When Sydney’s mom reached out and asked if I’d be willing to photograph her daughter’s wedding, which was a two-day event with two ceremonies—a Western ceremony and an Indian ceremony, I have to admit, I was a bit intimidated. I had never been to an Indian wedding before, let alone photographed one! But I said I was willing, as long as I had a bit of guidance…and an absolutely amazing connection began.
Read More“It’s like ra-a-ai-in, on your wedding day…”
Thanks, Alanis, for the lyrics that strike fear and trepidation in the hearts of most brides. The thought of rain ruining the day that a bride has meticulously planned for months can instill panic and dread! But it’s not ironic…it’s a very real possibility.
First, let me say: I’ve been photographing weddings for over a decade, and if there’s one truth I’ve come to embrace—it’s that the weather has a mind of its own. I’ve shot weddings in blazing sun and heat, freezing cold, soft mist, a hurricane, and downpours that seemed to roll in out of nowhere. And here’s the comforting part: some of the most breathtaking, emotionally rich images I’ve ever taken have been on rainy wedding days.
So let’s take a deep breath together, and talk through how to handle rain on your wedding day—not with panic, but with perspective, preparation, and maybe even a little excitement!
Read MoreOne of the bridal portrait sessions I photographed this past Fall was Angela’s. Angela and Dillon were married on October 25, 2025 (see their wedding photos here), but we did her bridal portrait session a few weeks prior at Indigo Iris Farm, in September. It was a beautiful evening, and the sunset definitely showed off! Angela wore a simple, yet elegant, dress, and a beautiful crown that her grandmother wore in her wedding. She didn’t have a bouquet, but who needs a bouquet when you’re at a flower farm? The flowers themselves stood proudly around Angela as she strolled through the gardens, and we even used a few stray flowers we found on the ground for a few photos.
Read MoreThe Historic Robertson Homestead is a 200+ year old restored home complete with a bridal suite, groom's quarters, creekside ceremony space, and the "Tipsy Goat Barn," an air-conditioned barn set up for receptions and other events. Located just outside of Rock Hill, SC, it’s a gorgeous venue with so many options for weddings and photos--a photographer's dream!
Read MoreBooking a wedding photographer can seem overwhelming. There are so many options that can be offered or included in a wedding package! And some photographers get fancy and don’t even call them packages…they call them “investments” or “collections.” Whatever they’re called, here’s a breakdown of possible wedding package components to consider when booking your wedding photographer.
Read MoreIn the photography world, there’s a common “Karen”-like term used for the random person at a wedding with a camera who often gets in the way of the hired photographer(s). Because that person is often an older gentleman with a DSLR or point-and-shoot, or God forbid an iPad, photographers affectionately refer to these people as “Uncle Bob.” We get it. Things have changed drastically over the last couple of decades as digital cameras and phones have become better and better for amateur photographers. It could be that these people think they are providing a special gift to the couple, or they want to have photos to show off to family and friends. They will film the bride walking down the aisle, the first dance, and special speeches and then send these photos/videos to the couple or post them on social media. However, here’s why that is not a desirable “gift.”
Read MoreThe most traditional and expected part of wedding day photography is the wedding party and family photos, but I’ll be honest— it’s a lot like wrangling cats. Without proper planning and coordination, you’ll lose groomsmen and several cousins to the bar, Uncle Joe will wander off to the bathroom, and you’ll be left standing, frustrated, as you wait for someone to go find your missing family members. However, with careful planning and an experienced coordinator/wedding photographer, this part of the day CAN be made as painless as possible.
Read MoreSarah Claire and Chandler’s wedding day began with a gloomy, rainy forecast. It was supposed to rain all day long, so I arrived armed with my Crocs, set of clear umbrellas, and a couple of extra changes of clothes. But the forecast and rain definitely did not dampen anyone’s spirits! The girls were in the house having such a fun time getting ready, singing, and dancing, and the rain miraculously stopped right as we headed out for bridal party portraits…and never started again!
Read MoreOne of the first questions I ask my wedding clients in their planning phase is whether or not they want a “first look.” For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, a “first look” is when the bride and groom meet on the wedding day, before the ceremony, to see each other for the first time. For some, this is out of the question…some more traditional couples want to wait to see each other for the first time in the aisle. And there is nothing wrong with that! But there are some benefits to a first look…
Read MoreI met Jen when her children were involved in Cub Scouts with my two boys. I knew she was a cool lady, but I had no idea how cool until she reached out to me last Fall for some photos with her motorcycle! I had never done a biker session before, but I knew exactly where I should take her for the coolest vibe around.—Camp North End.
