One day, about 8 years ago, Jamie was at work processing client invoices when the phone rang. A nice man on the other end of the line had called to pay his bill. But by the end of the phone call, they’d had such a nice conversation that Brian, the man on the other end of the line, told Jamie she sounded so nice on the phone that he’d love to get her number and call again! She agreed. And the rest, as they say, is history. 🙂
About 7 years ago, Jamie was the Maid of Honor in Melissa & Kevin’s beautiful wedding, which I was honored to photograph at Middleton Place Plantation. Jamie & Meilissa have been best friends since forever! As the girls continued to hang out, Brian and Kevin soon developed a lasting friendship as well. Thus I thought it was so fitting that Brian eventually asked Kevin to be his Best Man!
Jamie & Brian’s beautiful fall wedding was held at Fendley Farmstead in the foothills of Canton, GA. The cool fall weather made for such a cozy experience, as family and friends gathered to celebrate the lives of these two AMAZING people, and the love they shared. It was such a joy for Cami and I to be there to capture all the exciting moments of this wonderful day!
CONGRATULATIONS Jamie & Brian! We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together!!!
Tani and Scot were classmates at Pelham Road Elementary back in the 70’s. Scot played football for the Mustangs, and Tani was a cheerleader. It’s the classic American sweetheart story! Scot asked Tani to wear his jersey one week and Tani happily accepted. 🙂 Scot and Tani both attended Greenville Middle School as well as Eastside High School. As they got older, the bond of the “Pelham Road Mustang Jersey” faded and, as often happens in high school, their lives took different paths. After High School Graduation, Tani went on to college at USC, and then to Furman for her Masters. Scot joining the Marine Corps, and studied at Lander University and Greenville Tech. After a deployment to Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Scot went on to a 15 year career in the golf industry. Tani got married and had two wonderful children, Brooke and Garrett, while parenting a step child as well. Years later, Tani and Scot re-ignited the flame of the “Pelham Road Mustang”, and have been inseparable ever since!
It’s been an absolute pleasure to get to know Tani & Scot as we planned, prepared and finally got to photograph their beautiful wedding last weekend! The pure joy, and beautiful energy both of them put out into the world is such a breath of fresh air. The way they laugh, cry, hug, and hold each other lets you know that they are TRULY living life to the fullest. In the worries and woes of today’s crazy world, being around these two put peace in my mind and hope in my heart. The world is a better place with these two in it…ESPECIALLY now that they have found their way back to each other!!! 🙂
I met up with Tani & Scott for their First Glance in a beautiful clearing surrounded by trees near the Ripley Point Marina. What a joyful way to start off their celebration! Family and friends joined us for a fun photo shoot soon after. Then it was on to the one and only Carolina Girl. I absolutely LOVE photographing weddings and receptions on this beautiful yacht! Ashley and the rest of the staff had prepared everything down to the last detail. Breezes swayed the sweet grass back and forth as we cruised through the low-country waterscape surrounding historic downtown Charleston. Tani & Scott exchanged their vows on the upper deck as the serene scene floated by. After a perfectly timed sunset photo-opp, the party kicked into high gear with dinner, dancing, and LOTS of celebrating!
At the end of the evening, a special surprise awaited Tani. Scott had secretly arranged for an 8-man company of marines to perform the traditional Saber Arch as the two of them dis-embarked from the Carolina Girl. It was quite a site, and quite an emotional moment! To welcome her to the Marines, Tani received the customary “sword swat” on the derriere, to everyone’s applause. Hand-in-hand, Tani & Scot then made their way down the dock, lined with excited friends and family, all blowing bubbles and high-fiving the newlyweds as they made their way off into the night!
CONGRATULATIONS Tani & Scott! May your hearts forever be full and free!!!
“We’re all a little weird, and life’s a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”
– Dr. Seuss
I love this quote from one of my all-time favorite writers! I’m not calling Marri & Aldo “wierd”. But they are most definitely, one hundred percent, head-over-heals IN LOVE!!! 🙂
Having worked with Marri for many years (she was one of the decision-makers who hired me to photograph my first corporate event with the US Grains Council), it was such an honor when she asked me to photograph her wedding! I’ve come to think of her as not just a colleague, but as a friend…which made being a part of their celebration extra special for me.
