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As a husband and wife, as adopted parents, and as animal lovers…quite possibly the hardest thing Cami and I have ever had to do together was put Henry to sleep. He was laid to rest while we held him in our arms and tears streamed down our faces yesterday at 4:15 after 14 wonderful years with us…almost as long as we’ve been married! Back then I used to work for a photography company that had me traveling to other cities a lot. Shortly after moving into our new home, I got in around 2:00am from one of these assignments. As I quietly snuck in so as not to disturb Cami, I felt something soft and warm snuggle up against my leg! Cami had rescued Henry through Pet Helpers that day and wanted him to be a surprise for me. He had been abused as a puppy, but Henry soon learned that he had reached the good life! As Cami’s dad puts it, “If I believed in re-incarnation, I’d want to come back as a dog in THIS family!” 😉 Henry was well loved and had a long life. Some of his favorite memories would include running on the beach, seeing snow for the first time in Ohio, popping balloons with his teeth at birthday parties, barking at the UPS man, and long walks on the Charleston Greenway. We miss him so much…

Cami & I have heavy hearts today. Our friends Ben & Daphne have lost their youngest son…a beautiful little boy named Micah.

Our presentation “Capturing the Cup” went GREAT last night. I was so nervous that I had WAY over prepared, plus I didn’t anticipate having so many interesting questions…so the program went too long for my liking. But everyone enjoyed it and we had fun sharing what it’s like to photograph this great tournament. Many thanks to Mike Saia (Family Circle Cup Communications Manager), Douglas Cunningham (my good friend and fellow photographer), Stacy Pearsall at the Charleston Center for Photography, and all who came out to support us! Here’s one of the slideshows we shared during the presentation. Enjoy!

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Katie & Adam were married on the beautiful lawn at Bridgeside underneath the majestic shadows of the new Arthur Ravanel Jr. Bridge. What a picturesque location for such an AMAZING couple!!! And their first dance was held on the deck overlooking Charleston Harbor as the sky burst into the vibrant colors of the setting sun behind them. It was a photographer’s dream…attractive, super fun couple + scenic location + gorgeous light…I was in heaven! 🙂 CONGRATULATIONS Katie & Adam…you guys are THE BEST!!!

Recently I’ve had some really adventurous brides and gotten some GORGEOUS images from their Bridal Shoots. So I thought I’d share a few of my favorites with you. This first one is of Katie, who’s beautiful wedding to Adam I just photographed. Enjoy!

This coming Monday my good friend Douglas and I will be doing a fun photo presentation at the Charleston Center for Photography on what it’s like to cover the Family Circle Cup! There is no charge to attend. And there WILL be prizes! 🙂 We’d love to have you join us!!!

WHERE: Charleston Center for Photography
654 King Street, Suite D

Ruth Baker called me the other day to let me know Bobby & Jennifer, her daughter who’s wedding I’d photographed, were famous! 🙂 Kelly, a friend of theirs who was at the wedding LOVED their photos so much she used her contacts in Atlanta to get their photo published in Jezebel Magazine. Here’s what the issue looks like, and their photo below. Pick your copy up on the newsstand today!

I’ve had so much fun working with Rachel & Brandon over the last six months. Rachel’s cousin, Kim, works at the Charleston Regional Business Journal where I’ve gotten to know her from shooting for them. So I was honored that she recommended us to her cuz! 🙂 Right away after meeting with Rachel and her Mom, I just KNEW we were cut from the same cloth and were going to have a great time together. Her Bridal Shoot was an AMAZING experience with this truly breath-taking sunset. I was the first to arrive at Sunrise Presbyterian Church on the wedding day…so peaceful…the calm before the storm. As everyone arrived the excitement and electricity in the air began to build. We all had SO MUCH FUN! Pastor Vance did a BEAUTIFUL job and had some excellent words of advice…I hope you guys remember what he said! HA! After a walk on the beach to release some energy and share a private moment, we were off to Alhambra Hall for the REAL party! The Crystal Clear Band really kept the excitement high. As they left under flurry of bubbles, hugging and kissing family and friends along the way, I just felt blessed to have been part of this special day in their lives. Click Here to see their Online Gallery. CONGRATULATIONS Rachel & Brandon!

I met with Whitney & Logan this morning to talk about their wedding. They were just so cute together, all “lovey-dovey” and everything, that I couldn’t resist grabbing this candid shot. 🙂 I’m SO EXCITED that they’ve selected us to capture all the special moments of their Big Day!

Esque, an amazing fine-art lab we LOVE (and highly recommend) held a photo contest with the theme of depicting “My Town”. Here’s one of the images I submitted to represent the Charleston that I’m so proud to call my home. It won FIRST PLACE!!!

Brett Schauff of Esque writes “CONGRATULATIONS to Chris Smith and his image “Hazy Dusk over Charleston Harbor” for being voted the winner of the first Esque photo contest. Julie Williams and her image ‘The Splendor of God’s Fury’ came in a very close 2nd. Thank you to all who entered. Also a very special thank you to our judges, Carlos Baez, Corey McNabb, Kevin Kubota, Jeff Wendling and Tyffany Wendling.”

I had an AWESOME engagement shoot with Rindy & Josh at Boone Hall Plantation! Check out a few of my favorites here…then jump to their Online Gallery to see the rest.

I just HAD to share this with you all. 🙂 Many thanks to David Jay. It’s hilarious and ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!!

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