Lately it feels like life is moving at mock speed & I’m sprinting to catch up. I know all my photo friends can relate…its a miracle if we get a full 8 hours of sleep during peak wedding season. Last week I literally fell asleep with my Macbook on my lap & awoke to the thump it made when it hit the floor. Luckily it didn’t have far to fall, so no damage was done…but I’m pretty sure that marked the end of my 2am edit-fests :)

May came & went in a flash, and starting tomorrow this blog is going to be busting at the seams with sweet imagery from our first two weddings of the month. But before I can dive into the weddings, I have an amazing guy to introduce you to. At the end of April, Logan spent his birthday with me… talking shop, creating goals and getting inspired to take a few giant leaps this year. After reviewing his portfolio, I couldn’t believe he wasn’t a member of the AGWPJA or ISPWP, so hopefully by the end of the year you’ll see his name on both sites. He’s a fierce talent with a keen photojournalistic eye, and his work is more than worthy of recognition. He’s spent the past few years making a name for himself in the NC market & I have a feeling you’ll be seeing his work pop up on wedding blogs across the country soon…

Since we talked for almost 6 hours straight, we ended up racing the clock as the sun dipped below the clouds.. so all the images below were shot in the last 30 minutes of sunset. Turns out, Logan is pretty stellar in front of the lens and has some tricky boomerang hat skills up his sleeve :)

The first time I visited Edenton for Ellison & Jeremy’s ( very rainy! ) engagement session, I fell in love. Even through the torrential downpour we were blessed with that day, I was struck by the beauty of this sleepy coastal town. Its like something straight out of a Dickens novel…beautiful landscapes, moss-covered estates and a waterfront view that makes you long to stay forever. Its one of those rare places in the world where time seems to slow down…where you’re forced to just breathe. I can see why Ellison & Jeremy decided to get married there…by the water in the home she grew up in. As she walked barefoot through her backyard, with her dad on her arm, Ellison had a blissful grin on her face. You would never know these two have been together for almost a decade…every smile & every touch is so genuine. They aren’t afraid to put it all out there & really soak in the moments. Their first-look was priceless…you’ll just have to watch the slideshow to see what I mean :)

There’s a story behind most of the details of their day…everything had its own significance. From the sixpence Ellison’s grandmother sewed into the lining of her dress, to the linen tatting tied to her bouquet, so much thought went into every detail. I LOVED the whimsical orange accents & slate grey bridesmaid dresses. Such an original color palette & it perfectly suited Ellison & Jeremy’s style.

Big thanks to my dear friend & second shooter Lauren for making a special appearance, and to Jeremy & Ellison’s parents for making us feel so welcome. To E & J…when can we do it all again? I miss you guys already :) Now on with the pics!!

Dress- Alice Padrul – one of a kind dress constructed & designed by Alice & Ellison.
Makeup: Kaley Wilson with Bella Day Spa
Bridesmaid Dresses- Lula Kate
Bridesmaid Jewelry: Spare Parts of Chicago
Florals: Dozier’s Florist
Catering: Kelly’s Outer Banks restaurant – most amazing sushi spread ever!!
Band: Another Level

Lauren’s sweet shot:

To see the entire story of Ellison & Jeremy’s wedding day & a first-look that will convince EVERY bride to plan one, click below. Song courtesy of Switchfoot.

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on how much life has changed since opening the studio 3 years ago. Hard to believe we passed the 200 wedding mark recently…( wow, really?!) Its been quite a ride that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I’m so grateful for the families that have opened their hearts to me & let me share in one of the best days of their lives. You would think we photographers eventually get over the emotion of it all…but the first few weddings of 2010 have been so chock full of emotion that I’ve felt a few tears slide as I watch it all unfold behind the lens. Maybe I’m just a sucker for a great moment, but I hope that heart-racing excitement as I watch our couples see each other for the first time never goes away. It might be the part of this job I love the most…

This wedding was a perfect start to our Spring season. Ashley & Michael are so smitten with each other, I swear they might start levitating at any second. After spending the weekend with them in Charleston it was pretty apparent that they are soulmates. I had already met Ashley & her mom Susan for her bridal session a few weeks before the wedding, so I knew how special they were before I ever showed up to the Rehearsal Dinner, but Michael…well, after hearing Michael’s toast to his wife to be ( as everyone in the room sniffed & sighed..and I tried to focus through tears) there was no doubt that he was madly in love with the woman standing beside him. 200 weddings in and let me tell ya…it was one of my top 5 favorite toasts of all time :)

Thanks to Ashley, Michael & their families for making us feel so welcome. Hope you guys enjoy our first wedding preview of 2010…

Dress- Pronovias
Planning & Design- the fabulous Ellen with WED
Bridesmaid Dresses- Alfred Angelo
Flowers: Dahlia Designs
Catering: Duvall Catering
Band: Sandy B and the All Stars

My assistant Katie’s fantastic shot:

To see the full story of Ashley & Michael’s wedding ( including the barbershop & confetti cannons!) click below. Song courtesy of the Pogues.