Having grown up internationally, I was even MORE thrilled when I found out the man Marri had fallen in love with was Panamanian! Aldo runs his own business in the shipping industry in Panama City, where Marri is now based. I finally got to meet him in February when we photographed their Engagement Session in Casco Viejo, the beautiful old historic part of Panama City. We got to meet his wonderful family there as well. It was truly special to see how happy Marri is when she’s around Aldo!
Fast forward to last weekend when Marri & Aldo’s destination wedding took place at her father’s farm in Marshall, MN. Family and friends came from far and wide! Friends from grade-school, co-workers, and so many of Aldo’s family from Panama that they even hired professional translators, Chris Dimmick and Isabel Rodriguez, to translate the beautiful ceremony!
The family farm was decorated beautifully! In a natural setting surrounded by tall pines, under a rustic arbor on a carpet of lush grass, Marri & Aldo exchanged their vows. Emotions swayed the gamut…solemn words from the heart cascading into bursts of joy and laughter. I was glad I had my cameras to hide behind when tears welled up…and just as glad when they were wiped away by a spontaneous giggle.
I didn’t think anything would top that amazing ceremony! But I was warned that Panamanians KNOW HOW TO PARTY!!! The reception that followed is certainly one that will go down in my mind as the greatest one in my long career! From the amazing toasts (some of which couldn’t even be translated!!!), to the fresh-from-the-farm dinner, to the bottomless ice-cream cart, to the all-night-dance fest, to the bonfire after-party with s’mores…it truly was a night to remember. I finally hitched a ride to the hotel at 2:00am. Easily the longest I’ve ever partied at a reception…THAT is how much fun it was! 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS, Marri & Aldo!
Ahora no sentirán ninguna lluvia, porque cada uno será el amparo del otro.
Ahora no tendrán frío, porque cada uno le dará calor al otro.
Ahora no habrá más soledad, porque existirán como compañeros.
Aunque sean son dos individuos, un solo destino los espera.
Vayan ahora a su hogar para continuar su vida juntos.
Y que sus días en esta tierra duren y quesean prósperos.
– Unknown Wedding Blessing
While we were in Panama photographing Marri & Aldo’s engagement session, I also had the honor of photographing a destination family portrait session for Aldo’s family. Isn’t his little niece absolutely adorable? The whole family was so fun and friendly, welcoming us to their beautiful country of Panama with open arms. It was a real joy to meet all of them. Muchas gracias mis amigos!!!
Every now and then, a couple comes into our lives who somehow make our hearts feel full and free. Marri & Aldo are THAT kind of couple!
I’ve known Marri for about 4 years now as I’ve worked with her on a professional level, photographing assignments for the company she works for. In fact, she was the person that originally hired me! I was so proud of her when she took on a new position with the company, as the Regional Director based in Panama. Imagine my excitement when she shared the good news that she’d met someone special…in Panama!!!
Last week Cami and I had the honor of meeting Aldo and his family. What an AMAZING guy!!! We all met up in the old walled city of Casco Viejo for their destination engagement session. It was so much fun exploring this historic part of Panama City…laughing, goofing off, and getting to know each other along the way. Marri was absolutely STUNNING, flashing her contagious smile in that warm tropical light. Aldo’s rugged good looks showed off his Central American roots.
As sunset turned to evening, Aldo was so kind in inviting Cami & I to join them for dinner. What a true gentleman! Spending the evening with good food and good friends was a wonderful treat.
CONGRATULATIONS Marri & Aldo! I can’t wait to be there for you on your beautiful wedding day!!!
Last weekend, Katie & Grayson’s dream of a picture-perfect southern plantation wedding came true!!!
The sun was shining, the temperature was perfect, and excitement filled the air! Magnolia Plantation was the gorgeous backdrop for the day. And Katie was absolutely stunning in her gown. What more could a photographer ask for?!? 🙂
Originally from Arkansas, Katie & Grayson are the most amazing couple you could ever hope to meet! Katie is a stunning lawyer and athlete, with an infectious laugh, and a fun mischievous streak. Grayson’s devilish good looks and strong-but-quiet demeanor could land him on the cover of GQ magazine someday. Together they are a match made in heaven!
