutely packed! In addition to the conference speakers, there were a variety of panel discussions, tons of Advisory Team meetings, Sector meetings, and of course the Board of Delegates Meeting. Needless to say, I was kept quite busy capturing all the action!

Many thanks to the team at the US Grains Council for inviting me back and trusting me to capture all the key moments of this important conference!!!

US Grains Council Salt Lake City Board of Directors Meeting – Day 1

It’s been a real pleasure photographing the USGC’s annual Board of Directors Meeting each summer. This is their 64th annual meeting!!!

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With a full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in over 50 countries, as well as the European Union. The Council’s work is vital to global economic development, and to the profitability and sustainability of American farmers.

This year’s conference was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Salt Lake City, UT. Cami and I flew out a few days early to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. But we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of Salt Lake City, including the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, the Tabernacle at The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, the Conference Center, and Hogle Zoo.

But the main event was of course the USGC conference! With a welcome address by Mike Mower from the Utah Governor’s office, a motivational speech by Matt Booth, a CEO outlook by USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and keynote presentations by the likes of Carlos Suarez (USGC Director of Global Sustainability), Lloyd Day (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture), and Keneth Smith Ramos (ARGON), the schedule was absolutely packed! In addition to the conference speakers, there were a variety of panel discussions, tons of Advisory Team meetings, Sector meetings, and of course the Board of Delegates Meeting. Needless to say, I was kept quite busy capturing all the action!

Many thanks to the team at the US Grains Council for inviting me back and trusting me to capture all the key moments of this important conference!!!

Hill Family on Hilton Head Island

With Tropical Storm Debby barreling down on us, we weren’t sure we’d be able to get our beach session in. But the Hill Family is an adventurous group!

I had photographed their portraits 4 years ago when they vacationed on Folly Beach. So I was super excited when Dave emailed to ask if I would consider coming to Hilton Head to photograph this year’s updates? It was so cool to see how much the kids had grown! Some of them, I hadn’t even met yet because they weren’t even born then. 🙂

We had an absolute BLAST, catching up, braving the storm (until it sent us scurrying inside), and capturing some fun family memories to commemorate this new chapter in their lives.

Mackenzie Family on Kiawah Island

The last time I photographed the Mackenzie Family was in 2020. Back then, the girls were only knee-high to a grasshopper! I was super excited when they called to let me know they were coming back to Kiawah Island this year and wanted updated family portraits!!!

We met up at The Sanctuary and captured some shots in the Butterfly Garden, which was one of their favorite locations from the last time. We also got a few fun ones in the Enchanted Forest out front of the hotel. Then it was off to the beach, following the winding wooded path. There had been some storm clounds in the area earlier in the afternoon. But our timing worked out perfectly with beautiful skies and gorgeous light from the late afternoon sun!

It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with the Mackenzie family, see how much the girls have grown, and capture these beautiful images for them…

Center for Birds of Prey – Staff Headshots

It’s been a pleasure working with the Center for Birds of Prey over the last few years! I was lucky enough to get to photograph headshots for the newest members of their growing team yesterday. Congratulations to Katie, Faith, and Christine on joining an awesome organization!!!  And many thanks to Mandy for coordinating everyone’s schedules.

The Ames for Seamon Whiteside

It was an absolute pleasure to photograph this new apartment comples in the Nexton community for Seamon Whiteside!

The Ames strive to create an atmosphere that makes you want to kick up your feet and stay awhile. It has a ton of amenity spaces where neighbors, families, and pets can live, work, play, and bond together. It includes a pool, yoga studio, workout room, clubhouse, pickleball courts, dog park, and more. Plus it’s in a perfect location in downtown Nexton, steps away from local shops, restaurants, or neighborhood events.

Many thanks to Lia for coordinating all the details for this shoot!

Michelle & Marquett

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Michelle & Marquett over the years! We met up again last evening to photograph some new headshots and couple’s portraits. They are such an AMAZING couple and so much fun to work with!!!

