Jamie & Erin






Last weekend I was THRILLED to be invited to capture the Jamie & Erin’s wedding day. What an AWESOME event! Everything was held at the photogenic I’On Creek Club. And although gusty winds coming off Hobcaw Creek put a chill in the air, it didn’t dampen our spirits one bit! Jamie wore a very elegant gown from Jean’s Bridal. After she finished checking the mirror (isn’t that an adorable image with her and her Mom), Jamie walked to where Erin was waiting to see her for the first time. Capturing their “First Glance” from across the room was a touching experience for me. You can just feel the love between these two as they embrace under the glow from the window behind! Juliet did a fantastic job with Jamie’s hair, as you can see it cascading around her shoulders in this candid portrait. Then we braved the cold wind to take advantage of the GORGEOUS late afternoon light. Victoria at Frampton’s Flowers did a wonderful job (as always!) with the bouquet. Later I was able to use the glow from the sun on a portrait of Erin in a corner of the open porch where this shaft of light came streaming through the trees. Jeremy, who was Erin’s Best Man, is also a great friend of Jamie’s. How cool is THAT!?! Here he’s checking Erin’s tie before the processional begins. Amanda from Southern Chic Weddings did a wonderful job of keeping everything on schedule, which was CRUCIAL to me since the sun was scheduled to set over the creek just minutes after the ceremony was over. Immediately after the ceremony where they exchanged truly unique rings from Whiteflash, we zipped over to the dock and got this dramatic silhouette of Jamie & Erin in the nick of time! šŸ™‚ The reception was a TON of FUN! Michelle at Regal Catering made sure the food was tasty and plentiful. My favorite ladies of confection at Lady Fingers put together a tasty work of art for their wedding cake. And our DJ from Carolina Mobile Music kept the energy high, even ending the night with an American Idol worthy performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, to the applause of all the guests! Check out the rest of their photos here…
Jamie & Erin, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of this special day…the beginning of the rest of your new life together!!!

Rainy Days Won’t Get Me Down

Sheena & Justin drove all the way from Augusta last week to have their engagement portraits done on the beach. Well…the weather sometimes has a mind of it’s own! šŸ™‚ However, now that Cami & I are in our new home, with our offices and wonderful new loft-studio on the second floor, we had no worries!!! We just moved everything indoors and had a BLAST. We even squeezed a few in with their handsome son, Camerin.

This casual shot was one of my favorites. I CAN’T WAIT for their wedding…it’s going to be so much fun!

Kim O’Bryant Martino Scholarship

Nikon D2x with 24-70 f2.8
It was a humbling experience last week, photographing the Kim O’Bryant Martino Scholarship Affair at MUSC’s College of Health Professions. The event was in honor of the passing of Kim O’Bryant Martino, a mother, a student at the college, and a source of strength, encouragement, and friendship to everyone she knew. Famed quilt artist, Marlene O’Bryant Seabrook gave a beautiful presentation of her work, which was donated, among other artwork, to a silent auction that raised money for a scholarship in Kim’s honor.

Jennifer & Michael



Jennifer is a longtime friend of ours. She’s a real sweetheart and TONS of fun too! So Cami and I were SO HAPPY for her when she and Michael flew off to St. Lucia for a romantic destination wedding. Upon their return, they set about planning a big party/reception for all their family and friends to help celebrate their decision to be together. It was an honor and a privilege to be there for Jennifer and meet Michael…who’s a GREAT guy and absolutely PERFECT for her! Before we headed off to the reception, I photographed their family photos at a beautiful house they’d rented on Folly Beach. I love these shots of them on the beach as the sun quietly slid below the horizon! CONGRATULATIONS you two!!!

Johnson & Wales University


Johnson & Wales University has a HUGE constituency of alumni working in the fabulous eateries, service industries, and artistic outlets here in Charleston. So when they threw a FABULOUS Alumni Appreciation dinner at the historic Wicliffe House, I jumped at the chance to photograph it. Let me tell you, the food looked SO GOOD, but I was so busy I didn’t get a chance to try any of it…what a shame! šŸ™‚ This first image shows Former President of Charleston Campus, Barry Gleim and current President of Charleston Campus, Arthur Gallagher, standing behind University President, Dr. John Bowen during his address. Many thanks to Jennifer Fustino for believing in QUALITY! I hope we get to work together many more times…

Creative Lighting Seminar

Last night our PPofSC Coastal District group of photographers came over for a little presentation I did on the Creative Lighting System I frequently incorporate in my work. We had an EXCELLENT turnout and everyone seemed to have a great time. I basically shared my philosophy on lighting and explained all the tools and techniques I use to add impact to my images. I also shared some of my resources such as http://www.strobist.com/, and inspirations such as Dave Black and Joe McNally. Plus I did some live shooting with the images popping up on the big screen for everyone to see what was going on. Here’s one of my friend Charlie Thiel…his mistake for sitting in the front row! šŸ˜‰ Many thanks to Jennifer Easler for organizing everything and bringing so many goodies to eat!!!


Misty & Michael







When Misty & Michael started looking for a wedding photographer, they found me through one of our favorite search partners, Decidio. But even though they contacted us through a global search, very quickly we realized we had a lot in common locally! Misty used to work with our good friends Dan & Eve. Michael’s grandmother, Camilla, was a founding member of our church. And the person they’d chosen to unite them was our favorite Pastor Ron from Ashley River Baptist. It’s funny how some things are just MEANT TO BE!!! šŸ™‚ Their ceremony and reception were held at the always wonderful Alhambra Hall. It had rained the day before, but Saturday cleared up and turned into a GORGEOUS day. Michael and his guys were dressed like they belonged on the cover of GQ. I love that first shot with the reflection of Michael in Brian’s sunglasses! Misty was absolutely radiant in her elegant gown…a perfect choice for such a beautiful bride. One of my favorite shots of the day is the candid image of Isabella (her flower girl and Michael’s niece) giving Misty a kiss on the cheek while her Mom, Grace, stands in the background looking on. RELATIONSHIPS…that’s what it’s ALL about! Rhett, of Music By Request, did an excellent job providing music and direction to the evening’s events. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and celebration as Misty & Michael shared their special day with family and friends! While the sun set over Charleston Bay, I got this wonderful silhouette of the newlyweds framed in the fiery sky. WOW! Misty & Michael, THANK YOU for letting me be a part of your lives!!!
Click here to see the rest of their photos…

Africa’s Children

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8VSsW9XCrE]

As most of you know, I’m an MK born and raised in Zaire, Africa. So when I ran across this really cool video from a ministry called Watoto in Uganda, I thought I’d share it with you. My youngest brother, Eric, is actually in Uganda right now finishing out a two-year assignment with CRWRC. Next year, Cami and I are hoping to go visit our friends Mark & Ruth Walkup, who now work for the CDC in Zimbabwe. We photographed their beautiful wedding in Norfolk, VA a few years ago. Anyway, I can’t WAIT to get back to AFRICA! I left in ’87, visited during the summer of ’92, but haven’t been back since. It’s been WAY too long…

Lunar Eclipse

Nikon D2x, 200-400VR lens, TC14eII converter

It’s been a long, busy day. But before I headed off to bed, I couldn’t resist pulling out the heavy artillary to photograph tonight’s lunar eclipse. The next one won’t be until 2010! I hope you got to see it.

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! šŸ™‚ 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!!!