Many thanks to my amazing second-shooter, Robbin, to Leanza at Magnolia Plantation, to Loraine at Invitation Only Charleston, to Angela at First Impressions, to John at Watering Hole, to Thomas at 326 Films, to Janice at Pretty Petals, to Steve at Coastal Hospitality, to Andrew at Classical Charleston, to Monica at Cake Sablee, to Ron at RCB Audio, and to the many other helping hands and smiling faces of friends and family who helped make this day so special!
CONGRATULATIONS Katie & Grayson!!!
“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion, and your days together be good and long upon the earth.”
– Apache Wedding Blessing
I owe a HUGE thank you to the Lazicki family for recommending us to Kathleen’s Aunt and Uncle!
They put me in touch with Kathleen and Michael, and we began chatting, emailing, and Skyping over a year ago. We got together over coffee one weekend when they were in town, finalizing plans for their wedding day. I felt such an instant connection with this beautiful couple…I just KNEW their wedding was going to be a special one!
Last weekend the Big Day finally arrived…and I was BLOWN AWAY!!! My assistant, Laura, and I were accepted into the fold as if we were family. Nothing in the world could have dampened the spirit of this special day. The energy in the air was simply electric!
Getting ready at the Francis Marion Hotel, Kathleen was absolutely stunning, in a very unique dress that I absolutely LOVED!!! Michael was quite dashing and debonair, himself. My favorite part of the day was when the two of them shared a special moment together (on opposite sides of her door) to exchange gifts and tell each other how much they looked forward to marrying one another!
Following the beautiful ceremony in the Gold Ballroom at the old historic hotel, the families headed over to Marion Square for portraits. A chance encounter with a street performer prompted a vicious “Dance Off” with Michael, to which we’re all still bewildered as to who the victor was…it was THAT good!!! The wedding party then headed into the scenic College of Charleston campus, where we had a blast laughing and capturing tons of great photos while the students are away for the summer.
Returning to the Francis Marion Hotel, Gillian and the amazing staff had transformed the ceremony site into a romantic reception hall. Michael had planned a raucous sports-arena-style Grand Entrance that did not disappoint. And Kathleen’s eloquent Welcome Speech raised a huge round of applause. The food, the fellowship, and the fun went on and on, non-stop all night long!
When Jennifer called to ask if I was available for her wedding date, I was so excited to say YES!!!
I had photographed her sister Ashley’s wedding several years ago and remembered how much I loved working with their family then. It’s been a pleasure getting to know Jennifer over the last few months as we ironed out all the details. Last weekend, the big day finally arrived!!!
Jennifer & Matt were married on her cousin’s lawn, on a gorgeous day, overlooking a beautiful creek on James Island Jennifer was absolutely stunning in her elegant wedding gown. It was an honor to finally meet Matt, who is an INCREDIBLE guy, and madly in love with Jennifer!
From the very first touches of makeup, to the grand finale when everyone jumped in the pool…it was clear that this was a match made in heaven! To see the rest of their photos, check out their gallery at http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/jennandmatt.
CONGRATULATIONS Jennifer & Matt!!! May your lives continue to be blessed without measure…
When I lay hiding in the itchy bushes, heart pounding with excitement, photographing Casey’s secret proposal to Bekah several months ago…I had no idea that one day I’d also be photographing him placing the wedding band on her finger in marriage!
What an honor it was to be there for Bekah & Casey at their beautiful wedding in the lush countryside outside Mullins, SC. It was such an elegant affair, with the old rustic barn decorated with tasteful floral arrangements and antique lighting displays. Friends and family came from far and wide to witness the joy of this special day!
To see the rest of their photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/bekahandcasey
Bekah was absolutely stunning in her whispy flowing gown and fairy-tale wreath. Casey was decked out in a handsome suit. Both of them wore their favorite shoes, which were also present on the day Casey asked for Bekah’s hand in marriage! It was so cool to know that those special shoes and I were the ONLY witnesses for both of these magical celebrations of their love for each other!!!
“My beloved is mine and I am his.” Song of Songs 2:16
CONGRATULATIONS Bekah & Casey! We wish you all the best as you begin this new journey together!!!
Last week Sarah & Todd finally tied the knot on a beautiful hillside, overlooking a gorgeous lake, in picturesque Shenandoah Crossing Resort!
