Kelly and Kenneth are a joy to be around. They are sweet, gentle, and loving souls. I had the honor of being able to photograph their engagement AND wedding and had a wonderful time doing both events. I love getting to know a couple, hearing the details of the wedding, then putting all the faces with the names of friends and family on the big day.

I was really struck by Kelly & Kenneth's faith and what a big part it played in their union. There was a traditional mass at a church in downtown Charleston that set the tone for their day. There is something really magical and inspiring about couples who pray together and make their faith a central part of their union.

Getting to know the bride and groom's families was awesome. I got a special ride to the reception from Kelly's mom and dad, who are, let's say SPECTACULAR people. Her dad kept joking about how much of a crier he is and that he just couldn't help himself when he saw his baby girl in a wedding dress. Swoon.

The icing on the cake was that this was a dancing group at the reception! I LOVE DANCING, and it makes for amazing reception photos. There is no better way to celebrate a couple than by dancing the night away. Dancing lets you see the good, bad, ugly, and tipsy, which is golden for photographers:)

Kelly & Kenneth, thank you for giving me the distinct honor and pleasure of capturing your journey as a couple. I hope to be at many more family events in the future!

Kelly & Kenneth : A Sweet Southern Wedding

It's November 5th, exactly 30 days before my 30th birthday. I wish I could say I didn't care, and I pretty much don't, but there is something inside me that shudders a little when I think about turning 30. No longer being able to say "yeah, I'm 20-something." Maybe the world has conditioned us to think that 30 is the beginning of getting older, or a milestone by which to judge your accomplishments, or the turning point of becoming a real adult. When I look back at my 29 years and 11 months I'm really proud of myself, but also want a lot more for my life. 

I had this idea, (which I think is pretty spectacular!) in order to take the focus away from me and myself, and to turn it outward. To pay it forward, make someone else's day better, to acknowledge that everyone we encounter every day is fighting a silent battle that we know nothing about. I have decided to do 30 random acts of kindness for the next 30 days leading up to my 30th birthday.

This project is not to show you what a wonderful person I am by doing these kind things for strangers, neighbors, public servants, teachers, etc. It's a challenge to myself to step out of my comfort zone, talk to people I've never spoken to before, to do things expecting absolutely nothing in return, to be unselfish. Most importantly, it is to make someone else's day a little brighter. A bit of appreciation goes a long way. 

Today was Day 1 and It. Was. Awesome! Liam and I went to the grocery store and bought a few bags of groceries for the local fire department. We kept it simple, bought some pasta, sauce, bread, and cookies. Of course, walking into the fire station with a toddler and bags brought about 10 firefighters down to the garage. Then I basically had to give a little speech (TERRIFYING) explaining that first, nothing was wrong and I didn't need help, second, that I am about to turn 30 and decided to do a bunch of nice things for people, and third, that they were the first on my list. 

Of course, the response was warm and welcoming. Liam climbed on the fire trucks for a few minutes and I got them to all line up and take a picture with me. I felt great, but more importantly I let those firefighters know that we appreciate and support them. We appreciate that they are grossly underpaid, let our kids climb on their big, expensive trucks, drop everything and run to burning buildings to SAVE LIVES. A few bags of groceries isn't nearly enough, but it's a small start. 

Lastly, one very important thing I realized today is that I can involve my son in every act of gratitude. I can show him how important it is to appreciate others, to always be kind, and to learn to be unselfish. He's 3 1/2, but that's not too early to learn how to pay it forward.

30 Days of Gratitude. Day 1 : Thank You Firefighters

What a gorgeous place for a simple, intimate wedding. Magnolia Plantation provided the most amazing, natural setting for Jessica and Brian to celebrate their journey. This couple was sweet and laid back, making my job a joy and a breeze.

Enjoy, a wonderful adventure has begun!

Jessica & Brian : Magnolia Plantation : 10.6.13