Read MoreYou’ve just gotten engaged and are embarking on one of the most exciting and daunting things you will ever have to do: plan a wedding! After you secure the date with your venue, one of the first vendors you should book is your wedding photographer. Many wedding photographers offer "complimentary” engagement sessions as a part of their wedding packages, and there are several reasons why (and why photographers LOVE doing them!). An engagement session is not just something extra added into a wedding package to convince you to book with a photographer. Having an engagement session with your actual wedding photographer has so many benefits…
Read MoreDid you know that there’s a sunflower farm in York County, SC, where all you can see for miles are fields of beautiful yellow flowers? Draper Wildlife Management Area is a protected wildlife preserve, part of the SC Department of Natural Resources public lands. Located near Brattonsville, the preserve is an area dedicated to small game hunting, with over 370 acres of woods, ponds, and open fields. It is also popular for hiking, biking, and bird-watching throughout the year But for a month or so in July-August, the area turns into a golden wonderland, filled with acres and acres of sunflowers.
Read MoreThere’s something so special about having photos that capture the essence of life in your own home. Whether you’re snapping casual family moments, documenting a milestone event, or capturing images of family gatherings, your own home can be a wonderful backdrop. It can also serve as a great location on rainy or cold days, when outdoor photography may not be possible! But getting great photos at home isn’t always as easy as just picking up a camera. Whether you’re working with a professional photographer or going the DIY route, there are a few key things that can help you make sure your photos look polished, beautiful, and authentic.
Here are some tips for getting stunning photos at home, covering everything from lighting and decluttering to camera settings and professional help!
Read MoreWe started their session amongst a grove of palm trees. Next, we headed down to the dock and took some portraits on one of Chandler’s family boats. We headed back to the palm trees to pop a champagne bottle and then inside for an outfit change! Unlike some guys, Chandler was such an active participant in their photo session, and at one point, he suggested we take some photos that tell a story. So we captured some candid photos inside the house as they poured a champagne toast and then headed back out to the dock for a ride on the boat. They ended their session watching the dolphins and sunset together!
Read MoreI have been photographing weddings for 13 years this month. I did not go to school to be a wedding photographer—this second career sort of fell in my lap when I got my first DSLR, took a few classes, and people started asking me to take their family photos. When my husband’s cousin’s wedding photographer bailed, they called me, and three days later, I shot my first wedding! I was terrified; I literally had no idea what I was doing! But it was so much fun; I loved capturing all the special details and moments of the day. That’s when I fell in love with wedding photography, and I have never looked back! I recently booked my 100th wedding, so I thought it was a good time to share some things I have learned about getting ready for a wedding day in case there are any photographers out there just starting out who are preparing to shoot their first wedding and have no idea where to begin!
Read MoreA few months back, one of my dearest friends, Erica, asked me if I would take some dance photos for her daughter, Hazel. It was December, so it was already pretty cold out. She asked if I could do some studio-type photos inside, and even though I have some studio equipment, I don’t have a studio or space big enough to set up my paper white backdrop. However, they have a basement in their home with a big open space, so I said I’d bring over my backdrop and lighting equipment and we could have a little fun!
Read MoreIf you are a wedding photographer wondering whether or not you should invest in bridal shows, my advice is to just go for it! Maybe don’t start out by jumping into a huge, regional show, but there are bound to be local venues or coordinators who host smaller shows, and that is a perfect way to start. You don’t have to spend a ton of money—and your booth doesn’t have to have a lot on display! A “look book” is the best thing to show off your work, and maybe a laptop with a slideshow. The most important thing is to be YOU—share your passion, experience, and how you approach a wedding day. Be prepared to be on your feet most of the day—wear comfortable shoes! Bring snacks to keep up your energy! During down times visit with other vendors—those connections can often be the biggest perk of participating in bridal shows! You might meet your next referral source, or better yet, make a new friend.
Read MoreYou just got your photos back from your photo session, and you’ve shared them on your socials so that everyone can oooh and ahhh over them. Now what are you going to do with them? Are they just going to live in a phone, cloud, or hard drive forever? Or will you do something to feature them in your life for years to come? Framed prints, wall displays, canvases, and albums can become cherished keepsakes that help your images live on for you to enjoy for years to come! There’s just something truly magical about holding a tangible piece of your memories in your hands. Let me share with you some reasons you should print your photos:
Read MoreAs I was writing a blog post with tips for planning weddings a while back, one of my suggestions was to have a bridal emergency kit with you on the day of. As a photographer, this is something I always carry with me, and it has come in handy more than a few times! So I decided to expand upon that post and create this one outlining some important things to put in your bridal emergency kit. (This would also make a fantastic bridal shower or Christmas gift for a future bride!)
Read MoreIn today's digital age, it is easier than ever to snap a photo and share it instantly with the world. However, there is something special about holding a physical print of your cherished photographs, or better yet, framing and displaying your precious memories. While home printers and one-hour photo labs offer convenience, there are several compelling reasons why you should consider leaving photography printing to the professionals. Let’s explore the advantages of entrusting your printing needs to the experts!
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