Sarah & Todd were a personal referral through Cami’s Aunt Marian, who is good friends with Sarah’s mom and Sarah’s aunt. Once we started talking to Sarah, everything just “clicked”, and we knew it was meant to be! Meeting with Sarah months ago during the planning stages of the wedding confirmed our feelings…THIS was going to be an amazing wedding!!!
The week before the wedding, Cami and I drove up with her Aunt Marian and Uncle Joe, to enjoy the history and beauty of Virginia. We had a wonderful few days, getting to know the area the wedding was in…lush vineyards, green hillsides, and curvy country roads.
The morning of the wedding dawned with beautiful sunshine and happy faces!!! Sarah was absolutely gorgeous in her fitted gown. And Todd was looking pretty dapper himself. 🙂
The ceremony was down right perfect…right down to the geese serenading guests as they whistled overhead! The reception was filled with excitement and energy all night long. Everyone had a BLAST…and we were know exception!!! To see ALL the crazy fun photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/sarahandtodd.
“When in love, a cliff becomes a meadow.” – Ethiopian Wedding Blessing
CONGRATULATIONS, Sarah & Todd! May your lives be filled with nothing but meadows as you begin this new journey together…
Photographing Darcy & David’s AMAZING destination wedding in Augusta has been the highlight of our year!
Darcy & Cami are long-time “tennis gals”. And it’s always an EXTRA honor when good friends like Darcy & David ask us to be a part of their special day. We can’t thank them enough for allowing us to be there for them, and to capture all the fun and excitement of this beautiful time in their lives!!!
Darcy & David’s ceremony was held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, while the reception was held at the Augusta Country Club. Both were absolutely gorgeous venues! It seemed like all of Augusta turned out to witness this incredible day. And with so many fabulous friends and family in attendance…this classy affair turned into the party of the century! It was like having the best of both worlds!!! 🙂
To see the rest of their wedding photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/darcyanddavidwedding. To see all their rehearsal dinner photos, visit http://chrisandcami.zenfolio.com/darcyanddavidrehearsal.
CONGRATULATIONS Darcy & David! We wish you both all the joy and happiness your hearts deserve!!!
As most folks know, I had a very unique childhood…spending my formative years overseas in Africa. Christina’s mom did as well! We share the unique bond of having attended The American School of Kinshasa (TASOK), we speak the same dialect of Kituba, and we fought the same strains of malaria! 🙂 So when Linda asked if I would fly to California and photograph her daughter’s wedding, I jumped at the chance!!!
The story I heard was that Christina’s grandmother, Mary, was responsible for this special occasion taking place. 😉 Christina & Matt have been together for 10 years, but never made things official. When asked if she would be coming to visit them in California for Christmas, Mary said something to the effect of, “I might…if I get to finally see my granddaughter get married!” That was all it took for Christina & Matt to say “You know what…we SHOULD!” Before anyone knew it, the planning of the party-of-the-decade was in full swing!!! 🙂
Although predictions of rain were in the air, the day of the wedding dawned absolutely spectacular! We couldn’t have asked for a prettier day. And I certainly couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful bride to photograph! Christina was absolutely radiant in her gorgous gown!!! Matt was looking pretty snappy with his red tie. Their son, Grant, was stylin’ in his matching black outfit. But the best part was the wedding party’s awesome shoes!!!
With such beautiful scenery to work with, and such a fun-loving group, we all had a BLAST creating tons of photographs, ranging from silly and fun to dramatic and timeless! Afterwards, their ceremony was held at the scenic Wedgewood club house at the Indian Hills Golf Club. Like the photo shoot, the ceremony had an up-beat joie-de-vivre persona, which I loved! A gentle pitter-patter on the roof began during the “I-Do’s”. So after the ceremony Christina & Matt agreed to sneak outside for a few epic shots among the gentle raindrops. After all, rain on your wedding day is good luck, right?!? (And trust me, it doesn’t rain very often in L.A.)
It was so great to be there for this AMAZING couple, and to spend time with my extended Congolese family! CONGRATULATIONS Christina & Matt!!! Remember…
“Where there is love there is no darkness.”
– Burundi Wedding Blessing