Felder Family on Isle of Palms

Amidst a week of dodgy thunderstorms and opressive heat waves, we lucked out with a GORGEOUS evening for the Felder Family’s annual summer beach portrait session!!!

I have truly enjoyed getting to know this beautiful family. This year, we had a new addition with adorable Anna joining the ranks. She is such a sweetheart! And I loved how she had just dicovered the existance of her tongue…and was happy to show it off to everyone! 🙂 Plus it was a joy to see how much the other kids had grown and developed their own individual personalities.

We had a blast and came away with so many wonderful images to commemorate this year’s fun family reunion.

Massey Family on Kiawah Island

With 29 souls, the Massey Family was a big group. But they were all so much fun to work with!!!

Cindy and Wayne got the whole family together to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island this week. It was an absolute honor to photograph their family portraits to commemorate this special gathering for them. We started in the “enchanted forest” area in front of the resort, then progressed to the beach as the golden light of the setting sun arrived. From the posed portraits to the candids of kids having fun…I had an absolute BLAST with the Massey Family!!!

Many thanks to Cindy for organizing everything and making sure everyone stayed in line.  🙂

Kelsey & Evan’s Wedding at Alhambra Hall

Last weekend, I had the incredible pleasure of photographing Kelsey and Evan’s stunning wedding at Alhambra Hall in picturesque Mt. Pleasant, SC. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments against the backdrop of Charleston’s cityscape across the harbor.

Kelsey was absolutely gorgeous in her exquisite gown. If you haven’t already, check out the beautiful portraits from her Bridal Shoot here: https://chrisandcami.com/kelseys-bridal-portraits-at-waterfront-park/. After her mom and maid of honor helped get her ready, Kelsey had a private First Look with her dad, and her step-dad…followed by a fun “reveal” to the rest of her bridesmaids. Evan looked quite dashing in his suit classic navy suit as well.

Their love and excitement were palpable throughout the day, from the tender moments during the ceremony to the lively celebration with family and friends during the reception.  As a wedding photographer, my goal is always to not only document the events of the day but to also capture the emotions and atmosphere that make each wedding unique. Kelsey and Evan’s wedding was a photographer’s dream, with plenty of candid moments and genuine expressions that truly reflected their love story.

One of the highlights was photographing the couple during sunset. Hidden behind low-hanging clouds for much of the afternoon, the fiery sun revealed itself for a brief moment through a sliver in the sky just as it hit the horizon near the famous Arthur Ravenel Bridge. This creating a dramatic backdrop for their final portraits before the party kicked into top gear.

The reception was an absolute BLAST!!!  From their grand entrance to the heartfelt toasts, from the anniversary dance to the bouquet toss, from the cake cutting to the final sparkler exit…it was an absolute joy to witness Kelsey & Evan’s excitement as they danced and celebrated this milestone surrounded by their loved ones.

I’m grateful to have been a part of Kelsey and Evan’s special day. It’s weddings like theirs that remind me why I love what I do—capturing true love, eternal joy, and new beginnings.

Congratulations Kelsey & Evan! We wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin your new journey together as husband and wife!!!

Muro Family 50th Anniversary Celebration on Isle of Palms

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Muro Family over the last decade or so. They truly are the nicest and kindest people on the planet!  I was together with them when they celebrated their 40th Anniversary. So it was super cool to join them for another fun family reunion in celebration of their 50th this week!!!

Kelsey’s Bridal Portraits at Waterfront Park

Kelsey & Evan were married in a beautiful ceremony at Alhambra Hall this past weekend. Which means I can FINALLY share Kelsey’s amazing bridal portraits!

Several weeks before their wedding, I met up with Kelsey and her family who came along to join in the excitement. It was a lovely evening. And Kelsey was absolutely GORGEOUS!!! We started out at White Point Garden and then explored the surrounding historic neighborhoods. We worked our way over to The Battery for final shots in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Kelsey did an AMAZING job and we came away with a ton of gorgeous images. Here are a few of my favorites. Please help me in congratulating Kelsey & Even as they begin their new life together!!!